In the 20th Sep 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Israeli AI system identifies thousands of new effective combination cancer therapies.
· Two examples of Israel’s inclusive army.
· Israelis are helping survivors of the earthquake in Morocco.
· More Israeli breakthroughs to prevent global hunger.
· Israel is “on the global map” for trade links, electricity, and (we hope) peace.
· Israeli innovations will protect the vulnerable in Oklahoma and Japan.
· The “People of the Book” has a new National library.
· Muslims and Jews pray together at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
· Click here to see the 10th Sep newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours, IsraPundit, and United With Israel. Also (TY Sandra) translated into German here and (TY Stuart Palmer) posted here. Also (TY Zachy) translated into Hebrew here. Please forward 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 (now over 23,200 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
Better together. Researchers at Israel’s Technion have developed an AI system that identified 77 approved cancer nano-therapies that can chemically self-assemble in nearly 2,000 combinations to be far more effective, with less side-effects. They proved their system, combining bortezomib-cabozantinib to treat head/neck cancer.
https://nocamels.com/2023/09/new-ai-tool-combines-cancer-drugs-to-optimize-treatment/
https://www.israel21c.org/ai-matchmaker-heralds-new-era-in-nano-cancer-treatment/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168365923004236?dgcid=author
Woman saved from deadly skin-peeling disease. A woman with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) was saved by doctors at Soroka-University Medical Center in Beersheba. The genetic disease progresses into toxic epidermal necrolysis – a life threatening condition causing 30% of the skin to peel off.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-756591
Positive results in bladder cancer trial. Israel’s UroGen Pharma (see here previously) has published positive results from two clinical trials of bladder cancer treatment UGN-102. The therapy can benefit some 80,000 patients. Trial success (65%) was similar to patients who had surgery but with a 55% less re-occurrence rate.
Nasal spray combats allergic reactions. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Nasus Pharma (see here previously) has reported positive results from its latest clinical study of its FMXIN002 intranasal Epinephrine powder spray device. It provides a safe and effective rescue for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasus-pharma-announces-publication-of-its-positive-clinical-results-with-fmxin002-intranasal-powder-epinephrine-spray-in-the-journal-of-allergy-and-clinical-immunology-in-practice-301895372.html https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37394178/
MS treatment commercialized. GranaGard Nano Omega 5, made by Israel’s Granalix Biotechnologies, is now available in Israel and online. The nano-engineered high antioxidant supplement from pomegranate oil (see previously) improves cognitive function in Multiple Sclerosis patients and will be tested on dementia patients.
https://il.granalix.com/en/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034821003709
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8ef3JpVl90
EU funds trial for preemie insulin. Israel’s Elgan Pharma (see here previously) has been awarded a 2.36 million euros grant by the European Innovation Council. It will support a Phase III study of its ELGN-GL oral insulin-based formulation that helps the development of a preemie’s gastrointestinal (GI) system.
US approval for cancer treatment software. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Techsomed (see here previously) has received US FDA approval for its Ablation Treatment Planning and Confirmation Software. VisAble.IO helps guide surgeons using ablation therapy (extreme heat or cold) to destroy tumors.
US approval for precision endoscope. Israel’s Limaca Medical (see here previously) has received US FDA approval for its Precision GI™ Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Biopsy Device. The device automatically obtains biopsies, for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and other cancers, quicker and safer than current products.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Tower of David tours for the deaf. The Tower of David Museum has conducted its first tour via sign language. It previously has run tours for the blind and sight impaired and created an enrichment course to train guides to work with people with low cognitive function. September is International Month of the Deaf.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/high-holidays/23/9/13/318468/
Chabad Chassid is a top IDF soldier. Staff-Sgt. Yossi Bluming, a Chabad Chassid who made Aliyah from Maryland three years ago, were recognized as an “Outstanding Soldier who continuously excels in the Israel Defense Forces’ 6,000-strong Paratroopers Brigade”. Yossi commands a unit of 18 combat soldiers.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/idf/23/9/12/318093/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6kJpAP7fbU
A Chinese Jewish woman in the IDF. An amazing article. Staff Sergeant Abigail Windberg’s family roots originate in the ancient Kaifeng community in China’s Henan province. Her mother still lives in Beijing.
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/bkbeu4i03
A new home for lone soldiers. Israel has begun building a state-of the-art home for 222 lone soldiers. It is being funded by the Friends of the IDF (FIDF), The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), and Ha'aguda Lema'an Hachayal (the Association for Israel’s Soldiers. It should open in Dec 2024.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/376691
Jewish, Druze & Muslim girls build ties through sport. The One Team summer camp, now in its second year, is an initiative by the Azrieli Foundation’s Sports for Social Impact (SSI), operated by World ORT Kadima Mada. It brings together Israeli girls (Jews, Druze, and Bedouin) to train and mix in all kinds of sports.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEt9AaRbpl0 https://summercamps.co.il/camps/one-team-camp/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-bedouin-girls-come-together-in-one-of-a-kind-summer-camp/
UK Foreign Minister praises Israel. British Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, was warmly received on his first visit to Israel. Topics discussed included increasing bilateral cooperation in security, technology, and AI. He also made an important speech at the international security conference at Israel’s Reichman University.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyfgsxta3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Lb6Ck1DINo
Israeli delegation in Saudi Arabia. (TY Israel Unwired) An Israeli delegation attended a meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Riyadh, marking the first public appearance by Israeli officials in Saudi Arabia. The nameplate of the Jewish state was displayed on their desk.
https://www.jns.org/abraham-accords/riyadh/23/9/11/317829/
Kenya Agriculture innovation center. The Israel-Kenya Don Bosco Agricultural Innovation and Technology Center (AITEC-EMBU) has been opened in in Embu County, Kenya. The new training center will bring Israeli technology to local farmers, including techniques to access fresh water and to boost food security.
https://www.jns.org/africa/kenya/23/9/7/317162/
Aid to Morocco. Four Israeli humanitarian aid groups have dispatched rescue teams to Morocco to help survivors of the deadly earthquake. They are SmartAID, IsraAID, United Hatzalah, and NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief. The IDF, Ministry of Health, and Magen David Adom plan to send and open a field hospital.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-aid-groups-to-assist-morocco-in-quake-aftermath/
https://israelrescue.org/stories/preperation-and-language-barriers-personal-account-of-a-first-responder-in-morocco/ https://www.jns.org/africa/morocco/23/9/12/318146/
Memorializing the victims of 9/11. Israel held its 22nd annual ceremony to remember the victims of 9/11. KKL-JNF pledged to plant 2,977 trees in the Land of Israel – one for each victim.
https://www.jwire.com.au/9-11-memorialised-in-israel/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Giving a voice to plants. Israel’s Plantell is helping plants signal potentially fatal stresses. It develops strains of crops that include green-fluorescent protein (GFP). These light up when the plants are stressed, showing what has caused the stress. Natural fertilizers and pesticides can then be fine-tuned to treat the crops.
https://nocamels.com/2023/09/jellyfish-protein-lets-stressed-plants-light-a-fluorescent-alarm/
The language of plants. Israel’s Agresense has developed a biochemical language that uses AI to identify bioactive products for the agriculture and food industries. Israeli Nobel Prize winner Aaron Ciechanover is on the Advisory Board. Agresense has just partnered with Israel Chemicals Ltd, which is also a key investor.
Milk from mushrooms. Israel’s ImaginDairy (see here previously) has bioengineered milk proteins (whey and casein) to create a wide range of dairy products – using mushrooms and no cows. Mushrooms are easy and cost effective to grow, doubling in size every 24 hours, and they can be picked just four days after they are visible.
https://nocamels.com/2023/09/using-dairy-dna-startup-is-making-milk-from-mushrooms/
Proteins for all. Israel’s Scala Biodesign (see here previously) designs proteins that can be mass-produced, to help companies develop new medicines (vaccines, antibodies, enzymes etc.,) and foods faster and cheaper than before. It could even help generate entirely new applications of biotechnology that were impossible previously.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r13kpdhr2 https://www.scala-bio.com/
More participation, less work for teachers. The app from Israel’s FloWeavers allows teachers to increase student involvement and social skills. Teachers upload tasks to the app, which students perform independently in exchange for points toward “educational incentives”. It also improves student discipline.
https://www.israel21c.org/app-helps-teachers-engage-schoolchildren-accomplish-tasks/
Teaching cyber skills to children in the periphery. Israeli organization Shchackim employs 33 teachers at 70 schools away from the center of the country. They teach the children via digital games such as Minecraft. This imparts hi-tech skills while learning English, physics, and math. Thousands have benefited.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1id2zir2 https://www.shchackim.co.il/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oudgATBhi6g
Parachutes for drones. With the increased use of commercial drones, Israel’s ParaZero has developed automatic parachute systems to ensure that any drone malfunction will not damage the payload or endanger the public below. It has enabled drone manufacturers to get U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification.
https://parazero.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaI0Aduq7TU
Fireproof uniforms save lives. (TY Hazel) The IDF has reported that new hi-tech fireproof uniforms for its elite forces have already saved lives. They contain special fibers and threads that absorb and extinguish the fire. The uniforms have been integrated into the IDF reconnaissance and special forces units over the past two years.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rjxg12ha2
Israeli innovation at COP28. The Israel Innovation Authority has selected 30 Israeli climate-tech companies, from 200 candidates, to represent Israel at the United Nations’ 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai (Nov 30 – Dec 12). They include Daika Wood, HomeBiogas, ANINA Culinary Art, and Xfloat.
https://nocamels.com/2023/09/30-israeli-climate-tech-companies-to-showcase-at-cop28-in-dubai/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
The hub of an economic corridor. (TY WIN) Global leaders at the G20 summit in New Delhi announced a multinational rail and ports deal linking the Middle East and South Asia. Israel’s railways and ports will open a new gateway from India, through the Middle East, to and from Europe via Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryy3xrqa2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DweG-7gPhg
https://www.jns.org/middle-east/israel-saudi-relations/23/9/10/317408/
Electrifying! Great article detailing Israel’s partnership with Cyprus and proposed fiber-optic and energy links. “a connection that transcends mere diplomacy and hits home the idea of shared civilization and values. Not just about transporting goods or services; it’s about transporting peace, connectivity, and progress.”
Electricity supply revolution. (TY Atid-EDI) From Jan 1st, Israel Electric Company’s supply monopoly ends. Israel’s Enlight Renewable Energy together with Electra Power JV will be able to supply clean energy to residences in Israel. Enlight has also launched Israel’s largest solar-storage fusion project at Sde Nitzan.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-755924
Direct flights from Kazakhstan. Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, launched twice-weekly 6 to 7-hour direct flights between Ben Gurion and Almaty International airports. Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Israel said, “Great opportunities open up with the start of direct flights between our countries”.
https://www.jns.org/jns/kazakhstan/23/9/7/316894/
Grain deal ensures Israel’s food security. Israel has signed a grain deal with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to secure the country’s wheat during disruptions in the global food supply. Israel will share its ag-tech knowledge to help with production. It is another sign of Israel’s friendly relations with the two majority Muslim countries.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-israeli-food/food-security/23/9/12/318167/
Innovation Envoy. Jerusalem’s deputy mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum (see here previously) has been appointed Israel’s first Innovation Envoy. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen praised Hassan-Nahoum’s “tireless” efforts to strengthen the Israeli capital’s innovation ecosystem over the past years. She will now do this on a global scale.
https://www.jns.org/startup-nation/innovation/23/9/13/318717/
Palo Alto to expand Israeli R&D center. Palo Alto Networks plans to hire 250 employees in Israel in 2024. Its 1,000 personnel Israeli R&D center is the cyber giant’s second largest outside its California HQ. Vacancies include product managers, development managers, developers, cyber researchers, analysts, QA, and DevOps.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rk6l2byya
Remote diagnostics for Japan. Japan’s insurance provider, Sompo, has teamed up with Israel’s TytoCare (see here previously) to deploy the Israeli AI remote diagnostic devices in 300+ nursing homes and hundreds of care centers servicing the elderly in Japan. The deal is one of many since Sompo established Digital Lab Tel Aviv.
Earthquake warning system for Oklahoma. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s SeismicAI is working with the Oklahoma Geological Survey to apply the SeismicAI early-warning techniques with data from a real-time statewide seismic network. Oklahoma has some 50 minor earthquakes annually - most are unnoticeable.
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/seismicai-launches-activities-in-oklahoma-301883790.html
10,000 vegan beef burgers coming right up! Israel’s SavorEat (see here previously) has partnered Sodexo to become the first Israeli food robotic company in the meat alternative sector to launch in the US. SavorEat will print and serve some 10,000 kosher, plant-based, meat-alternative meals to students at Denver University.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-757989
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 20/9/23. US-based Tenable has acquired Israel’s Ermetic for $265 million. US-based MDA has acquired Israel’s SatixFy Space Systems subsidiary for $60 million. Israel’s Payoneer has acquired Israel’s Spott.
Investment in Israeli startups to 20/9/23: UroGen Pharma raised $120 million (Nasdaq) UBQ raised $70 million; FloLIVE raised $47 million; SQream raised $45 million; Prisma Photonics raised $20 million; Port.io raised $18 million; Zenity raised $16.5 million; ViAqua Therapeutics raised $8.25 million; Scala Biodesign raised $5.5 million; Tamnoon.io raised $5.1 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
New National Library. Jerusalem’s hi-tech National Library of Israel is opening in Oct. The 46,000 sqm building has 11 floors and cost NIS 860 million. It will house over 4 million books, photos, newspapers, collections, maps, manuscripts, posters, records, tapes, plus millions of digitized documents & recordings.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/long-awaited-national-library-set-to-open-with-11-floors-and-millions-of-stories/ https://www.israel21c.org/a-peek-into-the-magnificent-new-national-library-of-israel/
Fauda returns. Israeli hit television show Fauda is set to return to the screen for an unexpected Season 5. Season 4 was meant to be the series’ grand finale, but the show’s producers and cable provider YES have agreed to continue for another season. Thanks to Netflix, Fauda was the top TV show in Lebanon and Qatar.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-tv-hit-fauda-returns-for-unexpected-season-5/
Top tennis stars to compete in Watergen Open. Israel will host the Tel Aviv Watergen Open on Nov. 5-11, in which top-ranked tennis superstars from around the world will compete for a $1 million prize pool. Last year’s tournament saw Novak Djokovic defeat Marin Cilic in the final. Some 4,500 spectators are expected.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/sports/23/9/13/318549/
Israel beats Belarus in stoppage time. Israel’s national soccer team scored in the 93rd minute to beat Belarus 1-0 and keep them in contention to qualify for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-and-israeli-sports/sports/23/9/13/318473/
Disabled IDF veterans win 5 medals. (TY Hazel) Disabled IDF veterans participated for the first time in the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf. Israel sent 20 veterans to compete in swimming, cycling, archery, table tennis and indoor rowing. The team won 5 medals including a gold and a silver in table tennis.
THE JEWISH STATE
What was its purpose? It’s not every day that a 3,000-year-old artifact is excavated, but when it is, the archeologists usually can identify its purpose. Not so with the 9th century BCE channel installation discovered in the City of David National Park, close to Temple Mount. And then they found a second one!
https://www.timesofisrael.com/researchers-baffled-by-unique-and-mysterious-structure-from-first-temple-period/ https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/376292 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu4GmanTc34
Rebuilding the Tiferet. The historic Tiferet Yisrael, or “Glory of Israel” synagogue, was established in 1872. The 3-storey 80 feet high building dominated the Old City’s Jewish Quarter until its destruction after the Jordanian Army captured the Old City in 1948. After a NIS 70 million project, it should re-open in 2024.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-israeli-culture/tiferet-yisrael-synagogue/23/8/30/314342/
13 Presidential Medal winners. Israel’s 2023 Presidential Medal of Honor was awarded to 12 individuals who have contributed to the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and all humanity. Also, the Kemach NGO which promotes haredi employment. Non-Israelis included Morocco’s André Azoulay and Canada’s Irwin Cotler
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/376640
African-American imams visit Israel. (TY Hazel) Nine African-American imams visited the Holy Land on a mission to promote faith-based peace in the Middle East. At the Western Wall in Jerusalem the imams, wearing kufis with their hands turned skywards, prayed side-by-side with Jewish men in skullcaps.
Israeli cultured meat is kosher. The Orthodox Union has certified chicken cell line products from Israel’s SuperMeat as kosher Mehadrin meat, meeting the most stringent qualification for kosher supervision. SuperMeat’s lab-grown poultry uses the stem cells from chicken eggs.
New season and New Year in Jerusalem. (TY Sharon) Jerusalem’s new sights include new festive lights, inflatables at the Botanical Gardens, new immigrant shuks (markets), Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Business Conference, a new bike trail, new brides & grooms, the new National Library, and apple & honey for a sweet New Year.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/09/10/jerusalem-getting-ready-for-new-season-and-new-year/
Well, I’ll be blowed! A new exhibition in the Beit Shemesh Biblical Museum of Natural History showcases one of the largest collections of kosher shofars in the world. They originate from the traditional ram, ibex and goat to the kudu, sable, and waterbuck antelope, and the East Caucasian tur.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/beit-shemesh/23/9/12/318133/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Caucasian_tur https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kudu
230910
In the 10th Sep 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Six positive stories about Israeli detection or treatments for cancer.
· Israel invests billions to help East Jerusalem Arabs.
· Israeli and Pakistani doctors save children in Afghanistan.
· An innovative Israeli college is creating the next generation of teachers.
· Israeli kibbutzim are producing huge amounts of sustainable energy.
· See the Israeli flag at the edge of space.
· More Israeli sporting gold medals.
· More embassies open – Israel’s in Bahrain and Papua New Guinea’s in Jerusalem.
· Click here to see the 3rd Sep newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours, and United With Israel. Also (TY Sandra) translated into German here and (TY Stuart Palmer) posted here. Also (TY Zachy) translated into Hebrew here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Please forward 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 (now over 23,100 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
Once-a-day injection to treat Parkinson’s. Israel’s Pharma Two B (see here previously) is presenting the full results of its Phase 3 trial of its once-a-day injection of its P2B001 treatment for Parkinson’s disease. P2B001 combines low-dose pramipexole with low-dose rasagiline. It relieves PD symptoms with few side effects.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/revolutionary-jab-alleviates-parkinsons-symptoms-in-new-study/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J23snutHniU
Sheba implements fast cancer diagnosis. Sheba Medical Center has deployed a new accelerated, AI-powered cancer diagnostics research platform to improve patient diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. It utilizes solutions of various Israeli startups, including that of Imagene (see here previously).
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/375264
Detecting ovarian cancer. Israel’s Nevia Bio (previously Gina Life) specializes in women’s health, using its innovative machine-learning platform to detect diseases while they are still curable. Nevia is initially targeting ovarian cancer, which has a less than 20% survival rate at stage 3 and currently has no early detection.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sykpcf119n https://www.nevia.bio/
Accurately predicting the genetic risk of cancer. Researchers at Tel Aviv University (TAU) have developed a computational model that makes it possible to predict an individual woman’s genetic risk of developing breast cancer based on her genetic profile. It means women at risk can be tested earlier and more frequently.
https://www.aftau.org/news_item/computational-model-from-tau-will-make-it-possible-to-predict-increased-genetic-risk-for-breast-cancer/ https://jmg.bmj.com/content/early/2023/07/13/jmg-2023-109185.abstract
Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s MediWound (see here previously) announced positive data from its Phase I/II study of MW005 for non-surgical treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – a form of slow-growing skin cancer. MW005 is safe, well-tolerated and completely cleared the BCC lesions.
Nanotechnology improves photodynamic cancer therapy. Researchers at Israel’s Ariel University have enhanced the ability of Photodynamic cancer therapy (PDT) to reach tumors deep inside the body. They used nanoparticles of barium titanate, curcumin (turmeric) and pulsed lasers to optimize the Near Infrared Light.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-754826#
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386142523008806
US approval for biodegradable balloon. Israel’s BioProtect (see here previously) has received US FDA's clearance for its biodegradable balloon spacer that protects healthy tissue against damage during prostate cancer radiation therapy. BioProtect already has approval for the European market.
https://bioprotect.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-n3ojSivVY
Using music to test for dementia. Israel’s Neurosteer (see here previously) has developed a musical test for the early detection of Parkinson’s Disease as well as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Patients conduct a series of musical tasks while sensors connected to an EEG device record their brain activity.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/testing-for-dementia-in-the-elderly-with-mood-lifting-music/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEKYeo-LPzI
US approval for acne scar treatment. Israel’s Sofwave Medical (see here previously) has received US FDA approval for its treatment for acne scars. 88% of patients reported an improvement in a clinical study of Sofwave’s Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB) technology.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/fda-okays-israel-developed-treatment-for-acne-scars/
Understanding early placental development. Joint Israeli & US research has revealed crucial insights into the early development of specialized tissues that protect the fetus during human pregnancy. The findings can potentially help prevent dangerous pregnancy complications, like pre-eclampsia and preterm birth.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-technology-enables-researchers-to-better-understand-early-placental-development/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06298-9
Better health for aging Americans. (TY OurCrowd) Healthcare app Together by Renee is integrating the video-based biomarker check technology from Israel’s Binah.ai (see here previously). The platform allows US seniors to easily check and share vital signs with caregivers and family, using their smartphone cameras.
https://www.prweb.com/releases/2023/07/prweb19458579.htm
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
A haredi border policewoman. Sgt. Maj. Avishag Shiran Malka is Israel’s only haredi female Border Police officer. She consults her Rabbi who supports her work, which involves Shabbat and even Yom Kippur duties. 17 years in the force, Malka serves in a mostly female unit that regularly patrols Afula in case of terrorist attack.
$843 million for Eastern Jerusalem. Israel has approved a five-year, 3.2-billion-shekel ($843 million) plan to invest in eastern Jerusalem. It aims to reduce economic and social disparities for Arab residents in Israel’s capital city. It should improve infrastructure, health, welfare, personal security, employment, and education.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/eastern-jerusalem/23/8/20/311833/
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/ejerufive#
A small medical center makes a big difference. (TY Ruth) Tzafon Medical Center near Tiberias cares for 300,000 residents of Northern Israel. Staff and patients represent a mosaic of Israelis: Christian and Muslim Arabs, Bedouin, Druze, Circassians, and all kinds of Jews. It has just begun implanting LVAD heart devices.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israels-north-star-a-small-medical-center-making-a-big-difference/
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-755582
US University teaches Israeli innovation. Florida University has been running its “Innovation Nation: The Global Influence of Israeli Technology and Entrepreneurship” course for three years. This year it was oversubscribed. Students learn how to pitch, to think through different angles, teamwork, and “failure”.
https://www.israel21c.org/florida-university-students-learn-innovation-nation-secrets/
https://honors.fiu.edu/current-students/course-descriptions/innovation_nation/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi58DdN5TRQ (Great explanatory video)
Israel, Cyprus, Greece alliance to include India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed interest in joining the Eastern Mediterranean alliance between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece and to establish a cargo route from India to the Med. All three leaders approved and will invite the Indian Premier to the next summit.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/eastern-mediterranean/23/9/4/315979/
The Abraham Accords dream is coming true. Two very positive articles, to mark the 3rd anniversary of the signing of the original Abraham Accords by Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and the USA.
https://www.jns.org/column/abraham-accords/23/9/6/316676/
https://www.jns.org/jns/abraham-accords/23/8/31/315142/
Saving the sight of Afghan children. (TY WIN) The Retinoblastoma Silk Road Project treats young Afghan children with the potentially deadly eye cancer Retinoblastoma. Ophthalmologists from Israel’s Sheba Medical Center check images on Zoom and WhatsApp and refer children for treatment in Lahore, Pakistan.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-pakistani-mds-save-eyesight-of-afghan-children/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiwjQ0U7ng
Clean water for Cameroon and Kenya. (TY Stuart Palmer & I24 News) Israeli NGO Innovation: Africa (see here previously) is installing clean water systems in 35 remote villages in Northern Cameroon. And in Kenya, IsraAID is installing similar solar-powered pumps to extract water from the boreholes they drill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5v_jfRrjnk (Another great video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4qX3TlZf7k
Knesset porcupine saved. A tiny month-old porcupine was recently rescued from crows by guards at Israel’s Knesset (parliament). Her wounds were treated at the nearby Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Research Station of the Society for the Protection of Nature, and at the Biblical Zoo. She has now been released back into the wild.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/375649
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
How Israel became a cyber and technology superpower. This article describes Israel’s security priority, the IDF recruitment and training process, venture capital funding, accelerator programs, and post-IDF service training. It explains how the hi-tech industry has become the engine that pulls the Israeli economy.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/idf/23/9/5/316211/
The classroom of the future. (TY UWI) Gordon Academic College in Haifa is an innovation center for educating the next generation of teachers. Augmented Reality of an X-ray tee shirt; touchscreens that launch puzzles, quizzes, and tours; studying on an exercise bike. The school has also adopted Mistake-based Learning.
https://www.israel21c.org/a-classroom-where-teachers-and-kids-have-fun-and-succeed/
https://en.gordon.ac.il/contentpage/international_center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kpmfPklOi8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THtv0f1idzY
Cutting hospital emissions. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Finance Ministry has allocated NIS 14 million for Israel’s Brenmiller (see here previously) to build a Thermal Energy system for the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon. The aim is to cut carbon emissions by 3,900 tons and reduce energy costs by up to $1.3 million annually.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-756877
It’s about thyme. Israel’s BotanoHealth has created BH-B spray - an organic formula for protecting plants against insects and fungi using thyme oil. BotanoHealth uses nano-emulsion to reduce thyme oil’s base ingredient thymol to a safe 1% and act as a natural antimicrobial agent by killing bacteria and fungi.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/essential-oil-pesticide-keeping-crops-healthy-and-organic/
https://botanohealth.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XYs4Dns04M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ph9tW5kYI4
Preventing peanut allergies. Israel’s Ukko (see here previously) is developing a therapy for those with severe allergies to peanuts. Ukko separates the parts of the peanut protein that trigger an allergic reaction from those that help train the immune system. Ukko then reintroduces the training part until the patient develops immunity.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/ai-led-peanut-allergy-treatment-offers-hope-for-severely-affected/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgnjSLff1xk
95% reduction in loneliness. (TY OurCrowd) Data from New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) shows that the smart ElliQ robot companion from Israel’s Intuition Robotics (see here previously), has reduced loneliness in 800 elderly residents by 95%. NYSOFA is now extending its partnership with Intuition Robotics.
Wristband to prevent drownings. Israel’s NeoMare is developing a wristband that inflates on command, potentially saving dozens of Israelis from drowning every year. NeoMare’s LifSsaver armband contains a chemical that inflates an 8-liter floatation balloon, to become a personal buoy if there is a danger of drowning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XWM9x7WNDw https://neo-mare.com/en/en-lp/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh6wv5Tf1KU
Tech competition for teens. (TY I24 News) Non-profit Unistream (see here previously) organized a unique tech competition for teens from periphery communities in Israel. They got a chance to showcase their innovations and enhance their prospects of entering the hi-tech industry in the future.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/startup-nations-gateway-israels-tech-competition-paving-the-way-for-periphery-talent/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Zmb_rC138
Increasing the power of AI while reducing the cost. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s NeuReality (see here previously) aims to make AI systems easy to use, increase its performance tenfold and reduce its cost by 90%. All while reducing its carbon footprint.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI06EM6FFbI
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Natural gas revenues soar. (TY Hazel) The latest report shows Israel earned over NIS 1 billion from its natural gas deposits in the first six months of 2023 – a rise of 22.8% compared to the same period last year. Almost half of the gas produced (6 BCM) was exported to neighboring countries - mostly to Egypt and Jordan.
https://english.news.cn/20230829/846edb686a5845df9db0cd819eb6156c/c.html
An incubator for Israeli-Arab innovators. (TY Hazel) The Hasoub (Arabic for “computer”) Garage incubator (see here previously) in Wadi Ara in the Arab town of Ar’ara comprises Hasoub Angels, an investment arm for early-stage startups, and Hasoub Labs, an innovation hub to transform ideas into reality.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/in-northern-israel-tech-veterans-are-nurturing-arab-innovation/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKpMniBmLKs&t=74s (Inspiring video of CEO Rabea Zioud)
Microgrid in Australia. (TY OurCrowd) Australia’s Endeavour Energy is adopting the Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) platform from Israel’s mPrest (see here previously). It will be part of a new micro power grid in New South Wales, delivering electricity to tens of thousands of customers.
ItsMine is a Cool Vendor. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s ItsMine (see here previously) has been named a Cool Vendor in Garner’s “The “Cool Vendors in Data Security” report. ItsMine’s Agentless Beyond platform is designed to prevent data loss and leakage that can lead to devastating ransomware attacks.
https://itsmine.io/cool-vendor-2023/
More innovation than ever. An interview with Israeli top tech influencer Hillel Fuld (brother of Ari Fuld z”l) who says that start-ups in the Jewish State are stronger than ever. “People don’t know this, but in absolute numbers, Israel’s ecosystem is number two in the world after the United States for food tech.”
Simulating clinical trials. Over 90% of treatments that reach the clinical trials stage fail to make it to market - an annual $50 billion waste. It is mostly due to major gaps in the research needed to support clinical trials. QuantHealth.ai bridges these gaps by simulating large scale trials to accelerate development.
https://quanthealth.ai/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1xl45op2
The sun is shining on the kibbutz. Many kibbutzim have invested millions in setting up solar power systems and large storage facilities. Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak (3.5km from Gaza) stores energy in batteries during the day and sells it back to the grid during peak demand. Also Doral Energy and Nofar Energy’s many initiatives.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sytlwmzr3 https://www.nofar-energy.com/
Pitango’s 2nd Healthtech fund. Pitango VC has closed its $175 million second dedicated healthcare fund (see first fund here). Pitango HealthTech II. will invest in decentralized healthcare, personalized medicine, medical devices and diagnostics, AI, etc. It has already invested in QuantHealth.ai and Nevia Bio (see previously).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/ryncgk8rn
Another Unicorn. The $155 million raised by Israel’s AI21 Labs last week gave it a valuation of $1.4 billion and financial Unicorn status. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/byy4pxa6h
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 10/9/23. Israel’s Check Point Systems is acquiring Israel’s Atmosec for a few million dollars. Jared Kushner’s Saudi-backed Affinity Partners is investing $150 million for an 18% stake in Israel’s Shlomo Group.
Investment in Israeli startups to 10/9/23: ThetaRay raised $57 million; Ibex Medical raised $55 million; Upwind raised $50 million; Intuition Robotics raised $25 million; Harmonya raised $20 million; QuantHealth.ai raised $15 million; Pynt raised $6 million; Nevia Bio raises $3 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Piano festival in the desert. The 32nd annual Tel-Hai International Piano Master Classes at Midreshet Sde Boker in the Negev, attracted 78 budding pianists from 17 countries. Hopefuls are meticulously screened for their skills, ensuring that the event remains a true celebration of talent rather than a numbers game.
The flamingos are back. (TY UWI) The first sign of autumn (fall) in Israel was signified by the arrival of dozens of flamingos at the Hula Lake in Northern Israel. The first migrating birds also include egrets, hummingbirds, and different species of herons. https://www.israel21c.org/flamingo-arrival-is-first-hint-of-fall/
Israeli flag flies high. (TY WIN & ILTV) Keisha Schahaff and her daughter Anastasia Mayers made history when they won a trip to become the first mother and daughter to go to the edge of space. Keisha, who is married to an Israeli, proudly wore the Israeli flag on her spacesuit aboard Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bycrqtm2h https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY8xpUGTqAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6hYaijyyno (see Keisha on the BBC video at 1:40 & 2:20)
Imagine Dragons enthrall Tel Aviv fans. (TY Hazel) US pop giants Imagine Dragons performed to 62,000 fans at Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park. Hits included “My Life”, “Believer”, “Thunder” and “Demons”. Before “Enemy”, lead singer Dan Reynolds called out, “Don’t let your enemies take you down. You are strong.”
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-756836
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5GH85-dujQ&t=180s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MAI16isk4Y&t=60s
Six world karate golds. The Israeli karate delegation won six gold, one silver and four bronze medals at the Aug 2023 SKIF Shotokan Karate World Games in Hungary.
https://www.israel21c.org/racking-up-medals-in-karate-marathon-windsurfing/
Victory, despite forfeiting Shabbat match. (TY UWI) Israel’s Under 17 boys flag football team won gold at the inaugural IFAF Flag Football European Youth Championships in Grosseto, Italy. The team refused to play one match on Shabbat and were severely penalized. Despite this, they advanced to the semi-finals and finals.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-757513 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by8FkGNGQwU
THE JEWISH STATE
2nd Temple period aqueduct discovered in Jerusalem. (TY Hazel) Israeli archaeologists have uncovered 300 meters of an aqueduct that brought water from springs near Bethlehem, to Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago. 25 coins were found in the plaster, including one commemorating the Great Jewish Revolt against the Romans.
Unearthing 2,200-year-old trash. (TY UWI & I24 News) The magical Caves of Maresha in Judea are 2,200 years old. Visitors get a hands-on educational experience by taking part in an archeological dig. The residents of Maresha threw their trash into the basements of their houses where it became a time capsule of Jewish life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9hW9-EWYOc
Jews versus Romans. A cache of weapons has been uncovered in the Judean Desert. Four well-preserved 1,900-year-old Roman swords and a shafted weapon were found in a crevice in a cave in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve near the Dead Sea. They were almost certainly seized by Judean rebels in the revolt against Rome.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/archaeology/23/9/6/316561/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML6D8Kta-PU (Great video)
IDF maintains a clean camp. (See Deut ch23 v13-15) The Israeli Defense Ministry and the IDF have launched an initiative to convert organic waste on military bases into renewable energy. Israel’s HomeBiogas (see here previously) will convert kitchen waste into biogas.
https://www.jns.org/startup-nation/renewable-energy/23/8/9/309185/
Ishay entertains 15,000 in MSG. Ishay Ribo became the first Israeli singer to perform at New York’s Madison Square Garden. He sang a string of hits, including “Lashuv Habaita” (“To Return Home”) and promised an invitation to a private concert for all those who made Aliyah.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-israeli-culture/madison-square-garden/23/9/5/316134/
New Israeli embassy in Bahrain. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen inaugurated the permanent home of the Israeli embassy in Manama as part of his first official visit to Bahrain. In a joint ceremony with his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Cohen affixed a mezuzah on the doorpost of the embassy.
https://www.jns.org/abraham-accords/bahrain/23/9/4/316023/
Papua New Guinea’s new Jerusalem embassy. Papua New Guinea opened its embassy in Jerusalem - the 5th country to maintain a diplomatic mission in Israel’s capital. Prime Minister James Marape said, “As Christians, paying respect to God would not be complete without recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel”.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/376586
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/papua-new-guinea/23/9/5/316424/
New beginnings in Jerusalem. (TY Sharon) As the Jewish New Year approaches, the new sights on Jerusalem’s streets include a Blue Moon (the second full moon in August), new construction and renovations, new blue plaques, new parking restrictions, new buggies, new artwork, and a new start for our schoolchildren.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/09/03/in-jerusalem-transition-time-and-new-beginnings/
230903
In the 3rd Sep 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Israeli bio-techs detect life-threatening diseases in DNA or cells.
· Read news about six amazing Israeli medical device companies.
· Jerusalem’s deputy mayor helps advance the career of women – in Morocco.
· Israelis are busy in Africa, helping Rwanda, DRC, and Zambia.
· Israeli innovation makes carbon-free ammonia fuel more likely.
· The skies the limit for new Israeli planes and air routes.
· Israeli sporting success in gymnastics, martial arts, athletics, and video games.
· An Israeli woman certainly has someone watching over her.
· Click here to see the 27th Aug newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours, and IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) translated into German here. Also (TY Stuart Palmer) German for 20th Aug posted here & 27th Aug posted here. Also (TY Zachy) 27th Aug translated into Hebrew here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Please forward 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 (now over 23,000 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
Whole genome cancer detection. It wasn’t long ago since the genome was fully decoded. Now, Israel’s C2i Genomics (see here previously) has teamed up with Tel Aviv’s Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center take blood test data and perform whole genome minimal residual disease (MRD) testing to detect recurring cancer early.
https://www.israel21c.org/ai-cancer-startup-collaborates-with-top-israeli-hospital/ https://c2i-genomics.com/
Biopsy the cells. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s MetaSight Diagnostics is developing fast, low-cost mass spectrometry to perform vast amounts of serum biopsies of the metabolome (molecules in a cell). These can detect cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular and neurological diseases etc. MetaSight is working with KSM (Maccabi’s R&D).
https://metasightdx.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wsHb4l7HXc
Light-activated cancer treatment gets US support. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s ImPact Biotech has received Orphan treatment designation from the US FDA for its Padeliporfin VTP in Pancreatic Cancer. ImPact stands for IMmune Photo Activated Cancer Treatment and VTP is Vascular Targeted Photodynamic therapy.
https://impactbiotech.com/impact-biotech-receives-fda-orphan-drug-designation-for-padeliporfin-vtp-in-pancreatic-cancer/ https://impactbiotech.com/
US NIH funds Israeli radiation therapy. The U.S. National Institutes of Health has granted Israel’s Pluri (previously Pluristem) $4.2 million to develop its PLX-R18 (see here) as a treatment for Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome - a deadly disease that can result from nuclear disasters and radiation exposure.
https://pluri-biotech.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1689056470_PLUR_NIAID_ARS_PR_FINAL-2.pdf
https://pluri-biotech.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pluri_PR_re_BMT_Article_FINAL_accessible.pdf
Transforming clinical best practices. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Quai.MD is developing an AI- platform that improves hospital patient care, reduces costs and saves doctors’ time. The process is tailored to the patient and hospital. Partners include Mayo Clinic & MUSC. Initial focus is the diagnosis of patients with chest pain.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/ai-platform-helps-diagnose-chest-pain-swiftly-and-accurately/ https://quai.md/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tiv_hbQY8Is
11,000 focused ultrasound procedures. (TY OurCrowd) A 5-year study of patients has proved the success of the focused ultrasound treatment from Israel’s Insightec (see here previously). It improved quality of life with no progressive or delayed complications. Insightec's technology has been used 11,000+ times globally.
Brain stimulation eases ADHD symptoms. In a small clinical study, Israeli and UK researchers found non-invasive brain stimulation improved the condition of 55% of unmedicated ADHD children aged 6-12. Only 17% of the placebo control group improved. 64% of the treated children retained the improvement weeks later.
Next gen blood test device gets US approval. (TY OurCrowd) The US FDA has approved the upgraded 15-minute bacteria vs virus diagnostic blood test device from Israel’s MeMed (see here previously). The new MeMed BV is now suitable for urgent care centers, as it avoids the clotting and spinning process of the original.
https://www.me-med.com/press_release/fda-clears-memed-bv-direct-from-whole-blood/
Approval for smart colonoscopy device. (TY Atid-EDI) MAGENTIQ-COLO from Israel’s MAGENTIQ-EYE (see here previously) has been cleared by the US FDA and Israel’s AMAR, and received Europe’s CE Mark. The AI-assisted device is significantly more efficient in detecting adenomas (pre-cancerous polyps).
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K223473 https://www.magentiq.com/
https://vimeo.com/540882393 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4HtDuXWAqo
Re-educate your muscles. Israel’s NeuroTrigger is developing a powered muscle stimulator to repeatedly contract muscles to increase their range of motion and prevent retardation. Neurotrigger has received a BIRD grant (see below) to develop an eyelid pacemaker that restores blinking to those with facial paralysis.
Remote health care for Madrid region. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Essence SmartCare (see here previously) has won a contract from the Community of Madrid governmental region. Essence will use its digital AI systems to replace outdated analog remote care services for 100,000 senior citizens and disabled individuals.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
$66 million to help integrate Ethiopian citizens. Israel is to extend and update its plan to integrate its 160,000 citizens of Ethiopian descent. Aims of the $66 million budget for 2023-24 include to integrate Ethiopian Israelis into military service, close the income gap and increase trust between the community and the government.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/ethiopian-jews/23/7/18/303161/
Clean energy for Israel-Arab cities. (TY Hazel) Israel has launched a NIS 30 million plan to promote green energy in Israeli-Arab cities. It will finance energy production projects, such as replacing old, inefficient lighting and air conditioning systems, plus the implementation of solar projects in public buildings.
https://english.news.cn/20230724/86df10c44086472194d922cb7b929666/c.html
Israeli help for PA fish farmers. (TY Hazel) Israel is helping edible fish farmers in the Palestinian Authority cities of Tulkarm and (yes) Jenin. They receive financing, equipment, fish food, water filters and training. The Israel helps with veterinary medicine, forestry, plant protection and agricultural imports.
Casablanca course helps careers of Israeli & Moroccan women. Casablanca was the venue of a very successful first Israel-Morocco cohort of the career-advancement program by Israel’s Femforward (see here previously). Jerusalem’s deputy mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum was one of the facilitators. Bahrain is next.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-israelis-helping-moroccan-women-climb-the-career-ladder/
Search & Rescue training for NY National Guard. (TY Hazel) 15 New York Army National Guard engineers received hands-on training in Oriskany NY, from members of Israel’s Home Front Command. They learned Israeli techniques for locating and rescuing people from collapsed buildings.
US Black Colleges to start exchange programs. (TY UWI) 5 heads of US universities in the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) group were so impressed from their recent trip to Israel that they will soon start student-exchange programs. They will also encourage the other 96 member institutions to do so.
Food, water & energy for Rwanda. Israel’s Netafim has designed a unique coworking farm hub in landlocked drought-stricken Rwanda, with a purpose-built water source and energy network. The Gabiro Agribusiness Hub in the Nyagatara region of Eastern Rwanda is built on land that was previously not suitable for farming.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-coworking-farm-hub-in-rwanda-to-ensure-food-security/
Screening women for cancer in DRC. Israel’s MobileODT (see here previously) has partnered US-based Cingulate Medical to launch phase one of a National Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer screening and treatment program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – the largest such program in Africa.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/democratic-republic-of-congo/23/8/2/307297/
Agreements with Zambia. (TY WIN) Israel and Zambia’s Foreign Ministers met in Jerusalem and signed several cooperation agreements to strengthen the two countries’ ties in the spheres of medicine, agriculture, communications, and culture. https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy/1690817862-israel-and-zambia-strengthen-cooperation-in-agriculture-healthcare-and-technology
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Ammonia for carbon-free fuel. Israel’s Nitrofix (see here previously) has developed a zero-carbon, green electricity, zero hydrogen, method for producing ammonia for use as a green fuel. Nitrofix uses an organic metal catalyst to help combine nitrogen from the air with water. The only by-product is oxygen.
https://www.israel21c.org/ammonia-could-be-the-next-big-thing-in-carbon-free-fuel/ https://nitro-fix.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=630S_ulOAzE https://www.yedarnd.com/nitrofix
SodaStream switches to renewable energy. New Israeli energy regulations has allowed Israel’s SodaStream (see here previously) to sign a 15-year deal with Israel’s Enlight (see here previously) that will power all of SodaStream’s production facilities in Israel with 100 percent renewable energy by the start of 2024.
https://www.israel21c.org/sodastream-switches-production-sites-to-renewable-energy/
Recycling synthetic fibers. Israel’s TextRe (see here previously) creates plastic pellets from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon from textile waste. The pellets are then used to make other plastic products.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/unwasted-wardrobe-startup-turns-old-clothes-into-new-plastics/
Food packaging from waste-produced fungi. Israel’s MadeRight takes industrial organic waste to grow fungi. This is then fermented to produce bioplastic pellets that can be made into biodegradable plastic food packaging. MadeRight has won two sustainability awards and MassChallenge.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-startup-pulls-in-2-million-to-use-fungi-for-eco-friendly-plastic-packaging/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkwbdxm62 https://www.maderight.co/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-YrraxuvFo
Smart headband for blind swimmers. Israel’s EyeCan has developed a vibrating headband device that alerts swimmers in real time if they move from the center of their lane or are approaching an obstacle. EyeCan is part of the IDF’s 8200 Impact program and has received a $30,000 grant from the Israel Innovation Authority.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/smart-headband-gives-blind-swimmers-confidence-in-the-pool/
Using AI to fight antisemitism. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Cyabra (see here previously) not only spots fake videos, but is also playing a key role in the fight against the surge of antisemitism online. Cyabra is using an algorithm developed by Israeli startup Final to flag antisemitic posts on social media and initiate their removal.
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-749349
Using AI in the emergency services. (TY Dr Salem) Excellent article on how AI is being used today in Israel to save lives by two of the country’s emergency services: the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority and Magen David Adom, which oversees emergency medical response. AI significantly speeds up response times.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-749079
The cutting edge of 3D software. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed software, called ArchCUT3-D, to extract and analyze ancient engravings that could lead to a better understanding of ancient engravers’ background and skills.
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/23/7/18/303550/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-023-01742-7
The best battery. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Addionics (see here previously) won the UK Research and Innovation’s SME Credit Competition – part of UKRI’s Faraday Battery Challenge. Addionics receives £1 million to enable Addionics to access the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre for scaling up production.
Perfect dubbing. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Deepdub (see here previously) has launched Deepdub Go. Now any business can transform its audio-videos into any language, whilst lip-synching the presenters / actors but retaining their original voices and emotions. For training videos, university courses, ad agencies and movies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59cDtx-XFPw
In-car speed camera. Israeli-founded Mobileye has introduced the world’s first vision-only Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) solution to meet European standards for all new vehicles to recognize speed limits without relying on 3rd-party map and GPS data. Certified for all 27 EU countries plus Israel, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Good news for Arab women and Haredi men. In 2020, 25% of Arab women aged 30-34 held academic degrees, double the percentage in 2010. In 2023, 45% of Arab women were employed, up from 33% in 2014. Among Haredi men, employment has reached 56%, up from 52% in 2014.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-number-of-arab-women-graduates-doubles-in-a-decade-1001451410
New grants for Israeli Arab entrepreneurs. The Israel Innovation Authority has announced new grants for innovative programs to train entrepreneurs in research and medical institutions with at least 50% representation from Israel’s Arab community. The Human Capital for High-Tech Fund is offering up to 70% of program costs.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/arab-israelis/23/8/1/306862/
Tax benefits for investors. (TY Atid-EDI) The Israeli Knesset has passed the "Angels Law". It grants tax benefits to investors in the local high-tech industry as well as incentives for purchasing other tech companies based in Israel. Benefits take effect immediately. Foreign firms also get benefits for lending to Israeli startups.
BIRD invests $8 Million in 9 new projects. The Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial R&D (BIRD) Foundation is granting $8 million for 9 joint hi-tech projects. The Israeli startups are Agado Live, Agromentum (Fieldin), AlvaLinks, ContainerEyes, GeneYX, NeuroTrigger, Oshi, Quantum Machines, and Treetoscope.
https://www.birdf.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BIRD-BOG-June-2023.pdf https://alvalinks.com/
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/container-eyes https://www.nt-med.com/
Flying high. Israel’s Arkia is starting flights from Tel Aviv to Sri Lanka in Oct. Meanwhile, El Al is to begin a Tel Aviv to Fort Lauderdale (Hollywood International) service in April plus six seasonal flights this year. However, the recent Jeddah to Tel Aviv flight, for Israeli passengers from the Seychelles, was a one-off.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/sri-lanka/23/8/9/309373/ https://www.jns.org/jns/el-al/23/8/14/310594/
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israelis-arrive-home-after-emergency-stop-in-saudi-arabia/
El Al’s new Dreamliner uses sustainable fuel. (TY Stuart Palmer) El Al Israel Airlines’ newest Boeing 787 Dreamliner flew from Boeing’s Seattle factory using 30% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It is El Al’s first use of SAF, made from sources such as CO2 in the air and emits far less carbon than fossil fuels.
https://www.elal.com/eng/usa/press-release/sustainablea-viation-fuel
NIS 100 billion high speed train plan. Israel is planning a 100-billion-shekel ($27 billion) high-speed rail line from Kiryat Shmona in the north to the southern city of Eilat 400km (250-miles) away.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/travel/23/7/30/306408/
The world’s second most Unicorn founders. Tel Aviv University has produced the second-most unicorn ($1 billion+) companies in the world, based on where their founders went to college. Stanford was the highest, but TAU was next, even beating UK’s Oxford University.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkqkrvu2h
Partnering to detect diabetic retinopathy. (TY OurCrowd) Customers of US retinal imaging and diagnostic company IRIS will be able to use AEYE-DS from Israel’s AEYE (see here previously) for the autonomous detection of diabetic retinopathy. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iris-and-aeye-health-announce-partnership-to-provide-ai-screening-to-market-301874034.html
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 3/9/23. US Dynatrace is acquiring Israel’s Rookout for NIS 40-50 million. Israeli-founded, US based Coro Cybersecurity has acquired Israel’s Privatise. Israel’s InMode has acquired the patients of Colorado’s Viveve Medical.
Investment in Israeli startups to 3/9/23: AI21 Labs raised $155 million; FeelBetter raised $5.9 million; Append Medical raised 4.35 million; MadeRight raised $2million; Skillset raised $1.65 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Sussita - Israel’s new National Park. The Hellenistic / Roman / Byzantine city of Hippos (Sussita in Hebrew) was established over 2,300 years ago in the Golan Heights. The new Sussita National Park (see here previously) offers a glimpse of ancient life there.
https://www.israel21c.org/marvel-at-ancient-ruins-sea-views-atop-a-new-national-park/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I56y336sbIU
Gal Gadot movie is a hit in six Arab countries. (TY Hazel) Gal Gadot’s spy thriller “Heart of Stone” is number one on Netflix in 93 countries, including in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/gal-gadots-heart-of-stone-tops-netflix-charts-in-6-arab-countries/
Real Madrid opens Jerusalem soccer clinic. Spanish soccer club Real Madrid opened its youth training camp in Jerusalem. It welcomed 450+ teenage players from Israel, Morocco, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-and-israeli-sports/soccer/23/7/25/305353/
Gymnastic successes. Israel’s women rhythmic gymnasts won the silver medal in the 2023 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup event in Milan, achieving the same score as Italy. They then made history at the World Championships in Valencia, Spain, winning gold medals in both the All-Around and the Combined events.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-wins-silver-at-rhythmic-gymnastics-world-cup-circuit-meet/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/376105 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/376176
Ju-Jitsu medals. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Lia Shalev, Guy Burshtein and Michal Baly won gold medals at the Ju-Jitsu Youth World Championships in Kazakhstan. Roi Shtoff and May Daniel won silver medals and Zohar Sela, Erez Malka, Ayman Halabi, Noga Reshef, and Maya Day won bronze medals at the event.
Marathon runner wins World silver medal. History was made when Marhu Teferi won Israel’s first-ever silver medal in the men’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. His 2hr 9min time was also a new Israeli record. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X_xhfxh02w
https://unitedwithisrael.org/a-run-to-remember-israel-seizes-first-silver-in-mens-marathon/
Israelis win video game final in Saudi. Israelis Shahar Shoshan and Lotan Giladi were part of the 5-person Vitality team that won $400,000 in the final of the Counterstrike event at the Gamer8 tournament in Saudi Arabia. The video and screenshot show Giladi’s keyboard on which he had printed the Israeli flag.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/3-israelis-compete-in-video-game-tournament-in-saudi-arabia-2-on-winning-team/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIJQGuV8S_0&t=3330s
THE JEWISH STATE
Kosher cruises from Haifa. An article about Royal Caribbean’s cruises out of Haifa on the Rhapsody of the Seas and (2024) Jewel of the Seas. Up to 400 of the 2500 passengers can sign up for the Fresh Kosher food program run by Rabbi Dovid Weberman and his wife Esther. Cruises visit Cyprus and Greece.
https://www.jns.org/world-news/kosher-food/23/8/3/307651/
New immigrants dance at the airport. The arrival at Ben Gurion International airport of 215 immigrants from the US and Canada sparked emotional reunions and dancing in one of the terminals. The flight included 45 future lone soldiers, 7 doctors and 15 health professionals. 29,293 Olim have arrived in the first half of 2023.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/aliyah/23/8/17/311407/ https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/375636
The shofar as you never heard it before. (TY Hazel) In the month of Elul, news of Israel’s Amit Sofer, a talented trumpet player who has transformed the traditional Shofar into a versatile musical instrument. Recent article, plus two older videos. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1nluqnn3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeWREp_WZTc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjmru9xCsjw
Constant change on Jerusalem streets. (TY Sharon) Jerusalem of Gold could also be called Jerusalem of Change. The skyline and the seasons are always changing; so are the flowers, the pavements, Shaare Medical Center, the hotels, the Skatepark, First Station, the skaters in the Ice Rink, and the live concerts at Sultan Pool.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/08/27/see-how-jerusalem-is-changing-from-above-and-below/
Sailing for Change. The non-profit Mifrasim, (“Sails” in Hebrew) is helping those at risk or in need address their challenges through “maritime group therapy”. Mifrasim purchased Challenge ’67, a 67-foot steel-hulled yacht which enables individuals to gain confidence and develop sailing, communication, and leadership skills.
https://www.jns.org/jns/ngos/23/8/31/315118/ https://www.mifrasim.org.il/?lang=en
Survivor sees the ocean again. 81-year-old Shoah survivor Mina longed to see the Mediterranean but has been housebound for years due to illness. Volunteers from the Hevel Sorek branch of United Hatzalah brought her to the beach in Ashdod. Mina said, “I truly feel like I have been reborn.”
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/holocaust-survivors/23/8/4/307918/
Doctor delivers baby of woman he helped beat childhood cancer. Talia recovered from leukemia as a 2-year-old, but it returned 7 years later to attack her ovaries. Dr Doron Cabin was one of the oncologists who saved her. 15 years later, and after a stillbirth, Dr Cabin (now an obstetrician) delivered Talia’s healthy baby.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/376310
230827
In the 27th Aug 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Medical history made by Israeli spinal surgeons and heart valve implants.
· Israeli aid organization is bringing relief to survivors of Maui wildfires.
· Two Israeli renewable energy companies are powering ahead.
· An Israeli jetpack lets you swim like a dolphin.
· Positive economic news for Israeli unemployment, energy, and tourism.
· Amazon announces major Israeli investment.
· Israeli women win gold medals in judoka and windsurfing.
· An Israeli Arab, a Druze and a Jew give inspiring messages.
· Click here to see the 20th Aug newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours, IsraPundit and United With Israel with feature on Medical. Also (TY Sandra) in German here. Please forward 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.
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ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
First AR spinal surgery. Dr Cezar J. Mizrahi of Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center has performed the world’s first Augmented Reality-assisted robotic spinal surgery on a patient with an unstable spine fracture. Dr Mizrahi previously (see here) performed the world’s first robot-assisted lumbar spine fusion.
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/23/8/21/312010/ https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-755470
First US heart patients to receive “forgotten” valves. (TY TPS) Israel’s Trisol Medical (see here previously) has successfully implanted its new Transcatheter Tricuspid Valves in two US patients. The valve is called “forgotten” as the aortic and mitral valves get most medical attention. 10 Israelis have already had the implants.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/major-milestone-as-israeli-heart-valve-implanted-in-first-us-patients
https://trisol-medical.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cv9aHAjbnU
007 – license to kill cancer cells. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Edity Therapeutics reprograms immune cells to recognize tumors that hide from the body’s regular immune system. Edity’s ED 007 cell therapy inflames these tumors, triggering the body’s own immune system to kill the cancer without risk of side effects or rejection.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/meet-007-the-cell-with-a-license-to-kill-cancer-created-by-an-israeli-startup/ https://edity-tx.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBEl1TwExmo
Chicken corneas fight cancer. Israeli biotech ExoProTher is developing an anti-cancer therapy using protein generated from the p53 gene in the corneas of chickens. The foreign protein binds to cancerous human p53 protein, destroying tumors without side effects. The cornea is highly cancer resistant and full of p53 protein.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/new-protein-based-cancer-drug-does-not-affect-healthy-cells/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhR6-W6CM0E https://www.exoprother.com/
Blood test and therapy diagnosis for bipolar disorder. Researchers at Haifa University have identified a blood test to diagnose patients who suffer from bipolar disorder. The test also can predict if the patient will respond to the most common treatment – Lithium carbonate. It can save misdiagnosis and wrong medication.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/researchers-develop-blood-test-to-diagnose-bipolar-disorder/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-02183-z
AI video analysis to determine Crohn’s therapy. Researchers at Israel's Sheba Medical Center and Intel have achieved 81% accuracy in predicting if biologic therapy would relieve a patient with Crohn’s Disease. They used machine-learning to analyze videos of complete capsule endoscopies (CE) of the small intestine.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-750247
Skin care for cancer patients. EGFR inhibitors are common treatments for cancer but cause severe skin problems that cannot be fully alleviated. Israel’s EMRIS is developing a topical solution to block EGFRi monoclonal antibodies and allow the patient to continue treatment without the debilitating side effects.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1iz3yhj2
Preventing PE. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular-related death and the number one cause of preventable hospital death. Israel’s Althea Medical is developing an over-the-wire medical device that physicians can use to remove blood clots quickly and safely from arteries in the lung.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjacbkk2h
https://www.peregrinevc.com/portfolio/althea-medical/
Air transportation for cancer patients. United Hatzalah, Lahak Aviation and Sheba Medical Center together have launched a pilot service to bring cancer patients from remote parts of Israel to hospital for treatment. Previous dangerous and stressful 3–4-hour journeys are reduced to a safe, comfortable 40-minutes.
https://israelrescue.org/blog/caring-for-israels-periphery-one-cancer-patient-at-a-time/
Mental health therapy in the Gaza envelope. (TY Mara) Local mental health therapists at the Jewish National Fund-USA’s Eshkol Resilience Center in Sderot provide support for residents of the Gaza Envelope region. They help their community cope with difficult times in one of the fastest-growing regions in Israel.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-747637
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Parking lot transformed into urban ecological piazza. A few years ago, Givon Square in Tel Aviv was an ugly parking lot. The municipality moved the car park underground and transformed its new roof into an urban oasis complete with trees, shade, cafes, restaurants, a vintage market, and an ecological pond.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-secret-urban-piazza-thats-become-a-tel-aviv-landmark/
https://www.temaland.com/givon-sqoure
Jewish & Moslem EMTs save hiker. An everyday story of two EMTs from Israel’s United Hatzalah. Haredi Jew Moshe Rothschild and Moslem Arab Roshdi Hussein together saved a 20-year-old man who hit his head after jumping into the Jordan River. About the cooperation, Moshe said, it “happens in Israel all the time”.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/374322
Puppies saved. (TY UWI) The Jerusalem District of the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority extinguished a forest fire near the Mount of Olives that threatened the local hospital and nearby homes. During the battle, firefighter Sgt. Majd Huseen rescued nine puppies who were sheltering in a tree trunk.
https://www.israel21c.org/jerusalem-firefighters-rescue-puppies-from-blaze/
Visit by US states’ police delegation. 20 police and public safety executives from Georgia and Tennessee spent two weeks training in Israel. They learned about new policing and public safety technologies, and about making neighborhoods, including minority ones, safer through community policing.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/israel-police/23/7/12/302192/
Gold Universal Design winners. (TY Nevet) The D.DLAB (Disrupt.Design) team from Israel’s Technion Institute won the Design Educate Awards Gold Prize for 2023. Asst. Prof. Shany Barath also won the Emerging Designer award. Their WoodenWood project converts wood waste into a composite for printing wood products.
https://www.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/WoodenWood-Team-.jpg
https://gallery.designeducates.com/projects/1677 https://ddlab.net.technion.ac.il/
Preserving sharks in the Mediterranean. University of Haifa researchers have been awarded a $100,000 National Geographic Wayfinder Grant to track the movement of sharks along the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Israel is the only country that protects all elasmobranch species (sharks and rays) within its maritime borders.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/374325 https://www.jns.org/israel-news/sharks/23/7/18/303498/
Aid to Maui. (TY UWI) Israeli humanitarian aid NGO SmartAID has sent a team of specialists to Maui after the devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island. They will conduct search and rescue operations and install telecommunication systems to help coordinate first responders, plus solar energy systems and more.
https://www.israel21c.org/smartaid-sends-team-to-assist-maui-rescue-efforts/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Hydrogen from water without electricity. Since winning the Aviram Awards competition and its $500,000 prize, Israel’s QD-SOL (see here previously) has gone from strength to strength. Investment and grants are helping expand its sustainable photocatalysis hydrogen generation using water, nano particles, and sunlight.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/upvb1boe1 https://qd-sol.com/technology/
Solar energy is plain sailing. Nine months ago, Israel’s Xfloat (see here previously) began implementing its pilot floating solar power farms in northern Israel and has already begun to generate energy commercially. Xfloat believes solar panel growth will eventually move toward the sea, as available land becomes scarcer.
https://www.israel21c.org/could-this-startup-make-water-based-solar-energy-a-reality/
Desalination gets even better. Researchers at Israel’s Ariel University have designed a new membrane system for reverse osmosis desalination plants, that filters out unwanted sodium chloride salt but not the beneficial nutrients. Tests of the filtered water in the Arava grew peppers with higher yields and better ripening qualities.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/374607
Barrier coating extends food shelf life and more. Israel’s Melodea (see here previously) has launched MelOx NGen - a high-performance barrier product that has proven superior in maintaining food freshness and substantially reducing plastic waste. It will also help companies meet the EU Plastic Waste Directive.
https://spnews.com/melodea-sustainable-barrier/
Bacteria helps trees survive drought. Scientists from Israel’s Weizmann Institute have discovered that soil-beneficial bacteria can help trees survive water scarcity and even flourish in drought conditions. The bacteria promotes tree root secretions that establish a symbiotic relationship between the tree and bacteria.
https://www.israel21c.org/study-bacteria-can-help-trees-survive-drought/
Using plants to cool the city. Israel’s BioShade (see here previously) is helping to make urban areas greener and cooler. Its smart lightweight PVC pipes contain a hydroponic system that helps create green walls, roofs, and pergolas. The plants sprout through holes in the pipes that accommodate their root systems as they grow.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/hot-in-the-city-startup-using-plants-to-cool-urban-areas/
Personalize shopping to increase profits. (TY Arlene) Israel’s twik uses the latest technology to enable online businesses to personalize their websites and enhance their customers’ shopping experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qii5l88fPEU
Warning of battery fires. Israel’s ALGOLiON has developed AlgoShield which gives a week’s warning of an impending lithium-ion battery fire. It is a major risk to airplanes, EVs, and E-cigarettes. ALGOLiON has just been acquired by General Motors and renamed AIONZ Ltd. https://www.algolion.com/solution
https://www.israel21c.org/software-can-predict-battery-explosions-with-one-week-warning/
https://il.linkedin.com/company/algolion-ltd-
Bomb proof. The unique patented composite material from Israel’s Ortech contains fiber-reinforced plastic, which protects against blast hits, fragmentation, ballistics and forced entry. It can turn any room into a protected space that can survive explosions or perhaps even earthquakes.
https://www.israel21c.org/wall-coating-turns-any-room-into-a-bomb-shelter/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K06pqHVEjNk
All (robot) hands on deck. Israel’s RoboDeck has developed an autonomous robot to clean wooden decking. It uses sensors, AI, a proprietary spray system for adding stains and sealants and a hybrid cleaning system with a special RoboDeck-built brush. It can clean 1,000 sq feet of decking in 30 mins, for immediate use.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-robot-that-cleans-and-maintains-outdoor-wooden-decks/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZK1zs-s2Vs https://www.robo-deck.com/
On-line lessons from movie characters. Israel’s AcadeMe+ creates educational lessons for colleges and K-12 classrooms using movies made by major film studios, including Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Disney, and Sony. Learn about Mars from the Martian, leadership from the Lion King, and inspiration from Inside Out.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/israeli-startup-using-movie-magic-to-teach-classroom-lessons/
https://academe.plus/ https://vimeo.com/691276813
An in-car voice assistant with personality. Israel’s Impris has developed AI technology called HumAIns. It has been incorporated into a Siri-like in-car assistant that not only understands the vehicle but communicates with the driver just like a human. Also suitable for call-centers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3INIX8yoqwA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqDQp4xb7X8
AI turns speech into sign language. Israel’s CODA (see last week) helps deaf people enjoy videos by using artificial intelligence-generated avatars to translate spoken language (English, Hebrew, French, Spanish, and Italian) into sign language almost instantaneously. Sign language gives emphasis that subtitles cannot.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/ai-avatar-turns-speech-into-sign-language-in-real-time/
Underwater jetpack. Israel’s KikFin has produced a jetpack with fins that straps onto a swimmer’s back and propels them though the water. It can change direction with the slightest movement of the head. The hands-free operation is ideal for professional divers and rescue services. It also attaches to surfboards.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/hands-free-underwater-jetpack-gives-divers-and-surfers-a-boost/
https://kikfin.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obloHAuDQ6M
AI system helps develop social skills. Israel’s Arrows has developed Skills Coach – a web-based application providing a safe environment to practice and improve social skills. Ideal for autistic people, AI avatars engage in conversations in scenarios from chatting with a stranger in a café to making small talk with a work colleague.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/autistic-people-practice-their-social-skills-with-ai-avatars/
https://www.ar-rows.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9psocvfgBYU
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Fitch A+. (TY Hazel) Fitch Ratings has affirmed Israel’s long-term rating at “A+” with a stable outlook, noting its diversified, resilient, and high value-added economy and strong external finances.
https://www.fitchratings.com/research/sovereigns/fitch-affirms-israel-at-a-outlook-stable-14-08-2023
Unemployment at pre-Covid level. Unemployment in Israel fell in July to 3.4%, the same as it was in Feb 2020 before the Covid crisis. The employment rate for Haredi men in Israel is at an all-time high of 55.8%
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-unemployment-in-israel-falls-to-precovid-low-1001454980
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/23/8/7/308477/
An $86 billion windfall. Israel’s economy saved more than NIS 316 billion (over $86 billion) in energy savings and environmental benefits over the past decade thanks to its natural gas discoveries. At the end of 2022, the price of electricity in Israel was nearly 50% lower than in Europe.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/natural-gas/23/8/2/307169/
Cheaper than fossil fuel. Israel’s fourth solar energy farm at Ashalim in the Negev Desert has started operating and will supply power at a record low price in the electricity market. The 2.2 cents per kwh price is less than electricity production using fossil fuels, and less than similar projects around the world.
More tourists than before Covid. New statistics show that numbers of US tourists visiting Israel in the first six months of 2023 were 12% higher than the same period in 2019, before the pandemic. High levels of tourism were also recorded from France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/23/7/19/304059/
Cruise to Haifa. (TY Hazel) The prestigious Seatrade Cruise Awards competition has selected Haifa as one of the three outstanding cruise destinations worldwide for 2023. 235 cruise ships from 31 companies are expected to arrive in Haifa this year, bringing some 250,000 tourists.
https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/sybu0t13h#autoplay
Tel Aviv light railway opens to the public. (TY WIN & UWI) Around 100 000 people took advantage of a day of free travel on the first day of Tel Aviv’s light rail Red Line on August 18. This followed an official inauguration by the Prime Minister the previous day. The 24km line has 34 stops - 10 of them underground.
https://www.railwaygazette.com/light-rail-and-tram/tel-aviv-light-rail-red-line-opens/64766.article
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXUTK9jUQc8
Amazon’s $7.2 billion investment plans. Amazon.com has announced plans to invest 26 billion shekels (about $7.2 billion) in Israel through 2037. It also heralded the launch of its Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers in Tel Aviv, which gives customers the option of running their applications from data centers in Israel.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/amazon/23/8/2/307157/
LG selects Israeli chip for next-gen cameras. Leading electronics firm LG has selected the chipset from Israel’s Valens (see here previously) to be used in its next generation of cameras for self-driving vehicles. The chipset will be used to connect multiple camera sensors with LG’s camera system to enhance passenger safety.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/lg-picks-israeli-chip-for-next-gen-cameras-for-autonomous-cars/
New Data analysis center. European smart T-shirt developer AccYouRate is to establish a data analysis center in Tel Aviv to analyze the extensive big data collected by AccYouRate's wearable devices. The move further solidifies Israel's reputation as a destination for data analysis and management advancements.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-750230
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 27/8/23:. Israel’s Laminar has been acquired by U.S. company Rubrik for an estimated $200-250 million. UK’s Wireless Logic is acquiring Israel’s Webbing for at least $200 million. Israel’s Check Point has acquired Israel’s Perimeter 81 for around $490 million.
Investment in Israeli startups to 27/8/23: Innoviz raised $65 million; Grip Security raised $41 million; Cypago raised $13 million; Althea Medical raised $1.5 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
In Jerusalem it all happens at night. (TY Sharon) Summer heat and humidity means that most public events in Jerusalem are held after dark. They include Sidra Tarbut’s cultural events; Selihot services, Mystorin Theatre Group’s RAAMSKATE, Theater in Motion, Street Orchestra, Israeli dancing, and Night at the Tower of David.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/08/20/time-flying-by-in-a-hot-august-in-jerusalem/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paRu3x8YeaQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN9WJJY3mPo
Take it slow. Israel’s new 30-room Slowness Hotel on a kibbutz in the Galilee is built around wellness and relaxation, with unique touches like no TVs or reception desk. It is modelled on the Beit Havra’a (Wellness House) which up to the 1980s gave Histadrut labor union members a free annual vacation and a place to relax.
https://www.israel21c.org/take-it-slow-at-israels-new-slowness-hotel/ https://slow-ness.com/en/
Omelet sandwich jingle goes viral. “Omelette Bread in Netanya,” the song in an ad for a shop of the same name in the coastal city, has gone viral in Israel, racking up millions of views on TikTok and spawning hundreds of spin-offs, parodies, and restaurant review videos. It is being played at parties and weddings.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanya-sandwich-shop-jingle-becomes-unlikely-israeli-party-anthem/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RFUj-sGCp8
Eilat’s first waterpark. The Waterland park in Eilat has opened its doors to the public after four years of construction and costing 110 million shekels. The 5-acre site has some of the world’s most innovative water attractions including the highest water tower in the Middle East at 24 meters.
https://www.israel21c.org/eilats-first-waterpark-opens-with-a-big-splash/ https://waterland.co.il/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlJ7_EEZCcw
Cycling legend tackles the Israel Trail. Four-time Tour de France champion, Chris Froome completed a two-day “eye-opening” cycling adventure on the Israel National Trail. Froome was amazed at “how diverse the country is in nature, in culture, it’s really just been such an energizing experience.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c28UaoQ6Duo
https://www.jns.org/jewish-and-israeli-sports/cycling/23/7/16/302891/
Jerusalem hosts major athletics championships. (TY Hazel) The Israeli Athletics Association hosted the 2023 European Athletics Under-20 Championships at Jerusalem’s Givat Ram Stadium. Although Israel didn’t win any medals, the prestigious event attracted almost 2,000 athletes and officials from 48 countries.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-753732
https://worldathletics.org/competition/calendar-results/results/7147654
European U20 basketball runners up. Israel’s Under-20 national basketball team took the silver medal in the finals of the European Championship in Greece. The team lost to France 89-79 in overtime, having beaten Germany in the quarterfinals and overwhelmed Belgium 67-46 in the semifinals.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-and-israeli-sports/israeli-basketball/23/7/17/303099/
Judoka gold. (TY Hazel) Israeli judokas won gold, silver & bronze medals at the Hungarian Masters 2023 championship in Budapest. Inbar Lanir won a gold medal in the women’s up to 78-kilo category. Peter Paltchik won the silver in the men’s up to 100kg and Kerem Primo won the bronze in the women’s up to 52kg.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-judokas-win-gold-silver-at-major-international-contest/
Women windsurfing world 1-2. (TY UWI) Israeli windsurfer Shahar Tibi won gold in the women’s iQFoil category at the Allianz Sailing World Championships in The Netherlands. It was Israel’s first world title at the sailing contest in a decade. Israel’s Katy Spychakov won the silver medal, with two other Israelis in the top 10.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-women-nab-world-windsurfing-medals/
THE JEWISH STATE
See Israel’s ancient ritual baths. Hundreds of ritual baths (Mikvaot) have been uncovered in the land of Israel, in the desert, in the Galilee, under Jerusalem houses, at construction sites, and ancient towns. The vast majority date back over 2,000 years to the Second Temple period, with at least 50 found adjacent to the Temple Mount.
Beyond the headlines. Two articles. The first, an interview with one of United Hatzalah’s Arab volunteer medics, and the second with the Druze Head of Ziv Medical Center in Safed, highlight some of the key factors of what’s good and unique about the Jewish State.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-752126 https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-752452
A message for Rosh Hashana. (TY UWI) This video features Yossi’s amazing journey from convict to IDF Officer. An inspiration for the period leading up to the Days of Repentance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gytTNa5njKM
A fox on Temple Mount. During the recent fast of 9th Av a fox was seen in the ruins of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In the Babylonian Talmud (Tractate Makkot 24b), Rabbi Akiva laughed at seeing a fox in the ruins of the Temple. He said it fulfilled a negative prophecy and meant a positive one will also come true.
https://worldisraelnews.com/fulfilling-biblical-prophecy-fox-spotted-on-temple-mount/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-752819 (see the video of the fox)
230820
In the 20th Aug 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Three Israeli medical breakthroughs to combat diseases in the heart, lungs, and brain.
· Israeli firefighters helped extinguish forest fires in Greece and Cyprus.
· An Israeli innovation boosts production of hydrogen from water.
· Israeli robots can protect fish stocks or teach English.
· New Israeli trade agreements with Vietnam and Ivory Coast.
· “Beautiful” debut Israeli concert by Christina Aguilera.
· Record number of twins born in 24 hours at Jerusalem hospital.
· Click here to see the 16th July newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours, IsraPundit and United With Israel with feature on Inclusive & Global. Also (TY Sandra) in German here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Please forward 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 (now nearly 23,000 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
A miniature human heart, grown from stem cells. (TY WIN) Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Israel’s Technion Institute have created a tiny functioning human heart, smaller than a grain of rice. It will help scientists study the heart and develop new treatments for cardio-vascular diseases.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-researchers-grow-miniature-beating-model-of-a-human-heart/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-eKR6AQPZQ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-023-01071-9
Short-circuiting the lung cancer gene. (TY JNS & Israel21c) Researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have found that Erbitux - a therapy for colon and neck / head cancer - can also cure lung cancer in non-smokers with a mutated EGFR gene. They have also identified a biomarker to identify those patients.
https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/life-sciences/select-group-study-may-bring-improved-therapy-preselected-lung-cancer-patients https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/pdf/S2666-3791(23)00295-1.pdf
Busting the protein link to Alzheimer's. Israeli biotech MemoryPlus has developed a peptide to block the interaction of proteins PTEN & PSD-95, that causes memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients. The disease makes excessive PTEN, which attacks PSD-95, weakening the brain’s synapses. The peptide also lowers PTEN levels.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/protein-busting-drug-could-be-new-era-for-alzheimers-therapy/
https://shiraknafo.com/ https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/memoryplus
The power of enzymes. (TY Yehoshua) Israel’s Enzymit is developing enzymes to enable some life-changing chemical reactions (see videos). First, though, it has synthesized hyaluronic acid - a natural biopolymer used to heal eyes, wounds, inflammation, and more. This avoids the use of animal tissue or costly alternate processes.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/technology-science/1690889148-israeli-startup-enzymit-achieves-breakthrough-in-hyaluronic-acid-production https://enzymit.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94pdvpoyaaw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnPgbJu_sG4
Making science fiction a reality. Israeli-founded Bionaut Labs (see here previously) has safety-tested its micro robot containing a magnet, that can travel via spinal fluid, directly to the brain, to deliver therapy or perform surgery. It can also navigate to any part of the body. Bionaut plans to begin human trials in late 2024.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/companies/bionaut-labs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PrPbevTDqE
Heart diagnosis AI that any doctor can use. Doctors at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center have developed AISAP POCAD (AI Point of Care Assisted Diagnosis) to diagnose a patient’s cardiac problem As Soon As Possible. The AI system uses any manufacturer’s supplied combination of handheld ultrasound probe and digital tablet.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/sheba-startup-uses-ai-to-help-doctors-image-and-diagnose-cardiac-issues-in-minutes/ https://www.aisap.ai/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JdoIQXNPz8
European grant for preemie formula. Israel’s ELGAN (see here previously) has been awarded a $2.5 million grant by the European Innovation Council (EIC). It will help ELGAN clinically test its ELGN-GI oral formula for the treatment of intestinal malabsorption that prevents preterm infants from absorbing nutrients.
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/startup-treating-newborns-in-serious-condition-raises-2-5m/
World-first newborn surgery saves baby’s ovaries. (TY Israel21c & JNS) Surgeons at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem detected twisted fallopian tubes in a fetus during a routine ultrasound of the mother. They immediately delivered the baby and performed a complex operation to save her ovaries.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-753159
More heart ops for children from South Sudan. Israeli NGOs IsraAID and Save A Child’s heart returned to South Sudan to assess children who needed heart surgery (see here previously). They screened 74 children including 4-year-old Gladys who was in urgent need. Gladys was rushed to Israel for surgery.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-ngos-screen-south-sudan-kids-for-lifesaving-surgery/
https://saveachildsheart.org/children-in-israel
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Donating to good causes. Israel’s Capitolis (see here previously) donated part of its June revenue to social projects in each of the company’s locations. In Tel Aviv, it was Notnim BeAhavah, helping families at risk. In New York, Coalition for the Homeless; in London, food redistribution charity Compliments of the House.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-unicorn-dedicated-june-to-community-service-projects/
Six ID graduates. Only three profound Intellectually Disabled (ID) students in the world have previously graduated with university bachelor’s degrees. Now, thanks to a unique Empowerment Project by Prof. Hefziba Lifshitz of Bar-Ilan University, six “special” Israelis have just obtained their BA qualifications.
https://www.israel21c.org/a-university-boosts-iqs-of-intellectually-disabled-adults/
RightHear wins social impact contest. Israeli accessibility startup RightHear (see here previously) won the Connect AI: Social Impact award for its guidance system for the visually impaired. RightHear is deployed at McDonald’s, Aroma coffee shops, Azrieli Group malls, the Open University campus, and Ramat Gan Safari.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-accessibility-startup-wins-social-impact-contest/
A hi-tech park for Jerusalem Arabs. (TY Hazel) Israel has inaugurated The EasTech high-tech campus on Saleh al-Din Street in eastern Jerusalem (see here previously). It is part of the Israeli government’s effort to create jobs for Arab hi-tech professionals. Twenty local programmers are already working there.
https://www.jns.org/startup-nation/eastern-jerusalem/23/7/18/303470/
Training rescue dogs. Project Locate at Kibbutz Ashdot Yakov trains domestic dogs to locate individuals amid the rubble left behind by natural disasters - particularly earthquakes. Head dog trainer Nitzan Tal has experience from building collapses in Israel to the aftermath of the 2019 Brumadinho dam disaster in Brazil.
Israeli doctors mend Jordanian girl. A 7-year-old girl from Amman, Jordan, born with a congenital deformed dislocated hip, was in constant pain following multiple unsuccessful surgeries in Jordan. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center lengthened her femur (thigh bone) and she can now walk.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/israel-jordan-relations/23/7/13/302321/
Water from air for Ukraine following dam collapse. Israel’s Watergen provided five water generators to the Ukrainian city of Kherson after a dam in nearby Nova Kakhovka collapsed, leaving some 700,000 without clean drinking water. Each generator can provide 900 liters of drinkable water per day.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/innovation/23/7/13/302130/
Firefighting planes for Greece and Cyprus. (TY JNS) Israel sent two 'Elad' firefighting aircraft from its aerial firefighting squadron to help Greece and Cyprus extinguish their raging forest fires. They included four pilots, forest fire experts, and essential equipment. Logistic support was provided by an IAF transport plane.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-751618 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-753960
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
More green hydrogen. Tel Aviv University scientists have boosted the efficiency of producing hydrogen (a vital fuel) using electrolysis. They used a hydrogel to attach the enzyme hydrogenase to the electrode. It made the process 90% efficient and avoided the current need to employ expensive catalysts such as Platinum.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/science-and-tech/in-critical-breakthrough-tau-researchers-produce-efficient-low-cost-green-hydrogen/2023/07/17/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cey2.411
Energy costs go (down) through the roof. Israel’s EDI Energy rents roofs for solar power, providing the owners with cheap rate electricity and selling excess power to Israel’s grid. EDI operates in more than 100 locations in Israel. It also has several solar farms in the US, that sell electricity to the local power companies.
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/startup-rents-roofs-for-solar-panels-sells-owners-cheap-power/
Less is more. The MAOZ alternative bio-fertilizer from Israel’s Grace Breeding (see here previously) increased corn plant yields by 10%, using 50% less nitrogen in Brazilian field and greenhouse tests. Also, its ClimAid™ Wide Defense System (WDS) formula for tomatoes has been approved by Germany’s regulators.
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/294913/20230810/grace-breeding-secures-first-e-u-block-regulatory-approval-wds.htm https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/opinion/article-753086
Detect and stop water leaks at source. Israel’s WINT Water Intelligence develops water management and leak-prevention solutions for construction, commercial, residential, and industrial applications. Its AI-based solutions help companies eliminate water waste and its associated carbon emissions and prevent water damage.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkmkwhfn2 https://wint.ai/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQziQ7QsZks
Digitizing taste, scent & flavor. (TY Arlene) The Israeli development team of Brussels-based Ajinomatrix has merged technology with the art of gastronomy. Using digitized taste, scent and flavor measures, its Sensory OS software provides the food industry with the ability to finely tailor dishes and products for its customers.
https://www.israelstartupnetwork.com/blog/ajinomatrix-digitizing-taste-flavor-and-aroma-for-the-food-industry-with-ai-based-software https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oty-JSAysQ
Pillowcases that are good for the skin. Israel’s ONYX Radiance has developed a silver ion-laced pillowcase to rejuvenate the skin, and another containing a zinc compound that combats bacterial and fungal infections. Together, they treat conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema while you sleep.
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/metal-laced-pillowcases-that-care-for-your-skin-as-you-sleep/
https://onyxradiance.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YCToI4YIHw
Improving traffic flow in 13 states. Israel’s NoTraffic (see here previously) is now operating in 13 US states, including Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, and California, and has just signed up its 100th local Department of Transportation in North America. NoTraffic was one of TIME100s Most Influential Companies in 2022.
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/israeli-ai-system-saving-us-drivers-from-endless-traffic-jams/
Underwater robots to help prevent overfishing. Scientists at the University of Haifa have won a share of a $3.5 million prize from the Schmidt Family Foundation. It rewards their development of a swarm of low-cost, underwater autonomous robots that coordinate better acoustic detection and estimation of fish populations.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-underwater-robots-win-sustainable-fishing-contest/
Happy robot teaches English in kindergarten. Curiosity Robotics has created Aico - a friendly, chatty little robot to teach English as a foreign language to preschoolers. Aico uses the teaching method of UK-Israeli Helen Doron, which advocates for children starting to learn a second language as early as three months of age.
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/happy-robot-helps-preschoolers-learn-second-language/
https://www.curiosity-robotics.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5yTzj1LJlM
Battery-power for nanosatellite. The Tel Aviv University nanosatellite Israel’s first quantum communications satellite – TAU-SAT3) launched earlier this year (see here previously) is powered by a tiny Lithium-ion battery developed by Israel’s Epsilor. The battery is designed to last at least 10 years, ample time for the mission.
https://www.epsilor.com/pr10012023/
More high-powered Israeli computer chips. Israel’s NeoLogic has developed a chip technology for higher computing power. Its Quasi-CMOS design reduces the transistor count of a microprocessor by up to a third, increasing its power and energy-efficiency, while reducing its price.
https://www.neologicvlsi.com/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjdjaeaq2
MassChallenge Israel winners. The 7 Israeli startups (out of 49) that won the 4-month 2023 MassChallenge Israel accelerator program are: H2OLL; McFly (heavy lifting drone); Origametria (teaching geometry); PregnanTech; RealizeMD (anonymizing faces in medical data); TextRe; and Coda (speech to sign language).
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/drone-sustainability-startups-among-israel-accelerator-winners/
https://www.mcflyhigh.com/ https://origametria.com/
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/realizemd
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/ai-avatar-turns-speech-into-sign-language-in-real-time/
11 medals at student Olympiads in Japan. (TY UWI) At the International Mathematics Olympiad in Chiba, Japan, Israel’s Itamar Nir won a gold medal. Israelis won five other medals, taking Israel to 14th place of the 112 countries. Israeli students also won five silver medals at the International Physics Olympiad in Tokyo.
https://www.israel21c.org/israel-wins-11-medals-at-math-physics-olympiads-in-japan/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Trade Agreements with Vietnam & Ivory Coast. (TY WIN) Israel and Vietnam have signed a Free Trade Agreement, Israel’s first with an Association of Southeast Asian Nations member. Direct flights to Hanoi are planned to start in Oct. Israel has also signed an agreement with Ivory Coast in agriculture, water, and tech.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/israel-vietnam-relations/23/7/27/305943/
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/israel-vietnam-relations/23/7/25/305476/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/375652
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/israel-africa-relations/23/7/27/305989/
Strong growth in Israeli hi-tech. Israel’s high-tech exports increased by 6.9% during the first five months of 2023. Over the same period, industrial production in Israel’s high-tech sector expanded by 5.6% more than in the first five months of 2022 and the number of Israeli high-tech workers grew 3% over the same period.
https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/08/02/the-miracle-of-israels-economic-growth-despite-grave-odds-and-recent-challenges/ https://theettingerreport.com/israels-economic-growth-in-defiance-of-grave-odds/
NIS 113 million for biodevices R&D. Israel’s Innovation Authority is allocating NIS 113 million for a new research and development center for startups to build biodevices based on biochips. This area is known as bio-convergence and is expected to be a growth engine and source of diversification for Israeli industry.
The UK’s deepest mine. (TY Hazel) Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL) owns Boulby Mine in North Yorkshire, the UK’s deepest mine, and currently the world’s only polyhalite mine. Polyhalite, a naturally occurring crystal, is marketed as PolySulphate, a new eco-friendly fertilizer, used on the Wimbledon turf and exported worldwide.
https://www.icl-uk.uk/history-2/ https://www.icl-uk.uk/product/polysulphate/
Electric bus Blue Line for Tel Aviv. Work has begun on Tel Aviv’s new Bus Rapid Transit system. Advanced electric buses will connect 44 stations along the 14 miles from Tel Aviv to Rehovot via Rishon LeZion and Nes Ziona. The line is estimated to cost nearly NIS 3 billion and expected to open in 2028.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/light-rail/23/8/10/309493/
Electric road for France. Israel’s Electreon (see here previously) has won a French public tender to install a 2km wireless Electric Road System (ERS) to charge passing electric vehicles. It will be built into a section of the A10 highway, Southwest of Paris. It will also include a stationary wireless charging station for all EVs.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-749781
Knee implant makes US debut. The Agili-C knee implant from Israel’s Cartiheal has just been used for the first time in the United States. Dr. Ken Zaslav, a specialist in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Northwell Health in New York, was the first physician in the US to implant Agili-C in a patient.
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/israel-made-healing-knee-implant-used-for-first-time-in-us/
Israeli security for Microsoft. Israel’s Appdome (see here previously) is partnering with the U.S.-based Microsoft Azure DevOps to advance its Cyber Defense Automation Platform. It allows mobile app developers to rapidly detect potential cybersecurity threats and build secure Android and iOS applications.
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/microsoft-recruits-israeli-firm-providing-app-security/
https://www.appdome.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBaSc5omPb4
Another quarter of a billion for Israeli startups. TLV Partners (see here previously) has raised $250 million in new funds to invest in innovative Israeli-founded early-stage startups. Its fifth fund will back up to 25 Israeli-founded startups engaged in AI, cybersecurity, fintech, biotech, and other fields.
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 20/8/23:.General Motors has acquired Israel’s ORGOLiON (now renamed AIONZ). Israeli energy conglomerate Delek Group is buying control of Israeli citrus fruit supplier and real estate investor Mehadrin Ltd. in a deal worth NIS 249 million. Israel’s ReWalk bought US-based AlterG for $19 million. Multinational Philip Morris is acquiring Israel’s Syqe Medical for up to $650 million. France’s Thales is acquiring Israeli-founded Imperva for $3.6 billion. EssilorLuxottica (makers of Ray-Ban sunglasses) acquired Israel’s Nuancehear. Israel’s Rapyd is acquiring PayU GPO for $610 million.
Investment in Israeli startups to 20/8/23: K Health raised $59 million; TytoCare raised $49 million; WINT Water Intelligence raised $35 million; Wing Cloud raised $20 million; Brevel raised $18.5 million; Trustmi raised $17 million; IVIX raised $12.5 million; Silk Security raised $12.5 million; Sweet Security raised $12 million; Akooda raised $11 million; Adaptive Shield raised $10 million from Blackstone; Vendict raised $9.5 million; Ansa Roasting raised $9 million; SphereX raised $8.2 million; NeoLogic raised $8 million; Spiritt raised another $8 million; Cyclops raised $6.4 million; Capstack raised $6 million; 40Seas raised another $6 million; Gomboc.ai raised $5.2 million; Nitrofix raised $3.1 million; Configu raised $3 million; Voia raised $3 million; Fincom raised $2 million; IBM Ventures invested $5-10 million in OX Security;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Neuroscientist wins Jewish literature prize. Israel’s Iddo Gefen, a neuroscience researcher and writer, won the $100,000 Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. His debut short-story collection Jerusalem Beach fuses the humor of everyday life in Israel with technology's challenges and the latest discoveries about the human brain.
https://www.jns.org/jns/books/23/8/10/309830/
https://www.amazon.com/Jerusalem-Beach-Stories-Iddo-Gefen/dp/1662600437
Christina Aguilera loves Israel. Superstar Christina Aguilera wowed 14,000 fans in Rishon Lezion with a powerhouse performance, in her first visit to Israel. “My heart is so full seeing all of you and getting to see your beautiful country,” she said. Highlights were her duet with local star Eden Ben Zaken and her hit “Beautiful”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO5SKAgeToo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRJyu49C4qY&t=50s
Para swimmer wins 4 gold medals. (TY UWI) Israeli para-swimmer Ami Dadaon clinched four gold medals at the Allianz Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester. He won the men’s 200m freestyle, the 150m individual medley, the 50m freestyle and the 100m freestyle in which he broke the world record.
https://www.israel21c.org/para-swimmer-nabs-4-world-championship-gold-medals/
Gold medal sprinter. Israeli sprinter Blessing Afrifa won the gold medal in the Men’s 200 meters at the U23 European Championships in Finland recently. Blessing previously won gold at the U20 World Championships in Aug 2022, which this editor missed by being on holiday, last year!
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/374231
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-blessing-afrifa-wins-gold-in-200-meter-dash-at-under-20-world-championship/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu-VnfBneeo
THE JEWISH STATE
See the Western Wall as it was 2,000 years ago. The Augmented Reality app Kotel AR has been launched by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. It overlays the view of the Western Wall with how it would look at the same location 2,000 years ago. It can be downloaded free on Android and Apple devices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhX1AkCL3ac https://thekotel.org/en/134752/
Matchmaking for vegans. Tel Aviv has the highest percentage of vegans per capita in the world. Now, Rabbi Avika Gersh (also known as “the Vegan Rabbi”) has launched vegan matchmaking. He managed the speed dating event at the recent Vegan Fest in Tel Aviv, in which 240 vegans participated.
https://www.israel21c.org/vegan-matchmaking-takes-off-in-israel/ https://www.akivagersh.com/dating
Ancient Jewish coin unearthed in Judea. A rare silver half-shekel was discovered at the entrance to a Judean desert cave near Ein Gedi. It has been dated to 66-67 C.E. - the time of the first Jewish revolt against the Romans. The words "Holy Jerusalem" are inscribed in ancient Hebrew script on one side of the coin.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/archaeology/23/7/26/305658/
Underwater archaeology reveals ancient history. A highly trained team of divers and archaeologists have been using sand dredgers to excavate relics from 3,000 years ago off the Israeli coast near Dor Beach some 40km north of Netanya. Two shipwrecks from 500-1000 BCE provide a glimpse of Biblical maritime trade.
Seven double Mazel Tov’s. (TY UWI) Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center delivered a record seven pairs of twins (14 healthy babies) in a single 24-hour period between July 12 and 13. The previous record was five sets of twins. Shaare Zedek is Israel’s busiest maternity hospital, with more than 22,000 births every year.
https://www.israel21c.org/7-sets-of-twins-born-in-24-hours-at-one-israeli-hospital/
230716
In the 16th Jul 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Israeli personally tailored therapies can cure infections and infertility.
· Israeli surgeons don’t need electricity to save a life in Ethiopia.
· Israeli scientists won awards from France and NASA.
· A new European fund is to invest a quarter of a billion dollars in Israeli startups.
· An Israeli startup will generate electricity from Taiwan’s choppy seas.
· The Israel Premier Tech cycling team won the 9th stage of the Tour de France.
· An Israeli NGO is saving the bees – one swarm at a time.
· Click here to see the 9th July newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours, and United With Israel. Also (TY Sandra) in German here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Please forward 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 (now over 22,800 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
Precision medicine for infectious diseases. Personally tailored treatments for cancer patients are well known. Now Tel Aviv University researchers propose a similar approach to fighting infections. Two immune markers in the blood indicate which medication and dosage can best fight the pathogen and repair the damage.
https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/news/2023/bacharach/gat https://www.jns.org/israel-news/medicine/23/7/9/301160/
https://www.cell.com/cell-systems/pdf/S2405-4712(22)00463-X.pdf
Personalized IVF treatment. Israel’s FertiliFit is developing a solution that uses AI-based technology to personalize IVF (and IUI) treatment to the specific patient. Its deep learning model inputs the patient’s medical history, physiology, hormone levels etc., to identify the best treatment and the probability of success.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1uwsity2 https://www.fertilifit.ai/
Developing a pan-coronavirus vaccine. The Sheba Pandemic Research Institute (SPRI) is partnering with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others to develop a pan-coronavirus booster vaccine. The vaccine will also be applied to other viruses, including influenza, with the goal of preventing future pandemics.
Preventing strokes. Israel’s Avertto won the 2023 Hebrew University Asper Prize. Most stroke patients do not reach the emergency room on time. Avertto’s system monitors blood flow to the brain, detects any changes and provides real-time alerts to enable timely treatment, thereby preventing strokes.
https://en.huji.ac.il/news/avertto-wins-hebrew-university%E2%80%99s-asper-prize-startup-award-2023
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-746424 https://avertto.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nABJez_vxQg
Digitizing foot therapy. Israel’s Actic Medical has developed the Hybrid+ insole. It has sensors that can measure the pressure, temperature, and motion of the foot to inform the wearer of impending foot ulcers. The patient then uses a special screwdriver to change the insole’s shape to redistribute the pressure.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/custom-smart-insoles-combat-dangerous-diabetic-foot-ulcers/
https://www.acticsmedical.com/
Diagnosing from tears. Bar-Ilan University graduate Aviv Mesika has developed the LacriScan diagnosis test which uses a patient’s tears to diagnose Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in their pre-symptom stages. The new test is more sensitive than previous ones and checks for multiple brain chemical markers of the two diseases.
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/tracking-your-tears-in-early-test-for-alzheimers-and-parkinsons/
Protecting 1 million Americans from prescription errors. (TY OurCrowd) Healthcare organization Ballad Health, serving around a million people in 29 US counties, is adopting the AI-powered drug safety platform from Israel’s MedAware (see here previously). The system identifies potential medication-related errors.
https://www.balladhealth.org/news/ballad-health/medaware-partnership
Celebrating Sheba’s 75 years of excellence in healthcare. This brief video summarizes the successes of Israel’s leading hospital – Sheba Medical Center. It emphasizes Sheba’s ethos of innovation, compassion, and a commitment to a global well-being. Advancing healthcare not only to Israelis, but to the citizens of the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TEWyaS0ms0 https://sheba-global.com/
Bringing Israeli medical innovation to Florida. The Israeli nonprofit Start-Up Nation Central has announced a new initiative, Hospital2Hospital, to partner South Florida’s Baptist Health Innovations and Israel’s Sheba Medical Center’s ARC Innovation. Israeli startups will compete for a $75,000 grant to help launch in the US.
https://www.jns.org/startup-nation/technology/23/6/26/298064/ https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/12/6/1017
https://lp.startupnationcentral.org/sheba-baptist-health-hospital-2-hospital-challenge/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Toys comfort children in rehab. Israeli charity ADI’s “Toy Like Me” initiative delivers toys to children with severe disabilities in hospital and rehabilitation. The toys mirror the child’s life situations – wearing feeding or breathing tubes, with limb differences, birthmarks, scars, albinism or even in wheelchairs.
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/23/6/22/297507/ https://adi-il.org/
Launching Arab-founded Israeli companies. Takwin Ventures (see here previously) is dedicated to investing in startups with at least one Arab Israeli cofounder. Since 2015, it has supported 10 early-stage startups. Takwin founder Imad Telhami himself founded Babcom, which now employs over 5,000 in outsourced services.
https://www.israel21c.org/could-the-next-israeli-unicorn-have-an-arab-founder/
https://www.takwinventures.com/ https://babcomcenters.com/he/
1,000-strong Israeli delegation to COP28. Israel plans to send a delegation of 1,000, including 100 companies, to the United Nations COP28 climate conference (Nov 30 – Dec 12) in Dubai. 250 people attended a preparatory meeting at Israel’s Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-to-send-1000-strong-delegation-to-un-climate-confab-led-by-pm-president/
Hibuki hugs New York kids. In 2006, Israelis invented a stuffed toy dog called Hibuki (Hebrew for “hug”) to help kids cope with trauma. In 2011 Hibuki therapy helped Japanese children (see here). In 2022 Hibuki went to Ukraine, and now Hibuki is comforting Ukrainian refugee children at a school in Brooklyn, New York.
https://www.jns.org/us-news/dolls/23/7/5/300374/
Climate tech delegation to the UK. 10 Israeli climate-tech companies met UK investors and policymakers in London, including BeyondNetZero; Just Climate, Barclays Sustainable Impact, J.P. Morgan ClimateTech; BlackRock Decarbonisation; the European Bank’s EBRD; and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-climate-tech-delegation-visits-uk-house-of-lords/
Overcoming blackout to treat patient in Ethiopia. Doctors from Haifa’s Rambam Healthcare Campus were operating on a 3-year-old patient in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when a power failure occurred. With no backup generator, the surgeons continued, using the flashlights from their phones and manually ventilated the child.
https://www.jns.org/world-news/ethiopia/23/7/6/300609/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Aeronautical innovation with Morocco. (TY UWI) Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the International University of Rabat have signed a memorandum of understanding in Sala Al Jadida, Morocco, to establish the Center of Excellence in Aeronautics and Artificial Intelligence. It will connect companies from both countries.
https://www.israel21c.org/israel-morocco-join-forces-for-aeronautical-innovation/
Sustainable ocean technology. The inaugural Blue Tech Summit organized by the National Center of Blue Economy in Haifa featured several of the 14 startups in the center’s accelerator. ElectricAlgae generates electricity from seaweed (see here previously). DisperseBio has discovered an antimicrobial protein.
https://www.electric-algae.com/ https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsabm.0c01672
Reusing 33% of potato crop wastage. The foliage from the potato crop has 17% protein but is currently trashed as it contains glycoalkaloids that are toxic even for cattle. Israel’s Rumafeed utilizes innovative molecular technologies to eliminate the toxic chemicals. Rumafeed was runner-up in Hebrew U’s Asper Prize.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/feeding-the-worlds-livestock-one-potato-at-a-time/ https://rumafeed.com/
https://en.huji.ac.il/news/avertto-wins-hebrew-university%E2%80%99s-asper-prize-startup-award-2023
Plant-based chicken nuggets. SimpliiGood by Israel’s AlgaeCore Technologies (see here previously) has launched a breaded chicken cutlet analog composed primarily of the nutritious microalgae spirulina. 100 grams of SimpliGood microalgae provides as much protein as 200 grams of real chicken.
Safer cycling. Leading bike manufacturer Canyon is to integrate the V2X (vehicle to anything) technology from Israel’s Autotalks (see here previously) into its premium e-bikes. With some one million vehicles in Europe equipped with V2X technology, it will improve the safety of bike riders on the road.
15 Climate Awards candidates (part 1). This article gives an idea of the wealth of Israeli talent seeking to improve our environment. New to this newsletter include Saiflow (EV cyber security), Bomvento (greenhouse gas removal), Nitrofix (sustainable ammonia), NanoScent Labs (fuel monitoring), and Naki (waste to energy).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkppqkyfn
https://www.saiflow.com/ https://www.blueconomy-il.com/startups/bomvento/ https://nitrofixsolutions.com/
https://www.nanoscentlabs.com/ https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/naki
15 Climate Awards candidates (part 2). More Israeli talent seeking to improve our environment. New to this newsletter include TextRe (recycling textile waste), Structure Pal (AI tools for green construction), CaPow (self-charging robots), and Soltrex (robot-operated solar fields). https://capow.energy/ https://www.soltrex.io/
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/textre https://www.structure-pal.com/
Innovation for low-tech companies. Israel’s Practical Innovation works to commercialize the potential of traditional industries that are not hi-tech. It helps them build their next generation of products, to find growth engines and profitable products. Supported by the Israel Innovation Authority, it has launched over 80 products.
https://www.israel21c.org/traditional-industries-get-a-sexy-innovation-makeover/
https://www.en.practicalinnovation.co.il/site/index.asp?depart_id=347702
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0f3_ZAER7E
STEM training for haredi youth. Israel’s Baba-da after-school program, founded by Michal Ivgi, trains haredi youth in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math) while staying true to their Torah values. Baba-da operates at 25 schools in 13 cities. It hosted its annual competition for youth at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-748258 https://babada.co.il/home-eng/
Thrusters for Israeli satellites. Israel’s Space Plasmatics (see here previously) has signed a deal with Israel Aerospace Industries to develop its plasma thrusters for IAI’s satellites.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-tech-clears-space-junk-improves-satellite-propulsion/
French prize for green hydrogen Professor. Technion Professor Gideon Grader has been awarded the Grand Prix Scientifique research grant by the Institut de France for developing innovative green hydrogen technology. The E-TAC process is being commercialized by Israeli startup H2Pro (see here previously).
https://www.israel21c.org/technion-professor-nabs-french-grant-for-green-hydrogen-tech/
An exceptional NASA scientist. Israel’s Eliad Peretz has received NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal for his contributions to multiple space missions. Peretz led the development of the Mars and Lunar Rover LIDAR systems and Exoplanet signal extraction technologies in support of future direct imaging missions.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-native-receives-nasa-exceptional-achievement-medal/
No messy tuna cans. Israel’s Caniel has developed a tin can for tuna that can be opened without ejecting any of the smelly contents. The “spurt-free” can’s elasticated metal base lets you gently pump the base to squeeze out the oil, rather than press the lid and drain the tuna all over your hands (and clothes).
https://nocamels.com/2023/07/tuna-revolution-israeli-company-invents-first-spurt-free-can/
AI to fight AI. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Perception Point (see here previously) employs AI-powered large language models (LLMs) and deep learning architecture to identify and thwart business email compromise (BEC) attacks facilitated by generative AI technologies. Or “smart software to keep out smart hackers”.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Turning ideas into businesses. The Israel Innovation Authority's Tnufa (“Ideation”) program provides grants as much as $54,000 for up to two years. The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs develop technological ideas and then decide whether to start a business and raise private equity.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/technology/23/7/3/299650/
More money for future technologies. The Israel Innovation Authority is investing another NIS 40 million to advance “disruptive, future technologies” in the Jewish state. It gave examples of these technologies, including same-day delivery by walking robots, 3D-printed organs for transplants, and state-of-the-art school security.
https://www.jns.org/startup-nation/israel-innovation-authority/23/7/6/300683/
Industrial cooperation with UAE. The Manufacturers’ Association of Israel has signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates’ Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. Its aim is to foster business and manufacturing ties and boost relations with institutions in industry, trade, and investment.
European VC to invest $250 million. The European venture capital fund, Sienna VC, is raising $250 million to invest exclusively in Israeli technology companies. It plans to invest between $5-15 million in each funding round, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, fintech, digital health, foodtech, agritech, and more.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1nmaz4kh
Virginia state wants Israeli companies. The Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB) is a state agency helping Israeli companies build and grow their businesses in the U.S. state. Virginia hosts The Israel Innovation Center, with Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon moving in. Its location close to Washington DC could also be advantageous.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/syyuwp9d3 https://viab.org/for-israeli-companies/
So does Maryland. The Maryland/Israel Development Center (MIDC) was founded roughly 30 years ago. Maryland is home to 42 Israeli companies with new headquarters opening for Elbit Systems (and its subsidiary Cyberbit), Evogene, and Medispec. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkbj8ntyh
Ending double taxation for US immigrants. A new bill has been introduced in Israel’s Knesset to end the requirement of US citizens to make payments to Bituach Leumi in Israel if they already pay social security in the USA. It can save up to 15% of income for dual US-Israeli citizens who still work in the USA.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373746 https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-710415
72 successful years for Israel Bonds. In 1951, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion announced his plan to engage Diaspora Jewry in the building of the reborn Jewish homeland through the sale of Israel Bonds. Today, Israel Bonds is a global endeavor that, to date, has achieved $49 billion in worldwide sales.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/banking-and-finance/article-749061
Flexible working, anywhere. Israel’s Gable (see here previously) has 40 companies using its platform to find co-working locations for its employees in 2,000 locations. Since its launch in Sep 2020, some 5,000 workers are using Gable, including Israel’s Augury which has employees using Gable in 17 cities globally.
https://www.israel21c.org/remote-workers-can-now-grab-a-desk-or-meeting-room-anywhere/
Wave power for Taiwan. Israel’s Eco Wave Power (see here previously) is partnering with maritime engineering company Lian Tat, to develop wave energy projects in Taiwan. The first is the pilot for a 20MW power station which, if successful, will lead to more power plants on the island’s 1,500+ miles of coastline.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/new-project-brings-israeli-ocean-wave-energy-to-taiwan/
Partnering Helm for sustainable farming. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s CropX (see here previously) has partnered with Germany’s AgTech giant Helm AG. CropX has integrated data from its farm management system soil sensors into Helm’s SKYFLD app, used by farmers around the world.
https://cropx.com/es/2023/07/05/helm-ag-and-cropx-advance-precision-farming-in-skyfld-app/
Real rooms in real time. Israel’s HyperGuest’s platform helps hotels and suppliers connect directly with travel distributors, including online travel agencies, tour operators, and travel management companies. HyperGuest provides real-time connectivity, enabling hoteliers to streamline operations, increasing revenue and margins.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyxciqtk2 https://www.hyperguest.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3FGkrATR1M
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 16/7/23: U.S. IT giant Honeywell has acquired Israeli cybersecurity startup SCADAfence for “an estimated tens of millions of dollars”. US Spire Capital has acquired Israeli web intelligence company, Cobwebs Technologies, for approximately $200 million.
Investment in Israeli startups to 16/7/23: HyperGuest raised $23 million; SAVVY.Security raised $22 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Stunning photos of Israeli wildlife. The Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv is displaying “A Picture of Nature,” a photo exhibit of the unique wildlife of Israel. The 60 photographs and four video works were selected from 4,000+ entries from 410 photographers and can be viewed until 14th Oct.
https://www.israel21c.org/9-stunning-wildlife-photos-from-new-exhibition-in-tel-aviv/
Beauty Queen of Jerusalem series 2. Israeli hit period drama The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem (see here previously) returned to Netflix for its second season on July 14. The period drama is set against the backdrop of Jerusalem under Ottoman, British and Israeli rule. Series 2 aired previously on Israel’s Yes TV network.
https://www.israel21c.org/beauty-queen-of-jerusalem-returns-to-netflix-for-season-2/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i2B2n4yH_I
Israeli video game team competes in Saudi Arabia. (TY TPS & WIN) An Israeli team of three, plus their coach, are competing in the FIFAe soccer video game World Cup which this year is being held in Riyadh. The Israeli team is ranked 2nd in the world. The opening ceremony is expected to feature Israel’s National Anthem.
Tour de France stage win. Michael Woods, of the Israel Premier Tech cycling team, won Stage 9 of the Tour de France. Woods outclimbed everybody on the steep percentages on Puy de Dôme. This is Israel – Premier Tech’s third Tour de France stage victory, after two stage wins last year.
THE JEWISH STATE
The mosaics of Huqoq. An up-to-date article on the biblical mosaic scenes excavated at the site of the 1,600-year-old synagogue at Huqoq, an ancient Jewish village in Israel’s Lower Galilee (see here previously).
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-749543
Restoring the Old City. Israel is to spend NIS 250 million developing and reconstructing sites in Jerusalem’s Old City Jewish Quarter over the next 5 years. It will include funds for the Tifaret Israel Synagogue, the Wall Elevator, the Broad Wall, the Davidson Center, and the Cardo complex, plus tours, events, and shows.
https://www.jns.org/jns/jerusalem/23/7/5/300276/
Another 130 Ethiopian Jews arrive. A group of 130 Olim (new immigrants) from Ethiopia arrived in Israel.
It marks the end of the first and second phases of Operation Tzur Israel which has brought 5,000 new Olim from Ethiopia to be re-united with their families on 18 special flights coordinated by the Jewish Agency.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/374055
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/ethiopian-jews/23/7/13/302443/
A digital army for Israel. Mike Fegelman, Executive Director for HonestReporting Canada, describes his background and how tactics have changed over the years in the battle to defend Israel in the media. https://www.jns.org/jns/canada/23/7/7/300992/
Rescuing bees. Israel has an organization Magen Dvorim Adom or Bees Red Shield. They will rescue (for free) any swarm of bees – such as one that settled on the car of ISRAEL21c Editor Nicky Blackburn. The bees are then relocated to bee farms. In the Land of Milk & Honey, Magen Dvorim Adom is always a “hive” of activity!
https://www.israel21c.org/what-to-do-in-israel-when-bees-swarm-your-car/ https://magendvorimadom.com/en/
https://www.israeltoday.co.il/read/free-bees-an-israeli-innovation-to-save-our-planet/
230709
In the 9th Jul 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Israeli scientists have convinced cancer cells to poison themselves.
· In a complex operation, Israeli surgeons saved the life of a Palestinian Arab boy.
· The numbers of new Israelis graduates have increased again.
· Two Israeli Arabs received the President’s award.
· Israel is to become an international communications and energy hub.
· Israel’s exports of carrots and potatoes have soared.
· Israel’s U21 soccer team qualified for the Olympic Games.
· A Tel Aviv Uni student graduated after 8 months studying in a Ukrainian bunker.
· Click here to see the 2nd July newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours and United With Israel. Also (TY Sandra) in German here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Also (TY Zachy) in Hebrew here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Please forward 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 (now over 22,800 articles).
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ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Programming tumors to self-destruct. (TY WIN) Researchers at Tel Aviv University encoded a toxin into mRNA (messenger RNA) molecules and delivered them directly to cancer cells. The cells were instructed to produce the toxin that eventually killed them. Another breakthrough from the lab of Professor Dan Peer.
https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/news/2023/peer/cells https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-748548
https://www.thno.org/v13p3497.htm
A molecule to prevent tooth decay. Scientists in Israel, China and Singapore have discovered a molecule 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM – also known as bisindole) reduces the biofilms that produce dental plaque and cavities by 90%. The molecule is also found to have anti-carcinogenic properties and could be added to toothpastes.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/Kushmaro_cavities_DIM.aspx
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-748213
Proton Irradiation Center opens. Israel’s P-Cure (see here previously) has opened its Proton Irradiation Center (PIC) in Modi’in. Dozens of Israeli cancer patients will now be able to receive treatment with proton irradiation. Permission has been given for the PIC to treat hand-and-neck cancers and recurring brain cancers.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-748050
US approves treatment for lazy eye. Israel’s NovaSight (see here previously) has received FDA approval for its CureSight digital therapy device for amblyopia (lazy eye). Clearance was given following a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of 103 participants under 9 years of age. 79% of children improved in the trial.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/children-watch-tv-to-cure-their-lazy-eye/
Safe removal of varicose veins. Israel’s VVT Medical has received US FDA approval for its Sclerosafe medical device for the treatment of varicose veins. Its unique, dual syringe injects a sclerosing substance into the vein through one syringe while simultaneously removing blood and residuals through the second syringe.
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/vvt-medical-receives-fda-510k-clearance-for-its-sclerosafe-system-301857362.html https://www.vvtmed.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZqSIcWT4Hk
Another Israeli spine surgery navigation system. The 3D Optical Navigation System from Israel’s PathKeeper Surgical performed its debut commercial spine surgery on US patients. It was used in two successful lumbar spinal fusion surgeries for degenerative disc disease at VHC Health in Arlington, VA.
https://www.path-keeper.com/post/pathkeeper-surgical-commercializes-spine-navigation-system-with-first-u-s-cases https://www.path-keeper.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfhhLUgcHxg
Prolapse treatment gets European funding & US approval. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Escala Medical (see here previously) has received €5.5 million from the European Innovation Council for its non-surgical, incision-free 20-minute solution for patients suffering pelvic prolapse. It also recently received US FDA clearance.
Israeli surgeons reattach Palestinian Arab boy’s head. This sounds like science fiction. 12-year-old Suleiman internally decapitated his head in a bicycle accident that detached the base of his skull from the top of his spine. Hadassah surgeons performed an extremely rare and complex operation to save Suleiman’s life.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
More academic degrees. (TY Atid-EDI) A rising number of Israeli students are completing academic degrees. Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics announced that for the 2021/22 academic year 88,200 Israeli students successfully graduated. Those with master’s degrees increased by 4.5%. Most graduates were women.
https://www.cbs.gov.il/en/mediarelease/Pages/2023/Recipients-of-Academic-Degrees-(202122)-Selected-Data-on-the-Occasion-of-the-End-of-the-Academic-Year.aspx https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-748030
Eyeglasses for survivors. Members of Rescuers Without Borders (see here previously), together with Judea and Samaria Rescuers Without Borders, visited the city of Sderot as part of their mission to fit and make eyeglasses for survivors of the Shoah. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373607
Empowering Haredi soldiers. Jerusalem philanthropist David Hager has been awarded the President’s Badge of Volunteering for co-founding the Nachal Haredi unit of the IDF. Also, his work for the Netzach Yehuda Association, which has integrated over 16,000 haredi service graduates into the Israeli economy and society.
https://israfan.com/2023/06/16/unsung-hero-philanthropist-honored-for-empowering-haredi-soldiers/
Medals of honor 2023. The Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded to those who have made an extraordinary contribution to the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and all humanity. 2023’s recipients included Arab VP of Hebrew Uni Mona Khoury-Kassabri (see here) and ex-soccer captain Bibras Natcho - a Circassian Muslim.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373568 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibras_Natcho
Sheep for Senegal. The Israeli embassy in majority Muslim Senegal provided poor families sheep for the holiday of Tabaski – the Wolof name for Eid al-Adha. These gifts have been an annual tradition since 2006.
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-747945
https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/the_international_day_without_the_use_of_disposable_bags
4,156 tons of waste saved. The number of disposable plastic bags distributed by large Israeli retailers in 2022 is 73% less than in 2016 just before a NIS 0.10 charge was applied. On International Plastic Bag Free Day, the Environmental Protection Ministry announced that this saved over 4,000 tons of plastic waste in 2022 alone.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/plastic-pollution/23/7/4/299950/
Two Eswatini boys saved. (TY Nevet) Surgeons from Israel’s Save A Child’s Heart in Holon saved the lives of two young boys from the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) with VSD (ventricular septal defect - a congenital hole in the heart). The boys were from the same village but hadn’t known each other. They do now!
https://www.sajr.co.za/israeli-doctors-save-swazi-boys-lives/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
158-mile optic fiber cable for communications hub. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel will build a 254-kilometer (158 mile) fiber-optic cable between the Ashkelon and Eilat. It will position Israel as a communication land bridge connecting the Gulf countries and Asia to Europe. https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/bkfng56ph
93-mile undersea cable for solar energy. Israel has begun planning a 150km (93-mile) subsea cable that will run along the Mediterranean coast from Ashkelon in the south to Haifa. It will transmit electricity from solar energy fields in southern Israel to the center and north. It can also link to power grids in Europe and the Gulf.
European award for sustainable research. (TY Nevet) The EuroTech Universities Alliance gave Technion Professor Charlotte Vogt their top EuroTech Future Award for her outstanding contribution to the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. She is researching catalysts that convert CO2 into useful products.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2023/06/eurotech-universities-recognise-3-outstanding-young-researchers-for-their-impactful-work/ https://eurotech-universities.eu/news-and-events/news/eurotech-future-award-2023-winners/
Helping the UAE repel cyberattack. (TY UWI) At the 2023 Tel Aviv Cyber Week Conference last week, UAE cyber chief Mohamed al-Kuwaiti said, “Thank God for the Abraham Accords...” He revealed that Israel recently helped the UAE fend off a serious DDoS (distributed denial of service) cyberattack.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/technology-science/1688021853-emirati-official-reveals-that-israel-helped-repel-a-cyber-attack-on-the-gulf-state https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-747851
Building Quantum computers in South Korea. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Quantum Machines (see here previously) has signed three agreements with Korean companies, organizations and government research institutes. The alliances will help accelerate the development of quantum computing technology.
Women’s hackathon. Road safety, traffic flow and drone-detection solutions took the top prizes at Jerusalem College of Technology’s 6th annual women’s hackathon Hack.Her.It. 150 students, many mothers with babies on their laps, used the latest AI in a 46-hour challenge from Elbit, Rafael, Amazon, Intel, Safe Lane, and more.
https://www.jns.org/u-s-israel-business-medicine-and-technology/women/23/6/28/298724/
https://levtech.jct.ac.il/hackherit/6
$18 million donation for computer science building. A generous $18 million lead grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust will support the construction of the state-of-the-art Helmsley Computer Science Building at Ben Gurion University. It will contain 60 offices and lab space for each faculty member.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/Helmsley_computerbuilding.aspx
Jerusalem is going through the roof. The Jerusalem Municipality has embarked on a plan to utilize as many rooftops in the capital as possible for solar energy generation, community activities and green areas that can benefit people, wildlife, and the environment. Grants for roof gardens of up to NIS 40,000 are being offered.
More sustainable pest-free crops. (TY Atid-EDI) Multinational Bayer is working with Israel’s Fermata (see here previously) on a project that uses AI to reduce pesticide wastage. Fermata also won the 2023 Food Tech Challengers’ Agri Tech track and was selected for Microsoft’s fourth AI for Good acceleration program.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/06/27/2694946/0/en/Bayer-Collaborates-with-Fermata-on-Increasing-Crop-Sustainability-With-AI.html https://foodtechchallengers.com/#winners
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1ejtb6zh
No sweat. Israel’s Yopi (Your Online Personal Instructor) Technologies has developed a wristband sweat analyzer that uses biosensors and AI to track an individual’s health in real time. It measures oxygen consumption (VO₂) to assess the condition of the arteries and is far more accurate than a heartbeat monitor.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/sweat-monitoring-startup-to-build-factory-for-wearable-that-tracks-oxygen-consumption/ https://www.yopitech.com/#/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TV1JBe_GYQ
Building the first electric road in Norway. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Electreon (see here previously) won the sole tender of Norway’s Transportation Authority of Trøndelag County, for an electric road to charge a bus wirelessly. It will be evaluated for the unique geographic and climatic conditions of Trondheim.
Revolutionary interior design for Peugeot EVs. (TY Atid-EDI) Automobile manufacturer Peugeot has integrated the 3D Fashion Technology of Israel’s Stratasys (see here previously) into its new Inception Electric Vehicles. https://www.stratasys.com/uk/guide-to-3d-printing/technologies-and-materials/3dfashion-tech-style/
https://investors.stratasys.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/830/peugeot-drives-new-revolution-in-car-interior-design-with https://videos.stratasys.com/watch/WAykUxkdho8y5uNAT9xBaz?
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Record exports of carrots and potatoes. Israel’s export of carrots and potatoes is breaking records due to drought in Spain, Portugal and Italy, and a wet Israeli winter. Potato exports grew from 140,000 tons to 200,000 tons with prices for farmers up 10%. Carrots jumped from 15,000 tons to 50,000 tons with prices up by 20%.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skfoa1mon
Interest on current accounts. Two Israeli banks are to pay interest to customers with credit balances in their current accounts. Bank Leumi has many conditions, but Bank Mizrahi Tefahot will pay 2% on balances up to NIS 25,000 provided the customer has at least NIS 50,000. Both banks are to reduce interest on overdrafts.
Tel Aviv to Reykjavik flights. Icelandic flag carrier Icelandair has launched Tel Aviv - Reykjavik flights. The new seasonal service will operate on Weds, Fri, and Sun until end-Oct. Estimated flight time is seven hours.
There is a high demand from Israeli tourists wanting to visit Iceland, and for connections to North America.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-icelandair-launches-tel-aviv-reykjavik-flights-1001450526
El Al - Delta agreement for better connections. El Al Israel Air Lines and Delta Air Lines have announced a “strategic partnership” that they say will make traveling easier for passengers flying between Israel and the United States. It offers more flights, convenient connections, reciprocal air miles and more.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373468 https://www.jns.org/u-s-israel/el-al/23/7/2/299349/
Tel Aviv light railway gets funded. HSBC (UK) and Leumi (Israel) are providing $1.1 billion of finance for Tel Aviv’s light railway. The 46 stations, 18-mile-long Purple Line will connect central Tel Aviv to Yehud, Kiryat Ono, Ramat Gan, Givatayim, Bar Ilan University, Sheba Medical Center, and Shuk Hacarmel.
Upgrading Canada’s earthquake warning system. The Canadian government is providing funds (estimated at $1 million) to Tel Aviv University, with the goal of improving Canada’s Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems. The EEW system developed by TAU and Israel’s SeismicAI (see here) is in use in many countries.
Putting a $150 million fizz into Lemonade. US venture capital fund General Catalyst is to finance 80% of the cost of acquiring new customers for Israeli insurtech company Lemonade – approximately $150 million. In return, the US company will receive 16% of the premiums generated from the policies they helped finance.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjppsxion
Israeli vegan protein to be manufactured in India. Israel’s Nextferm (see here previously) has signed an agreement with India’s Kothari Fermentation and Indian subcontractor Biochem, to produce Nextferm’s flagship product ProteVin - a vegan, yeast-based non-GMO fermented protein powder.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-vegan-protein-startup-inks-manufacturing-deal-in-india/
100 years of Mahane Yehuda. Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda street market is one of the Capital city’s famous icons. It is currently celebrating its centenary year of business. Here are several articles, plus Jacob Richman’s colorful photos of the market and its wares.
https://jr.co.il/jerusalem/2023/jer669.htm https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-748262
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373569 https://en.machne.co.il/
Investment in Israeli startups to 9/7/23: Nokod Security raised $8 million; Escala Medical received a €5.5 million European Innovation Council Accelerator grant; X-trodes received a €5.2 million European Innovation Council Accelerator grant; QLOG raised $2.5 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Putting Israeli ballet on the map. Professional ballet dancer, Isaac Akiva embraced orthodox Judaism while recovering after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament at the Boston Opera House. He subsequently founded the American-Israeli Ballet Association “to put the Jewish State on the international ballet map”.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-and-israeli-culture/arts/23/6/28/298778/ https://aiballet.org/
Jerusalem Jazz Festival. The 9th annual Jerusalem Jazz Festival brought together musicians from all over the world. The performances took place at multiple locations around the Israel Museum. Artists came from the USA, Morocco, Bulgaria, Italy, France, Senagal, and Mali.
https://video.i24news.tv/en/9e44d596-82e6-4c4c-8a1c-96f84ae49bd5/content/6330272965112
https://www.jerusalemjazzfestival.org.il/en/
Busy Streets of Jerusalem. (TY Sharon) Tourists have been flocking to the Jerusalem streets. Events included Reading Month; the 150th birthday of the poet Nachman Bialik; the first Pulse of Israel Conference; Design Week at the Hansen House; the Muslim festival of Eid al Adha; and Machane Yehuda market’s centenary.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/07/02/did-you-see-whats-happening-in-jerusalem-in-july/
3 weeks of Opera in Tel Aviv. The Tel Aviv Summer Opera program includes mostly daily ticketed performances at the city’s conservatory. Also, free outdoor performances at the Israeli Opera Performing Arts square and at Jaffa’s Kedumim Square. Plus, master classes and workshops. See details at second link.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-tel-aviv-indoor-and-outdoor-arias-from-singers-in-training/
https://www.summeroperatlv.co.il/tickets https://www.summeroperatlv.co.il/
White Night turns 20. The White City of Tel Aviv celebrated the 20th year of its White Night, all-night festival (Laila Lavan in Hebrew). The name also recognizes Tel Aviv’s light-colored Bauhaus architecture. Events include public performances, musical shows, open access to museums and yoga at sunrise.
Disturbed fires up Tel Aviv. David Draiman, the lead singer of American hard rock group Disturbed, showed his Jewish and Israeli pride during a passionate performance at the Tel Aviv Expo. Draiman, who attended US Jewish day schools and trained as a cantor, often shouted “I can’t hear you!” in Hebrew to encourage the crowd.
https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-748145
U21 soccer team qualifies for Olympics. Israel’s Under 21 soccer team beat Georgia on penalties in the quarterfinals of the UEFA championships. By doing so, they qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games as one of the top 3 teams in the tournament. It is the first Olympic appearance of an Israeli soccer team since 1976.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/soccer/23/7/3/299563/ https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373528
THE JEWISH STATE
Viewing the world in a positive light. Rabbi Doron Perez, Chief Executive of World Mizrachi, in his regular video from Jerusalem says that this Hebrew month is the time to view the world in a positive light. This editor’s response to the world is “Start with Israel”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21_7x-1YWTs
From navy captain to Israeli singer. Yair Levi is a Jewish Israeli singer, songwriter, and musical producer based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Yair, served as a Captain in the Israeli Navy Seals for 8 years.
https://pulseofisrael.com/2023/07/02/musical-prayer/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Am-8oHbwHA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odgY3OsTI_c
Integrating Russian-speaking immigrants. 5,000+ Russian-speaking immigrants arrive in Israel each month. The non-profit Shishi Shabbat Yisraeli (Israeli Weekend), founded in 2010, has been working to support the families and facilitate their integration into society. https://www.jns.org/jns/aliyah/23/6/27/298153/
Plant olive trees in Israel. It has been 3 years since this editor planted olive trees in Yavniel, lower Galilee. On Tues, July 11, 2023, you can plant more trees and connect to the Land of Israel. Call: +972 (0)52-387-5364.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvBy8f2XRvQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlqPr7iTzak
1,000 Jewish teens compete in Israel. 700 Jewish teens joined 300 Israeli teens in Haifa to compete in the JCC Maccabi Games – the largest Jewish teen sporting event in the world. Its purpose is to strengthen their connection with both their own communities and Israel via sports.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/topic/23/6/29/298954/
Graduated from a Ukraine bunker. Kirill Drik had already made Aliya and was studying for a master’s degree at Tel Aviv University. He went to Ukraine to visit his sick mother, when Russia invaded, and he was trapped. He then had to study in a bunker. TAU staff kept in contact and ensured Kirill was able to graduate.
https://www.aftau.org/news_item/from-a-dark-bunker-in-ukraine-to-a-tau-graduation-ceremony/
230702
In the 2nd Jul 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· US surgeons have used Israeli X-ray headsets in over 4,000 spine operations.
· Tel Aviv is the world’s happiest city.
· Foreign students can now learn English from an Israeli personal AI tutor.
· 18% of Israel’s GDP comes from hi-tech – the highest percentage in the world.
· An Israeli system assessed and paid a UK insurance claim in just two seconds.
· Gal Gadot is to be honored by having a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
· Israelis won 25 medals at the Special Olympics.
· Click here to see the 25th Jun newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours with another beautiful intro, and United With Israel. Also (TY Sandra) 25th June in German here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Also, 18th June in German posted by Stuart Palmer here. Also (TY Zachy) 25th June in Hebrew here and posted by Stuart Palmer here. Also, 18th June in Hebrew posted by Stuart Palmer here. Please forward this newsletter to German and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also (TY Esty) please visit the https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL Facebook page.
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ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
4,000+ spine operations. The xvision Augmented Reality Spine System from Israel’s Augmedics (see here previously) has now been used to treat over 4,000 patients and implant more than 20,000 pedicle screws across 21 U.S. states. It consistently demonstrates 97-100% accuracy across multiple patient studies.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjfbm8fu3 https://augmedics.com/
Hope for children with epilepsy. Researchers at Tel Aviv University and elsewhere have developed therapy in the laboratory to treat Dravet syndrome – a life-threatening form of epilepsy in children caused by a mutation in the SCN1A gene. The scientists used a harmless virus containing normal SCNIA genes to “infect” the brain.
https://www.aftau.org/news_item/tau-discovery-may-help-children-suffering-from-dravet-syndrome/
https://www.jci.org/articles/view/159316
Converting skin cells into placenta cells. Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have converted human skin cells into functional human placenta cells. The breakthrough can help cure pregnancy-related diseases and infertility issues by generating placenta cells that won’t be rejected as foreign tissue.
https://www.jns.org/colleges-universities/hebrew-university-of-jerusalem/23/6/21/297061/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39104-1
When women should take their meds. Israel’s Levana.ai is an AI-based solution that personalizes women’s prescriptions based on their cycle. It’s a platform for women who are taking long-term medication and provides doctors with recommendations regarding when and how much medication to prescribe to their patients.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1iydoovh https://levana.ai/
Brain block may cure addicts. (TY Nevet) Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers have identified in the laboratory that the claustrum area of the brain is vital to preventing addiction to certain medications. Existing remedies could help susceptible individuals increase their resistance and self-control.
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00737-6
All fingers and thumbs. Arab Israeli Dr. Firas Mawase is head of the Neurorehabilitation and Sensorimotor Neuroscience Laboratory at Israel’s Technion. He is investigating rehabilitating the dexterity of brain-damaged patients (e.g., from a stroke), using engineering and computational tools and functional imaging of the brain.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2023/05/all-fingers-and-thumbs/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0H0uATaJPA
US approval for safe epidural device. The EpiFinder device from Israel’s Omeq Medical (see here previously) has just received US FDA approval. A limited US launch is planned for early 2024.
https://www.israel21c.org/smart-device-aims-to-improve-safety-of-epidurals/
Partnership with UAE healthcare system. Israel’s Sheba Medical Center has partnered UAE’s PureHealth, the largest integrated healthcare platform in the Middle East. The two will conduct joint research, promote advanced technology in healthcare, collaborate on staff training, and boost bi-lateral health tourism.
Technion and Toronto medical AI partnership. Israel’s Technion Institute and the University of Toronto Artificial Intelligence Centers have partnered to develop AI solutions in the field of medicine. The first workshop took place in Ein Gedi in May. https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2023/05/changing-medicine-with-ai/
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-742749
Quick-thinking saves mother and baby. Rachel, a nurse midwife attending a mother in labor at Ziv Medical Center in Safed, noticed that the baby’s head was moving in the wrong direction. She rushed them to ER, where doctors diagnosed a complete rupture of the uterus, delivered baby, and later reconstructed the mother’s womb.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/quick-thinking-israeli-midwife-saves-mother-and-baby/
Research training for doctors. The Israel Science Foundation has launched Israel’s MAVRI initiative (Hebrew for “one who heals”). The ISF will award grants totaling $100 million over five years, to create a select team of Medical PhDs who will conduct clinical research that will ultimately benefit patients.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
First ladies visit Israeli hospital. Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska and Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog visited the rehabilitation department of Sheba Medical Center and patients at the Safra Children’s Hospital. Mrs Zeleneska hopes to model Israel’s program for treating amputees, paralyzed patients, and children in Ukraine.
Bringing orthodox women into hi-tech. Read about Racheli Ganot (see here previously), founder of Israel’s Ready Group, a microchip hardware and software development company of 170 employees (80% women). For her work integrating Orthodox women in hi-tech, Ganot lit a torch at Israel's 70th Independence Day ceremony.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1f3hks003 https://readygroup.co.il/
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5224668,00.html
Medical clowns are not just for children. (TY UWI & I24 News) Latest video featuring Israel’s Dream Doctors – clowns who promote healing through laughter. They “operate” in Israeli hospitals, but also in disaster areas where they bring hope to children, adults, and doctors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez5fdqAIbwM
Capoeira unites Israelis. (TY WIN & I24 News) Capoeira (see here previously) is a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, and music. As this video of the first Israeli Capoeira Festival shows, Israel’s capoeira community accepts everyone – Orthodox, Arab, elderly, young and everyone in between.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijLvzoaZASU
US award for cancer research. The US National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) honored Tel Aviv University Professor Isaac P. Witz, for his cancer research on how components of the immune system infiltrate the tumor microenvironment (TME) affecting tumor formation, progression, and metastasis.
https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/news/2023/witz/prize https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-747716
The World’s happiest city. (TY Nevet) "Rich cultural heritage, kind people, and abundance of food, shopping, and learning" were cited as the reason why The Travel blog ranked Tel Aviv as the happiest city in the world. It also noted that Tel Aviv has become "a global hot spot for spring break and vacationing as a whole."
https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/hjozetwd3 https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-746856
https://www.thetravel.com/happiest-cities-in-the-world/#tel-aviv-israel
Fiji to open Embassy in Israel. (TY UWI) The South Pacific island country of Fiji has announced that its first embassy in Israel will open next year. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen welcomed the announcement, calling Fiji a “true friend” of Israel. Fiji’s will be the 98th embassy to the Jewish state.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/embassy/23/6/26/297971/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
4 US officials at Israel Cyber Week. The speakers at Israel Cyber Week include Nathaniel Fick, the U.S. ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy; Liesyl Franz, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for international cyberspace security; plus, the CIOs of US departments of Energy, and of Transportation.
https://www.jns.org/u-s-israel/cyber-security/23/6/26/298009/
Three top “Deep Tech” companies. (TY WIN) Three Israeli startups are included in the inaugural XB100 ranking of the top 100 private deep-tech companies, published by XPRIZE and Bessemer Venture Partners. They are UBQ Materials, Fabric (Robotics), and Believer Meats (previously Future Meat Technologies).
https://www.israel21c.org/3-israeli-firms-are-on-list-of-worlds-best-deep-tech/
All your apps in one place. Israel’s theGist has totally upgraded its message consolidation facility (see here previously). It has now launched a platform that uses generative AI technology to create a single AI-managed hub that centralizes employee work apps. Its aim is to boost productivity and prevent information overload.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nPoM5GtvDM
A better flip-flop. Israel’s Link Shoes has developed the “flipshoe,” which it says offers the freedom of a flip flop combined with the comfort and safety of a closed shoe. The shoe bends and flexes, provides arch support, and unlike flip flops, you can walk distances, run, and ride a bike while wearing them.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/topless-footwear-support-of-a-shoe-ease-of-a-flip-flop/ https://link-shoes.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlogds2xJ-A
Digital help for PTSD sufferers. A from Israel’s Code for Israel (see here previously) have created a website “Ani Al Ze” (Hebrew for “I’m on it”) to help PTSD sufferers combat procrastination. The website is currently offered by NATAL, an Israeli non-profit that treats citizens suffering from war- and terror-related trauma.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/ptsd-sufferers-to-get-digital-help-for-overlooked-symptom/
https://www.natal.org.il/en/ https://www.codeforisrael.org/en
Disney Pixar movie promoted with Israeli tech. Gentle Giant Studios used the XiP Desktop 3D printer of Israel’s Nexa3D (see here previously) to produce high-quality prototypes for Disney Pixar’s new “Elemental” movie. Nexa3D’s xMODEL17-Clear resin achieved the desired visual effects for the fire and water characters.
https://www.voxelmatters.com/nexa3d-brings-disney-pixars-elemental-characters-to-life/
https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/elemental-release-date-trailer-cast-plot-more-2098755/
The smart way to stream data. Israel’s Memphis.dev gives software developers a fast way to build links for communicating between applications and transmitting masses amounts of data (streaming) from one place to another. Thousands of developers have downloaded and recommended the Memphis message broker.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628292277/en/Memphis.dev-Disrupts-Event-Streaming-with-Introduction-of-Memphis-Cloud-to-Accelerate-Development-of-Real-time-Applications-in-Multi-cloud-Environments https://memphis.dev/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHOe6UrwxIk
Your personal AI English tutor. Israel’s Loora.AI allows individuals to improve their English skills without having to rely on expensive, one-on-one tutors. Loora is a safe, always-there, iPhone AI tutor for practicing conversational English. Available on subscription in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjpebedo3 https://www.loora.ai/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nccIaL-2Sk
Low GI sugar substitute from carobs. Israel’s CarobWay (see here previously) is to introduce its clean-label, low glycemic index (GI) sweetener at IFT FIRST 2023 in Chicago (July 16-19). A gummi and an energy bar prototype containing the carob-derived sugar replacement will illustrate the new sweetener's capabilities.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Over 18% of Israel’s GDP is hi-tech. The Israel Innovation Authority’s “State of High Tech” annual report show that in 2021, Israel’s hi-tech industry earned 50% more than the next sector – trade & retail. In 2022 the gap was 90%. Israeli hi-tech is worth 18.1% of GDP - in the USA it is only 10%, and in Europe it’s under 6%.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bk8rjlu003 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-wT8O3JqZg
Europe invests in Israel. The European Investment Bank (EIB), the financial arm of the European Union, is to invest €150 million into the NIS 1.5 billion seawater desalination facility planned for Western Galilee. It is also providing a €500 million credit line through Bank Leumi to encourage green business projects in Israel.
The first startups. Once considered models of socialism, entrepreneurs have repurposed the Israeli kibbutz into hubs for creative and high-tech industries. This article features Hanita and Yiron (AgroScout).
Michigan woos Israeli startups. The Michigan Israel Business Accelerator has launched "The Elevator" in Detroit to act as a co-working space, mailing address, or networking hub free of charge for Israelis looking to do business in the U.S. state. Since its founding in 2017, MIBA has made 2,000 Israeli-Michigan connections.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjzgw0cv3
VC has $500 million to invest in Israel. Venture Capital firm Eight Roads plans to invest half a billion dollars in Israel in the coming years. It already has 10 active investments in Israel including HiBob, AppsFlyer, Fireblocks, Eleos Health, Noogata, and Gloat.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkibnwzo3
Vegan food partnership. Israel’s More Foods (see here previously) has partnered with Tivall, the Israel-based vegetarian frozen food brand owned by food giant Osem-Nestlé. It will help More Foods expand distribution of its pumpkin and sunflower seeds meat alternatives to meet the growing demand for plant-based products.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/meat-alternative-startup-partners-with-nestle-vegetarian-brand/
Historic sales of Israeli TV shows. For the first time Israeli programs have been sold for broadcasting in Saudia Arabia and Turkey. Saudi broadcasting network MBC bought the docu-series "Cassandra's Prophecy". And the Turkish broadcasting network Kanal D bought "Special", the drama series about autism.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373343
Going underground in the UK. Israel’s Exodigo (see here previously) was used by Coles Rail to scan and map a project in Birmingham UK for part of a light rail expansion that will connect to the city’s Curzon Street Station. It detected over 280 underground utility lines, including 51 that no other locator or records had found.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/israeli-underground-scanner-startup-expands-into-the-uk/
UN award for fraud detection software. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s ThetaRay won Best in Class Compliance Solution at the 2023 RemTECH Awards for its AI-powered transaction monitoring technology. The award is part of the United Nations-led Global Forum on Remittances, Investment and Development.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230620778570/en/
Insurance claim paid in two seconds. (TY OurCrowd) Israeli digital insurance company Lemonade (see here previously) is claiming a new record after settling a claim in just two seconds to a customer whose bicycle was stolen in the UK. Lemonade’s AI system assessed, checked, and paid the customer in just two seconds.
https://insurtechdigital.com/articles/speeding-up-claims-lemonade-hails-2-second-insurance-payout
Investment in Israeli startups to 2/7/23: Cyera raised $100 million; Augmedics raised $82.5 million; NoTraffic raised $50 million; Anzu raised $48 million; Ramon.Space raised $26 million; Astrix Security raised $25 million; Wenrix raised $15 million; Loora raised $9.25 million; Memphis.dev raised $5.58 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Next. Israel’s Avi Jorisch wrote Though Shalt Innovate, How Israeli Ingenuity Repairs the World” (see here previously). His latest book is “Next: A Brief History of the Future”, featuring 13 “game-changing innovations” that are significantly impacting human history. It includes Israel’s Innovation: Africa (see here previously).
https://www.timesofisrael.com/kernels-of-hope-this-book-picks-13-earthshaking-innovators-for-worlds-challenges/ https://www.amazon.com/Next-History-Future-Avi-Jorisch/dp/9657023750
A capital kosher upscale meat pizzeria. Mojo’s non-dairy pizzeria in Jerusalem serves some exciting kosher meat pizzas. They include vegan cheese, BĀ-KEN (with an upside-down “e”), short ribs with kimchi and truffle mayo, and chicken confit with pesto cream and balsamic reduction. Non-pizza eaters are also well catered for.
For the birds. Israeli and international researchers have reported that rare prehistorical objects found in Israel’s Hula Valley, were crafted 12,000 years ago, and functioned as miniature flutes. They imitate bird song and could have been used for hunting, music, or some form of communication with the birds.
The first Israeli actress to have a Hollywood star. Israeli megastar Gal Gadot is to have her name etched in in a star on Los Angeles’ best-known sidewalk, known as the Walk of Fame. Hollywood Boulevard’s 1.3 miles of sidewalk currently has nearly 2,800 stars. The only other Israeli star is for media producer Haim Saban.
European fencing bronze medal. (TY Nevet) 14-year-old Gili Kuritzky won a senior fencing bronze medal at the European Games in Krakow-Malopolska Poland. Ranked only 250th in the world senior ranking, she eliminated far more established fencers on her way to her first ever medal at the senior level.
https://www.eurofencing.info/news/poland-wins-gold-in-women-rsquo-s-foil-event-n488567.htm
European artistic swimming gold. (TY Nevet) Israel won its first-ever gold medal at the European Artistic Swimming Championships in the Team Free Routine Combination event in Krakow, Poland.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/10-minutes-from-auschwitz-israels-artistic-swimmers-win-gold-at-european-games/ https://www.len.eu/israel-spain-triumph-in-team-events-on-third-day-of-european-artistic-swimming-championships/ https://www.israelhayom.co.il/sport/other-sports/article/14312335 (Hebrew site)
Israeli U-21 soccer team make UEFA quarterfinals. (TY UWI) Israel’s under-21 soccer team drew 1-1 with reigning champions Germany in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship final tournament in Georgia. They lost to England but then beat Czech Republic to knock out Germany and reach the quarterfinals.
https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/06/23/israels-under-21-soccer-team-ties-with-germany-in-uefa-european-championship-game/ https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/sport/1687977292-israel-s-u21-soccer-team-qualifies-for-euro-quarter-finals
25 medals at the Special Olympics. (TY Nevet) Israeli athletes won nine golds, eight silvers and eight bronze medals at the Special Olympics in Berlin. The 25 medals beat the 19 they won at the 2019 event. The second link is to an individual article about Israel’s Mir Segel who won the 100-meter freestyle swimming gold medal.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-bring-home-25-medal-haul-from-special-olympics-in-berlin/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373357
THE JEWISH STATE
The Kingdom of Judah. The Hebrew University has completed a study that shows the development of the Kingdom of Judah in the 10th century BCE. Archeological evidence from five sites confirms the Biblical accounts of the cities fortified by Rehoboam, grandson of King David.
https://www.jns.org/archeology/judea-and-samaria/23/6/26/297934/
Promoting Anglo Olim. Rabbis of many Israeli-Anglo communities recently met with Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Israel’s Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer. They agreed to work together on a new Ministry program to strengthen Anglo communities in Israel and encourage new waves of immigration.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373149
The word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 26 educators from six countries gathered in Jerusalem for a 4-day conference aimed at globally promoting former British chief rabbi Lord Jonathan Sack's philosophy. The event launches a network of Rabbi Sacks-inspired scholars around the globe, guided by his philosophy on leadership.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-and-israeli-culture/rabbi-jonathan-sacks/23/6/28/298592/
Kosher Arab cuisine in Crusader city. (TY UWI) At the Roots restaurant in Akko an Israeli chef skillfully combines the traditions of kosher cooking with the vibrant flavors of Arab cuisine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwoI5Hln_EU
Cakes for the lonely. Israeli charity Uga B’Haftaha (Cake by Surprise) matches volunteers with seniors in their hometown to visit and chat over cake and coffee. It started when Holon resident Tal Harel returned from a post-army trip and delivered municipality food to homebound seniors during the pandemic. (See also here.)
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-volunteers-bring-cakes-to-share-with-lonely-elders/
