Originally appeared in In Jewish News Syndicate in www.jns.org, February 5, 2026

Home crowd and spirited doubles win highlight Israel’s return to the tournament after a two-and-a-half-year absence.

(Feb. 8, 2026 / JNS) Israel lost 3–1 to Lithuania in a two-day Davis Cup World Group I tie in Netanya over the weekend, despite a spirited effort and strong support from an enthusiastic home crowd at the Netanya Arena.

The Davis Cup returned to Israel for the first time in two-and-a-half years, drawing nearly 2,500 flag-waving fans who packed the arena, pounding drums and cheering on Israel’s five-man squad. While hopeful, supporters were also realistic. The disparity in world rankings proved too great for Israel to overcome.

Israel’s highest-ranked player, Amit Vales, entered the tie at No. 873 in the world, with the remaining four ranked around 1200. Lithuania’s two players who competed were ranked No. 129 (Vilius Gaubas) and No. 277 (Edas Butvilas).

Now in its 126th year, the Davis Cup is the world’s largest annual international team competition, with a record 160 nations participating in 2026. This weekend alone, 78 teams competed across 39 countries.

The event officially opened Thursday with a draw ceremony and media conference at the Vert Lagoon Netanya Hotel. Israel Tennis Association President Avi Perets welcomed the delegations, while International Tennis Federation representative Alex Hughes noted the tournament’s global reach. Netanya Mayor Avi Slama spoke of sport’s unifying power, saying it can help “bring peace in the world.”

Friday’s matches began with a formal ceremony, as ball kids and officials led both teams onto the court. National anthems were played, and chair umpires from countries including Spain and England officiated the matches in both English and Hebrew.

In Friday’s opening singles match, Amit Vales faced Edas Butvilas in their first-ever meeting. Vales rallied after trailing early, forcing a tiebreak, but lost the first set 7–6 (7–3) before Butvilas closed out the match with a dominant 6–0 second set.

In the second match, Ofek Shimanov played Vilius Gaubas, who took the first set 6–0 in just 23 minutes. Shimanov improved in the second set but Gaubas prevailed 6–4. “I started really slow—I felt a bit of pressure,” Shimanov said.

Lithuania led 2–0 after Friday. On Saturday, Lithuania reshuffled its doubles lineup, pairing Gaubas and Butvilas in an effort to clinch the tie early. Israel countered with doubles specialist Daniel Cukierman alongside Shimanov.

After falling behind early, the Israelis mounted a dramatic comeback, winning their first set of the weekend 7–6 in an 11–9 tiebreaker before closing out the match 6–3. The victory narrowed Lithuania’s lead to 2–1.

Cukierman praised the crowd and urged fans to stay for the decisive fourth match, which would determine whether the tie extended to a fifth rubber.

In that match, Vales faced Gaubas. After dropping the first set 6–1, Vales battled back to take the second set 6–3. In the deciding set, however, Gaubas regained control and sealed the match 6–2, despite Vales taking a medical timeout for a forearm issue.

Gaubas later acknowledged the challenge of playing in a loud arena filled with drums and chants.

With the win, Lithuania advances to World Group I play in September, with the chance to reach the Qualifiers. Israel will compete in Davis Cup Group II later this year.

Members of the Lithuanian team said they enjoyed their stay in Netanya, particularly its seaside location. While practice schedules limited sightseeing, the Israel Tennis Association (ITF) arranged tours of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for members of the delegation.

Lithuanian captain Laurynas Grigelis, who previously competed in Israel, said he hopes to return. Assistant coach Tadas Babelis praised the organization, hospitality and food, adding that the team had no security concerns. An ITF official summed up the visit by saying, “Israel is not what you see on TV.”

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Originally appeared in In Jewish News Syndicate in www.jns.org, February 5, 2026

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee says “HolyLandTravel.AI” could help encourage millions to visit the Holy Land.

(Feb. 5, 2026 / JNS) Long before Mike Huckabee became U.S. ambassador to Israel in January 2025, he was a frequent visitor to the Holy Land.

The ordained Baptist minister and former Arkansas governor, who first came to Israel in 1973 and says he has “brought tens of thousands of American pilgrims” to Israel during more than 100 trips since 1981, delivered a keynote address Tuesday at a two-day IMTM (International Mediterranean Tourism Market) conference at Expo Tel Aviv.

Huckabee’s address, titled “HolyLandTravel.AI: Bringing Pilgrims Back to the Holy Land,” marked the official launch of a new AI-driven platform designed to help evangelical Christians and other Christian groups plan pilgrimages to Israel.

“There are 80 million Evangelical Christians in America. I have seen hundreds of all ages make the journey and experience a trip of a lifetime,” Huckabee said. “All would want to come to Israel—to walk the land of the Bible where the prophets, kings, judges, Jesus and the apostles walked.”

He added that “tourism is coming back” and urged prospective visitors: “If you are thinking of coming—come now!”

Huckabee said he had the opportunity to test HolyLandTravel.AI, describing it as “one of the most practical tools I have ever seen for those planning a trip to the Holy Land.”

The free, easy-to-use online platform builds customized pilgrimage itineraries in seconds and then generates videos and podcasts to teach users about selected sites.

Currently geared toward evangelical Christians, the app offers personalized planning, logistical assistance, stories and inspiration aimed at creating an immersive experience. Journeys can be saved, edited and shared, and the platform includes an integrated Google Maps-based layer.

American-Israeli philanthropist Jack Gottlieb with U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee at the IMTM 2026 conference at Expo Tel Aviv, Feb. 3, 2026. Photo by Howard Blas.

Gottlieb’s initiative

The initiative is the brainchild of American-Israeli philanthropist Jack Gottlieb, who has worked for many years with Reichman University on his World Jewish Travel project and collaborated with computer science students there to develop the new platform.

“After Oct. 7, everything changed for me,” Gottlieb said. He began imagining a time when pilgrims would return to the Holy Land while also observing the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. “I began thinking of an AI program for pilgrims—what would a day after look like? I was imagining where pilgrims would go, stay and eat. Now there is no need to imagine—it is here!”

The program is expected to expand to serve other Christian denominations. Two priests from the Custody of the Holy Land—Francesco Ielpo and Alberto Pari—attended the session and expressed interest in adapting the platform for their communities. Gottlieb welcomed them and invited further collaboration.

Jonathan Davis, vice president of Reichman University and head of the Raphael Recanati International School, emphasized the university’s commitment to its international and Christian students.

“I embrace all Christian Zionists who want to come,” Davis said. He noted that the university currently hosts Christian students from countries including the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Italy and France, as well as students with diplomatic backgrounds and graduates of U.S. military academies studying counterterrorism.

“I welcome the chance to embrace any Christian Zionists who want to come and study in Israel,” he added. “Any pilgrim group who comes here—I am happy to provide them with lectures and a chance to meet students from their home countries.”

Gottlieb told JNS that the pilot phase of the program is focused on Jerusalem, describing it as the most complex and nuanced starting point. He said nationwide coverage is expected within months.

Steve Rubin, the director of tourism at the Jerusalem Development Authority, addresses the IMTM 2026 conference at Expo Tel Aviv, Feb. 3, 2026. Photo by Howard Blas.

Steve Rubin, who made aliyah from the United States in 2006 and currently serves as director of tourism at the Jerusalem Development Authority, said revitalizing Christian pilgrimage tourism will be key to Jerusalem’s economic recovery.

“For a city where tourism revenues comprise 11% of the municipality’s GDP, the reinvigoration of Christian pilgrimage will provide a huge boost and send an important message to the travel industry that things are quickly moving back to normal,” Rubin said. He added, “With a community of believers, they come back time and again,” pointing to Huckabee’s more than 100 visits as evidence.

Huckabee noted that he previously ran a private tour company that brought groups to Israel before being asked by U.S. President Donald Trump to serve as an ambassador.

“He told me, he didn’t ask,” Huckabee recalled, describing what he called his “Isaiah moment,” when he told the president, “Send me!”

Reflecting on his long relationship with Israel, Huckabee said, “In 1973, I discovered a place that is absolute magic, where you can see with your own eyes what you have seen in the pages of the Bible. Once you have come to Israel and walked the land, for the rest of your life, you will read the Bible in 4K living dynamic color!”

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Originally appeared in In Jewish News Syndicate in www.jns.org, February 3, 2026

On Feb. 6-7, Israel will host Lithuania in World Group I Davis Cup action at the 2,000-seat Netanya Arena. 

The multi-tiered international tennis tournament returns to Israel after a two-and-a-half-year absence. Israel’s Davis Cup team last hosted a tie in September 2023, when it defeated Japan 3-2.

Israel’s team comes to this weekend’s tournament after a loss to Canada last September, while Lithuania arrives after a victory over Benin. This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The competition, which takes place indoors on hard courts, will determine which team will survive in Group 1 of the World Cup.

“All ties are new and exciting. I still get butterflies in my stomach before each Davis Cup!” reported team captain Jonathan Erlich, a former Israeli doubles player and veteran of many Davis Cup games.

Erlich is looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd, noting, “The spectators are always so warm and patriotic.”

The road to hosting the tournament wasn’t smooth. The Israel Tennis Association had to assure the International Tennis Federation (ITF) of the safety of playing the tournament in Israel.

Even with the ITF’s go-ahead, the threat of a changing situation in the region remains a possibility. “After two and a half years, hopefully it will happen,” Ehrich told JNS in a phone interview. 

Erlich observed that, unlike in his playing days, where he teamed up with doubles partner Andy Ram and the team included such top-ranked players as Ram, Dudi Sela and Amir Weintraub, this year’s team includes players ranked no higher than 873 in the world, with most currently playing for college teams in the United States. 

“It feels a bit different than the past few Davis Cups,” Erlich said. “Fifty percent of the team is in college now, so I can’t track their matches. I have at least been in touch with their coaches and know they are coming in good shape.”

The team includes Amit Vales (20 years old; #873), Orel Kimhi (22, #1194), Ofek Shimanov (20, #1212), Daniel Cukierman (30, #1213 singles; #137 doubles) and Jordan Hasson (26, career high of 912). Kimhi plays at the University of Oklahoma and Shimanov plays at Arizona State University.

Cukierman has played professionally since graduating from the University of Southern California, and last month won the Nonthaburi 2 ATP Challenger tournament in Thailand.

Cukierman, the veteran of the Israeli team, told JNS that he expects to be playing doubles for Team Israel this weekend. He playfully offered, “I will let the younger guys focus on getting singles points.”

“We come to this match with a lot of responsibility and pride to represent Israel. There is a lot of meaning. We are very excited to host,” added Erlich. 

“It is also important for the future of Israeli tennis since fans get to see high-level tennis right here in Israel. And there should be about 200 kids coming to watch in a very small arena, which is sold out! 

“After two and a half years in which we were forced to play away, the excitement of finally returning to Israel and playing in front of Israeli fans is immense and gives us additional strength,” he said.

The Lithuanian team, captained by former ATP doubles player Laurynas Grigelis, includes Vilius Gaubas (# 129), Edas Butvilas (#277), Pijus Vaitiekunas (#1471) and Dovas Dersonas (19 years old; no rank). 

Friday’s two singles matches kick off at noon. Saturday’s doubles match and potential additional singles matches start at 11 am.

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Originally appeared in In Jewish News Syndicate in www.jns.org, January 29, 2026

From daily therapy to long-term recovery, the nonprofit is scaling up to meet the needs of wounded warriors returning to civilian life.

When Rabbi Uriel Vigler witnessed the warm reception given to 12 wounded Israeli soldiers during a Shabbat dinner at a Manhattan synagogue in 2010, he knew he had stumbled upon something powerful.

That evening, Vigler invited a young woman to share her story. She described how she and her father were injured in a terrorist attack in which her mother was killed.

“The hardest part wasn’t the surgeries or the physical pain,” she told the congregation. “It was lying in a hospital bed with no one there to hug me. Coming to your shul and having 500 people tell me I’m a hero—that was the hug I needed.”

That moment helped inspire the creation of Belev Echad, which Vigler and his wife, Shevy, formally founded later that year to support wounded Israel Defense Forces soldiers through rehabilitation services, therapeutic programs, healing trips to the United States and treatment centers in Israel.

Since the outbreak of the war on Oct. 7, 2023, Belev Echad’s work has expanded dramatically. The organization’s annual budget has grown from $1 million in 2020 to $18 million in 2025, reflecting both increased need and broader public support.

IDF soldiers undergo rehabilitation at Plotkin Belev Echad House in Kiryat Ono, Jan. 27, 2026. Photo by Matan Eizenberg.

Plotkin Belev Echad House

A cornerstone of Belev Echad’s operations is the Plotkin Belev Echad House in Kiryat Ono, which opened in 2021. Vigler describes the location as ideal—five minutes from the Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer, where many wounded soldiers receive medical care, and close to government offices that serve injured veterans. A shuttle service connects the sites.

From Sunday through Thursday, between 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., approximately 200 wounded soldiers pass through the facility daily, participating in 18 different therapies and activities. These include mixed martial arts, hydrotherapy, medical massage, occupational therapy, Watsu aquatic therapy, red-light therapy, cold immersion and sessions with therapy dogs.

“Some soldiers come just to eat,” Vigler noted. “There’s a man who fought for Am Yisrael, is separated from his wife, lives with PTSD and has no job—so he comes for a meal.” Each day, about 60 volunteers prepare home-cooked food for participants.

“Our vision has always been to shut it down,” Vigler said, explaining that he hopes for a day without war or wounded soldiers. “But for now, the work is only growing.”

Today, about 2,000 wounded soldiers are registered with Belev Echad. Vigler says the sense of camaraderie among participants is unmistakable. “Only they can look into the eyes of a fellow warrior and truly understand the pain,” he said.

Wellness programs and overseas delegations

Forty-five wounded veterans are employed by the organization itself, including Matan Eizenberg, coordinator of wellness programs and overseas delegations. A former Golani officer, Eizenberg was wounded in a friendly-fire incident, lost 50% of his eyesight and lives with PTSD.

Since joining Belev Echad, he has led 10 delegations of wounded soldiers to U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles and Miami, as well as to college campuses.

“Our main goal for 2026 is addressing PTSD,” Eizenberg said. “By 2027, more than 15,000 Israelis will be living with it.”

He noted that all programs are overseen by medical professionals and trauma specialists, with research conducted at Plotkin Belev Echad House aimed at helping soldiers return to work and family life.

“Inside the house, people feel comfortable,” he said. “They feel hope. They feel they belong.”

Another beneficiary is Itay Dori, 23, a former tank commander wounded by a sniper on July 28, 2024—just days before his scheduled engagement celebration. After six months hospitalized at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem, he joined Plotkin House once he was no longer using a wheelchair.

“I took my time adjusting to my new reality,” Dori said. “I dropped by only when I felt ready—and then I wondered why I hadn’t come sooner.”

Now married, Dori calls the center “a second home.” He regularly attends mixed martial arts classes taught by another wounded veteran and receives medical massage, red-light therapy and cold-bath treatments.

He has also begun sharing his story with visitors and donors, including recently giving a tour in Hungarian, his mother’s native language.

New rehabilitation center in Jerusalem

Dori is especially encouraged by Belev Echad’s next major step: a new residential rehabilitation center planned for Jerusalem’s Bayit Vegan neighborhood.

The facility is expected to serve up to 150 soldiers daily, with more than 300 currently on a waiting list.

“At the end of the day,” Dori said, “we all need to go back to our lives.”

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