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Aaron Heller

FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2003 file photo, Rona Ramon, right, and Assaf Ramon, left, widow and eldest son of Israel's first astronaut Ilan Ramon, pay their respects beside his coffin during a memorial service at Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv. Ten years after the loss of her husband followed by the loss of her son Assaf six years later, Ramon, 48, said she has slowly tried to rebuild her life, leading a foundation formed in memory of her husband and son and counseling others who are coping with tragedy.(AP Photo/ Paul Hanna, Pool, File)

Widow of Israeli astronaut carries on 10 years after Columbia tragedy

Last updated Thursday, January 31, 2013 - 10:40am

JERUSALEM -- It's a day Israelis will never forget: Feb. 1, 2003, when national pride abruptly turned to national tragedy.

People gathered around their TV screens to watch the anticipated return of Israel's first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, from a 16-day journey in space aboard the American Columbia shuttle. A hero's welcome awaited, but as people watched the live broadcast, unbelieving, the shuttle craft disintegrated upon re-entering the atmosphere, killing Ramon and his six crewmates.

Astronaut, Space shuttle, Tragedy, International Read more Comments

Israeli shooter uses web to finance Olympic bid

Aaron Heller The Associated Press

Last updated Sunday, April 1, 2012 - 7:30pm

HERZLIYA, Israel -- For more than seven hours a day, Sergey Richter stares through a sight and repeatedly fires bullets into bulls-eyes far in the distance. He's also been taking aim at a target far more difficult: raising enough money to compete in the Olympics.

Internet, Israel, London Olympics, Olympic Sports, Sports Read more Comments

Israel becomes haven for U.S. Jews' hoop dreams

Aaron Heller The Associated Press

Last updated Friday, July 29, 2011 - 4:12pm

JERUSALEM -- Most new immigrants to Israel have traditionally come out of ideology, or to escape hardship and persecution. Jon Scheyer is coming to be a basketball superstar.

Thanks to his Jewish heritage, the newest addition to perennial powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv is immediately eligible for Israeli citizenship. That means the 23-year-old former Duke standout can join the team without taking one of the few coveted roster spots allotted for valuable foreign players.

Sports, Basketball, NBA Read more Comments

East Jerusalem housing approval irks Palestinians

Aaron Heller, The Associated Press

Last updated Friday, October 15, 2010 - 3:04pm

JERUSALEM -- Israel has ended its unofficial building freeze in east Jerusalem, giving the green light for hundreds of new homes in Jewish neighborhoods of the traditionally Arab sector of the city -- and dealing another potential blow to U.S.-led efforts to salvage peace negotiations.

Israel, Palestinians, World, International Read more Comments