Several veteran members of the Israeli Knesset will be absent from the upcoming parliamentary session, as various political shifts and strategic decisions have reshaped party lists ahead of the election. Some lawmakers resigned voluntarily, while others were displaced by party leadership or chose not to run after polling indicated they would not surpass the electoral threshold. Many newcomers entering the legislature lack prior parliamentary experience, but Israeli political dynamics are expected to accelerate their adaptation.

Among those leaving is Moshe Gafni, who served as a Knesset member for 38 years and was widely recognized for his advocacy on economic equality and reducing socioeconomic disparities. Uri Maklev, another member of United Torah Judaism (UTJ), also received commendations for his parliamentary work. Both were acknowledged for their longstanding service but were reportedly asked to step aside as party leaders sought fresh candidates to increase the party’s representation, typically ranging from seven to eight seats.

Gafni, Israel’s longest-serving active legislator, began his tenure concurrently with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although Netanyahu took a brief hiatus early in his career. Netanyahu, soon to turn 77, is now the second-oldest member behind Haim Katz. Neither will surpass the record of Shimon Peres, whose nearly five decades in the Knesset remain unmatched. Peres, who served as legislator, minister, prime minister, and president, passed away in 2016 at age 93. Other long-serving legislators include Tawfik Toubi and Joseph Burg, who both served multiple decades before their deaths.

September also marks the 10th anniversary of Peres’s death, as well as the 40th anniversary of the Mossad’s capture of Mordechai Vanunu. Vanunu, a nuclear technician formerly employed at the Dimona facility—Israel’s secret nuclear reactor established by Peres—exposed the site’s operations through photographs he smuggled out. After fleeing to London, Vanunu was lured to Rome by intelligence agents, where he was abducted and brought to Israel for trial. The event remains a significant episode in Israeli intelligence history.

In other diplomatic news, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo visited Israel last week, meeting with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss enhanced cooperation in defense, security, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and technology. Tshisekedi announced plans to relocate his country’s embassy to Jerusalem, while Israel committed to establishing a permanent embassy in Kinshasa.

Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Press Club, a longstanding institution fostering interaction between Israeli officials and foreign journalists, is closing, citing the reduced presence of foreign correspondents in the region. Once hosting thousands of journalists during times of conflict, the current number of active members in the Foreign Press Association in Israel has dwindled to just over 300.

Volunteering continues to play a significant role in Israeli society. A recent event at Cinema City Glilot honored 2,400 WIZO volunteers involved in supporting women and children escaping abusive relationships through the “Safety Net” program across 11 communities. Leaders from Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund and WIZO emphasized the critical social impact of volunteer efforts.

Additionally, traditional pilgrimage to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s grave in Uman, Ukraine, took place ahead of Rosh Hashanah, though this year’s attendance was affected by heightened enforcement against yeshiva students avoiding military service. Some circumvented passport controls by crossing into Egypt’s Taba border from Eilat.

In the diplomatic community, Herzliya Mayor Yariv Fisher hosted a Rosh Hashanah toast with more than 50 ambassadors and officials, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties amid rising global antisemitism.

Cultural activities in Israel also marked the Jewish New Year. Notably, supporters of the Israeli Opera celebrated the new season with performances featuring multilingual singing, while the Israel Friends of ANU – Museum of the Jewish People held a communal event featuring traditional and contemporary Jewish music.

On the religious front, Chabad’s outreach continues to extend from local communities to national leadership worldwide. Chabad rabbis maintain close ties with political figures in countries like Poland and Russia, and in Israel, they participate annually in presenting ritual items to the president before Sukkot. This year, Rabbi Naftali Hershtik will lead Chabad’s high holiday services in Jerusalem.

Finally, Yiddish language and culture remain vibrant through academic programs, theater, and publications. The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research recently marked its centenary and is promoting a new scholarly book tracing the history of Yiddish scholarship in America, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve this important aspect of Jewish heritage.