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In the 19th Mar 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Israeli scientists have developed a vaccine against deadly bacteria.
· A VeryGoodNewsIsrael reader tells of the Israeli treatment for her skin cancer.
· An Israeli startup restores a previously toxic South African reservoir.
· Two Israeli advances for Electric Vehicle batteries.
· Samsung invests in Israeli startups.
· Another foreign embassy is to open in Jerusalem.
· Click here to see the 5th Mar newsletter on IsraelSeen, IsraPundit and United With Israel with extra feature on Entertainment. Also (TY Sandra) in German here plus (TY Stuart Palmer) posted here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 22,200 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
A vaccine against bacteria. For the first time worldwide, researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Institute for Biological Research have developed an mRNA-based vaccine that is 100% effective against plague bacteria, lethal to humans. It also works against antibiotic resistant bacteria.
https://english.tau.ac.il/mrna_vaccine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fyhk_6GmsQ
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg1036
Alzheimer’s ultrasound treatment in Florida. Delray Medical Center is the first hospital in Florida to treat an Alzheimer’s disease patient using non-invasive focused ultrasound technology from Israel’s Insightec. The FDA-approved clinical trial will test reducing excessive protein buildup to open the blood-brain barrier.
https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/alzheimers-focused-ultrasound-study
The best medicine. Israel’s Protai has built a proteomics AI-based platform that comprehensively maps the course of a disease on the protein level. It can identify which patients will respond to a given treatment, as well as identifying identify diseases that a therapy should be able to treat.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hkp39nye2 https://www.protai.bio/
US approves pain-monitoring device. The US FDA has granted marketing authorization to the PMD-200 monitor developed by Israel’s Medasense Biometrics (see here previously). The device monitors pain in non-communicating (e.g., anaesthetized) patients and already has made an impact in multiple countries.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyfvzhsrs
Preventing migraines. The Nerivio device from Israeli startup Theranica (see here previously) already has US FDA approval to treat acute migraines. It has now been approved for preventing migraines. Recent trials of 248 participants showed a huge improvement for those using Nerivio compared to those on a placebo device.
https://nocamels.com/2023/03/vibrating-armband-approved-for-migraine-prevention/
https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/head.14469
The right time to do a C-Section. A nationwide study led by Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital discovered that pregnant women brought into the Intensive Care Unit seriously ill with Covid-19, were more likely to improve if they gave birth (by Caesarian section) before their condition deteriorated. The data will save many lives.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-732866
Israeli radiation treatment – a first-hand review. Please read newsletter reader Lili Eylon’s personal account of Alpha DaRT radiation cancer therapy developed by Israel’s Alpha Tau (see here previously). Lili was one of 56 patients in DaRT’s human study at Hadassah Medical Center – its second skin cancer human study in Israel.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/revolutionary-new-weapon-developed-in-israel/
Dying of cancer in Russia; saved in Israel. (TY Hazel) 20-year-old Kalim was sent home from hospital to die in St Petersburg after doctors said they could not treat his acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He immigrated to Israel where five months of CAR-T treatment at Rambam Health Care Campus gave Kalim back his life.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/b1ygx4fyn
What to do after retirement – save lives of course. 61-year-old EMT Joelle Cohen retired from the medical field and joined United Hatzalah as a volunteer EMT. When a man in his 70s suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at a diabetes clinic in Jerusalem, Joelle revived him, saying it gave her one of the most incredible feelings.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367911
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
International women entrepreneurs. Israeli women-founded innovation hub Tech It Forward (see here previously) recently hosted a Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI) Impact event. The CWI is an international program that empowers women entrepreneurs who can make a social or environmental impact.
https://nocamels.com/2023/03/israel-hosts-women-entrepreneurs/ https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/
Incentivizing a clean society. In the 15 months since I last reported (here) on Israel’s CleanCoin, the number of registered app users has grown to 100,000. As a reward for reporting or clearing up trash, they receive tokens (coins) that can be redeemed at some 60 Israeli businesses. The idea has spread to NYC, the UK, and Canada.
https://www.israel21c.org/crowd-cleaning-app-pays-people-to-pick-up-litter/
Caring for our furry friends. Researchers at Haifa University’s Tech4Animals lab are developing an app that uses AI technology to detect animal feelings. It will advance and transform the world of veterinary care. Facial recognition identifies subtle changes in facial expressions, e.g., in the tips of the ears, eyes, and whiskers.
https://www.israel21c.org/dr-dolittle-meet-ai-new-model-identifies-pain-in-cats/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-13348-1
Combating disease for the Bedouin. (TY OurCrowd) Portable smart samplers from Israel’s Kando (see here previously) are testing the wastewater for many Negev Bedouin communities. They provide early warnings for outbreaks of anything from diarrhea and dysentery to polio, flu, norovirus and Covid.
https://nocamels.com/2023/02/testing-sewage-for-disease-helps-off-grid-bedouin-communities/
Japanese emergency team visits Israel. A Japanese medical delegation of researchers, physicians, and emergency experts has been in Israel to discuss responding to emergency situations. They saw MDAs Ramla blood center and its national operations center in Kiryat Ono. They also held a joint preparedness conference.
https://www.jns.org/japanese-medical-team-visits-israel-to-study-emergency-preparedness/
Blood for Greek train crash victims. (TY Hazel) Israel’s ambassador to Greece, Noam Katz, was one of thousands who donated blood for the injured in the deadly train crash near the Greek city of Larissa.
Treating the poor in Brazil. (TY Hazel) A delegation of doctors from Tel Aviv’s Ichilov hospital recently visited Brazil, treating rural communities in the Amazon rainforest and people living in the favelas (slums) in major cities. The mission aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality in developing countries.
https://worldisraelnews.com/were-here-to-help-israeli-doctors-treat-brazilians-in-amazon-slums/
Cleaning South African reservoir – for free. Despite the South African government’s anti-Israel behavior, Israel’s BlueGreen Water Technologies completed its pro-bono (free) project to remove toxic algae from South Africa’s Setumo Dam. It means the people of Mahikeng have safe drinking water for the first time in decades.
https://bluegreenwatertech.com/bluegreen-water-technologies-announces-the-clean-water-program-the-clean-water-program/ https://bluegreenwatertech.com/success-story-setumo-dam-africa/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Using AI to teach kindergarten children. (TY UWI & I24 News) Havatzelet is the first Israeli school to use artificial intelligence (AI) to teach English to kindergartners. Amit (“companion” in Hebrew) is to be rolled out to 70 Israeli schools in September. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwzItiMLdfk
Powering ahead. Israel’s Addionics (see here previously) has just inaugurated its new Tel Aviv production facility for its advanced electric vehicle batteries. Addionics expects to achieve a 1 GWh production capacity by 2025. Its clients are some of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers in Europe and the US.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-732160
Extending electric car battery life. Israel’s Carrar has a novel thermal management solution to significantly increase the lifespan and efficiency of EV batteries. By keeping the battery at a steady, optimal temperature, its life is extended by up to 100%. It also improves acceleration performance, recharge time and much more.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/companies/carrar https://www.carrar.net/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMWe5K3I-1E
Oil, feed, and medicine from larvae. Israel’s BugEra is enhancing the larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) to produce 60% oil. BugEra aims to supplement the biofuels market, saving precious land resources and helping to eradicate organic waste. BSF larvae also makes animal feed and may alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colits.
https://nocamels.com/2023/02/made-from-maggots-new-fuel-for-planes-and-ships/
New family of snakes identified. (TY NoCamels) Tel Aviv University researchers have registered a new family of snakes, dating back 50 million years and corrected a previous wrong classification. Micrelapidae comprises 3 distinct species, one of which resides in and around Israel. The other two live in East Africa.
https://english.tau.ac.il/snakes_2023 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S105579032200313X
An app for nutritionists and patients. Israel’s Anydish enables healthcare professionals to develop personal nutrition plans for their patients – a kind of culinary prescription. It can also be used by individuals to take control of their eating habits and improve their medical condition and wellbeing.
https://www.anydish.me/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqxQzlrsvfI
Predicting the effect of cosmetics. Israel’s MeNow is an AI solution that predicts the impact of any ingredient or its combination on the skin of any individual or targeted masses of people. It can transform the formulation and distribution of cosmetics. It can also help individuals identify the best product for themselves.
https://www.menow.ai/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYM3Kbwppa8
A plant-based alternative to egg protein. Israel’s Fabumin has developed a plant-based alternative to the egg protein albumin. that is used commercially in cakes, mayonnaise, spreads, meat products, and more in a market worth some $14 billion. Fabumin is vegan, with no allergens, salmonella, cholesterol, or dairy.
https://www.fabumin.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49LIGO6iuTA
Saving the bees in California. Israel’s BeeHero (see here previously) is installing 14 new bee research stations across California. Nearly 100,000 acres of crops have now been pollinated thanks to BeeHero’s platform. BeeHero is also expanding into Australia, Europe, South Africa, and South America.
https://nocamels.com/2023/03/ai-powered-research-stations-monitor-beehive-health/
Air purifier and analyzer. (TY UWI) This article describes the tech that Israel’s Airovation (see here previously) uses to remove CO2 from the air. Meanwhile, Airovation’s Airosphera air quality analyzer has been enhanced to enable all air purifier manufacturers to use its AI-based technology and make smarter indoor filters.
https://www.israel21c.org/an-air-purifier-that-removes-carbon-dioxide-too/
Cleaner steel production. Israel’s Helios (see here previously) is known for its technology that could one day be activated to generate oxygen on the Moon. It now plans to replace coal in steel production with sodium, thus reducing CO2 emissions substantially. Sodium also uses less energy to reach 400 degrees instead of 1200.
Not just plant pots. Israel’s Bioplasmar (see last week) produces biodegradable plant pots. It plans to use the technology to produce a wide range of other goods that are currently made of environmentally harmful materials such as plastic and polystyrene. Bioplasmar’s new German factory will also make larger, lighter, pots.
Biosensor to warn of crop diseases. Researchers at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University have developed varieties of potatoes that produce special proteins. If infected by potato blight, these proteins display fluorescent properties before the infection appears on the leaves of the plant, allowing early effective treatment.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/368328 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tpj.16071
Five European grants. The European Research Council has awarded grants of up to 2 million Euros each, to five researchers at Israel’s Technion to help them pursue their ideas. They address proton transfer in proteins; antimicrobials and amyloids; the fascia in neuro-immune communication; replacing toxic metals; and aging.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2023/02/5-erc-consolidator-grants-awarded-to-technion-researchers/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
I2U2 business forum. inaugural I2U2 Business Forum (see here previously) just convened to “accelerate joint investment in key sectors” in the UAE, bringing together Israel, India, the UAE and the US, an essential and important partnership that came about in the wake of the Abraham Accords.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-732450
Samsung funds Israeli innovators. (TY Hazel) Korean giant Samsung is to fund selected Israeli startups with $50,000 each and provide them with support over a six-month period. The focus is cameras, power, audio, on-device AI, AR, sensors, foldables, wearables, environment, and sustainability, and advanced materials.
More flights to/from Florida. El Al Airlines is to increase flights to and from Florida, including new operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. 100,000+ people flew El Al’s Miami to Tel Aviv route in 2022, which highlighted a need for more flights from Florida.
https://www.jns.org/el-al-to-increase-number-of-flights-from-florida-to-israel/
Award-winning hotels. Three Israeli hotels have won 2023 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards - the self-described “global authority on luxury hospitality.” They are the Setai, Jaffa, the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya, and the Norman, Tel Aviv. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-732501
Producing hydrogen in Japan. Israel’s H2Pro (see here previously) is to build hydrogen production facilities for the Japanese giant Sumitomo. The deal is estimated at $250 million. H2Pro signed a $70 million agreement with renewable energy company Doral last year. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/3gy030ek1
Igniting Orthodox Jewish businesses. Orthodox entrepreneurship program Dos Ventures, and Intel Ignite (see here previously) have partnered to help orthodox Jewish entrepreneurs integrate into Israel’s hi-tech industries. It will provide them with mentoring, marketing, and sales skills, plus how to raise funds and adapt products.
https://nocamels.com/2023/03/helping-orthodox-jews-break-into-hi-tech/
Tiv Taam goes kosher vegan. Israeli supermarket chain Tiv Taam is known for selling non-kosher products. But it has now decided to partner Vgarden, developer of plant-based alternatives (see here previously) to produce a kosher pea-protein based vegan line of deli meats simulating pepperoni, ham, chicken, turkey etc.
Exits, mergers and acquisitions. US-based Rapid7 has acquired Israeli cybersecurity Minerva Labs for $45 million. Rapid7 previously acquired Israel’s IntSights for nearly $335 million. Israel’s Via Transportation has acquired UK’s Citymapper for $100 million.
Investment in Israeli startups to 19/3/23: Fairmatic raised $46 million; Assured Allies raised $42.5 million; Protai raised $20 million; Mitiga raised $13 million; Click-Ins raised $7.5 million; Kardome received $1 million from Japan's Automotive Fund.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Animating in France. The Israel Animation Guild created a special stand at the Annecy Animation Festival in France to promote Israeli animation artists in the world. It included an installation inspired by Sacher Park in Jerusalem. https://www.jpost.com/365days/cinema_and_television/article-730850
Eurovision. (TY Hazel) Israel’s entry “Unicorn” by Noa Kirel was unveiled this week. Noa remarked that she sees similarities between the Unicorn and Israel – both being very strong. (Ed – not sure of that connection!)
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israel-strong-superstars-eurovision-song-takes-pride-in-jewish-state/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4wbdKmM3bQ
Celebrate Israel at 75 in London. If you are in the UK on Sun 14th May, why not join Technion UK’s “From Israel With Love” event to celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday. Enjoy singers from Israel including the iconic Gali Atari who won the Eurovision with the song Hallelujah. Suitable for the whole family.
https://technionuk.org/event/israel75/
Yerucham River Park. The Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-US) has created the Yerucham River Park. It flows from the Yerucham town’s lake – itself created from recycled and treated wastewater and purified rainwater. The River Park has become a popular recreational site for local residents and a magnet for birdlife.
https://www.jnf.org/menu-3/news-media/jnf-wire/jnf-wire-stories/a-water-weary-town-sources-new-life
THE JEWISH STATE
Israeli airlines distribute Purim parcels. The SonShine Association donated 7,500 mishloach manot packages via El Al and Arkia flight attendants to passengers flying on Purim. They were asked to pass along their package to a fellow Jew at their destination. The project is in memory of 3 Israeli teens murdered in 2014.
https://www.jns.org/project-in-memory-of-slain-israeli-teens-to-unite-israeli-and-diaspora-jews/
See the Purim festivities. (TY Hazel) The Holon Adloyada Purim parade was back to its pre-pandemic grandeur. Thousands of marchers and dancers garbed in glittery costumes promenaded down the central Israeli city's streets accompanied by gigantic floats. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1ruwjvk3
https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/03/08/israelis-celebrate-purim-with-all-the-usual-fanfare/
Papua New Guinea to open Jerusalem embassy. The Oceana nation of Papua New Guinea will open its first embassy in Israel in Jerusalem this year. It will join the U.S., Guatemala, Honduras, and Kosovo in recognizing Israel’s capital. https://www.jns.org/papua-new-guinea-to-open-embassy-in-jerusalem/
Sulamot wins Jerusalem Prize. The Sulamot organization has been awarded the Jerusalem Prize for Education and Judaism. It has been conducting religious education initiatives for 15 years and prides itself on connecting “amazing Jewish youth” to “amazing Torah”. It teaches in a language that speaks to the young generation.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367990 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367992
https://www.sulamot.org/en/homepage-en/
Thinking of Aliyah within 18 months? Already made Aliyah? UK Aliya Advisors is hosting two free on-line talks to help make a successful Aliyah (before & after the move). The first deals with taxation planning and the second will discuss mortgages for Anglos. Register quickly – it’s on Sun March 19th at 5 - 6:30pm UK time.
https://ukaliyahadvisors.com/event/19mar2023/
4 Israelis receive corneas from murdered brothers. The corneas of the two Israeli brothers shot by a terrorist were transplanted into the eyes of four Israelis at Beilinson Medical Center in Petach Tikvah. The brothers’ parents said, “The kind and beautiful eyes of Hallel and Yagel will continue to illuminate our world.”
https://www.jns.org/four-israelis-inherit-corneas-of-brothers-killed-in-terror-attack/
7-year-old brought back to life. Minutes before Shabbat, a 7-year-old Rehovot girl suffered cardiac arrest. Thanks to the fast response of United Hatzalah EMTs, CPR, and five shocks from their defibrillator, the girl’s pulse returned. When the EMTs visited her in hospital after Shabbat, she was watching TV, alive and well.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/368016
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In the 5th Mar 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· A new Israeli treatment avoids risk of damage to vital organs.
· Israeli medics are still working in Turkiye (Turkey) and Ukraine.
· NASA are assisting Israel on two groundbreaking space projects.
· Two Israeli developments in generating hydrogen - the fuel of the future.
· Israel’s national water company is working in seven Argentinian provinces.
· Two international gold medals for Israeli judokas.
· No Israeli child is left behind on the Jewish festival of Purim.
· Click here to see the 26th Feb newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours with a diverse message, IsraPundit and United With Israel with extra feature on Medical. Also (TY Sandra) in German here plus (TY Stuart Palmer) posted here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here plus (TY Stuart Palmer) posted here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 22,200 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
A new target for protection against Alzheimer’s. Researchers at Israel’s Ben-Gurion University found a new approach for treating Alzheimer’s disease. They developed a new molecule VBIT-4 that prevents the over-expression of the protein VDAC1, which controls mitochondrial activity and cell life and death.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/Alzheimer-VDAC1.aspx https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36578022/
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/mind-and-spirit/article-732059
Protein trigger for brain cancer. Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that the secreted protein LCN2 facilitates the formation of aggressive brain metastases (secondary cancers). In lab tests, reducing LCN2 in the blood halts the advance of the inflammatory process that causes tumors in the brain.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-732284 https://english.tau.ac.il/lcn2_brain_metastases
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43018-023-00519-w
Medication that gets directly to the problem. (TY WIN) Israel’s LDS Biotech has developed the Lyotropic treatment delivery system. Medications can be applied directly to the problem area without causing damage to organs such as the liver. It was successful in compassionate use and clinical (human) trials are being planned.
https://www.israel21c.org/chemist-turns-injections-into-oral-meds-and-skin-gels/
Computer-designed antibodies. AION Labs, the Israeli innovation lab for startups (see here previously), has helped launch DenovAI – a startup that will harness artificial intelligence and biophysics to build a platform for computer-designed antibodies from the start, geared to the development of new treatments.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-lab-backed-by-pharma-giants-mints-startup-for-computer-designed-antibodies/ https://denovai.com/
A virtual dentist. Israel’s Grin is literally changing the face of dental visits. Why waste time with a face-to-face appointment with your dentist or orthodontist when they just want to see your teeth. Sign up; send off for the Grin Scope; download the Grin App; scan your teeth; and schedule a virtual meeting with your dentist.
https://www.israel21c.org/sink-your-teeth-into-9-hot-dental-innovations-from-israel/ https://www.get-grin.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JylypegYqzw
Scanning the eye in Massachusetts. Israel’s AEYE Health (see here previously) is trialing its AI-based retinal camera on 500 patients at UMass (University of Massachusetts Amhurst) medical school. The camera detects retinopathy (eye disease) and is operated by a family doctor or nurse, without the need for an eye specialist.
AI to help you live longer. Several Israeli startups are involved in helping people to live longer. Longevity.AI has developed a comprehensive system for hospitals, health funds, and other medical organizations that allows them to track and monitor the health of their patients in real-time. It says it is never too early to grow younger.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/p3db2hais https://www.longevity-ai.com/
Keeping an eye on your loved ones. Israel’s SenterCare claims to have the only un-obstructive technology that can differentiate between people in the same home. It notifies about safety incidents, with AI to predict falls and recommend interventions. Its aim is to preserve and prolong the senior’s quality of life and reduce health costs.
https://www.sentercare.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEjk7SpAgII
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Special help for rescue teams. The speedy response of Israel’s teams sent to rescue victims of the Turkish earthquake was primarily due to members of the IDF Special In Uniform program. The highly trained soldiers with physical and mental disabilities and autism worked all hours to prepare medical and emergency equipment.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/368137
AI English lessons for Jerusalem Arabs. The Jerusalem Municipality has engaged Israeli AI language platform MagniLearn (see here previously) to teach English to its Arab residents. MagniLean’s "linguistic engine" understands a student’s weaknesses (e.g., grammar, reading, etc.,) and adapts its lessons accordingly.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-730908 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9L33IUlBgM
PA Arab woman plays in Israeli basketball league. (TY Hazel) Mirna Sayeh, 22, from Bethlehem becomes the first female Palestinian Arab basketball player in the Israeli Premier League. She joined the ASA Jerusalem women’s basketball team and was expected to play in the match against Elitzur Ramla.
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/sjrgdgcas
The humanitarian work of Sheba hospital. If you thought all Israeli medics had left Turkey and Ukraine, this video will inform you otherwise. Sheba has mobile medical units travelling around Ukraine. Sheba staff are working in Turkish hospitals. They are also bringing back wounded and injured to Israel for rehabilitation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_M6IplfXjE
Saving the African wild donkey. (TY TPS) Around 500 African wild donkeys exist in the world, and Ramat Gan Safari Park in Tel Aviv is a key player in keeping the species from extinction. The park recently celebrated the birth of Broko, which translates to “blessing” in the Amharic language.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/true-blessing-endangered-species-gives-birth-at-israeli-zoo/
On your bike, Tel Aviv. (TY Nevet) Normally anti-Israel CNN has ranked Tel Aviv one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. It says, “Israel’s sophisticated, Bauhaus-styled city on the Mediterranean Sea has the makings of a bicycling paradise.” Meanwhile, the Israel21c article lists Yalla Bike’s favorite bike-lane routes.
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-bicycle-cities-world-travelers
https://www.israel21c.org/the-3-best-and-3-worst-places-to-cycle-in-tel-aviv/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
11.8% renewable. For the first time ever, Israel has exceeded 10% in connected renewable energy production facilities. The Electricity Authority reported 4,765 megawatts of renewable energy facilities installed at the end of 2022 - an annual production capacity of 11.8% compared to 9.4% in 2021.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-731412
NASA to assist Israel’s moonshot. The Israel Space Agency (ISA) has signed an agreement with NASA to cooperate on the SpaceIL Beresheet2 lunar Mission. NASA will participate in the selection of landing sites and join the mission’s science team. It is also expected to coordinate with the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/most-news20230201 https://www.jpost.com/science/article-730297
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YD-1vxXtpc
NASA to launch Israeli space telescope. NASA will launch Israel’s first space telescope – the Ultraviolet Transient Astronomy Satellite, or ULTRASAT – into high-Earth orbit in early 2026. The telescope is expected to revolutionize detection and analysis of cosmic events such as neutron star mergers and supernova explosions.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367778
BGU’s “Remarkable 3” virtual event. Israel’s Ben Gurion University is holding a free virtual experience on 23rd Apr (1pm ET, 8pm Israel). It celebrates BGU’s latest innovative breakthroughs in the fields of 3D printed science, cancer research, biomedical engineering and much more. Hosted by celebrity Dr Mike Varshavski.
https://americansforbgu.org/events/ctr3/ https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-732904
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt-Duu9HpyA
Cultivating plants in the lab. (TY UWI) Like growing animal protein in labs instead of farms, plants can be grown from cells in labs instead of fields. They are protected from the weather, pests, diseases, and pollutants. Israel’s ReaGenics has 60 bioreactors producing valuable plants (e.g., saffron) and vital plant molecules.
https://www.israel21c.org/growing-plant-cells-for-pharma-in-the-lab/ https://www.reagenics.com/
Cocoa in Israel. (TY WIN) Celleste Bio (see here previously) is another Israeli startup using cell cultivation of plants – this time cocoa. It says one of its 800L bioreactors can produce as much as one hectare of cocoa trees.
https://www.israel21c.org/could-israel-become-a-surprise-cocoa-superpower/ https://www.celleste-bio.com/
https://www.trendlines.com/portfolio/celleste-bio/
Accidental anti-bacteria discovery. Israeli Yehoshua Maor was researching natural treatments for pancreatic cancer at his Phytor lab when he discovered a plant resin that killed bacteria spores. He founded Resorcix (see here previously). Phytor, however, continues to research natural solutions for cancer and brain diseases.
https://www.israel21c.org/a-natural-solution-to-prevent-spoilage-of-clear-beverages/ https://www.phytor.co.il/
Turning barren desert soil into fertile wine country. (TY Nevet) Israel’s Negev winemakers pioneer growing techniques that could be adopted widely across the Middle East. The Merage Foundation aims to create a Negev wine “appellation”. Israeli vineyards mentioned in this article include Galai and Yatir,
https://circuit.news/2023/02/13/turning-barren-desert-land-into-wine-country/ https://yatirwinery.com/en/
Purifying global water supplies. This article features Atlantium Technologies (see here previously) which has installed its patented Hydro-Optic UV technology in 3,000+ locations in nearly 70 countries. Its systems are used by Coca-Cola, Schweppes, Pepsi, Carlsberg, Tuborg, Kraft, Canada Dry, Unilever, and many more.
https://nocamels.com/2023/02/how-uv-and-fiber-optics-are-cleaning-the-worlds-water/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GudcwOc04Ec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti0YYz__LAI
Handling too much water. Israel’s SMBIT (see here previously) is installing wireless sensors in the Israeli city of Herzliya to prevent flash flooding. The sensors provide the municipality with constant updates on what’s happening in its underground drainage system.
https://nocamels.com/2023/02/sensors-prevent-flooding-of-city-streets/ https://www.smbit.co.il/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTtNVn9QEFE
Robot window washers. (TY Diane M) Nice article comparing the two leading robotic window cleaning companies - both Israeli. Skyline Robotics (see here previously) and Verobotics (see here previously).
https://www.axios.com/2023/02/24/robotic-window-washers
Lenovo Cybersecurity Center. Lenovo™ has established the Lenovo Cybersecurity Innovation Center (LCIC) in Beer Sheva, in cooperation with Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. It follows the launch of the Fujitsu Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Israel in 2021 (see here previously).
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/Lenovo-LCIC..aspx
Israel’s most advanced data center. (TY Amir) Israel’s Techtonic is investing over $140 million to build one of Israel's largest data centers. The 15,000 sqm underground facility in Beit Shemesh aims to be completed by mid-2025. It is intended to be resilient against malfunction and missiles.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sksx9zfcs https://www.techtonic-dc.com/lp/coming-soon
Hydrogen powder. Israel’s Electriq-Global (see here previously) is to build a manufacturing plant in the Port of Amsterdam to turn hydrogen gas into powder. The powder can then be transported and then turned into electricity by Electriq Global’s special dehydrogenation system. The plant will cost some 50-million Euros.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1fxvfjri
Jerusalem Press Club Tour. (TY Sharon) My Real Jerusalem Streets friend Sharon went straight from the OurCrowd summit to a tour of nine Israeli startups. It included Beit Shemesh’s Bioplasmer (biodegradable plant pots); QD-SOL (Solar-powered splitting hydrogen from water); Autonomous Pivot; and Rewind.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/02/26/9-israeli-startups-for-a-better-planet-and-beyond/ https://www.bioplasmar.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHzgGiA75BA https://www.autonomouspivot.com/
https://qd-sol.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TJJ9MR8sW4 https://www.rewind.earth/
The last word in AI. This must be the “final frontier” in Artificial Intelligent text generation. Israel’s Empathy (see here previously) has developed “Finding Words” – a tool that helps mourners honor their loved ones by composing the initial draft of a thoughtful and comprehensive obituary.
https://www.israel21c.org/ai-crosses-the-final-frontier-with-automated-obit-tool/ https://words.empathy.com/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Fitch still gives Israel an A+. Ratings agency Fitch affirmed Israel’s A+ credit rating with a stable outlook citing the country’s “diversified, resilient, and high value-added economy and strong external finances”.
International tourism exhibition. (TY Hazel) The International Mediterranean Tourism Market at Tel Aviv Expo featured a record 750 exhibitors, 158 booths, ambassadors, and delegations from over 40 countries including Morocco, Dubai, Japan, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, Italy, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan.
https://time.news/the-international-tourism-exhibition-in-tel-aviv-megafon-news-megafon-news/
Morocco invests in Israel. Casablanca-based VC UM6P Ventures is seeking Israeli technologies to help scale up biotech solutions in Africa. It has invested in Israel’s ClimateCrop which edits crop genes to store more carbon and energy, to produce higher yields. Also Biotic (see here) bio-plastic polymers from sea algae.
https://www.climate-crop.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eW16DKBdrM
First flight over Oman. The El Al pilots of the very first Israeli flight over Oman, travelling from Tel Aviv to Bangkok said, “The Israeli flag will fly over Oman for the first time. Our flight time will be shortened by two and a half hours, which is very significant. We are very happy and excited to be here.”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/368002
Israel and Taiwan tech ties. (TY UWI & I24 News) These two tiny countries pack a punch when it comes to technology. Israeli Arab Yoseph Haddad explores the Israel-Taiwan tech relations in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PPGmYlx1L8
Water to Argentina. Israel’s national water company, Mekorot, has signed agreements in Argentina, worth some NIS 11 million, to build comprehensive plans for the water sector in the provinces Catamarca, La Rioja, Rio Negro, Formosa and Santa Cruz. These add to previous plans with provinces Mendoza and San Juan.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-732158
Israeli jewelry business is sparkling. Israel’s jewelry industry is on an upsurge. Worldwide exports totaled $873 million in 2022, compared with $791 million in 2021 and just $552 million in 2020. The main countries to which Israel exports are the US (65%), India, the UK, Sweden, Turkey, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-jewelry-industry-enjoying-an-upsurge-1001438453
Things are not as bad as the media portrays. Financial expert Aaron Katsman experienced the recent OurCrowd Global Investment Summit in Jerusalem and sums up the current investment situation.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-731859
Exits, mergers and acquisitions. US Molekule has acquired Israel’s Aura Smart Air for $8 million.
Investment in Israeli startups to 5/3/23: Hexa raised $20.5 million; Gable raised $12 million; Quak raised $12 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Music from Kviv to Israel. The Kviv Virtuosi troupe brings classical music to Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, Ness Ziona and Herzliya (Mar 4-10). They will perform works by Vivaldi, Grieg, De Falla and Isaac Albeniz. Also, Jewish Ukrainian composers including composer in residence Alexey Shor, who made Aliyah in 1991.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-732310
https://kupatbravo.co.il/announce/Kyiv-Virtuosi-Orchestra
Backstreet Boys are back. (TY Hazel) The Backstreet Boys will perform in Israel for the third time at Live Park in Rishon Lezion on 13th May. Their last sell-out concert at the same venue in 2018 was to 16.000 fans.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/culture/1677076176-rock-your-body-backstreet-s-back-in-israel
Guns & Roses. American hard rock hall of famers Guns N’ Roses. including Slash and Axl Rose, will be returning to Israel for a show at Park Hayarkon in Tel Aviv, on 5th Jun. Their previous concert at the same site in 2017 attracted some 60,000 fans. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-732263
Why Israel is the most kid-friendly destination. I don’t normally include non-news articles, but this was too cute to leave out. https://www.israel21c.org/10-reasons-why-israel-is-the-most-kid-friendly-destination/
Swimming championships. (TY Hazel) The Israeli city of Netanya will host the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships (4 - 9 Sep). Over 600 promising young swimmers from 100+ national federations are expected to compete at the Wingate Institute - Israel's National Centre for Physical Education and Sport.
https://www.fina.org/competitions/3266/world-aquatics-junior-swimming-championships-netanya-2023
“King” Solomon scores in the UK. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Manor Solomon scored twice in two games to earn consecutive wins for his UK Premier League soccer club Fulham. The Israeli midfielder is on loan from Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk. He escaped last year via Poland to Israel to evade the war in Ukraine.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-732451
Golden judokas. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Raz Hershko won gold in the 78kg women’s event at the Judo Grand Slam in Tel Aviv. The previous day, Israel’s Sagi Muki won the 81kg men’s event (see videos). Of the other Israelis, Tamar Malca won a silver and Timna Nelson Levy won a bronze.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/raz-hershko-wins-israels-second-gold-at-judo-grand-slam-in-tel-aviv/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoUOU-jvYSU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2B3gB1stXw
THE JEWISH STATE
See Israel through Sephardic & Mizrahi eyes. Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA) is hosting (May 29 – Jun 5) what it believes to be the first-ever trip to Israel for those who want to experience the country through the lens of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews. Registration is open until April 1.
https://www.jns.org/group-bills-its-sephardic-and-mizrahi-trip-to-israel-as-a-first/ https://www.jimena.org/
https://www.j2adventures.com/join/jimena-may-2023-v3/
Israeli-American women reconnect to Israel. Gvanim Ramon is designed for Israeli American women living in the US for several years, as well as for the second generation of Israeli immigrants to the US. It strengthens their connection to Israel and Jewish identity. It organizes delegations to Israel in Spring (15-23 May) and Fall.
https://www.gvanimramon.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q9DFSEaIwU
Purim costumes for mobility challenged children. Israeli charity Beit Issie Shapiro and the Holon Institute of Technology have partnered to design adaptive costumes so that children with mobility issues can still celebrate the Jewish festival of Purim this coming week. Each design comes with a 3-min instruction video for parents.
https://www.israel21c.org/diy-purim-dress-ups-for-kids-with-mobility-challenges/
https://en.beitissie.org.il/lp/purim22/
Never too late to move to Israel. Last week a 100-year-old Israeli man got married. This week 101-year-old Sandy Goldstein and his 97-year-old wife Rosalie made Aliyah to Netanya from New Jersey. They join their daughter Risa, five grandchildren and their spouses, and 12 great grandchildren, all of whom live in Israel.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/never-too-late-101-year-old-man-immigrates-to-israel/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/368181
230226
In the 26th Feb 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Two Israel startups report success using animals to detect cancer in humans.
· Thousands cheered news of Israeli life-saving innovation.
· Two every-day examples of Arabs saved at Israeli hospitals.
· South African and Syrians anti-Israel perception transformed.
· Israel is developing clean nuclear fusion energy.
· Israeli airlines now fly to Turkiye and over Oman.
· First Israeli gold at the Mixed Martial Arts World Championships.
· An Israeli’s 100-year birthday convinced him to get married.
· Click here to see the 12th Feb newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours with a “life-affirming” intro, IsraPundit and United With Israel with feature on Medical. Also (TY Sandra) in German here plus (TY Stuart Palmer) posted here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here plus (TY Stuart Palmer) posted here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 22,100 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Sniffing out cancer. Israel’s SpotitEarly (see here previously) has just reported a 93% success rate in its study using a combination of dogs, sensors, and AI software to detect and identify breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancer. And another Israeli startup Early Labs reported similar results using trained rats to detect lung cancer.
https://nocamels.com/2023/02/dogs-93-percent-success-rate-at-sniffing-out-cancer/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-lab-teaches-rats-to-detect-lung-cancer-with-93-accuracy-by-sniffing-urine/ https://earlylabs.io/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlOnSdKPAxU
Preventing kidney failure. Israel is the first country in the world to ban treatments with glyoxylic acid, a common ingredient in hair-straightening products. Scientists at Israel’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center showed that the chemical is absorbed by the skin, often causing pain, vomiting and acute kidney injury.
Better than antibiotics. Israel’s Mileutis (see here previously) is “bullish” about its Imilac peptide alternative to antibiotics in dairy cows. Imilac boosts the immune system to fight infections and doesn’t increase antibiotic resistance. The cows also produce more milk. Mileutis says the same technology could even protect humans.
https://nocamels.com/2023/02/antibiotic-alternative-today-cows-tomorrow-humans/ https://mileutis.com/
Microclimate suit manufacturer revealed. (TY UWI) Israel’s Rambam Medical Center has been testing a microclimate suit that evaporates fluids to help heart failure patients (see here previously). The manufacturer - Israel’s AquaPass Medical - states that patients no longer need daily diuretics or periodic six-hour infusions.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-microclimate-suit-rids-heart-patients-of-fluid-buildup/
https://aquapass-medical.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuiB0BdgNOM
Field hospital treats hundreds. (TY Hazel) Israeli medics treated around 470 injured victims of the Turkish earthquakes at their field hospital outside the Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş. They included 150 children and several Syrian refugees. The teams also performed ten surgical and orthopedic operations.
Thousands of AR surgical procedures. Israel’s Beyeonics (see here previously) is now rolling out its 3D Byeonics One Augmented Reality (AR) surgical headset across Europe. It has already been used for 2,000 surgeries in the US including recent endothelial keratoplasty, to remove abnormal matter from the cornea.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/from-cockpit-to-cataract-ops-israeli-flight-headsets-adapted-approved-for-surgery/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36508107/
AI to increase cancer awareness. The Israel Cancer Association has used Artificial Intelligence in a new campaign to highlight the importance of early cancer diagnosis. Videos show people asking AI to show them as a grandparent, or at their child’s wedding, but the future will only become reality if the person avoids cancer.
https://nocamels.com/2023/02/ai-art-increases-awareness-of-early-cancer-diagnosis/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDl052gSEp4
The most memorable moment at OurCrowd Summit. My highlight at the OurCrowd Global Investor Summit in Jerusalem last week was 10-year-old Itai, saved thanks to Surgical Theater’s Augmented Reality system. Itai ran on stage to greet Surgical Theater’s CEO, Alon Zuckerman – Itai’s father. Please watch this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JuC8_LMmyc
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Developing tools for autism. The Israeli NGO HackAutism has organized 4 annual hackathons - 24-hour competitions focusing on solving autism-related challenges. These have produced 42 ventures, 15 of which have raised funding. This year’s winner Dive uses AI to help employers identify and hire workers with autism.
https://www.jns.org/fourth-israeli-hackathon-develops-tools-for-those-with-autism/
Women in science. 100+ Israeli women and girls marked the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science at the sleek new Margalit Startup City Galil building in Kiryat Shmona, Northern Israel. It was initiated by Galiladies, a community of 1,000 entrepreneurial Jewish, Arab, Druze, secular, and religious women.
https://www.jns.org/arabs-and-jews-celebrate-international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science/
Academy to prevent violence against women. The Michal Sela Startup Academy has just graduated its third cohort of seven new startups. They will join the team of the Michal Sela Forum which has partnered Google for Startups to help develop startups specifically to prevent violence against women. See the video of Ruthi below.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjtfgmlps https://www.msf-global.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH8fWodYEXw
Doctors remove ring from toddler’s throat. (See X-ray photo at TPS source article) Specialists from the otolaryngology department at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center successfully removed a ring stuck in the throat of a two-year-old boy. His father Muhammad praised the Shaare Zedek team for saving his son’s life.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-doctors-remove-ring-from-toddlers-throat/
https://nypost.com/2023/02/22/my-2-year-old-swallowed-my-ring-heres-how-we-got-it-out/
Jenin Arab saved at Israeli hospital. (TY Hazel) 18-year-old Izz ad-Din Dar Yassin almost died when electrocuted at work in the PA city of Jenin. He was transferred to Haifa’s Rambam hospital where medical teams stabilized Yassin's condition of burns, infections, and kidney failure, and put him on the road to recovery.
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/hk5ejapao
Jerusalem to host Arab-Africa-Israel Security Conference. (TY UWI) Representatives of 14 African and Arab countries will convene in Jerusalem in March for the first ever Arab-Africa-Israel conference on Middle East security. The 3-day conference is titled “Trusted Regional Partnerships at a Time of Shifting Alliances.”
https://www.jns.org/first-arab-africa-israel-security-conference-to-be-held-in-jerusalem/
Rare, good news in UK media. (TY Hazel) Normally anti-Israel UK Independent has highlighted that 25 sea turtles have received medical treatment in Israel after being injured in a severe winter storm. Following rehabilitation at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Mikhmoret they will be released back to the sea.
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/lifestyle/sea-rescue-storm-israel-turtles-b2280318.html
Turkiye (Turkey) thanks Israel. Turkey’s Ambassador to Israel Shakir Ozkan Torunlar welcomed Israeli teams returning from their earthquake rescue mission and thanked the Jewish state for saving 19 Turkish lives. He also noted Israel’s civil society and NGOs who “displayed exemplary solidarity with the Turkish people.”
https://worldisraelnews.com/turkey-thanks-israel-for-saving-turkish-lives-in-earthquake/
Eye-opener in Ben Gurion restroom. (TY TPS) South African BDS leader Klaas Mokgomole couldn’t understand why Ben Gurion Airport officials laughed when he asked for the Blacks-only restroom after his 9-hour flight from Jo’burg. He was dumbfounded as Jews and Arabs went in and out. It was transformational.
Syrians shocked to be treated by Israelis. Israeli Lt.-Col. Dr. Ofer Almog described the reactions of some of the Syrians after learning they were being treated by Israelis. “In some cases, they were very emotional, very surprised. One person said that everything he was taught all his life about Israel was a lie.”
https://worldisraelnews.com/syrian-victims-of-turkish-earthquake-shocked-to-be-treated-by-israelis/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Global 5th for AI. Tiny Israel is ranked number 5 in the world for innovation, implementation, and investment in Artificial Intelligence, according to the UK news website Tortoise Media. It ranks 3rd in commercialization of AI, 5th in talent, and 9th in development. The article features GreenOnyx, Imagry, and Wasteless.
https://nocamels.com/2023/02/ai-holds-the-key-to-worlds-biggest-problems/
https://www.tortoisemedia.com/intelligence/global-ai/
Israel’s nuclear fusion Institute. Israel’s Energy Ministry is allocating NIS 40 million to fund a National Nuclear Fusion Institute. It will be established and operated jointly by five Israeli universities. Additional partners include the Soreq Nuclear Research Center, and Israeli startup NT-Tao (see here previously).
https://www.israel21c.org/nuclear-fusion-startup-aims-to-provide-clean-energy/
More Israeli tech that saved earthquake victims. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Camero-Tech (see here previously) supplied its Xaver 400 and 100 radar systems to locate survivors trapped in the ruins of the recent Turkish earthquakes. Also, Israel’s Stolero Group deployed tech from Israel’s Magal, XTEND and Polaris.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-731654 https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-731686
Catching out “robot students”. The emergence of ChatGPT to write speeches and more has opened the door for lazy students to use AI tools to generate their work without any individual effort. Israel’s Copyleaks (see here previously) helps academic institutions check the originality of students’ submitted material.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/mw8w3k13e
Speeding up on-line shopping. (TY UWI) Watch this StandWithUs video of a robot from Israel’s 1MRobotics (see here previously) helping to speed up online shopping. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJf0eo8aNfk
Israeli tech inside Ferrari F1 racecars. (TY Hazel) Samsung subsidiary Harman (see here previously) builds audio, video, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in Israel. This technology and more will be integrated by Ferrari in all future vehicle lines – including, starting this year, cars built for Formula 1 races.
https://www.israel21c.org/ferrari-puts-israel-made-harman-components-in-the-cabin/
A private microchip. Israel’s Chain Reaction has launched microprocessors specially designed to encrypt data. The technology significantly speeds up systems that rely on real-time, trusted transaction processing, such as blockchain. It could transform medical research, finance, cloud-based systems and much more.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1x11c3ecs https://www.chain-reaction.io/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Feii9IqK448
Fake products to upskill hi-tech employees. Israel’s Wilco (see here previously) has created some whimsical items to help IT engineers develop their non-IT skills. They include a “dry-water canister” (just add water), organic sawdust, roast beef bath bubbles and a yodeling pickle. Don’t ask – just read more at the link below.
https://www.israel21c.org/flight-simulator-puts-fun-in-upskilling-for-developers/
From unlocking phones to global crime solving. 10 years ago, Israel’s Cellebrite (see here previously) began life unlocking phones which helped police break an international crime organization. It has grown into a world-leader in digital intelligence, providing software to over 5,200 law enforcement agencies in 120 countries.
https://nocamels.com/2023/02/smartphone-is-the-key-to-solving-crime-with-ai/
Seven new Israeli spider species. Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and University of Madison-Wisconsin have discovered seven new species of funnel web spiders (Agelenidae, Tegenaria), unique to caves in Israel. The lack of light has led to exceptional adaptations e.g., enlarged sensory organs.
https://en.huji.ac.il/news/researcher-discover-seven-new-spider-species-caves-israel
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790323000052
An accessible beehive. Two Israeli brothers have designed a new beehive that allows you to watch the secret life of bees. The inspiration was when one of the brothers lost the use of his left hand. The cylindrical hive can be managed using only one hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aT4NY6Dk2I
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Economy grew 6.5% in 2022. Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics reports that Israel's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.5% in 2022. GDP per capita growth last year was 70% above the OECD average of 2.6%.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-economy-grew-65-in-2022-1001438599
Israel exports crude oil. (TY Hazel) Israel has exported its first-ever shipment of crude oil. The cargo of hydrocarbon gas liquids (HGLs) was extracted from Israel’s Karish natural gas field. This was then converted into high-demand light sweet crude oil and sold through Vitol commodity traders to European customers.
https://www.energean.com/media/5369/israel-enters-the-oil-exporters-club.pdf
Hundreds of startups. (TY Sharon) The 2023 OurCrowd Global Investor Summit in Jerusalem featured 200+ Israeli startups that exhibited, presented, and pitched to 6,400 (some say 9,000) attendees.
https://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=37&ARTICLE_ID=160947
https://www.jns.org/at-ourcrowd-summit-in-jerusalem-an-explosion-of-innovation/
World number two in FoodTech investments. The non-profit Good Food Institute (GFI) Israel has estimated that Israel invested $454 million in alternative proteins in 2022. This was about 15% of the capital raised for the sector globally - second only to the US. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hk8nh001as
Commercializing biofuel from castor beans. (TY UWI) Israel’s Casterra, a subsidiary of Israel’s Evogene (see here previously), is partnering with a major energy company to cultivate its unique Israeli castor varieties at commercial scale. The aim is for these to provide the basis for a new biofuel for countries in Africa.
https://www.israel21c.org/castor-seeds-will-provide-biofuel-for-africa/ https://casterra.co/
5-star hotel news. (TY UWI) The Vera Hotel is Tel Aviv’s first boutique hotel to banish single-use plastic entirely. Soap and shampoo bottles replaced by dispensers; water-filter systems, and biodegradable coffee cups. Meanwhile (TY Hazel) Israel’s Fattal Group has acquired UK’s Brighton Grand and London’s Dilly hotels.
https://www.israel21c.org/tel-aviv-boutique-hotel-banishes-single-use-plastic/
https://boutiquehotelnews.com/news/hotel/fattal-acquires-grand-brighton/
AI camera shopping trolleys. By the end of March, thirty of Israel’s Shufersal’s 395 Israeli stores will deploy 2,000 smart shopping trolley cameras and screens from Israel’s Shopic (see here previously). The AI system will allow customers to skip the checkout.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/startups-clip-on-device-for-smart-carts-deployed-at-shufersal/
Liquidity Group becomes a Unicorn. Israeli fintech company Liquidity Group (see here previously) has raised another $40 million from Japanese banking giant MUFG Bank at a valuation of $1.4 billion. Liquidity provides capital mainly to later-stage technology companies for businesses around the world.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjhmtaeco
Rise in trade & tourism from Arab countries. (TY UWI) Total trade between Israel and Abraham Accords countries increased from $593 million in 2019 to $3.47 billion in 2022. Some 5,200 tourists entered Israel from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Kosovo, and Sudan in 2022 – up 52% from 2019.
https://www.jns.org/trade-and-tourism-on-the-rise-among-abraham-accords-states/
Double boost for Israeli air travel. (TY WIN) Israel’s three airlines (Israir, El Al and Arkia) are renewing their direct flight routes to Turkey, which were suspended in 2008. Also, for the first time, Oman has given permission for all planes from Israel to fly through its airspace, substantially reducing flight times to Asia.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/levant-turkey/1676561051-israeli-airlines-renew-direct-flights-to-turkey-after-over-15-years https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367874
Investment in Israeli startups to 26/2/23: Enlight Renewable Energy raised $252 million (IPO); Via Transportation raised $110 million; Chain Reaction raised $70 million; Descope raised $53 million; Chaos Labs raised $20 million; MDI Health Technologies raised $20 million; Oligo Security raised $20 million; OpenEyes raised $18 million; Entitle raised $15 million; Ledge raised $9 million; Ironblocks raised $7 million; Finq raised $6 million; Azerbaijan invested $1 million in Largix;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Israeli food festival in Argentina. 50+ restaurants in Buenos Aires and other Argentinian cities took part in the 5th annual Israeli Food Festival. The 11-day event, organized by the Embassy of Israel, had the theme “Tasting innovation”. Israeli chef Lucas Zitrinovich trained local chefs to make four special dishes for the occasion.
https://www.jpost.com/365days/food/article-731447
Share your embarrassing moment The Avraham Hostel in Tel Aviv is hosting Fadichot Night on Feb 28. A “Fadicha” (plural: Fadihot)” is an Israeli word for an embarrassing moment. This Fadichot Night’s theme is “the Travel Fadichot”. Tell your story or just listen – because we’ve all had a Fadicha worth sharing!
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/fadichot-night-abraham-tel-aviv/ https://eventbuzz.co.il/lp/event/fadichotnight3
Double agents. At the OurCrowd Global Investor Summit, actor Lior Raz and Fauda cofounder Avi Issacharoff revealed some secrets that would have shocked their spy characters – they are big fans of romantic comedies! They also said that the Startup Nation’s TV successes were turning Israel into the “Content Nation”.
https://www.israel21c.org/israel-a-content-nation-says-faudas-lior-raz/
https://www.israel21c.org/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-fauda-but-really-should/
Volleyball team reaches Euro final. (TY Nevet) Maccabi Tel Aviv's volleyball team made history after it qualified for the final of the Volleyball Challenge Cup, becoming the first Israeli team to reach a European final. The final will take place on March 5th and 15th. https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/rkjel8jai
Promoting tennis to Arabs. The Israel Tennis & Education Centers (ITEC) is using the Abraham Accords to encourage Arabs in Israel and elsewhere to take up tennis. In Jan, ITEC players and coaches flew to Bahrain. The ITEC is also running programs for Arab, Bedouin, Christian, Druze and Jewish kids in six Israeli cities.
https://www.jns.org/the-abraham-accords-of-tennis/
Ice hockey to help the needy. 75 players from the US, Canada, Europe, and Israel competed in the 12th annual Israel Recreational Hockey Association Tournament at the One Ice Arena outside of Netanya. The event raised funds for Leket Israel, Israel’s National Food Bank. Many players also packed food for needy families.
https://www.jns.org/ice-hockey-tourney-nets-a-goal-for-the-needy-in-israel/
First ever gold at Mixed Martial Arts. 19-year-old Shaked Nisimian became the first Israeli to win a gold medal at an MMA World Championships, beating the reigning champion to claim the under-21 title in Serbia. Her victory is astonishing as she only joined the sport recently. She previously held the European jiu-jitsu title.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/teen-titan-19-year-old-israeli-fighter-beats-world-champ/
THE JEWISH STATE
1,400-year-old discovery on hike. A family found an ornamental 1,400-year-old clay ceramic figure of a face on the ground while hiking through the hills south of the city of Modiin. The Israel Antiquities Authority said the fine object was the decorative end of a candle holder dating from the 6th-7th Century in the Byzantine era.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/family-comes-face-to-face-with-1400-year-old-decorative-clay-figure/
Young leaders must experience Israel. The Friends of the IDF (FIDF) is once again offering 21 – 39-year-olds the opportunity to experience Israel alongside IDF soldiers on their Young Leadership Mission to Israel. This year’s dates are May 18 – 24. See itinerary, registration, and video links below.
https://www.fidf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Updated-2023-Mission-IT-1.pdf
https://www.fidf.org/national-young-leadership-mission-to-israel/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxU-zSEKUpg
Charity for children with cancer. Rachashei Lev provides medical, financial, and emotional support to pediatric cancer patients and their families, including medical resources, financial assistance, social services, and more. https://rachasheilev.org/?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtbfULs93Lg
Never too late to get married. Avraham Nachum’s 100th birthday motivated him to marry his long-term partner Bella - a mere 70-year-old. They had put off the wedding because of Covid, but now Avraham wanted to rid himself of the title of “widower”. The NGO Tzohar arranged the ceremony in Maale Adumin, Jerusalem.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367772
230212
In the 12th Feb 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Hospitals built by Israelis treat all patients everywhere.
· IDF Search & Rescue teams have saved dozens of earthquake victims.
· Israeli energy startup wins Cleantech award in Abu Dhabi.
· Huge investor conference in Jerusalem.
· Israeli female judoka wins gold medal in Paris.
· Jewish values are paramount for Israeli rescue team.
· Click here to see the 5th Feb newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours with a “mind-blowing” intro, IsraPundit and United With Israel with feature on Jewish State. Also (TY Sandra) in German here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 22,100 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Proteins in focus for AMD. Tel Aviv University researchers have identified two genomic proteins LHX2 and OTX2 that affect the chances of contracting Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The discovery is a key stage in understanding the genetic mechanisms related to AMD and other complex genetic diseases.
https://english.tau.ac.il/risk_factor_amd
https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3001924
New peptides to target Alzheimer’s culprit. (TY UWI) Scientists at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, working with Canadian scientists have developed peptides (small proteins) that in laboratory tests prevent the production of oligomers – small polymers that are the true culprits of the neuron damage in Alzheimer’s disease.
https://www.israel21c.org/treatment-for-very-early-alzheimers-under-development/
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2210766119
World’s most advanced children’s hospital. (TY Hazel) The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital just inaugurated at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center, features unique early genetic tests for detecting and treating rare diseases. It will also treat children from the Palestinian Authority, Gaza, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/byhmjk1to
Dental center for patients with disabilities. The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine is establishing the Robert I. Schattner Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities. The state-of-the-art facility will provide accessible, optimal care for patients and specialized training for dental professionals.
https://www.afhu.org/hebrew-university-hadassah-school-of-dental-medicines-robert-i-schattner-oral-health-center-for-people-with-disabilities/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGLPsB_EQjs
AI to build UK care center. AI technology from Israel’s Buildots (see here previously) is constructing the new maternity, pediatrics, emergency, and critical care center at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. It is the first UK healthcare facility to be built using Artificial Intelligent tech to increase efficiency and decrease costs.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-ai-construction-technology-helps-build-uk-hospital/
Partnering for medical air rescue service. Israel’s Magen David Adom and America’s Hatzolah Air are partnering to provide any future emergency medical evacuations in Israel. MDA’s flight paramedics will board Hatzolah Air and MDA Medevac helicopters to perform rescues via MDA’s Tiberias and Beer Sheva air bases.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366974
Universities partner to study the brain. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Kentucky have received a joint $1 million grant to study new aspects of RNA biology. They will try to discover why humans have more complex brains than other organisms with roughly the same number of genes?
https://www.bfhu.org/2023/02/03/university-of-kentucky-and-hu-partner-to-study-brain-complexity/
Non-animal testing in Dubai. (TY Atid-EDI) UAE’s MBZUAI has signed an agreement with Israel’s Quris-AI (see here previously) to establish a world-class Bio-AI center in Abu Dhabi, that will support development of personalized medications, specifically tailored to the MENA (Middle East Nort Africa) region population.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/01/18/2590734/0/en/Quris-AI-and-MBZUAI-to-launch-world-class-Bio-AI-center-in-Abu-Dhabi.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTKg274ehgU
Training Kenyan navy to treat casualties. For the first time ever, experts from Israel’s Sheba Medical Center, including doctors, nurses, and simulation specialists, helped prepare Kenya’s navy for mass casualty scenarios. They worked alongside military and civilian personnel from Kenya, the US 5th fleet, Qatar, and Denmark.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-730225
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Wild Walks Project. “Wild Walks” Israel is a Nationwide project to help war-weary teenagers from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus adapt to a new life in Israel. It provides a safe space for these young men and women to use art, play and conversation to build their own world with their own places, friends, and activities.
https://www.dikieprogulki.org/wild-walks-project/
Young guardians – Jewish & Bedouin. HaShomer HaChadash (The New Guardian – see here previously) safeguards Israel’s lands by agriculture & education. Its 25,000 strong youth movement HaTnua HaChadasha now includes some 3,000 Bedouin children, mostly meeting at the charity’s Zarzir educational farm.
https://www.israel21c.org/youth-group-instills-love-of-the-land-in-bedouins-and-jews/
https://eng.hashomer.org.il/ (see Programs & Projects - HaShomer HaChadash Youth Organization)
Innovation to improve ties with New Zealand. The New Zealand Israel Innovation Hub (NZIIH) recently opened in Tel Aviv (see here previously). Founder Josh Brown and startup advisor Elinor Swery are promoting 23 initiatives to foster business ventures including foodtech, agtech, climatetech, and spacetech.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rj7zesani
Hospital equipment for Moldovan babies. (TY Hazel) Israel has donated $250,000 worth of perinatal equipment to nine hospitals in Moldovia. It includes incubators and resuscitation tables, replacing equipment over two decades old. https://www.moldpres.md/en/news/2023/01/27/23000648
Saving lives in Turkey. (TY WIN) Israel’s IDF “Operation Olive Branches” has hundreds of medics and Search & Rescue experts in Turkiye (Turkey). They have pulled dozens of survivors from the rubble of the massive earthquakes. Israel’s United Hatzalah, Magen David Adom and Zaka have also sent relief missions.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-730836 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367108
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367187 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367141
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/367283
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Israeli tech is saving lives in Turkey. Israeli NGO United Hatzalah is using cloud-based tech from Israel’s Carbyne (see here) to share real-time location data, video, and images with its remote medical teams in Turkey. Separately, Israel’s Sight Diagnostics (see here) will deploy its blood count devices at the IDF’s field hospital.
CyberTech Global 2023. Cybertech Global is the cyber industry’s foremost Business-to-Business networking platform. The 2023 Tel Aviv event was as popular as ever with speakers including Israeli leaders, cyber leaders from governments and industry, both Israeli and global. https://www.cybertechisrael.com/speakers
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/defense/1675170832-israel-s-cybersecurity-authority-foiled-over-1-000-major-attacks-in-2022 https://english.news.cn/20230201/50075bc54e78471d8d168486967c17b5/c.html
Microsoft partnership for quantum education. The quantum computing platform from Israel’s Classiq (see here previously), plus Microsoft Azure Quantum’s cloud have been made available to Israeli professors, students, and researchers for conducting courses and carrying out research in all aspects of quantum computing.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/syqgngwto
Promoting innovation in Engineering. The Azrieli Foundation has donated $3.75 million to create the Azrieli Center for Excellence in Engineering Education in Israel (Azrieli E3). The new center will develop and promote innovative methods of engineering education, while nurturing engineers over the course of their careers.
Cleantech award in the UAE. Brenmiller Energy (see here previously) is the first Israeli company to win a World CleanTech Award from the CleanTech Business Club – a group of industry, government, and investment leaders from 36 countries. CEO Avi Brenmiller received the outstanding startup award in Abu Dhabi.
https://www.israel21c.org/brenmiller-energy-wins-world-cleantech-award-at-uae-event/
Tomato-picking robot picks up the pace. The tomato harvest robots from Israel’s MetoMotion (see here previously) now work at two greenhouse growers in the Netherlands. MetoMotion is looking to install 10 to 20 of the robotic machines this year, targeting Western Europe, followed eventually by Canada and the US.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-startup-develops-first-ai-robot-for-picking-tomatoes/
Japanese forests in Israel. At an ecological community site in Southern Israel, LyOr Rabinowiz and a group of volunteers are growing a forest using the Japanese Miyawaki method. They planted saplings close together, which helps the trees defend each other against pests, revitalize poor soil, and are said to grow much faster.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-crowded-japanese-style-forest-israeli-trees-find-space-to-grow/
From Startup Nation to WaterTech Nation. Great summary by Seth M Siegel (author of “Let There Be Water”) of Israel’s successful strategy to overcome its water scarcity. Seth is Chief Sustainability Officer at Israel’s N-Drip. See also here and here previously. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjefnmftj
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Ohio buys more Israel Bonds. The government of Ohio State has purchased $20 million of Israel Bonds to take its overall holding to $182.5 million and become one of the largest government owners of Israeli Bonds in the United States. Since 1993, every Ohio state treasurer has purchased Israel Bonds (see here previously).
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366917
All happening at Investor Summit. The speakers lined up for OurCrowd’s Global Investor Summit, this coming week, include Israel’s President Herzog, US Ambassador Nides, Author Saul Singer, “Fauda” actor Lior Raz, ex-Mossad head Yossi Cohen, Natan Sharansky, and many, many more.
https://summit.ourcrowd.com/ https://summit.ourcrowd.com/speakers/
$125 million for Israeli space-tech. Israel’s Earth & Beyond Ventures (see here previously) has raised $125 million to invest in Israel’s emerging commercial space ecosystem. It will focus on aerospace and satellite engineering startups. Investors include NASA supplier Corning, Japan’s Kyocera, and Israel’s Spacecom.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1611pgai
University VC fund reaches its target. Israel’s Reichman University has successfully raised the $30 million it announced previously in June for startups founded by its graduates. RUNI Ventures, will offer some $500,000 to each promising startup, plus workspace, mentors (Uni and/or external), and student interns or employees.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/university-raises-30m-for-student-startups/
Business opportunities to USA from Israel. The Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce has released “Business Opportunities from Israel”. The database contains hundreds of up-to-date offers across all industries from Israeli importers, exporters, service providers, etc., seeking business partners around the world.
https://www.chamber.org.il/37679/40433/
Israeli head of Texas Instruments. Israel’s Haviv Ilan is to be the new CEO of chip manufacturer Texas Instruments. Ilan joined the US company in 1999 when TI acquired Ilan’s Israeli startup, Butterfly.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-appointed-ceo-of-chip-manufacturer-texas-instruments/
Bringing biofriendly resilin to market. Israel’s Smart Resilin (see here previously) is partnering European biotech Acies Bio to commercialize resilin as an environmentally beneficial material for many industries. The non-toxic, bio-degradable protein can replace synthetic plastics in applications from footwear to aerospace.
Seahorse wine. The boutique Seahorse Winery at Bar Giora in the Judean Hills makes some 50,000 bottles of wine a year. The winery has 2,200 vines per acre, compared to 880 vines per acre elsewhere in Israel. This means the grapes grow under stress, remain small at harvest time, and produce extremely flavorsome wines.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-little-winery-where-every-bottle-is-a-labor-of-love/
FAA approval for drone delivery. (TY OurCrowd) The US Federal Aviation Administration has approved the partner of Israel’s Flytrex (see here previously) to use its drones to deliver across the USA. Currently, Flytrex operates in five cities in Texas and North Carolina, delivering everything from burgers to sushi.
A Wisor solution to freight forwarding. Israel’s Wisor AI has developed a software solution tailored to the needs of the 300,000 freight forwarders. It automates both the manual process of aggregating pricing data as well as the optimization of shipping routes across airlines, ocean liners, trucking, and rail companies.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hkquctjaj https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRyZW_A1Tt0
Saving a fortune for businesses. Israel’s Anodot (see here previously) analyzes a company’s data to highlight potential revenue issues to management. Since acquiring US-based Pileus, Anodot also helps management control and reduce its cloud computing costs.
https://thesiliconreview.com/magazine/profile/optimize-business-cloud-anodot-solutions/
Ad company gets Google certification. Israel’s Adnimation has been granted Google Certified Publishing Partner (GCPP) status, shared by just 57 other companies around the globe. Adnimation works with publishers to monetize their content with innovative advertising. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyT9RlwKUAw
https://worldisraelnews.com/israeli-startup-nets-prestigious-google-status/ https://www.adnimation.com/
Investment in Israeli startups to 12/2/23: Mediwound raised $27.5 million; One Zero Bank (previously First Digital Bank) raised $62 million; Wisor AI raised $8 million; Meala FoodTech raised $1.9 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Inside the Knesset Museum. (TY UWI & I24 News) Israel’s Knesset Museum stores many of the 1,200 gifts the Jewish State has received from other countries and important figures. Here is a glimpse. It will be revealed in full to the public to celebrate Israel’s 74th birthday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08EMkypMSOM
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-what-secrets-does-the-knessets-chamber-of-treasures-hold/
1600-year-old gold bead found in Jerusalem. A rare gold bead from the end of the Roman era has been discovered in Jerusalem's City of David during excavation of the Pilgrimage Road. It was made using unique delicate workmanship to affix tens of tiny balls together in the shape of a ring to create one small bead.
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-730923
Sun & rain in Jerusalem. (TY Sharon) Jerusalem’s streets last week were a contrast of clouds, downpours, and sunshine. So were some of Jerusalem’s events. And notice the elderly Arab man leaving Mount Scopus’ Hadassah hospital in a Yad Sarah wheelchair. Mazel Tov to Sharon on her new grandson.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/02/05/in-jerusalem-february-got-off-to-a-busy-start/
Hugh Laurie in Tehran. (TY Hazel) Veteran English actor Hugh Laurie (famous as Dr Gregory House) is joining the cast of Israeli spy thriller Tehran for its third season. It marks another high-profile casting after movie icon Glenn Close featured in Season Two. Laurie is expected to play a nuclear inspector.
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/rjn1ciwps
Jerusalem Marathon. Mar 17 is the date for the Jerusalem Marathon. Israel’s Emergency EMT NGO United Hatzalah has formed a team that will be running to save lives. Israelis can also join the team to help raise funds. Register at www.israelrescue.org/jlmmarathon23 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WCe7zVYgZo
Judoka gold. (TY Nevet & UWI) Israeli judoka Gili Sharir won the gold medal in the women’s under 63kg category at the 2023 Paris Grand Slam judo competition. Israel’s Gefen Primo won the women’s under 52kg bronze medal. Israel’s Peter Paltchik also took home the bronze medal in the men’s under 100kg category.
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/hk0011f63i https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn8HF0yrh2w
THE JEWISH STATE
120 more Ethiopians make Aliyah. (TY UWI & ILTV) The first 2023 flight of “Operation Zur Yisrael” has just brought 120 new immigrants from Ethiopia to Israel. They had spent a long time in Addis Ababa and Gondar but following Ethiopia agreeing to issue exit visas, they can now reunite with their Israeli families.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wTR523oZak
90 more Ukrainian Jews come home. Ninety Ukrainian Jewish refugees have just arrived in Israel on a chartered flight made possible by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ). The refugees originally chose to stay behind in Ukraine but have since been forced out of their former homes by the fighting.
https://www.jns.org/90-ukrainian-jewish-refugees-come-home-to-israel/
JNF Global Conference for Israel. I know it’s a long way off, but you might wish to plan for the JNF-USA’s Global Conference for Israel Nov 30 – Dec 3 in Denver Colorado. See Israeli innovation up close and take part in one of the largest Shabbat dinners ever. https://jnf-usa.force.com/s/lt-event?id=aBH6T000001UJDGWA4
Those who bless Israel. For Christian readers living in the UK.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i56X8-cvXbI
Lone soldiers are not alone. 120+ soldiers from 27 countries participated in the Givati Brigade Association’s Lone Soldiers Day at Metzudat Yoav near Kibbutz Sde Yoav. Personal meetings addressed individual needs. Group workshops explored housing subsidies, living expenses, Shabbat meals and family environments.
https://www.jns.org/gathering-of-elite-idf-soldiers-shows-theyre-far-from-lone/
https://www.enjoyingisrael.com/attractions/6548/metzudat-yoav-givati-brigade-center
Holy work. (TY WIN) While waiting for the order to move into the crisis zone, members of the IDF delegation stopped to pray. Then Israel’s Chief Rabbi instructed Israeli Jewish rescue workers to continue operations through the Jewish Sabbath, as Jewish law states that saving life overrides Torah commandments.
230205
In the 5th Feb 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· An Israeli biotech is developing cutting-edge cell therapy to cure diseases.
· Another Moslem country opens its embassy in Israel.
· An Israeli startup is developing fusion energy technology.
· Israeli sunglasses can convert instantly into reading glasses.
· Israeli business ventures include companies from India, Japan, and Qatar.
· Israel’s winter rains have finally arrived.
· A prayer for Israel’s welfare comes down from the Heavens.
· Click here to see the 29th Jan newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours with a very healthy intro, and IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) in German here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 22,000 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Cell therapy to treat disease. (TY UWI) Israel’s Minovia Therapeutics (see here previously) is testing mitochondria augmentation therapy (MAT) on children with rare, untreatable mitochondrial diseases. It has had some success with Pearson’s Disease sufferers. It may eventually also be able to treat age-related diseases.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-cell-therapy-may-be-key-to-curing-disease/
Diagnosing cancer and the mutation causing it. The AI digital biopsy from Israel’s Imagene (see here previously) not only identifies if someone has cancer but also what mutation is responsible for the anomaly. This is something pathologists cannot determine using a microscope. With results in minutes, not weeks.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/ai-cuts-cancer-wait-from-four-weeks-to-two-minutes/
The world’s first “smart inventory” operating room. Israel’s Galilee Medical Center has inaugurated the first operating room to automatically manage medical inventory. The system from Israel’s Autonomi tracks and manages all medical equipment, reduces waste, conducts patient-safety recalls and issues expiration warnings.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-729641 https://www.autonomi.xyz/
Sheba alliance with futuristic Bahraini hospital. Israel’s Sheba Medical Center is helping set up the King Hamad American Mission Hospital (KHAMH) in Manama, Bahrain. Specifically, Sheba is helping establish ARC (Accelerate, Redesign, Collaborate) medical start-up innovations for doctors to provide advanced care.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-729985
AI in Healthcare conference. The Medical AI Roadmap Conference at Israel’s Beilinson Hospital assembled Israel’s leading doctors, academics, scientists and entrepreneurs to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the healthcare industry. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366750
Look into my AIs. Professor Irit Bahar is director of the ophthalmology department at Beilinson Hospital. She described how AI is fundamental to her work. As part of fundus photography (imaging of the retina) AI not only helps detect eye problems but also diagnoses (for example) whether the patient is at risk of diabetes.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/o0hyw7g9q
More benefits of AI. Israel’s Nanox (see here previously) is using data from CT-scans taken for a particular reason, for early detection of other medical issues. A scan for pneumonia can then be further analyzed using AI to discover (for example) osteoporosis. If calcium is discovered in the arteries, it can indicate heart problems.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/9pj3x0bx4
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Israeli women in R&D. Carine-Belle Feder, CTO & Co-Founder at Antidote Health, was so unhappy at being the only woman in the room she started “Baot. It is now the biggest Israeli community of women in R&D - software engineers, data scientists, security researchers and academic researchers.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjpkoefno
Wise words - “Jews save Arabs. Arabs save Jews”. Israeli Arab Fadi Dekidek has been an MDA paramedic for nearly 20 years. He says, “MDA is in a state of its own for co-existence - it’s an example for the whole world.” "The difference between a culture that glorifies terror and one that works hard to heal is education."
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-730025
The world’s largest employer of autistic people. Captain Udi Heller is autistic and founder of the "Titkadmu" (Move Forward) program at the largest employer of autistic people in the world – the IDF. Captain Heller spoke at the high-tech diversity conference organized by Calcalist, Bank Leumi, Meitar and PowerInDiversity.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/uwsn2mioe https://powerindiversityisrael.com/
Training Haredim for business. One of the companies attending Israel’s “Power in Diversity” conference was PHONE.DO (see here previously). CTO Israel Weinberg explains how his company recruits Haredim who are finishing their studies and trains them for work in IT development or call center operations. (Video in link.)
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjdbytu2o
“Hatikvah” played in Albanian Parliament. A delegation of Zionist activists and Knesset members visited majority Muslim Albania and met with local legislators. Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, was performed at the Albanian parliament in the presence of the Israelis and members of the pro-Israel Beit Yisrael group.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366853
Chad opens Embassy in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chad President Mehmet Déby have inaugurated the African country's embassy in Israel, five years after the two countries restored diplomatic ties. The majority Muslim country’s embassy is in Ramat Gan – a suburb of Tel Aviv.
More bullet-proof ambulances for Ukraine. Israel has transferred three more ambulances to Ukrainian rescue services (see here previously). The Israeli “Plasan Re’em” company reinforced the ambulances and equipped them with life-saving medical gear including a defibrillator, oxygen system and more.
https://www.jns.org/israel-transfers-bullet-proof-ambulances-to-ukraine/
“The Jews have arrived!”. Wonderful interview with Colonel Golan Vach, Commander of the IDF’s National Rescue Unit. He describes some of the unit’s international life-saving missions. But most amazing is the response from civilians when Colonal Vach tells them that they have come from Jerusalem.
https://mizrachi.org/hamizrachi/g-d-has-heard-my-prayers-the-jews-have-arrived/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The skies are no limit. The 18th Ilan Ramon Space Conference in Tel Aviv attracted space industry leaders from NASA, the German, Italian and Greek space agencies, Portugal, Morocco, and the UAE. Israeli space startups included Ramon.Space, Helios Space and StemRad. The theme was “Earth and Space Becoming One”.
https://www.jns.org/the-skies-the-limit-for-the-booming-space-industry/
Israel-Korea Space Workshop. Is-Ko-Space 2023 (Jan 29 – Feb 3) was the first Israeli-Korean astronomy & space science workshop, and aims to encourage joint projects. It comprised 2 days of presentations and 2 days visiting Israel’s Wise Observatory in Mitzpe Ramon and Weizmann Institute’s Ne’ot Smadar observatory.
https://www.ariel.ac.il/wp/iskospace/ https://www.ariel.ac.il/wp/iskospace/program/
Groundbreaking satellite ground station. Tel Aviv University scientists have built one of the most advanced satellite ground stations in the world (see here previously) and the first observatory for secure quantum optical communication with Earth-orbiting satellites. It also features tracking, sensing, and hyperspectral imaging.
https://www.aftau.org/news_item/tau-establishes-first-satellite-observatory-for-quantum-optical-communication/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atZD3sUypYA
Clean fusion energy. Israel’s NT-Tao is engineering compact and scalable nuclear fusion energy technology. It says its proprietary ultra-fast plasma heating method will enable it to reach 1000 times higher density than other fusion reactors, thereby making its fusion reaction 1 million times more effective. It has just raised $22 million.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjrhbap3i https://www.nt-tao.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9YpFHCu5nE
Israel to host Ferroelectricity conference. (TY Nevet) For the first time since its 1966 inauguration, the International Meeting on Ferroelectricity (IMF) will be held in Israel. Technion Assistant Professor Yachin Ivry will chair the conference in Tel Aviv (26-30 Mar) with 500 participants expected. (See Wikipedia if necessary)
https://zuckerman-scholars.org/spotlight/yachin-ivry/ https://imf2021.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferroelectricity
Sustainable Proteins. Israel’s Technion Institute is investing $20 million in establishing the Sustainable Protein Research Center (SPRC). It will partner the international non-profit Good Food Institute to accelerate alternative protein innovation. Israel is second only to the USA for investments in sustainable proteins.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-729719
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/byditeehi
An urban farm like no other. Israel’s GreenOnyx (see here previously) has opened an indoor breeding farm to grow and produce its Wanna Greens duckweed-based lentil greens - no agricultural land, autonomous, all-year-round. GreenOnyx markets its fresh, affordable, ready-to-eat, water-based superfood on-line.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/agriculture-4-0-israeli-startup-sets-up-smart-urban-farm-for-fresh-green-superfood/ https://www.greenonyx.ag/news
The future of food. (TY UWI & Israel21c) Hebrew University of Jerusalem Professor Yaakov Nahmias is the founder of Believer Meats (formerly Future Meat Technologies) – see here previously. He explains how his Jerusalem-based startup is Israel’s most advanced developer of cultured meat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR34WqvMVRs
LEDs to trigger heat-generating polymers. Scientists at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have developed polymers that heat up or change their physical properties (e.g., from flexible to rigid) when exposed to LED light. The practical implications are wide-ranging, including housing in off-grid environments.
https://www.jpost.com/science/article-730084 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-022-01124-7
You are what you see. Israel’s Deep Optics (see here previously) is clearly moving ahead with its adaptive optics technology. A layer of liquid crystal allows standard sunglasses to switch into reading glasses with a swipe along the arm of the frame. The next version will allow switching from reading glasses to distance lenses.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/from-sunglasses-to-reading-glasses-in-one-swipe/ https://www.deepoptics.com/
Customer service – use a robot. Companies are gradually realizing that most customer queries can be answered by a chatbot – an intelligent robot answering service, rather than a human operator. Israel’s CommBox offers both – passing complex queries seamlessly from chatbot to human and then back again.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/human-or-chatbot-can-you-tell-the-difference/ https://www.commbox.io/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn7Hej_O_Qc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOi0rLEWW8g
Internet access on trains in Asia-Pacific. Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks (see here previously) has won a multimillion-dollar contract for the expansion of satellite communications capabilities on trains in Asia-Pacific. Gilat’s ER7000 SATCOM On-The-Move antennas will provide continuous internet access to passengers.
Immerse yourself in Israeli Innovation. Israel21c has listed 8 top Israeli innovation sites to visit. I personally can recommend Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu, Weizmann Institute, Ramat Negev agri R&D, and Vidor Center. The Technion, Ashlam, and Salad Trail look fascinating too.
https://www.israel21c.org/8-israel-innovation-tourist-spots-to-put-on-your-itinerary/
A different degree. The Rothschild-Technion Program for Excellence is an academic study program for a bachelor’s degree, geared to make the most of the students’ curiosity and creativity, and to expand their horizons. The program is designed for students who are capable and interested in learning “differently”.
https://www.edrf.org.il/en/programs/rothschild-technion-program-for-excellence/
https://excellence.technion.ac.il/en/ https://admissions.technion.ac.il/en/the-rothschild-scholars-program/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Twin boost for Israeli ag-tech. (TY OurCrowd) Amazon Web Services (AWS) recommends farmers use Israel’s CropX (see here previously) to supply food to the world’s population. CropX systems use AWS Cloud computing. Meanwhile, CropX has acquired US-based precision irrigation startup Tule, its 4th acquisition.
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/how-cropx-uses-aws-cloud-computing-for-farming
https://agfundernews.com/cropx-makes-its-fourth-acquisition-with-precision-irrigation-startup-tule
Israeli alliance to transform the spirulina market. Israel’s Simpliigood (see here previously) has partnered Israeli agri-tech multinational Haifa Group (see here previously). Together they will optimize Simpliigood’s spirulina algae production, use Haifa Group’s waste CO2 for spirulina photosynthesis and develop new foods.
Business with India is truly motoring. Israel’s EVR Motors has signed its 4th commercial agreement in India. It is now partnering RSB Group to develop electric motors for light commercial vehicles using its breakthrough Trapezoidal Stator RFPM topology. Previous agreements with Badve (see here), Napino, and EKA Mobility.
Japanese alliance for auto security. (TY OurCrowd) Japanese IT service giant NTT has selected Israel’s C2A Security (see here previously) as the first project of its new Global Automotive Security Test Center. The center will test connected cars to secure and protect their systems from cyber-attacks for NTT’s global clients.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-729457
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFM81sorY5g
Freightos IPO includes Qatari investment. Israel’s global freight booking and payment platform Freightos has begun trading on Nasdaq after a $500 million IPO. Freightos raised over $80 million in capital through the listing, including $10 million from Qatar Airways. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyvyviroi
Global cybersecurity alliance. Israel’s Elron Ventures has unveiled CyberFuture - a cybersecurity alliance of global Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and entrepreneurs. It aims to support new cybersecurity startups, plus earn investment income for the security professionals (including several Israelis) involved.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkpaycl2o
One in a thousand. When global management consultancy McKinsey acquired Israel’s Iguazio last month (see here previously) they had examined more than 1,000 AI companies worldwide. Iguazio (McKinsey’s first Israeli acquisition) was identified as the best fit to help McKinsey significantly accelerate its AI offering.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/mckinsey-buys-one-in-1000-israeli-ai-startup/
Exits, mergers & acquisitions to 5/2/23: US giant Dell acquired Israel’s cloud orchestration solutions startup Cloudify for up to $100 million; Israel’s OpenWeb acquired Israeli-founded proprietary audience management platform Jeeng for $100 million; Canada’s Plusgrade acquired Israel’s UpStay and opened Israeli R&D center.
Investment in Israeli startups to 5/2/23: Freightos raised $80 million (IPO); Sentra raised $30 million; NT-Tao raised $22 million; Evigence raised $18 million; BridgeWise raised $13 million; Gem Security raised $11 million; Guardz raised $10 million; Addressable raised $7.5 million; GoodOnes raised $3.5 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
February in Israel. February is one of the most beautiful times of the year, as much of the country is covered in gleaming green grass after the rain. Also check out the Eilat Chamber Music Festival (8th-11th), the Sommelier Exhibition (14th-15th) and the Tel Aviv Marathon (24th).
https://www.touristisrael.com/things-to-do-in-israel-in-february/9525/
https://www.touristisrael.com/eilat-chamber-music-festival/4720/
Dogotel. (TY Hazel) Lior is a former IDF canine unit officer and a seasoned dog trainer, who uses his skills to train hundreds of pups in his Tel Aviv “Dogotel” academy. His premises include a playroom with a library and a 'poodle room' spa. He has 100+ students and prospective new entrants have to pass an entrance exam.
https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/h1rqjmasj
Dream Theater plays Tel Aviv. (TY Nevet) Grammy-winning progressive metal band Dream Theater chose Tel Aviv’s Hangar 11 to begin their 2023 Top of the World Tour. The band credits influences, such as Rush, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden and Metallica and often uses the Bible to evoke powerful imagery in their music.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/progressive-metal-band-dream-theater-to-play-in-tel-aviv/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6OE7GQWWBI
The rich history of Israeli wines. (TY UWI) Israel’s Shomron has many fine wineries, including Jordan Valley’s Ben Ami, Shiloh’s Amichai Luria, Har Bracha’s Tura Estate, Karnei Shomron’s Gat Shomron, Itamar’s Tom, Elon Moreh’s Kabir, Yitzhar’s Ben Porat, Givat Harel’s Gvaot, and Pesagot. “LeHayim!”
https://www.jns.org/up-and-coming-wines-from-samaria-and-the-jordan-valley/
11 inches of snow on Mount Hermon. Winter finally arrived in Israel. Israel's only ski resort, Mount Hermon saw at least 30 cm (11 inches) fall in one night.
THE JEWISH STATE
More homes in Jerusalem. 850 new apartments are to be built in the historic Jerusalem neighborhoods of Katamonim, Kiryat HaYovel, and Arnona. Hopefully this (and similar projects) will alleviate some of the demand for accommodation in Israel’s capital – currently home to nearly one million residents.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-moves-forward-with-urban-renewal-plans-in-key-neighborhoods/
How to educate on Zionism in the US. 3,000 delegates at the 8th Israeli-American Council (IAC) Summit in Austin, Texas, heard mega-bloggers give advice on how to advocate for Israel. They included Emily Austin (1 million on Instagram), London Lazerson (9.4 million on TikTok) and Nusair Yassin (21 million on Facebook).
https://www.jns.org/pro-israel-online-influencers-preach-subtlety-at-austin-conference/
Reclaim the Narrative. Hurry to register for these online series of classes provided by partners of the JNF-USA. “Israel Explained: Through the Lens of History”, by Laureen Lipsky, CEO & Founder, Taking Back the Narrative; and “Zionism Today”, by Rabbi Uri Pilichowski of Nefesh B’Nefesh.
https://www.jnf.org/events-landing-pages/conversations-on-zionism
UN Ambassador’s son celebrates Bar Mitzvah. Amit Erdan, son of Israel's Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, put on tefillin for the first time as he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in New York. They were both surprised and overjoyed when the Ambassador’s parents arrived from Israel to celebrate the occasion.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366711
Refugee from Nazis helped create army dog unit. 93-year-old Esther Cohen escaped to mandate Palestine in 1938. She and canine scientist Rudolphina Menzel established Haganah’s canine unit, the forerunner of the modern-day IDF Oketz Unit. The dogs were trained for guard duty, search & rescue, messengers and spying.
https://www.jns.org/a-refugee-from-the-nazis-she-helped-create-the-haganah-and-idf-canine-units/
A historical reminder for Tu BiShvat. This recent article about the non-Jewish soil conservationist Walter Clay Lowdermilk graphically illustrates the transformation of the barren 19th century Land of Israel into one of the most lush, fruit-yielding areas in the world. An appropriate reminder for the Jewish New Year for Trees.
https://mizrachi.org/hamizrachi/lowdermilk-and-the-land/
Prayer for Israel returns from space. At the 11th Israel Space Week, Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe returned to President Herzog the glass cube that he carried to the International Space Station. It was inscribed with the Prayer for the Welfare of State of Israel instituted by Israel’s Chief Rabbi Herzog – The President’s grandfather.
https://www.jns.org/herzog-mankind-must-soar-to-new-heights-to-save-earth-from-terrifying-depths/
230129
In the 29th Jan 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Israeli women are the 9th healthiest of 122 countries surveyed.
· Israel has good news for IBD sufferers.
· Israel added a record value of new medical benefits into its 2023 health basket.
· For 60 years a Jerusalem charity has quietly supported the elderly in need.
· A new Israeli natural sweetener has 70% less sugar for the same taste.
· Israelis enjoy the world's best value Internet service.
· A new Israeli factory is to mass-produce flexible solar panels.
· An ancient site being excavated in Judea has three Biblical sources.
· Click here to see the 22nd Jan newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours with a spectacular intro, IsraPundit and United With Israel. Also (TY Sandra) in German here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 22,000 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Israeli women are world’s 9th healthiest. (TY Hazel) In the 2021 Hologic Global Women’s Health Index (measured by Gallup) published this week, Israel is 9th overall and 2nd for life expectancy. The report aims to heighten awareness and guide actions that increase the life expectancy and quality of life for women globally.
Medication to prevent antibiotic toxicity. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Israel’s Tissue Dynamics again used their “sensors on a chip” to bypass animal testing in developing a new treatment. They proved that the diabetic drug empagliflozin blocks the toxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics in kidney disease patients.
New anti-microbial compound. Scientists at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have created a new compound by combining copper with a polysaccharide derived from the marine red microalga Porphyridium sp. The long, dense spikes on the surface of the compound kills bacteria and fungus by poking holes in their membranes.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/red_algae.aspx https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/20/12/787
A natural remedy for IBD. Israel’s Sheba Medical Center has developed CurQD – a botanical combination of Curcumin (Tumeric) and QingDai for treating Ulcerative Colitis. Phase 1 and 2 human trials were successful and a spin-off company Evinature is now marketing the product.
https://www.israel21c.org/a-natural-plant-based-treatment-for-ulcerative-colitis/ https://evinature.com/
Smart partnership to find IBD treatments. Israel’s CytoReason (see here previously) is partnering France’s Sanofi to identify novel therapies to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Sanofi will pay CytoReason millions of dollars to use the Israeli startup’s computational AI-discovery disease model platform.
More research about healthy aging. Ben Gurion University’s Dr Debra Toiber and her international colleagues have made more discoveries about the role of the protein SIRT6 in the aging process (see here previously). They have now found that SIRT6 prevents mitochondrial disfunction that causes brain diseases.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/toiber_aging.aspx https://www.nature.com/articles/s41419-022-05542-w
Treating Autism and Alzheimer’s. The American Friends of the Hebrew University is hosting an evening with the University’s Dr Haitham Amal on 31 Jan in Florida. Dr Amal will discuss the groundbreaking development of therapies for Autism and Alzheimer’s disease. https://www.afhu.org/event/towards-the-groundbreaking-development-of-therapeutic-drugs-for-autism-and-alzheimers-disease/
Solutions for today’s medical challenges. The Tel Aviv University MedTech Hackathon attracted 200 students and 120 mentors. The winner OReye utilizes cutting-edge computer vision technology for a safer operating room. Runner up was a wellness app for the early diagnosis and treatment of peripartum depression.
https://english.tau.ac.il/news/medtech_hackathon_2023
Using the mind to benefit the body. Dr. Amit Abraham of Ariel University’s Department of Physiotherapy uses Dynamic Neurocognitive Imagery (DNI) to improve the lives of amputees and Parkinson’s sufferers. DNI also improves the performance of dancers and athletes such as Israel’s Olympic rhythmic gymnastic team.
https://www.ariel.ac.il/wp/en/discovering-how-mental-imagery-boosts-physical-performance/
Gala raises $1.1 million for HU medical center. The 2023 Palm Beach Scopus Award Gala raised over a million dollars for the Hebrew University’s Center for Computational Medicine in Jerusalem. The center will develop data-driven personalized health solutions, to replace “one size fits all” medical treatment.
CNN features Israeli medical company, but…. How CNN can publish a detailed article featuring Israel’s Insightec without mentioning the word “Israel” is quite revealing. It describes the company as “a leading maker of focused ultrasound machines”. Here in the IsraelActive archives are the full facts about Insightec.
Largest increase to health basket. Israel has increased its health basket of Government-provided services, medications, supplies, and medical equipment by a record NIS 650 million. More than 120 new medications and treatments were added, benefiting 350,000 citizens and permanent residents.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-728878
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Lifeline to the elderly. For 60 years, Israeli charity Yad LaKashish (Lifeline to the Elderly) helps Jerusalem’s needy seniors find work and sustenance with dignity. Some 200 mostly immigrants, make beautiful Judaica for sale, receiving a wage, a winter heating bonus, healthcare, a nutritious lunch, and food packages for holidays.
https://www.jns.org/helping-jerusalems-needy-elderly-find-work-meaning-and-sustenance/
El Al restarts Ambassadors’ program. (TY Dr Salem) Israeli airline El Al has restarted its 2011 program to inform people about Israel with the personal stories of flight attendants, pilots etc. They include Dimitriy – a Ukrainian-born flight attendant who recently flew on El Al flights to rescue Ukrainian refugees.
Sderot resilience center goes global. The Israeli town of Sderot is growing and thriving thanks to its resilience center that treats residents traumatized by thousands of missiles fired by Gaza terrorists. Sderot is now building a Resilience Incubator hub for developing resilience tech and training medics in high-risk international cities.
https://www.israel21c.org/resilience-tech-hub-opens-in-israels-most-resilient-city/
Israeli & UAE singers sing each other’s anthems. Israeli-Arab Yoseph Haddad (see here previously) hosted an International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony in Dubai. The event had Israel’s Nicole Raviv sing the UAE’s Anthem “Ishy Bilady” and Emirate’s Ahmed Al Hosani sang “Hatikvah” (see 2nd link).
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-to-sing-uae-anthem-at-dubai-holocaust-remembrance-event/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkogdbbhi
Another Israel-India center of excellence. Israel and India inaugurated a Center of Excellence (CoE) for agriculture in the northern Indian city of Gignow. It brings the total of Israel-India CoEs to thirty (see here previously). Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon said the centers increase yield, quality and diversify crops.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israel-india-agricultural-center-makes-the-desert-bloom/
Defense for NATO planes. Israel’s Elbit (see here previously) has signed a 5-year contract with NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to deliver anti-missile systems for NATO’s tanker transport plane fleet. Elbit’s laser-based J-Music protects against sophisticated heat-seeking ground-to-air missiles.
https://www.jns.org/israels-elbit-to-arm-nato-planes-with-anti-missile-systems/
Real time signing for the deaf. Israel’s Sign Now helps millions of deaf people conduct activities previously unavailable to them. The on-demand sign language service allows companies and organizations to provide hearing-impaired customers with equal access and opportunity. See video on the Ukrainian deaf community.
https://www.sign-now.io/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwpD4dnNkD4
IsraAID chief wins Bronfman Prize. Yotam Polizer, CEO of Israel’s leading humanitarian aid organization, IsraAID (see here previously) is the 2023 recipient of the Charles Bronfman Prize. The award is presented annually to a humanitarian whose work is informed by Jewish values and has significantly impacted the world.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366441
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Five of the best inventions of 2022. (TY UWI) Five products based on Israeli technology were cited in TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2022 among “200 inventions changing the way we live”. In the AI category - Ravin and Exodigo; in Accessibility - ElliQ; in Apps & Software - HiBob; and in Household - Epic Cleantec.
https://www.israel21c.org/5-israeli-technologies-named-time-best-inventions-2022/
https://time.com/best-inventions-2022/
Recovering after an oil spill. Israel’s Harbo (see here previously) has now sold 2,000 units of its oil containment screens in the decade since it was founded. Its customers are in the US, Canada, the UK, Scandinavia, and the Far East. Harbo was used to contain Rotterdam Port’s huge oil spill in Jun 2018.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/out-of-the-box-the-first-aid-kit-to-treat-oil-spills/
https://www.onderzoeksraad.nl/en/page/12207/oil-spill-port-of-rotterdam
Transforming Eilat through Sea Tech and More. This Ben Gurion University webinar features BGU’s Eilat campus that transforms the city into an educational epicenter for Tourism & Hospitality and Marine Biology & Energy Sciences. It features innovative sea tech like 3D-printed coral that can save the world's reefs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-TId7_CctQ
Enzymes for greener production. Scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have used computers to design enzymes that can make industrial processes much more efficient. These enzymes can create better medicines, or safely break down pollutants, sewage, and agricultural waste, and then turn them into biofuel or animal feed.
https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/chemistry/building-better-enzymes-%E2%80%93-breaking-them-down
Packaging reduces greenhouse gas emissions. A Dutch study of the companies using the Xtend Modified Atmosphere Packaging from Israel’s Stepac (see here previously) shows a dramatic reduction in the amount of food wasted and CO2 emissions produced compared to polyethylene packaging or zero packaging products.
https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/news/article_page/The_sustainable_packaging_that_reduces_greenhouse_gases/206432 https://www.stepac.com/
70% less sugar and no aftertaste. Israel’s Resugar has developed a sweetener that contains just 30 percent sugar but looks and tastes the same as pure sugar. The sucrose is combined with dietary fibers, like chicory, and natural flavors that enhance the sweetness by almost three times. Used in Nestle-Froneri low-calorie ice cream.
https://nocamels.com/2022/12/new-sweetener-70-less-sugar-100-the-same-taste/ https://resugar.com/
Taste of the future. Israel’s Technion Institute hosted the “Taste of the Future” conference, which focused on the development of alternatives for animal proteins. It coincided with the establishment of Technion’s Carasso FoodTech Innovation Center. Lunch consisted of steaks from Israel’s Redefine Meat and eggs from Yo-egg.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2022/12/future-alternative-protein/
Israeli wasabi. The wasabi served with your sushi is often just a mixture of mustard, horseradish and green coloring. Authentic wasabi is difficult to grow, mainly in Japan, and now in Israel too. Ran Ronen cultivates the plant in his greenhouses on Moshav Eliad in the Golan Heights, selling it to up-market restaurants and online.
https://www.israel21c.org/man-takes-a-spicy-gamble-growing-wasabi-in-israel/ https://www.wasabisrael.co.il/
https://www.alehonline.com/product/9887/
A better black-eyed pea. Israel’s Better Seeds (see here previously) has now developed black-eyed peas (cowpeas) that can be mechanically harvested. The original hardy, high-protein cowpea grows haphazardly and can only be harvested by hand. BetterSeeds’ version grows upright and is much easier to harvest by machine.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-729657
Desalination saves Israel from water scarcity. (TY Ynet News) The entire Middle East is short of rain this winter. Thankfully, Israel delivers 75% of its drinking water from five desalination plants with two more being built. By 2030, Israel will desalinate 1.1 billion cubic meters of seawater – sufficient for all its projected needs.
Hopping around the lunar surface. One of the startups in Israel21c’s latest “9 companies to watch in Israeli space-tech” is WeSpace. It is developing thruster-propelled, wheeled flying “hopper” robots to help explore the surface of the Moon or Mars. WeSpace will sell “lunar exploration as a service,” to interested parties on Earth.
https://wespacetech.com/ https://www.israel21c.org/9-companies-to-watch-in-israeli-space-tech/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
The best value Internet in the world. Israel’s internet is the world’s best value for money. So states the latest Global Internet Value index released by privacy protection toolset provider Surfshark (see here previously). The index ranks 117 countries based on speed-to-affordability ratios of fixed broadband and mobile internet.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyqaodrij
https://surfshark.com/blog/global-internet-value-index-2022
Expanding tourism with Bulgaria. (TY TPS) The Tourism Ministers of Israel and Bulgaria have signed a cooperation agreement. 200,000 Israelis visited Bulgaria in 2019 and almost as many visited last year. Bulgaria Air currently operates four flights a week between Sofia and Tel Aviv while Israel’s El Al offers three.
https://tps.co.il/articles/tourism-ministers-of-bulgaria-israel-sign-intergovernmental-cooperation-agreement-in-tourism/ https://unitedwithisrael.org/israel-signs-tourism-agreement-with-european-ally/
Israeli photos for US theme parks. Israel’s Pomvom (see here previously) has won a tender from US amusement park chain Six Flags to provide its digital photography solutions to eleven of its theme parks over the next five years. With over 13 million visitors in 2019, the deal is potentially worth around $21 million.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/a2hp3oyef
Vegan cream cheese for General Mills. (TY OurCrowd) US food giant General Mills is launching three types of vegan cream cheese in US supermarkets, all made with the non-animal proteins from Israel’s Remilk (see here previously). Remilk’s proteins are identical to those contained in cows’ milk.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/z4hb83ktr
https://vegconomist.com/products-launches/general-mills-bold-cultr-remilk/
Flexible solar film panels to be mass produced. Israel’s Apollo Power (see here previously) has built the “world’s first” factory for flexible solar film panels. The $30 million facility in Yoknean can produce enough solar film each year to power up to 40,000 homes. Apollo’s customers include Amazon, Volkswagen, and Audi.
Security for Singapore police agency. Israel’s Cellebrite (see here previously) has won a $14 million 5-year contract to provide its Premium Collect and Review Solution for Digital Evidence to Singapore’s national police agency to help reduce crime. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjrhwkcis
Seed investment in milk from lettuce. Israel’s Pigmentum (see here previously) has had “seed” funding from Israeli food companies Tnuva, Strauss, Tempo, and Kibbutz Yotvata, plus crowdfunding platform OurCrowd. They all see a “growth” market in Pigmentum’s milk from lettuce technology. Let us hope it “succeeds”!
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-agrotech-startup-pulls-in-6m-for-cow-free-milk-and-cheese-made-from-lettuce/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1wq730ji
Exits, mergers & acquisitions to 29/1/23: Global management consultancy firm has acquired Israel’s real-time data analytics startup Iguazio (see here previously) for $50 million.
Investment in Israeli startups to 29/1/23: PayEm raised $20 million; Electreon raised $11.8 million; Pigmentum raised $6 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Best student documentary. The documentary "Requiem for a Whale", by Tel Aviv University alumni Ido Weisman, won the best student film award at Los Angeles’ IDA Awards, considered the most prestigious award in the world of documentary films. The film also recently won the Israeli Documentary Forum Annual Awards.
https://english.tau.ac.il/news/ido_weisman_ida https://www.idoweisman.com/requiemforawhale
Queen of the Desert. (TY UWI & I24 News) Israeli photographer Moshe Kotzen’s book “Queen of the Desert” is a unique combination of a fairy tale together and photo journal. It features many of his photos of unusual rock formations in Israel’s Negev desert. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWzUD_IqiBA
Much to do in Holon. Nefesh b’Nefesh have arranged discounted entrance prices and guided tours in English at two of Holon’s exciting museums on Thu 2nd Feb. First up is the Caricature/Cartoon (Comics) Museum and afterwards the Design Museum. Contact and registration details in the link below.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/comics-museum-and-design-museum-holon/
Where to experience live Jazz in Israel. Jazz festivals in Israel include the Tel Aviv Jazz Festival (May); New Orleans Jazz Festival (Jun); Summertime Jazz Festival (Aug); Jerusalem Jazz Festival (Sep); Jaffa Jazz Festival (Oct) and Red Sea Jazz Festival (Nov). Lyricist /Jazz pianist Joe Stilgoe and his band are currently here on tour.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-seeing-live-jazz-music-in-israel/ https://eng.hotjazz.co.il/
https://eng.hotjazz.co.il/a-tribute-to-sammy-davis-danny-kaye-gene-kelly-february-4th-11th-2023/
What’s hot on Jerusalem’s Streets in Israel’s “winter”. (TY Sharon) Plenty of colorful sites and flowers to see on the Streets of Jerusalem. The almond trees are in blossom more than two weeks before Tu B’Shvat – the Jewish New Year for Trees. http://rjstreets.com/2023/01/22/jerusalem-in-january-see-whats-hot-and-happening/
THE JEWISH STATE
Another freedom coin unearthed. (TY WIN) Archeologists have discovered a 133CE bronze coin at the Nahal Darga Nature Reserve. One side has “Shimon” in ancient Hebrew, referring to Shimon Bar Kokhba, the leader of the Jewish revolt against Rome. On the reverse is the inscription “Year Two of the Freedom of Israel.”
Excavating Biblical Libnah. Video of the unearthing by archeologists from Ariel University of the remains of ancient Libnah at Tel Burna in Judea. The site is mentioned in the Biblical texts of Joshua (ch.10), King Rehoboam (Chronicles ch. 21) and King Hezekiah (II Kings ch.19).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm2Xp5-Fe5o
Walk back in time. This video from NGO Stand With Us briefly features Jerusalem’s Western Wall Tunnels - a well-engineered system of ancient passageways and cisterns that reveal hidden parts of the Kotel. A longer visit provides a glimpse of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period and immediately afterwards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMWm4miOBhc https://www.standwithus.com/
Birthright trip from Ukraine. The first Birthright Israel group of Ukrainian Jews since the start of the war with Russia has arrived in Israel. 24 young Ukrainians were flown on the private jet of Miriam Adelson, Birthright’s largest donor. An additional Birthright group from Ukraine is planned to travel to Israel in March.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366370
“Kosher” banknotes to bring mazel. Several Members of the Knesset have submitted a bill proposing that all banknotes issued by the Bank of Israel include the Hebrew phrase for “In Hashem we trust.” They claim that the phrase would be “a talisman for the economic success of Israel.” A similar phrase is on all US banknotes.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/shas-bill-proposes-adding-in-god-we-trust-to-banknotes/
Wearing tefillin can prevent heart attacks. Jews around the world, including Israel, will be interested in this. A recent follow-up to a 2018 pilot Cincinnati study has confirmed that people who wear tefillin (phylacteries) every weekday, are less likely to suffer heart attacks. Will tefillin be added to the Israeli health basket?
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-729013
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0280216
230122
In the 22nd Jan 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Four encouraging news stories about Israeli cancer treatments.
· An Israeli Arab will be the youngest ever Israeli medical Professor.
· Israeli robots can smell and see in the dark.
· More “groundbreaking” Israeli agriculture innovations.
· A record number of Israeli startups launched in 2022.
· Ancient Moabite stone tablet is proven evidence of Biblical King David.
· Click here to see the 15th Jan newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours with a great intro, IsraPundit and United With Israel with feature on Health. Also (TY Sandra) in German here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 21,900 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Preventing cancer from spreading. (TY Ron M) Researchers from Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have developed a peptide (small protein) that prevents the triggering of metastasis – secondary cancer. In the laboratory, it had 90% success on solid cancers and could be used in combination with other therapies.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366206 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41388-022-02481-w
Heat treatment for terminal cancer patients. (TY WIN & I24 News) Very positive video featuring the groundbreaking cancer treatment of Israel’s New Phase (see here previously). 12 patients at Israel’s Beilinson (Rabin) Medical Center in Petah Tikva are undergoing Phase 1 human safety and tolerance trials.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKz1_u4yreU
Promising cancer treatments. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Purple Biotech has two promising treatments for solid tumors in clinical (human) trials. CM24 has completed Phase 1 and is in Phase 2 for Pancreatic cancer. NT219 is in Phase 1/2 in the USA. Purple is also partnering Mor, the technology transfer subsidiary of Israel’s Clalit.
https://purple-biotech.com/pipeline/cm24/ https://purple-biotech.com/pipeline/nt219/
Electrical fields extend cancer patients’ survival. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Novocure (see here previously) announced that using its TTFields (Tumor Treating electrical Fields) technology in combination with other therapies, improved overall patient survival compared to standard therapies alone.
US approval for portable dialysis. (TY Atid-EDI) Israelis liberDI has received clearance from the US FDA for its Digital Dialysis Clinic. The 3kg device allows patients to perform a 90 min dialysis at home or at work, by themselves, monitored by their physician using the advanced telemedicine capabilities of the system.
https://www.liberdi.com/liberdi-receives-fda-regulatory-clearance/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyJKNNP-h8g (5 years ago)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWWYgBp39hM (4 years ago)
Device to treat chronic pain. A detailed article about Israel’s Healables (see here previously). The wearable AI device is undergoing clinical trials at Israel’s Wolfson Medical Center. Interesting background on the CEO of Healables - a Lubavitcher Chasid whose motivation was his own brain tumor and the pain after its removal.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/beating-chronic-pain-with-ai-powered-vibrating-sleeves/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQDaXys3Y84
Contactless vital signs monitor. Two articles about the biosensors of Israel’s Neteera (see here previously). They uniquely use safe, very high-frequency radar to penetrate clothing but not skin, programmed specially to monitor human vital signs. No cameras, no wearables, accurate up to 5 feet away. US FDA approved in 2022.
https://www.israel21c.org/vital-sign-monitors-that-dont-touch-your-body/
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-722105
Nutrition not steroids. (TY TPS) A 15-year study by researchers at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center showed that children suffering from Crohn’s disease and treated with nutrition had a lower chance of needing surgery in the first two years of the disease than those treated with steroids. There were many other benefits.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-study-finds-nutrition-beats-steroids-for-treating-this-disease/
Genetic cause of Williams Syndrome. Tel Aviv and Hebrew University researchers have discovered an abnormal genetic process responsible for the brain disorder known as Williams Syndrome. A molecule known as a 'methyl group' disrupts healthy gene production. The findings could lead to future treatments.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/researchers-discover-cause-of-rare-brain-disorder/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01921-z
Diagnosing ADHD with the eyes. Back in 2014 (see here), Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center and Haifa University scientists diagnosed ADHD using the Test of Variables of Attention - tracking a patient’s involuntary eye movements. Now Israeli startup MindTension is using the Moro reflex test in the same way.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/simple-six-minute-blink-test-that-diagnoses-adhd/
https://www.mindtension.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4QuFIKaoBs
Mental health therapy center. The Jerusalem Therapy Center for mental health has been inaugurated. The JTC will benefit patients suffering from a variety of mental health issues such as depression, trauma, and certain addictions. It will be staffed by senior clinicians, plus post graduate Yeshiva University therapists.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366176
UK, Irish & French Olim can donate blood. Israel’s ban on immigrants from the UK, Ireland and France donating blood has been lifted after 24 years. The epidemic of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in cattle in those countries raised the possibility of causing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365939
EMT TV. Israeli emergency volunteer organization United Hatzalah has begun a new video series UHTV. In its inaugural video, United Hatzalah volunteer EMT and Ambassador Rachel Holzer spoke to students at Israel’s Reichman University to see what the next generation knows about CPR.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc1EzRAOqmU
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
3 beautiful faces. (TY WIN & ILTV) Three Israelis were included in TC Candler’s 2022 list of the World’s 100 most beautiful faces. They are (2021 ranking) Yael Shelbia 7th (6); Gal Gadot 12th (15); and Eden Fines 72nd (97). TC Candler’s list began in 1990 and also has a 100 Most Handsome Faces list (but no Israelis yet).
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/r1pnnjtqs
Israeli Arab to be Israel’s youngest medical professor. (TY UWI & Israel21c) Dr. Abdulla Watad (35) of Israel’s Sheba Medical Center is set to become Israel’s youngest medical professor at Tel Aviv University. A resident of the Israel Arab town of Jatt, senior rheumatologist Dr Watad has written 200+ scientific papers.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/s1r3bsn9j
https://www.israel21c.org/newest-medical-professor-in-israel-abdulla-watad-just-35/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCzB5ZJzfCw
The Israeli Arab Christian Ambassador in a Muslim country. Please read Robert Sarner’s ToI interview (also here) with George Deek – Israel’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan since 2019 (see here previously). Ties include tourism, cultural, scientific, and Israeli help clearing around 1 million mines in the Karabakh region.
Public diplomacy. At last, Israel is to establish a Public Diplomacy Ministry, to be headed by Galit Distel Atbaryan. Maybe we will start to hear positive news from an official source.
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/ehasbara
Israel’s cyber summit at the UN. The Israeli mission to the United Nations will host the first Israeli Cyber Summit at the United Nations in New York City on 23rd Jan. “Stronger Together: Collaboration for a Cyber-Safe World” will focus on defensive cyber action to protect critical civilian infrastructure.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-mission-to-the-un-to-host-cyber-summit/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Israeli space tech in a nutshell. (TY UWI) As reported here previously, Israel will be investing NIS 600 million in space technology in the next five years. Here are some more details of Israel’s outer space plans.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-space-tech-prepares-for-blastoff/
$8.4 million for nine BIRD projects. The Israeli startups receiving funds from the Israel-US Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation include Amarel, Apeiro Motion, Castor, Cielo Inertial, EyeControl, Kadimastem, New Phase, Tevel Aerobotics and Xerient (pancreatic cancer).
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-israel-fund-to-invest-8-4-million-in-nine-new-joint-tech-projects/
https://www.aes-connect.com/ https://www.apeiro-motion.com/ https://www.cielo-inertial.com/
Securing the power lines. Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) has signed an agreement with Israel’s Prisma Photonics (see here previously). The PrismaFlow system will use optical fibers to monitor 1,000 km of the national transmission grid - some 20% of the total grid. It already monitors gas pipeline segments in Israel.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sk64gs11ss
360-degree radar for autonomous vehicles. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Arbe Robotics (see here previously) has launched its latest feature – imaging to give a 360° radar-based perception, the first AI based integrated analysis of a complete vehicle surroundings. Arbe won a 2023 CES Innovation Award – for the second year in a row.
Self-driving buses. More details on the pilot projects for autonomous buses reported previously here. The first will be a driverless shuttle service managed by Israel’s Nateev Express at the Sheba Medical Center. Israel’s Imagry (see here previously) is to deploy its map-less autonomous driving software.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-four-groups-1001429005 https://imagry.co/tag/pilot/
How does a robot smell? (TY WIN) Tel Aviv University researchers connected a biological sensor to an electronic system and used an AI algorithm to identify odors with an extremely high level of sensitivity. They believe that this technology may also be used in the future to identify explosives, diseases, and more.
https://www.jns.org/tau-researchers-develop-biological-sensor-that-allows-robots-to-smell/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956566322009599?dgcid=author
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuB6akSlVE4
Seeing in low light. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Inuitive (see here previously) has partnered Finland’s Visidon to co-develop and launch a high performing, accurate, and real-time low light enhancement to Inuitive’s NU4100 vision-on-chip processor. It will reduce the cost of systems (e.g., night drones) that relied on powerful sensors.
Cleaning up Hong Kong. Israel’s Verobotics (see here previously) has just won a $5.4 million contract for its AI-powered vertical robots to clean and inspect the exterior of high-rise buildings in Hong Kong.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/meet-the-israeli-robot-spiderman-that-will-clean-skyscraper-facades-in-hong-kong/ https://verobotics.io/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfsXCSbms2Q
Spice up your writing. Israel’s Wordtune (see here previously) has launched “Wordtune Spices”. The new AI Natural Language Processing (NLP) feature acts like a co-writer, to improve and enhance any text with a choice of 12 helping cues. These include statistics to bolster an argument, or jokes to add in a wedding speech.
Knowledge is power. Israel’s Aiola has developed state-of-the-art voice and image recognition combined with advanced AI models to digitize, automate, and streamline inspection processes. It also offers its technology to companies to capture, curate and share customer data from customer communications and business meetings.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/by3xtihoo
https://www.aiola.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_EsmUmDQUg
Israeli basil resists disease. (TY Atid-EDI) Italian seed company Fenix is extending its alliance with Israel’s Genesis Seeds, whose “Prospera” non-GMO basil (see here) leads the Italian market. It resists downy mildew (“the basil killer”) and the fungus Fusarium of basil. Genesis and Fenix will now develop new resistant hybrids.
https://israelagri.com/fenix-joins-forces-with-genesis-seeds-in-the-battle-against-the-new-race-of-downy-mildew/ https://www.genesisseeds.com/2021/04/20/all-the-way-to-prospera/
Growing mushroom burgers. Israeli startup Kinoko (see here previously) is cultivating a high-protein food from mycelium - the thin underground fungal threads that mushrooms grow on. Kinoko uses lentils and other legumes as a nutrition source. In four days, it grows a ready-to-cook burger, sausage, meatball, kebab, or patty.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/growing-high-protein-mushroom-based-burgers-in-just-four-days/
Knowing when trees are thirsty. (TY Atid-EDI) Several Israeli companies monitor the condition of trees and crops (see here). Another is Treetoscope - its Sap Flow sensors are inserted into the tree trunk to continuously measure water flow in almond, avocado, citrus, apple trees and vines. It is now partnering global leader Toro.
https://treetoscope.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUrAoOSqujE
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/treetoscope
Agriculture lives around the Dead Sea. Interesting article from a Chinese media source that describes how Israel grows abundant crops in the harshest environment. It features the Vidor Center, drip irrigation, and soil sensors for smart irrigation. https://english.news.cn/20230108/b358688e68404bbbbf9d0940cd0810a0/c.html
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Record number of new companies in 2022. (TY Yehoshua) In the first 11 months of 2022, the Israeli Tax Authority registered 142,100 new companies - over twice as many as in 2021, when 64,900 businesses were created. Many employees laid off during the Covid-19 pandemic have now started their own companies.
A quantum leap. Israel’s Quantum Machines (see here previously) has increased its customer base to 280 facilities in 23 countries. Its technology now powers a large portion of the quantum computers operated by cloud providers, research labs, national centers, and high-performance computing (HPC) centers.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/skddw2hii
More smart interviews. Israel’s myInterview (see here previously) has now more than 10,000 customers, including 7-Eleven, Ocado, and Facebook. It has facilitated over 7 million candidate interviews since its founding in 2016. It is especially popular among young candidates applying for customer-facing jobs.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s10isyvjj
Startups to watch out for. Here are some of budding Israeli startups utilizing Artificial Intelligence that leading Israeli fund managers think deserve attention in 2023. Ask.ai; Imagen; 3D Signals; Tabnine (IT development assistant); and Fairmatic (Fleet Insurance).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjryifnso
Exits, mergers & acquisitions to 22/1/23: American Express has acquired Israeli payments automation platform Nipendo.
Investment in Israeli startups to 22/1/23: aiOla raised $25 million; Quantum Machines raised $20 million; nsKnox raised $17.5 million; myInterview raised $11 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Jerusalem’s Armenian Museum. The Mardigian Armenian Museum is housed in a 19th century building in Jerusalem’s Old City and has just reopened after a 5-year renovation. Jerusalem is home to a community of some 6,000 Armenians and the museum is preserving their history and culture.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-museum-showcasing-armenian-history-reopens-after-5-year-renovation/ https://video.i24news.tv/#/content/6318806491112
Jerusalem orchestra in London. The Jerusalem Orchestra East West featuring Mehdi Nassouli & Koyos is performing at 7.30pm on Sunday 5 Feb at the Barbican in London.
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2023/event/jerusalem-orchestra-east-west
The world’s ugliest building. (TY WIN & I24 News) The Nachum Tower in Tel Aviv has been voted by users of social media site Reddit as the world's ugliest building. Built in the “brutalist” style during the post-1948 demand for high-rise buildings, it now is enjoying fame as a tourist attraction for its “beauty in the beast”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2cLk1yB0Tc
Take a walk on Jerusalem’s streets. (TY Sharon) Israel’s capital is full of traffic, tourist buses, international conferences, and (of course) construction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhnjKDKi9gI
http://rjstreets.com/2023/01/08/in-jerusalem-take-a-walk-hard-to-believe-whats-new/
Running in Antarctica for Israeli education. (TY UWI & I24 News) Israel’s Eyal Shimoni ran the Antarctica leg of the Racing the Planet 4 Deserts Ultramarathon. He raised funds for Israeli NGO Yadid Lachinuch, with 2,800 retired Israeli volunteers helping teachers in over 490 Israeli schools. Eyal is now training to run in Chile.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WOFFxphv8E https://www.yadidla.org.il/yadid-lachinuch
https://www.israel21c.org/after-antarctica-israeli-ultramarathoner-trains-for-chile/
THE JEWISH STATE
Archaeological evidence of King David. The Mesha Stele is a basalt stone containing chronicles by Mesha, King of Moab during the late 9th century BCE. Photographic technology has verified that references to events about the “House of David”, recorded on the stone, correspond to the historical account in the Book of Kings.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/researchers-verify-moabite-writings-on-king-david-kingdoms-of-judah-and-israel-corresponding-to-hebrew-bible/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RALo9AImPg8
Show me the way to go home. (TY UWI) La’aretz is a new non-profit organization with the mission to help Israelis and Jews overcome bureaucratic and financial obstacles to immigrating, returning, visiting and traveling to Israel. La’aretz complements Nefesh b’Nefesh by facilitating complex cases and funding those in need.
https://www.jns.org/new-non-profit-helps-show-the-way-home-for-those-seeking-to-move-to-israel/
Grow back better. (TY WIN) A new archeology garden was inaugurated at Kibbutz Kfar Aza. It replaces an orchard that Gaza terrorists burned down. A crowdfunding campaign and individual donors raised funds for the new garden to serve as a community gathering spot, displaying artifacts from the State Treasure collections.
Nice photo. This photo, of the new IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi and his wife Sharon at the Western Wall Plaza, has gone viral. The mechitza [partition] that separates women and men cannot separate their smiles and love. A picture is worth a thousand words. It also tells a thousand stories.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366064
So positive on Jerusalem Streets. (TY Sharon) As usual, the media missed most of these. Nefesh b Nefesh’s Living Financially Smarter in Israel 2023; a shop for Ukrainian refugees; 30 years of the Naale educational program; five new foreign Ambassadors to Israel; the InPrint Art Book Fair, and a beautiful rainbow.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/01/15/7-things-that-happened-in-jerusalem-this-week/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWxlWT2_0XE
A nation of volunteers. (TY Nevet) A study of 500+ Israelis has determined that 42% of the population regularly volunteered, mostly in welfare, with the disadvantaged or in education. Among the ultra-Orthodox, this rose to 60%. Israel ranked 5th of the list headed by Canada (79%), the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
230115
In the 15th Jan 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· An Israeli hospital treats heart patients with a hi-tech body suit.
· Israeli doctors flew to Nigeria to treat children with eye-cancer.
· An Israeli charity provides digital skills to the disadvantaged.
· An Israeli NGO has distributed hundreds of generators in Ukraine.
· Showstopping Israeli innovations at CES in Las Vegas.
· Israeli plant-based products include canned tuna and electricity.
· Israel has raised $2 billion to help achieve zero emissions target.
· Israeli archaeologists unearthed more historical and pre-history treasures.
· Click here to see the 8th Jan newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours with a great intro, IsraPundit and United With Israel with feature on Jewish State. Also (TY Sandra) in German here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 21,900 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Medical suit for heart patients. The new Israeli-developed Microclimate Suit is successfully eliminating congestion in heart failure patients at Israel’s Rambam hospital. It evaporates body fluids, alleviating symptoms of heart failure by reducing the level of the stress hormone BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) by up to 50%.
https://www.rambam.org.il/en/rambam_news/breakthrough_heart_failure_treatment.aspx
Boosting oxygen levels. Latest on the ART device of Israel’s Inspira Technologies (see here previously) to boost patients’ oxygen levels instantly, reducing the need to induce comas and place them on ventilators. The machine removes low oxygen blood from the body, adds oxygen, removes CO2, and returns it to the patient.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/oxygen-boosting-device-provides-immediate-relief-to-patients/
https://inspira-technologies.com/art/
1,000 knee implants. Since its first trial in 2019, Israel’s Active Implants (see here previously) has performed nearly 1,000 implants of its NUsurface synthetic meniscus in Israel and Europe. It expects FDA approval to allow launch in the US in 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB8aWsXbGhg
https://www.israel21c.org/new-hope-for-people-who-kneed-a-new-meniscus/
The wheel of fortune. Three years ago, one of a group of Israeli cyclists died when he had a heart attack, miles from the nearest hospital. Since then, the group carries a portable defibrillator on all trips. It recently saved the life of another member of the group, who suffered cardiac arrest in the Negev desert.
https://afmda.org/news/cycling-group-defibrillator/
Tooth extracted – from her lung. When a nine-year-old Israeli girl lost a tooth, she accidentally sucked it into her lung, blocking her airway – a medical and life-threatening emergency. Doctors at Haifa’s Rambam Pediatric Emergency Trauma Unit became “tooth fairies” and used a guided camera to pull the tooth from her lung.
https://www.rambam.org.il/en/rambam_news/saved_life_after_swallowed_tooth_enters_lung.aspx
Proven benefits of medical clowns. IsraelActive.com (see here) contains over a dozen articles describing how Israeli medical clowns help hospital patients. Now Tel Aviv University researchers have documented 40 different skills that the clowns deploy to enable patients to overcome crises and move towards healing.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/technology-science/1673469606-not-just-clowning-around-israeli-study-shows-importance-of-medical-clowns https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10497323221139781
Eye treatment in Nigeria. Israeli doctors regularly treat eye diseases in Africa (see here and here previously). Sheba Medical Center has now launched a humanitarian mission to Ilorin, Nigeria to treat eye-cancer in children and improve long-term quality optical care, by establishing an intra-arterial chemotherapy center.
Growing health startups. Nine Israeli startups have been selected for Google for Startups’ first Growth Academy program for startups in the fields of medicine and quality of life. They are Olive Diagnostics, Kai, Emble, Droxi, BoBo Balance, Agado Live, AIVF, X-Trodes, and Ritual Health Technologies.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/pgg54w4uw
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Encouraging women in STEM. In Dec, Israel’s Technion Institute hosted 700 female high school students from all over Israel at its 8th annual TechWomen event. It featured guest speakers, campus tours and other activities to inspire more young women to pursue academic degrees in science and engineering.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2022/12/8th-techwomen-women-stem/
Connecting the unconnected. The non-profit Appleseeds helps 80,000+ Israelis each year develop essential digital literacy skills. It also sponsors Israel’s Net@ movement which gives technical training to disadvantaged Jewish, Christian, Druze, and Muslim youths. Meanwhile Israel’s 44 Ventures funds “forgotten” entrepreneurs.
https://www.israel21c.org/spreading-digital-literacy-to-the-citizens-left-behind/
https://appleseeds.org.il/en/en-home/ https://appleseeds.org.il/en/en-neta/ https://44ventures.com/
Global solutions. The Kasser Joint Institute is a partnership of Jewish National Fund-USA, the University of Arizona, and the Arava valley in Israel. It aims to solve global food, water and energy issues through research and student training programs, while highlighting Israeli innovation and supporting development in the Arava.
https://jointinstitute.jnf.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s-GfzMoJqs
https://www.kkl-jnf.org/people-and-environment/community-development/arava/ http://www.aicat-arava.com/
UAE Sheikh praises Israeli medical treatment. Sheikh Khalid Qasmi of the United Arab Emirates is the first Arab royal known to have been treated in Israel. He said it was the best medical treatment he had received since his accident and was amazed by the quality of staff, the advanced capabilities, hospitality, and sympathy.
Turkiye’s new ambassador. Sakir Ozkan Torunlar, Turkey’s new ambassador to Israel, presented his credentials to President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, filling a role that has been empty for more than four years.
Torunlar previously served as Turkey’s consul general in Jerusalem.
Relations with India. Middle East expert Jonathan Spyer has written an in-depth article explaining the key factors behind the improvement in Israel-India relations in recent years.
https://jiss.org.il/en/spyer-israel-india-relations-in-recent-years/
Negev Forum success. Israel, the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco, and the US held the inaugural meeting of the Negev Forum in Abu Dhabi (see here previously). Six working groups focused on food security and water technology; clean energy; tourism; health; education and coexistence; and regional security.
More electricity generators for Ukraine. Volunteers from Israeli emergency NGO United Hatzalah have distributed some 100 powerful electric generators to schools, orphanages, and medical clinics in Kyiv, Uman, Lviv, and Odesa. Hundreds more are to be supplied in the coming weeks. (Also, see here previously).
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365757
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Another National Center. Israel’s Technion is again partnering Israel’s Bar-Ilan University (see here previously), this time to build a National Energy Storage research center. Its aim is to develop novel technologies for storing energy in large quantities. Its budget will be some NIS 130 million over 5 years.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2023/01/energy-storage-national-research-institute/
New technology at CES 2023. (TY ToI) Of 23 Israeli startups at this year’s CES Las Vegas, these 5 are new. Cardiokol detects heart problems from speech; Eye-Minders tracks eye movements on VR devices; Polyn makes chips for listening devices; Radix manages Android TV sets; SparX Augmented Reality for new homes.
https://www.israel21c.org/over-the-phone-voice-analysis-detects-atrial-fibrillation/ https://www.cardiokol.com/
https://www.eye-minders.com/ https://polyn.ai/ https://www.radix-int.com/ https://www.sparx.ai/
Israel steals the show at CES 2023. The Israeli Export Institute’s pavilion was in the middle of the show floor within CES’s startup pavilion, Eureka Park, and it was buzzing! It contained a dozen startups representing a cross-section of Israeli innovations and was probably the busiest of all the booths. The video features Mobileye.
https://www.israel21c.org/23-of-the-israeli-startups-making-a-stir-at-ces-2023/
https://www.israel21c.org/at-ces-israeli-technology-makes-the-biggest-buzz/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/j57k1dx43 www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCBlR4QFQCA
Another Israeli satellite launched. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s BeetleSat (formerly NSLComm - see here previously) launched its latest small satellite, on the same rocket as another Israeli satellite (see here). BeetleSat said that the satellite will provide important communication services to one of its public sector clients.
https://news.satnews.com/2023/01/03/the-beetlesat-leo-smallsat-gains-orbit-via-the-spacex-transporter-6-launch/ https://beetlesat.com/
Another award-winning cybersecurity startup. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s SeeMetrics won a silver 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award from American Security Today for the Best Security Workforce Management Platform. It follows the gold award won by Israel’s Seraphic (see here previously).
Green energy. Technion scientists have discovered another way to obtain energy from plants (see here for a previous method). They created a biological solar cell that generated “green” electricity through photosynthesis, collecting electrons that are naturally transported within plant cells, without affecting the plant’s growth.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/974327
Vegan canned tuna. Israel’s Vgarden (see here previously) has now launched vegan tinned tuna, made using pea protein. The product has the same appearance, texture, and flavor as the canned kitchen staple. More fish alternatives are expected to be announced by the end of this year.
https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/fin-free-tuna-vgarden-turns-tide-on-overfishing-with-alternative-canned-kitchen-staple.html https://www.vgardenfoods.com/
European grant for wax-based crop spray. The European Innovation Council (EIC) has awarded a $1.5 million Pathfinder grant to two scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute. It will help fund the development of their SafeWax anti-pathogen crop treatment, inspired by the wax leaves of broccoli and lotus flowers.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2022/12/learning-from-the-lotus-flower/
Assessing fruit quality from a photo. Israel’s Clarifruit uses AI to grade harvested fruit and then match it to a buyers’ requirements. It reduces waste and maximizes a grower’s profit. Clarifruit now has 25 of the biggest global brands as its clients, including Dole, Canada’s Mucci Farms, Zespri (kiwi fruit), and Pink Lady (apples).
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/smartphone-can-tell-quality-of-fruit-and-veg-from-a-photo/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO5ATsK5zzY
Over-the-air recharging goes commercial. Israel’s Wi-Charge (see here previously) is apparently the first wireless charging company to receive revenues. It is being used commercially to power smart door locks and electronic advert displays in the US, Canada, Brazil, and Israel and won two innovation awards at CES 2023.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/world-without-wires-charge-your-device-from-ceiling-transmitter/
Best sports-tech startup. Israel’s Griiip (see here previously) hit a significant milestone at the OTT SportsPro ceremony in November, winning the prestigious award for 'Best Start-Up Tech Company'. Griiip’s RAMP Racing Media Platform provides real-time data to motorsport fans, the media, gaming industry, and OEMs.
https://www.griiip.com/post/winning-the-ott-award-best-startup-tech-company-puts-griiip-on-the-global-sports-stage https://awards.sportspro-ott.com/winners-2022/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvvESEXp_X0
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
NIS 10 billion budget surplus. For the first time in 35 years, Israel achieved a budget surplus in 2022 - of $2.85 billion, mostly financed by a 14% increase in tax revenues. Hopefully, this will help plans to lower Israel’s cost of living. GDP growth in 2022 was 6.3%, one of the highest in the OECD.
Green bonds. Israel has sold $2 billion of 10-year green bonds, to support its goal of a zero-emissions economy by 2050. Israel is the 24th country around the world to sell green bonds, which are geared to fund key environmental objectives. The sale was so popular that it was oversubscribed by six times the amount on offer.
Israel inside. Brief but interesting analysis of the importance of Israel in the strategy of Intel Corporation. Intel now has 34 Israeli Vice Presidents. 10% of the employees at Intel’s headquarters are Israeli.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/un7gmjw52
Learning to do business in the US. The Merage Institute is again training the leaders of Israeli companies to help them improve their marketing in the United States. https://www.merageinstitute.org/programs/
https://www.merageinstitute.org/merage-programs/hls-cyber-security-2023/
Let’s start at the very beginning. Rabbi Nosson Rodin of the Braude College of Engineering in the Galilee organized an event to advise budding entrepreneurs in Israel’s north how to establish a startup. Rabbi Rodin is founder of Project UP-START for young adults who lack a business-oriented background.
https://www.jns.org/how-to-startup-event-appeals-to-israels-underserved-communities/
Israel’s most promising startup. Israel’s proteanTecs (see here previously) is Globes' Most Promising Israeli Startup 2022, chosen by leading local and foreign investment firms. proteanTecs' founders also co-founded Mellanox which topped the Globes' ranking in 2005, eventually being acquired by NVIDIA for $6.9 billion.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-1-proteantecs-1001432356
Partners to secure autonomous vehicles. (TY OurCrowd) French automotive supplier Valeo is partnering Israel’s C2A Security (see here previously) to enhance Valeo's cybersecurity offerings on their products in development and in operation. The automotive industry continues to realize the importance of cyber security.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/c2a-security-partners-valeo-enhance-010000459.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il4e6rGNg-c
Testing self-driving Daimler trucks. (TY OurCrowd) Torc Robotics, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, announced a multi-year strategic collaboration with Israel’s Foretellix (see here previously). Foretellix’s platform will test Torc’s systems to ensure the safe deployment of autonomous Daimler trucks.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1sqorfcs
7-Eleven opens its first Israeli store. US convenience store mega-chain 7-Eleven (see here previously) opened its first store in Israel with a long line of customers lining up outside the Tel Aviv shop to make their first-ever purchases. Eight more stores are planned to open in 2023, plus 30 more in 2024.
Exits, mergers & acquisitions to 15/1/23: Israel’s TipRanks has acquired US-based The Fly for $15 million;
Investment in Israeli startups to 15/1/23: Opsys Tech raised $51.5 million; Ottopia raised $14.5 million; Hotelmize raised $12 million; 40Seas raised $11 million; Coho AI raised $8.5 million; Nanosono raised $2 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
A Virtual Tour of Tel Aviv Graffiti. Eviatar Gover of BE Tel Aviv Tours will give a Zoom tour of the graffiti in the alleyways of Florentine, Tel Aviv. On Weds 25 Jan (7:30pm Israel, 5:30pm UK or 12.30pm Eastern). Register for this ESRA presentation here. https://esra.org.il/events-listing-view/details/2023-01-25/629-virtual-tour-of-tel-aviv-graffiti-in-with-eviatar-gover.html
“An Ethiopian queen in Tel Aviv”. Last week I met Israeli writer Albert Russo who was visiting Netanya. Albert has written several books including this novel featuring Ziva, a young Ethiopian Israeli who runs a shelter in Tel Aviv for at-risk teenagers. Based on a true story. See also relevant articles in the 2nd link.
https://www.amazon.com/Tel-Avivs-Ethiopian-Queen-Hamalka/dp/9176379426
https://israelactive.com/?s=tel+aviv+ethiopian http://www.albertrusso.com/
See the desert bloom. We may think of the desert as barren, but from the fall to early spring the Negev turns into an unexpected haven for winter daffodils, irises, squill, cyclamens, anemones and more.
https://www.israel21c.org/when-and-where-to-see-israels-desert-flowers-bloom/
Comedy for Koby. The comedians that perform Comedy for Koby raise money for the Koby Mandell Foundation which helps bereaved mothers, fathers, widows, orphans and siblings to rebuild their lives. Their winter tour from Jan 17 to 23 visits Beit Shemesh, Raanana, Jerusalem, Gush Etzion, Modiin and Tel Aviv.
https://www.comedyforkoby.com/
IAC Summit. A reminder about the IAC (Israeli American Council)’s 8th Annual Summit in Austin Texas from Jan 19-21. https://events.bizzabo.com/IACSummit2022/home https://www.israeliamerican.org/
THE JEWISH STATE
Digging up Jewish history. (TY I24 News) Video of the on-going excavations inside caves in the Judean desert where Jewish rebels fighting the Romans hid during the Bar Kochba revolt 2,000 years ago.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-israelis-make-amazing-discoveries-in-judean-desert-excavations/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dDpvB7haMs
Trade evidence of Biblical proportions. Israeli archaeologists have discovered the earliest evidence of silver being used as currency in the Levant, dating back more than 3,600 years. The silver hoard was found in Israel’s Megiddo, Gezer, and Shiloh. (The Torah records Abraham weighing out 400 shekels to buy a burial plot.)
Hard boiled eggs in the sand. (TY TPS & UWI) The Israel Antiquities Authority announced the discovery of eight ostrich eggs 4,000+ years old, during an archaeological dig at Nitsana sands, in the southern Negev near the Egyptian border. They were found close to the remains of a fire, indicating they were deliberately collected.
https://www.jns.org/ancient-ostrich-eggs-found-in-israel-shed-light-on-early-humans/
It all started here. Professor Reuven Yeshurun of the University of Haifa is giving a Zoom (and live) lecture on Mon 23 Jan (7:30pm Israel, 5:30pm UK or 12.30pm Eastern). The title is “The first settled society in human history” which he describes happened in the Land of Israel 15,000 years ago. Details & registration here.
Please get me to the shul on time. Due to the funeral procession of Rabbi Shimon Baadani (z”l), a bride was unable to get to her wedding. So, the head of United Hatzalah in Bnei Brak sent an ambulance, which had just finished its shift safeguarding the funeral, to pick up the bride and take her to the wedding hall.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365763
NGO’s 10,000th Christian visitor to Israel. US Christian Zionist NGO Passages (see here previously) has brought its 10,000th college student to visit the Holy Land. This winter, 450 students participated in Passages’ winter program. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365634
Welcoming all-comers. 40 US students went on a 10-day tour of Israel and the United Arab Emirates - the inaugural trip of the Israel on Campus Coalition’s (ICC) Geller International Fellowship. The students were from all backgrounds and attended state colleges, historically black colleges, and Ivy League institutions.
https://www.jns.org/student-leaders-trip-to-israel-and-uae-taps-into-the-magic-of-diversity/ https://israelcc.org/
Find your Israeli relatives. Israeli genealogy company MyHeritage has posted 1.7 million Israeli immigration records online, using scanned ship and plane passenger lists stored at the Israel State Archives. The records are from 1919 to around 1979. The data is free for everyone to search (see 3rd link below).
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-immigration-records-dating-back-to-1919-now-accessible-online/
https://blog.myheritage.com/2023/01/myheritage-publishes-exclusive-huge-collection-of-israel-immigration-records/ https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-11018/israel-immigration-lists
230108
In the 8th Jan 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Successful human trials of a new Israeli blood cancer treatment.
· Israeli medics are training surgeons and nurses in Ethiopia.
· See some of the 500 million birds migrating through Israel.
· Two Israeli advanced technology satellites have been launched.
· An Israeli system is fast-charging electric vehicles in the US and Israel.
· Gold for Israel at the World Judo Masters tournament in Jerusalem.
· Click here to see the 1st Jan newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours, IsraPundit and United With Israel. Also (TY Sandra) in German here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 21,800 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Israelis live longer. Israelis have the world’s 10th highest life expectancy, according to the Worldometer’s Life Expectancy of the World Population - a project by NiceR that helps Americans access affordable prescription medications. The average Israeli life expectancy is 83.5 (82 for men and 85 for women). In 2020 it was 82.6
https://www.israel21c.org/israel-has-10th-highest-life-expectancy-in-world/
https://www.nicerx.com/best-healthcare-countries/ https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/israel-life-expectancy
Reprogramming the immune system of cancer patients. Scientists at Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital and Bar-Ilan University have developed HBI0101- a CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma and amyloidosis, benefiting over 90% of patients in trials. Los Angeles-based Immix BioPharma will commercialize HBI0101.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-demonstrating-57-remission-rate-israeli-immunotherapy-licensed-by-us-firm/ https://haematologica.org/article/view/haematol.2022.281628
Implants heal 3 times faster. Israel’s Magdent (see here previously) has received CE approval for its Miniaturized Electromagnetic Device (MED) that has been clinically proven to shorten the healing process after dental implants by up to 3 times. The device is being sold in Israel and the EU. FDA approval is being sought.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/companies/magdent
Relieving migraines in the US. (TY OurCrowd) 2,500+ US physicians have prescribed the Nerivio migraine relief device from Israel’s Theranica, benefiting some 35,000 Americans with its neuromodulation technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tbRRWVi1q4
From both sides now. Essential tremor usually affects hands and arms on both sides of the body – one side more than the other. Israel’s Insightec (see here previously) has now received FDA approval to treat the second side of the brains of patients in the US a minimum of nine months after treatment of the first side.
New way to cure pulmonary embolisms. Doctors at Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital removed a blood clot in an Israeli’s lung (pulmonary embolism) using, for the first time in Israel, a US-developed FlowTriever. It sucked out some of the patient’s blood, cleaned it of the clot and replaced it. No blood thinners, no invasive surgery.
4th child for ex-cancer patient. (TY UWI) Thanks to the Fertility Preservation Center at Sheba Medical Center, Ayelet, 35, gave birth to her fourth child, following years of aggressive cancer treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. She is the first woman in the world to give birth to 4 children through cryopreservation of her eggs.
https://www.jns.org/four-little-miracles/
US approval for burns treatment. Israel’s Mediwound has received FDA approval for its NexoBrid pineapple plant-based burn treatment (see here previously) to be sold in the US to treat thermal burns. The US already has emergency stockpiles. NexoBrid is now approved for use in 44 countries, including the EU, Japan, and India.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-fda-approves-mediwound-burn-treatment-1001434234
More approvals on the way. This article identifies three more Israeli companies that are expected to receive FDA approval for treatments in 2023. They are Gamida Cell (Omidubicel / NiCord – bone marrow transplants); Protalix (PRX-102 – Fabry disease); and BioLineRX (BL-8040 / Motixafortide – multiple myeloma).
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-four-israeli-cos-expect-fda-approvals-in-2023-1001434199
Lower cost of prescription medicines. The maximum prices for dispensed medicines in Israel are to fall by an average of nearly 7.5%. Israel’s prescription prices are based on the lowest that the medicines cost in Europe on Jan 1st. Israelis then only pay 15% of that price – the remainder being paid by Israel’s health companies.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-725994
Training medics in Ethiopia. A team from Magen David (MDA) and three Israeli hospitals are currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia training doctors and nurses in the treatment of trauma. In a separate mission, Professor Hanoch Kashtan and his Assuta Ashdod team have been training surgeons and nurses, in northern Ethiopia.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365142 https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-726005
1.3 million calls to MDA. During 2022 Magen David Adom EMTs and paramedics attended over 1.3 million emergencies from nearly 200 stations. The call centers received on average one call every 10.8 seconds. MDA’s 31,600 staff include nearly 14,600 youth volunteers. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365150
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Ella is a True Israeli Trailblazer. (TY UWI) An update of the career of Major Ella Waweya (see here previously) - the first Muslim Arab woman to publicly become a major in the IDF. The details of how she joined the IDF are especially interesting. https://www.jns.org/the-trailblazing-female-muslim-arab-idf-major/
Turkish President presents award to Israeli professor. In a unique ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented the Turkish Academy of Sciences’ honorary commendation to Hebrew University Professor Amnon Cohen for his extensive research into the Land of Israel under Ottoman rule.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkzab1zci https://www.bookdepository.com/author/Amnon-Cohen
Azerbaijan appoints its first ambassador to Israel. Deputy Minister of Science and Education Mukhtar Mammadov has reportedly been appointed as the country’s first ambassador to the Jewish State. He previously supervised projects with Israel. The news of was praised by George Deek, Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan.
https://www.jns.org/azerbaijan-appoints-its-first-ambassador-to-israel/
https://aze.media/azerbaijan-announces-appointment-of-first-ever-ambassador-to-israel/
Saving the ocean from plastic. Arik Rosenblum of Israeli NGO EcoOcean (see here previously) promotes the vital message to the whole world that, “To save the sea is to save us”. Plastic waste going into our food via fish is causing cancer. It is also killing vital marine creatures – like the sponge that may be a cure for Alzheimer’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnjCipIvzO0 https://www.israel21c.org/saving-the-ocean-from-plastic/
https://news.unair.ac.id/2019/10/24/marine-sponge-potential-to-treat-alzheimers-disease/?lang=en
Bird migration is in full swing. (TY Kay) I sent this website link to readers in September when the KKL-JNF cameras at Israel’s Hula Lake were set up. Now the bird migration through Israel is at its peak, you can use this link to view the amazing live scenes as some 500 million feathered visitors rest their wings in the Jewish State.
https://www.kkl-jnf.org/tourism-and-recreation/forests-and-parks/hula-lake-park/live_broadcast/
Iranian invasion. It is good news. A flock of 200 flamingos from Iran arrived at Israel’s Hula Lake during their November migration. However, they seem to be happy here and don’t appear to be continuing their journey to Africa. KKL-JNF’s Inbar Shlomit Rubin says, “I just hope they won’t be accused of being spies!”
https://www.israel21c.org/flamingos-are-israels-most-enigmatic-guests-this-season/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Eros C-3 launched. (TY UWI) Israel’s ImageSat (see here previously) successfully launched its EROS-C3 observation satellite into space from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Built by Israel Aerospace Industries, the EROS-C3 is one of the world's most advanced observation satellites.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjg29p2ts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAA-AHUD_CA
TAU-SAT3 launched. Another SpaceX rocket launched Tel Aviv University’s SAT3 nanosatellite from Cape Canaveral. It will communicate with a groundbreaking optical ground station that can reconstruct any lost data in real-time using smart signal processing algorithms developed at TAU.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-nanosatellite-a-breakthrough-in-quantum-communications/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTeSX9KbZuA
Increasing natural gas extraction. (TY Atid-EDI) US energy giant Chevron is building a third pipeline to increase the gas extracted from Israel’s Tamar natural gas field. The aim is to take 1.6 billion cubic feet of gas per day - up from the present 1.1 billion, enabling Israel to export more gas to Egypt and supply other countries.
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/12/israeli-gas-sector-strengthens-chevron-morocco-deals
Israel’s quantum consortium. Israel’s Innovation Authority is investing NIS 115 million over 3 years to create the largest consortium in its history. IAI’s Elta Systems, Quantum Art, Classiq, Qedma, and Rafael will develop some of the most advanced quantum computing processor technologies and software.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkoylljcj https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365273
Award for hydrogen harvester. Israeli-Swedish-Polish startup Boson Energy (see here previously) was ranked first in the hydrogen production track in the Tech Tour Sustainability22 Flagship Program in Essen, Germany. Tech Tour’s European network connects investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners.
https://www.israel21c.org/hydrogen-harvesting-startup-wins-sustainability-award/
https://techtour.com/events/2022/11/event-sustainability22%5B4%5D.html?pageId=6082669
Bioplastic and more from food waste. (TY I24 News) Israel’s TripleW (see here previously) is now in full production on an industrial scale at its new facility in Belgium. It is converting massive amounts of food waste into biodegradable plastic plus biogas for energy production. Watch the video for more details.
https://www.israelunwired.com/you-wont-believe-what-this-israeli-company-is-doing-with-garbage/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfs4VaL7sIA
Healthy processed foods. Teams from Israel’s Technion Institute competed in the “Foods Solutions” event in Brussels, funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. One Technion team won gold, with their nutritious, freeze-dried, instant vegan omelet. Another won silver with a chickpea, lentil, & cashew snack.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/nutrition/article-725996
Don’t forget to drink. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Impacx (previously water.io) has developed a smart water bottle that illuminates and vibrates to encourage people to stay hydrated. Impacx also makes smart medicine boxes that remind people to take pills, auto-replenishing them and generating valuable medical data.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/vibrating-water-bottle-reminds-users-to-drink/ https://impacx.io/water-io/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPNw7F6mgG0
Green light for Begin Highway cover. Jerusalem has approved a NIS 1.5+ billion plan to cover the Begin Highway. The highway cover will include a 14.25-acre park with pedestrian access but no vehicles. It will create over 50 acres of new land for thousands of homes, office space and hotel rooms.
Cybersecurity startup is cool. Israel’s accSenSe has been named a “Cool Vendor” in Gartner's Identity-First Security category. Gartner Cool Vendors are chosen if they have innovative and transformative products, services or initiatives. accSenSe enables customers a fast recovery after a major security breach.
https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/12/07/2569543/0/en/accSenSe-Named-a-2022-Gartner-Cool-Vendor-in-Identity-First-Security.html https://accsense.io/blog/accsense-gartner-cool-vendor/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Israel’s resilient economy. Excellent short article by Prof. Micheal Humphries of the Jerusalem College of Technology and Touro College Israel. He gives six key reasons why (except for 2020 - Covid), Israel has had positive economic growth every year since 2003, including during the 2008-9 Great Recession.
https://www.israel21c.org/6-surprising-secrets-of-israels-economic-resiliency/ https://tci.touro.edu/
Unemployment falls to 4.1%. Israel’s rate of unemployment fell in November to 4.1% from 4.3% in October. The fall was mainly due to the rise in workforce participation to 60.6% (60.3% Oct).
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-despite-slowdown-unemployment-in-israel-falls-1001433181
Tourist numbers surge. Over 2.6 million foreign tourists visited Israel in 2022, compared to 397,000 in 2021 and 831,000 in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Israel opened its borders to tourists in Mar 2022 and all restrictions were dropped in May. Israelis enjoyed a record 20 million overnight local hotel stays in 2022.
https://www.jns.org/2-67-million-tourists-visited-israel-in-2022/
Abraham Accords transforms businesses. This article describes the work of the UAE-IL Tech Zone which focuses on building bridges between the two regions through tech. The group boasts more than 2,000 members. Also, the DANA Accelerator in Abu Dhabi, where women aim to solve major challenges in the Gulf.
https://www.israel21c.org/how-the-abraham-accords-are-transforming-business/
Preventing financial crime in the UAE. Dubai-based NOW Money is to use the AI anti-money laundering (AML) platform from Israel’s ThetaRay to help prevent financial crimes on its payments systems. ThetaRay’s SONAR cloud-based AML solution will monitor cross-border payments processed by NOW Money.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221213005555/en/
Good news disguised as bad. This negatively headlined article on Israel in 2022 is mostly comprised of good news. Productivity increasing; hi-tech booming; unemployment decreasing; job vacancies increasing; education results improving; life expectancy rising. Can’t these journalists lighten up a bit?
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-726058
Powering up the US. (TY Israel21c) Israel’s Zooz Power (see here previously) has signed an agreement with US-based Blink Charging for the marketing, distribution, sale, and deployment of the ZOOZTER-100 electric vehicle (EV) charging system in the United States. Zooz also just installed its first charging systems in Israel.
https://ir.blinkcharging.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/2412/blink-charging-collaborates-with-zooz-power-to-distribute https://www.timesofisrael.com/zooz-power-deploys-first-ultra-fast-power-booster-for-electric-vehicles-in-israel/
Shufersal to open SPAR stores in Israel. Israel’s largest supermarket chain Shufersal is to invest tens of millions of shekels to open at least ten SPAR stores in Israel, as well as sell SPAR products in Shufersal stores. The lower prices of SPAR products are expected to help reduce Israel’s cost of living. See here previously.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/shufersal-inks-early-deal-to-open-local-stores-for-dutch-spar-chain/
Germany’s first fully automated supermarket. (TY Atid-EDI) The new REWE Pick&Go store in central Munich is Germany’s first-ever 100% autonomous store, thanks to Israel’s Trigo (see here previously).
https://www.trigoretail.com/rewe-launches-the-first-100-autonomous-store-in-germany/
El Al to buy its 17th Dreamliner. Israel’s El Al airline is soon to take delivery of two more Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Its 16th will be the 787-8 it ordered prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will also buy a 787-9 originally ordered by another Boeing customer who no longer requires it. Boeing will adapt it for El Al.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-el-al-expanding-dreamliner-fleet-to-17-1001433126
Exits, takeovers and mergers. Israel’s Matrix has acquired Israel’s Zebra Technologies for approximately $18.5 million. US-based RMS has acquired Israeli fraud detection startup OrboGraph for over $100 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Ofra Haza is one of the best singers ever. (TY IsraPundit & UWI) Israel’s Ofra Haza, who passed away in 2000, was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the best 200 singers of all time. It called her “The Madonna of the Middle East.” (But not “Israeli”) The Youtube is her rendition of “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj5H_Fz1dCY
Ravel, Berlioz, Bizet. On Jan 11 the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra promises a wonderful evening with conductor Yves Abel and mezzo soprano Rachel Frenkel featuring Le Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel, Les Nuits d’été by Berlioz and Symphony in C by Bizet. Discounted tickets via the Nefesh b’Nefesh website.
https://www.jso.co.il/en/concert/ravel-berlioz-bizet/
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/ravel-berlioz-bizet/?mc_cid=bfa0da7e18&mc_eid=15465044d8
Jewish women of consequence. A series of free Zoom lectures by Prof. Moshe Rosman of Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, highlighting the lives of four Jewish women who lived in the early modern period (16th-18th centuries). On Jan 8, 15 and 22. Registration required.
https://www.bac.org.il/events/?seriesID=1008 https://jewish-history.biu.ac.il/en/node/575
Things to do in Israel in January. In Israel’s coolest month, Tourist Israel recommends visiting Eilat. January events include the Tel Aviv Power Africa Expo, and the Israman triathlon in Eilat.
https://www.touristisrael.com/things-to-do-in-israel-in-january/3792/
https://www.cantonfair.net/event/13031-tel-aviv-power-africa-expo https://www.israman.co.il/?lang=en
Puppet show for children in Serbia. Recent celebrations marked 30 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Serbia. They included a performance at the International Festival of Children’s Theatres in Subotica of the play “Up and Down Story” by the Israeli Koom-Koom Theater. https://en.koomkoom.org/mala-mata
https://www.jpost.com/365days/-theatre/article-725290 https://en.koomkoom.org/
Dancing in Spain and Mexico. Israeli dancers have recently been entertaining audiences in Spain and Mexico. Israeli choreographer Sharon Friedman presented two works in the “Espacio Espiral, in Santander. Meanwhile, Israel’s Kamea dance company toured Mexico to celebrate the 70th anniversary of joint diplomatic relations.
https://www.jpost.com/365days/dance/article-725482 https://www.jpost.com/365days/dance/article-725543
Israeli cycling team returns to Tour de France. The Israel – Premier Tech (IPT) cycling team has been selected to compete again in the Tour de France. IPT was one of only six teams to achieve two Stage wins last year. IPT owner Sylvan Adams said that his team was looking forward to even more success at this year’s race.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-team-set-for-return-to-tour-de-france/
Judoka gold in Jerusalem. (TY Nevet) Israeli judoka Baruch Shmailov won the 66kg men’s gold medal at the Judo Masters tournament in Jerusalem, defeating French contestant Daikii Bouba in the finals. The tournament is the 3rd most important competition in judo, after the Olympics and the World Judo Championships.
THE JEWISH STATE
The first new Israelis of 2023. (TY TPS) Liel and Sergey of Rehovot celebrated the birth of their third son just after midnight on Jan 1st at the Shamir Medical Center (Assaf HaRofeh) near Tel Aviv. And see the second article for other babies born on the first day of 2023 – a microcosm of Israel’s population.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israels-1st-baby-of-2023-born-just-after-midnight/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-726326
Surge in demand for Masa journeys. Hundreds of Jews aged 18 to 30 from the former Soviet Union have joined Masa Israel Journey’s two-to-12-month study, service, and career development programs. The demand for pre-Aliyah programs was so great it had to be funded by a $3 million donation matched by the government.
https://www.jns.org/3-million-raised-to-let-more-fsu-jews-join-masa-israel-journey/
Jerusalem builds. (TY Sharon) One day all the construction projects in and around Jerusalem will be completed. Sacher Park, the Jerusalem Gateway, the Light Rail extension. New projects include Sultan’s Pool and the Pool of Siloam excavation. Sharon even made a video of the final construction of the new Government.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/01/01/from-jerusalem-a-look-to-the-future/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4gADBvWBKk
230101
In the 8th Jan 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Successful human trials of a new Israeli blood cancer treatment.
· Israeli medics are training surgeons and nurses in Ethiopia.
· See some of the 500 million birds migrating through Israel.
· Two Israeli advanced technology satellites have been launched.
· An Israeli system is fast-charging electric vehicles in the US and Israel.
· Gold for Israel at the World Judo Masters tournament in Jerusalem.
· Click here to see the 1st Jan newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours, IsraPundit and United With Israel. Also (TY Sandra) in German here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here and (TY Stuart Palmer) here. Please pass on this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 21,800 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Israelis live longer. Israelis have the world’s 10th highest life expectancy, according to the Worldometer’s Life Expectancy of the World Population - a project by NiceR that helps Americans access affordable prescription medications. The average Israeli life expectancy is 83.5 (82 for men and 85 for women). In 2020 it was 82.6
https://www.israel21c.org/israel-has-10th-highest-life-expectancy-in-world/
https://www.nicerx.com/best-healthcare-countries/ https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/israel-life-expectancy
Reprogramming the immune system of cancer patients. Scientists at Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital and Bar-Ilan University have developed HBI0101- a CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma and amyloidosis, benefiting over 90% of patients in trials. Los Angeles-based Immix BioPharma will commercialize HBI0101.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-demonstrating-57-remission-rate-israeli-immunotherapy-licensed-by-us-firm/ https://haematologica.org/article/view/haematol.2022.281628
Implants heal 3 times faster. Israel’s Magdent (see here previously) has received CE approval for its Miniaturized Electromagnetic Device (MED) that has been clinically proven to shorten the healing process after dental implants by up to 3 times. The device is being sold in Israel and the EU. FDA approval is being sought.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/companies/magdent
Relieving migraines in the US. (TY OurCrowd) 2,500+ US physicians have prescribed the Nerivio migraine relief device from Israel’s Theranica, benefiting some 35,000 Americans with its neuromodulation technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tbRRWVi1q4
From both sides now. Essential tremor usually affects hands and arms on both sides of the body – one side more than the other. Israel’s Insightec (see here previously) has now received FDA approval to treat the second side of the brains of patients in the US a minimum of nine months after treatment of the first side.
New way to cure pulmonary embolisms. Doctors at Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital removed a blood clot in an Israeli’s lung (pulmonary embolism) using, for the first time in Israel, a US-developed FlowTriever. It sucked out some of the patient’s blood, cleaned it of the clot and replaced it. No blood thinners, no invasive surgery.
4th child for ex-cancer patient. (TY UWI) Thanks to the Fertility Preservation Center at Sheba Medical Center, Ayelet, 35, gave birth to her fourth child, following years of aggressive cancer treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. She is the first woman in the world to give birth to 4 children through cryopreservation of her eggs.
https://www.jns.org/four-little-miracles/
US approval for burns treatment. Israel’s Mediwound has received FDA approval for its NexoBrid pineapple plant-based burn treatment (see here previously) to be sold in the US to treat thermal burns. The US already has emergency stockpiles. NexoBrid is now approved for use in 44 countries, including the EU, Japan, and India.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-fda-approves-mediwound-burn-treatment-1001434234
More approvals on the way. This article identifies three more Israeli companies that are expected to receive FDA approval for treatments in 2023. They are Gamida Cell (Omidubicel / NiCord – bone marrow transplants); Protalix (PRX-102 – Fabry disease); and BioLineRX (BL-8040 / Motixafortide – multiple myeloma).
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-four-israeli-cos-expect-fda-approvals-in-2023-1001434199
Lower cost of prescription medicines. The maximum prices for dispensed medicines in Israel are to fall by an average of nearly 7.5%. Israel’s prescription prices are based on the lowest that the medicines cost in Europe on Jan 1st. Israelis then only pay 15% of that price – the remainder being paid by Israel’s health companies.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-725994
Training medics in Ethiopia. A team from Magen David (MDA) and three Israeli hospitals are currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia training doctors and nurses in the treatment of trauma. In a separate mission, Professor Hanoch Kashtan and his Assuta Ashdod team have been training surgeons and nurses, in northern Ethiopia.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365142 https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-726005
1.3 million calls to MDA. During 2022 Magen David Adom EMTs and paramedics attended over 1.3 million emergencies from nearly 200 stations. The call centers received on average one call every 10.8 seconds. MDA’s 31,600 staff include nearly 14,600 youth volunteers. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365150
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Ella is a True Israeli Trailblazer. (TY UWI) An update of the career of Major Ella Waweya (see here previously) - the first Muslim Arab woman to publicly become a major in the IDF. The details of how she joined the IDF are especially interesting. https://www.jns.org/the-trailblazing-female-muslim-arab-idf-major/
Turkish President presents award to Israeli professor. In a unique ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented the Turkish Academy of Sciences’ honorary commendation to Hebrew University Professor Amnon Cohen for his extensive research into the Land of Israel under Ottoman rule.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkzab1zci https://www.bookdepository.com/author/Amnon-Cohen
Azerbaijan appoints its first ambassador to Israel. Deputy Minister of Science and Education Mukhtar Mammadov has reportedly been appointed as the country’s first ambassador to the Jewish State. He previously supervised projects with Israel. The news of was praised by George Deek, Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan.
https://www.jns.org/azerbaijan-appoints-its-first-ambassador-to-israel/
https://aze.media/azerbaijan-announces-appointment-of-first-ever-ambassador-to-israel/
Saving the ocean from plastic. Arik Rosenblum of Israeli NGO EcoOcean (see here previously) promotes the vital message to the whole world that, “To save the sea is to save us”. Plastic waste going into our food via fish is causing cancer. It is also killing vital marine creatures – like the sponge that may be a cure for Alzheimer’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnjCipIvzO0 https://www.israel21c.org/saving-the-ocean-from-plastic/
https://news.unair.ac.id/2019/10/24/marine-sponge-potential-to-treat-alzheimers-disease/?lang=en
Bird migration is in full swing. (TY Kay) I sent this website link to readers in September when the KKL-JNF cameras at Israel’s Hula Lake were set up. Now the bird migration through Israel is at its peak, you can use this link to view the amazing live scenes as some 500 million feathered visitors rest their wings in the Jewish State.
https://www.kkl-jnf.org/tourism-and-recreation/forests-and-parks/hula-lake-park/live_broadcast/
Iranian invasion. It is good news. A flock of 200 flamingos from Iran arrived at Israel’s Hula Lake during their November migration. However, they seem to be happy here and don’t appear to be continuing their journey to Africa. KKL-JNF’s Inbar Shlomit Rubin says, “I just hope they won’t be accused of being spies!”
https://www.israel21c.org/flamingos-are-israels-most-enigmatic-guests-this-season/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Eros C-3 launched. (TY UWI) Israel’s ImageSat (see here previously) successfully launched its EROS-C3 observation satellite into space from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Built by Israel Aerospace Industries, the EROS-C3 is one of the world's most advanced observation satellites.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjg29p2ts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAA-AHUD_CA
TAU-SAT3 launched. Another SpaceX rocket launched Tel Aviv University’s SAT3 nanosatellite from Cape Canaveral. It will communicate with a groundbreaking optical ground station that can reconstruct any lost data in real-time using smart signal processing algorithms developed at TAU.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-nanosatellite-a-breakthrough-in-quantum-communications/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTeSX9KbZuA
Increasing natural gas extraction. (TY Atid-EDI) US energy giant Chevron is building a third pipeline to increase the gas extracted from Israel’s Tamar natural gas field. The aim is to take 1.6 billion cubic feet of gas per day - up from the present 1.1 billion, enabling Israel to export more gas to Egypt and supply other countries.
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/12/israeli-gas-sector-strengthens-chevron-morocco-deals
Israel’s quantum consortium. Israel’s Innovation Authority is investing NIS 115 million over 3 years to create the largest consortium in its history. IAI’s Elta Systems, Quantum Art, Classiq, Qedma, and Rafael will develop some of the most advanced quantum computing processor technologies and software.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkoylljcj https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/365273
Award for hydrogen harvester. Israeli-Swedish-Polish startup Boson Energy (see here previously) was ranked first in the hydrogen production track in the Tech Tour Sustainability22 Flagship Program in Essen, Germany. Tech Tour’s European network connects investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners.
https://www.israel21c.org/hydrogen-harvesting-startup-wins-sustainability-award/
https://techtour.com/events/2022/11/event-sustainability22%5B4%5D.html?pageId=6082669
Bioplastic and more from food waste. (TY I24 News) Israel’s TripleW (see here previously) is now in full production on an industrial scale at its new facility in Belgium. It is converting massive amounts of food waste into biodegradable plastic plus biogas for energy production. Watch the video for more details.
https://www.israelunwired.com/you-wont-believe-what-this-israeli-company-is-doing-with-garbage/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfs4VaL7sIA
Healthy processed foods. Teams from Israel’s Technion Institute competed in the “Foods Solutions” event in Brussels, funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. One Technion team won gold, with their nutritious, freeze-dried, instant vegan omelet. Another won silver with a chickpea, lentil, & cashew snack.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/nutrition/article-725996
Don’t forget to drink. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Impacx (previously water.io) has developed a smart water bottle that illuminates and vibrates to encourage people to stay hydrated. Impacx also makes smart medicine boxes that remind people to take pills, auto-replenishing them and generating valuable medical data.
https://nocamels.com/2023/01/vibrating-water-bottle-reminds-users-to-drink/ https://impacx.io/water-io/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPNw7F6mgG0
Green light for Begin Highway cover. Jerusalem has approved a NIS 1.5+ billion plan to cover the Begin Highway. The highway cover will include a 14.25-acre park with pedestrian access but no vehicles. It will create over 50 acres of new land for thousands of homes, office space and hotel rooms.
Cybersecurity startup is cool. Israel’s accSenSe has been named a “Cool Vendor” in Gartner's Identity-First Security category. Gartner Cool Vendors are chosen if they have innovative and transformative products, services or initiatives. accSenSe enables customers a fast recovery after a major security breach.
https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/12/07/2569543/0/en/accSenSe-Named-a-2022-Gartner-Cool-Vendor-in-Identity-First-Security.html https://accsense.io/blog/accsense-gartner-cool-vendor/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Israel’s resilient economy. Excellent short article by Prof. Micheal Humphries of the Jerusalem College of Technology and Touro College Israel. He gives six key reasons why (except for 2020 - Covid), Israel has had positive economic growth every year since 2003, including during the 2008-9 Great Recession.
https://www.israel21c.org/6-surprising-secrets-of-israels-economic-resiliency/ https://tci.touro.edu/
Unemployment falls to 4.1%. Israel’s rate of unemployment fell in November to 4.1% from 4.3% in October. The fall was mainly due to the rise in workforce participation to 60.6% (60.3% Oct).
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-despite-slowdown-unemployment-in-israel-falls-1001433181
Tourist numbers surge. Over 2.6 million foreign tourists visited Israel in 2022, compared to 397,000 in 2021 and 831,000 in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Israel opened its borders to tourists in Mar 2022 and all restrictions were dropped in May. Israelis enjoyed a record 20 million overnight local hotel stays in 2022.
https://www.jns.org/2-67-million-tourists-visited-israel-in-2022/
Abraham Accords transforms businesses. This article describes the work of the UAE-IL Tech Zone which focuses on building bridges between the two regions through tech. The group boasts more than 2,000 members. Also, the DANA Accelerator in Abu Dhabi, where women aim to solve major challenges in the Gulf.
https://www.israel21c.org/how-the-abraham-accords-are-transforming-business/
Preventing financial crime in the UAE. Dubai-based NOW Money is to use the AI anti-money laundering (AML) platform from Israel’s ThetaRay to help prevent financial crimes on its payments systems. ThetaRay’s SONAR cloud-based AML solution will monitor cross-border payments processed by NOW Money.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221213005555/en/
Good news disguised as bad. This negatively headlined article on Israel in 2022 is mostly comprised of good news. Productivity increasing; hi-tech booming; unemployment decreasing; job vacancies increasing; education results improving; life expectancy rising. Can’t these journalists lighten up a bit?
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-726058
Powering up the US. (TY Israel21c) Israel’s Zooz Power (see here previously) has signed an agreement with US-based Blink Charging for the marketing, distribution, sale, and deployment of the ZOOZTER-100 electric vehicle (EV) charging system in the United States. Zooz also just installed its first charging systems in Israel.
https://ir.blinkcharging.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/2412/blink-charging-collaborates-with-zooz-power-to-distribute https://www.timesofisrael.com/zooz-power-deploys-first-ultra-fast-power-booster-for-electric-vehicles-in-israel/
Shufersal to open SPAR stores in Israel. Israel’s largest supermarket chain Shufersal is to invest tens of millions of shekels to open at least ten SPAR stores in Israel, as well as sell SPAR products in Shufersal stores. The lower prices of SPAR products are expected to help reduce Israel’s cost of living. See here previously.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/shufersal-inks-early-deal-to-open-local-stores-for-dutch-spar-chain/
Germany’s first fully automated supermarket. (TY Atid-EDI) The new REWE Pick&Go store in central Munich is Germany’s first-ever 100% autonomous store, thanks to Israel’s Trigo (see here previously).
https://www.trigoretail.com/rewe-launches-the-first-100-autonomous-store-in-germany/
El Al to buy its 17th Dreamliner. Israel’s El Al airline is soon to take delivery of two more Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Its 16th will be the 787-8 it ordered prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will also buy a 787-9 originally ordered by another Boeing customer who no longer requires it. Boeing will adapt it for El Al.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-el-al-expanding-dreamliner-fleet-to-17-1001433126
Exits, takeovers and mergers. Israel’s Matrix has acquired Israel’s Zebra Technologies for approximately $18.5 million. US-based RMS has acquired Israeli fraud detection startup OrboGraph for over $100 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Ofra Haza is one of the best singers ever. (TY IsraPundit & UWI) Israel’s Ofra Haza, who passed away in 2000, was named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the best 200 singers of all time. It called her “The Madonna of the Middle East.” (But not “Israeli”) The Youtube is her rendition of “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj5H_Fz1dCY
Ravel, Berlioz, Bizet. On Jan 11 the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra promises a wonderful evening with conductor Yves Abel and mezzo soprano Rachel Frenkel featuring Le Tombeau de Couperin by Ravel, Les Nuits d’été by Berlioz and Symphony in C by Bizet. Discounted tickets via the Nefesh b’Nefesh website.
https://www.jso.co.il/en/concert/ravel-berlioz-bizet/
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/ravel-berlioz-bizet/?mc_cid=bfa0da7e18&mc_eid=15465044d8
Jewish women of consequence. A series of free Zoom lectures by Prof. Moshe Rosman of Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, highlighting the lives of four Jewish women who lived in the early modern period (16th-18th centuries). On Jan 8, 15 and 22. Registration required.
https://www.bac.org.il/events/?seriesID=1008 https://jewish-history.biu.ac.il/en/node/575
Things to do in Israel in January. In Israel’s coolest month, Tourist Israel recommends visiting Eilat. January events include the Tel Aviv Power Africa Expo, and the Israman triathlon in Eilat.
https://www.touristisrael.com/things-to-do-in-israel-in-january/3792/
https://www.cantonfair.net/event/13031-tel-aviv-power-africa-expo https://www.israman.co.il/?lang=en
Puppet show for children in Serbia. Recent celebrations marked 30 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Serbia. They included a performance at the International Festival of Children’s Theatres in Subotica of the play “Up and Down Story” by the Israeli Koom-Koom Theater. https://en.koomkoom.org/mala-mata
https://www.jpost.com/365days/-theatre/article-725290 https://en.koomkoom.org/
Dancing in Spain and Mexico. Israeli dancers have recently been entertaining audiences in Spain and Mexico. Israeli choreographer Sharon Friedman presented two works in the “Espacio Espiral, in Santander. Meanwhile, Israel’s Kamea dance company toured Mexico to celebrate the 70th anniversary of joint diplomatic relations.
https://www.jpost.com/365days/dance/article-725482 https://www.jpost.com/365days/dance/article-725543
Israeli cycling team returns to Tour de France. The Israel – Premier Tech (IPT) cycling team has been selected to compete again in the Tour de France. IPT was one of only six teams to achieve two Stage wins last year. IPT owner Sylvan Adams said that his team was looking forward to even more success at this year’s race.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-team-set-for-return-to-tour-de-france/
Judoka gold in Jerusalem. (TY Nevet) Israeli judoka Baruch Shmailov won the 66kg men’s gold medal at the Judo Masters tournament in Jerusalem, defeating French contestant Daikii Bouba in the finals. The tournament is the 3rd most important competition in judo, after the Olympics and the World Judo Championships.
THE JEWISH STATE
The first new Israelis of 2023. (TY TPS) Liel and Sergey of Rehovot celebrated the birth of their third son just after midnight on Jan 1st at the Shamir Medical Center (Assaf HaRofeh) near Tel Aviv. And see the second article for other babies born on the first day of 2023 – a microcosm of Israel’s population.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israels-1st-baby-of-2023-born-just-after-midnight/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-726326
Surge in demand for Masa journeys. Hundreds of Jews aged 18 to 30 from the former Soviet Union have joined Masa Israel Journey’s two-to-12-month study, service, and career development programs. The demand for pre-Aliyah programs was so great it had to be funded by a $3 million donation matched by the government.
https://www.jns.org/3-million-raised-to-let-more-fsu-jews-join-masa-israel-journey/
Jerusalem builds. (TY Sharon) One day all the construction projects in and around Jerusalem will be completed. Sacher Park, the Jerusalem Gateway, the Light Rail extension. New projects include Sultan’s Pool and the Pool of Siloam excavation. Sharon even made a video of the final construction of the new Government.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/01/01/from-jerusalem-a-look-to-the-future/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4gADBvWBKk
