Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora and the Fight against Anti-Semitism is calling on young men and women from all over the country to join a national service of “exceptional value” at the heart of its campaign to strengthen the connection between the State of Israel and world Jewry and in the global fight against anti-Semitism.

“Come do national service at the heart of efforts to strengthen the connection between Israel and world Jewry – with real impact, national responsibility and the opportunity to be part of a global effort,” said the Ministry in its public call.

What do they do in the service?

Volunteers take part in the core work of the office, which includes:

Helping to strengthen the connection between the State of Israel and Jewish communities around the world.

Joining the fight against anti-Semitism and the delegitimization of Israel.

Working with government agencies, Jewish organizations and international bodies.

Involvement in policy processes, advocacy, research, and promotion of initiatives in the international arena.

The ministry works to create strategic partnerships with Jewish communities, international organizations, and government ministries, and leads innovative initiatives in the public diplomatic arena. As part of the National Service, volunteers are integrated into daily activities that have a real impact – from the desks of the headquarters in Jerusalem to the international arena.

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog returned to Kibbutz Manara, located by the border with Lebanon, and re-inaugurated the Kindergarten there that suffered a direct hit from a Hezbollah missile. The visit came 13 months year after his visit to the kibbutz, which took place during the height of the war in December 2024.

The President said: “Michal and I were here during the war, in the most difficult days, and there is nothing more moving and joyful than seeing our settlement on the fence, on the border with Lebanon, slowly coming back to life and blossoming anew – here in Manara. To see the charming Kindergarten inaugurated and opened with these amazing children, the future generation of the State of Israel, from here the good news will come out – from Manara and from all over the north. Come and succeed.”

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The following are the end of day exchange rates as set by the Bank of Israel Thursday, January 8, 2025:
(Units are given in the foreign currency and the rate is given in its value in Shekels)

Currency | Unit | Rate (NIS) | Daily Change (against the Shekel)
US Dollar | 1 | 3.1740 | ‎-0.031%
GB Pound | 1 | 4.2662 | ‎-0.402%
Japanese Yen | 100 | 2.0250 | ‎-0.163%
Euro | 1 | 3.7051 | -0.143%
AUS Dollar | 1 | 2.1261 | ‎-0.529%
Can Dollar | 1 | 2.2892 | ‎-0.422%
DAN Krone | 1 | 0.4958 | ‎-0.141%
NOR Krone | 1 | 0.3142 | ‎-0.475%
SA Rand | 1 | 0.1923 | ‎-0.414%
SWD Krona | 1 | 0.3443 | ‎-0.405%
SWS Franc | 1 | 3.9787 | ‎-0.236%

Prime Minister’s Office:

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants in the Administration and Society Division of the Prime Minister’s Office is publishing today the summary report of the activities of the Government Program for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants for the years 2023–2024. The report summarizes the activities of the inter-ministerial government program, which operates under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office and in cooperation with government ministries and local authorities, and presents a comprehensive overview of the program’s implementation, the scope of activities, and the progress of goals in the areas of Education, employment, welfare, Health, and social engagement.

The report presents key achievements recorded in recent years, such as: in the field of Education – where we are witnessing equality in the rate of eligibility for a matriculation certificate among the community’s youth compared to the national average, and in the field of employment – it shows that more than half of the participants in dedicated programs have successfully integrated into the labor market, and their average salary has increased by approximately 47%. This is alongside challenges that still require a response and continued action, such as increasing high-productivity employment and more significant integration into higher Education. These and others – served as the basis for extending and deepening the program and updating the policy within the framework of the government decision made last July (No. 3243) for the years 2025–2026. Continued attention to the integration of Ethiopian immigrants is important to the Prime Minister’s Office management and is on its agenda for promoting and implementing this government decision.

*The publication of the report expresses a commitment to public transparency, systematic reporting on policy implementation, and strengthening trust with the general public and with the ethiopian immigrant community in particular.* The report makes reliable, data-based, and up-to-date information on the government’s activities in this area accessible to the public, reflects decision-making processes and directions of action, and serves as a basis for continued dialogue, learning, and cooperation with the community, local authorities, and civil society organizations.

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants will continue to work towards promoting optimal, equitable, and sustainable integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society, while strengthening mechanisms for measurement, control, and public reporting.

Deputy Director General of Administration and Society, Liron Henetz:

“The government’s commitment to the optimal integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society is reflected in a continuous effort over the years, which requires a joint effort between government bodies, local authorities, civil society, and community members. This is a partnership that bears fruit. We see great importance in persisting in the effort until full and equal integration of Ethiopian immigrants in all areas of life is achieved.”

The full report is attached:

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants in the Prime Minister’s Office publishes the activity summary report for 2023-2024 – featuring prominent achievements in the government program for the integration of Ethiopian immigrants, leading to the reduction of social and economic gaps and strengthening Community Resilience

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants in the Administration for Government and Society at the Prime Minister’s Office today publishes the activity summary report of the government program for the integration of Ethiopian immigrants for the years 2023–2024. The report summarizes the activities of the inter-ministerial government program, operating under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office and in cooperation with government ministries and local authorities, and presents a comprehensive overview of the program’s implementation, the scope of activities, and progress towards goals in the fields of Education, employment, welfare, Health, and social engagement. 

The report presents key achievements recorded in recent years, such as: in the field of Education – where we are witnessing equality in the rate of eligibility for a matriculation certificate among the community’s youth compared to the national average, and in the field of employment – it is found that more than half of the participants in dedicated programs have successfully integrated into the labor market, and their average salary has increased by approximately 47%. This is alongside challenges that still require a response and continued action, such as increasing high-productivity employment and more significant integration into higher education. These and others – served as the basis for extending and deepening the program and updating the policy within the framework of the government decision made last July (No. 3243) for the years 2025–2026. Continued attention to the integration of Ethiopian immigrants is important to the Prime Minister’s Office management and is on its agenda for promoting and realizing this government decision.

The publication of the report expresses a commitment to public transparency, systematic reporting on policy implementation, and strengthening trust with the general public in particular and with the ethiopian immigrant community in particular. The report provides the public with reliable, data-based, and updated information on the government’s activities in this area, reflects decision-making processes and directions of action, and serves as a basis for continued dialogue, learning, and cooperation with the community, local authorities, and civil society organizations.

The Staff for the Integration of Ethiopian Immigrants will continue to work towards promoting optimal, equitable, and sustainable integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society, while strengthening mechanisms for measurement, control, and public reporting.

Deputy Director General for Government and Society, Liron Henetz:
“The government’s commitment to the optimal integration of Ethiopian immigrants into Israeli society is reflected in a continuous effort over the years, which requires a joint effort between government bodies, local authorities, civil society, and community members. This is a partnership that bears fruit. We see great importance in persevering in the effort until full and equitable integration of Ethiopian immigrants in all areas of life is achieved.”

The full report is attached:

https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/news/ethiopia080126/he/file_ethiopia080126.pdf

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the northern city of Kiryat Shmona on Thursday, meeting with Mayor Avichai Stern to assess the city’s recovery a year after the war. Herzog toured a local restaurant rebuilt after being hit by a Hezbollah missile and spoke with business owners and employees about reconstruction efforts.

“We stand here with great emotion… to see the city begin to recover is a moment of hope,” Herzog said, urging the public to visit the north and support local businesses. He called on the government to maintain a sustained presence on the ground to accelerate Kiryat Shmona’s rehabilitation.

Mayor Stern emphasized the city’s resilience and called for continued state partnership to restore growth and security.

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Defense Forces said it struck a Hezbollah terrorist in the Zaita area of southern Lebanon.

Jerusalem, 8 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel Railways and Israeli startup Exodigo showcased a new AI-driven remote sensing platform for mapping underground infrastructure at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The system, adapted for deployment on Israel Railways’ railcars, creates multi-dimensional digital models that provide accurate, high-quality information on existing infrastructure, streamlining maintenance, development, and minimizing disruptions.

Acting CEO Avi Elmalich said, “The results presented by Exodigo demonstrate significant potential, not only for Israel Railways, but also for railway operators worldwide.” Exodigo CEO Jeremy Suard added the technology enables systematic rail asset mapping and future AI integration to improve service efficiency.

I received with a heavy heart the bitter news of the passing of Uri Lupolianski, may he rest in peace – former Mayor of Jerusalem, founder and chairman of the ‘Yad Sarah’ charity organization, and a wonderful person who connected all parts of Israeli society.

I knew Uri decades ago. From the first glance, I was impressed that his name matched his personality traits – a pleasant countenance, pleasant manners, and giving honor to others. He was imbued with love for the people and the land, for the Torah of Israel, and of course for Jerusalem.

As one who constantly stands, as the Prime Minister of Israel, guard of our capital Jerusalem, I found in Uri a loyal partner in strengthening Jerusalem‘s status under Israeli sovereignty. In his years as Mayor, he vigorously contributed to building Jerusalem as a city that was joined together.
 
To this was added the giant enterprise ‘Yad Sarah’ for lending medical equipment. Uri revolutionized this field of auxiliary services for the sick and injured. Tens of thousands of citizens are helped each year by ‘Yad Sarah’ volunteers – and all of them are accompanied by Uri’s credo: “Every day I ask myself not how much good I did yesterday, but how I can help tomorrow.”

At this moment, as the wonderful Uri is laid to eternal rest in the land of Jerusalem, my wife Sara and I extend our deepest condolences to the extensive Lupolianski family.

May his memory be blessed.