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In the 31st Mar 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Israeli cocoa plants could save the global cocoa industry.
· Israeli scientists can fix spinal cord injuries through the nose.
· Israelis make medical advances to counteract Oct 7 impact and the war.
· Israeli children with disabilities enjoyed Purim in their fancy dress wheelchairs.
· Israel marks World Water Day.
· Mobileye’s Jerusalem employees are transported to new high-tech premises.
· A Pakistani Muslim launched his new book in Jerusalem.
· See how Israelis celebrated Purim during a war.
· Click here to see the 24th Mar newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen and (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, and (TY Barbara) into Spanish here, and Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 24,200 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Reserve IDF commander has life-changing surgery. (TY OurCrowd) 57-year-old Motti Ben-Lulu served 4 months reserve duty as a platoon commander in Gaza. But he was unable to hold a weapon due to tremor. Now, after MRI-guided focused ultrasound treatment from Israel’s Insightec (see here previously) he is a new person.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/hk65ad406
“Superhero” cocoa seedlings. Ellen Graber, a soil chemistry expert at Israel’s Volcani Center expected her experimental cocoa seedlings growing near Gaza had perished after 3 months of neglect. But 20 plants survived and flourished. A recent NIS 20 million government investment could make Israel a cocoa plant global supplier.
Brothers for Life. (TY Sam Kramer) The BFL Medical Project was created to address the needs of IDF soldiers suffering from complex injuries and chronic pain. It invited two highly skilled and specialized doctors from the USA to come to Israel to perform complex reconstructive surgery on many injured soldiers. See video.
https://www.brothersforlife.com/bfl-emergency-progress-report-240216/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZjtzF54I0s
Remarkable Resilience – BGU Webinar. Register for this free May 8th webinar from Israel’s Ben Gurion University. BGU was heavily impacted by the Oct 7 events but now stands as a beacon of hope for the future of Israel and a vital part of Israel’s rebuilding and recovery efforts. See how BGU is leading the Way Forward.
https://americansforbgu.org/events/rr4/ https://americansforbgu.org/events/rr4/#speakers
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Repairing the spine via the nose. Some 500,000 spinal cord injuries are sustained annually. Israel’s NurExone takes exosomes (nanoscopic particles released by cells to pass messages to one another) from bone marrow, adds siRNA to help regenerate cells, and delivers them via the nose and blood brain barrier to heal the spine.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/nasal-therapy-that-could-help-people-with-spinal-injuries-walk-again/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLEi98oE4RU https://nurexone.com/
Artificial veins for successful transplants. Israel’s Bonus Biogroup (see here previously) has developed microscopic biodegradable tubes that run through an engineered transplant organ, supplying a steady flow of blood. This vastly increases the viability of artificial organs and the success rate of transplant operations.
https://www.israel21c.org/organ-transplant-advance-artificial-veins/
War of yeast infections. Researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have discovered a benign species of yeast named “Kazachstania weizmannii” in homage to Chaim Weizmann. It prevents the spread of Candida albicans, a strain of yeast which causes candidiasis, a fungal infection responsible for around 200,000 deaths per year.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-fungus-discovery-could-stop-deadly-yeast-infections/
AI-driven cell therapy. Israeli-founded Somite.ai can revolutionize stem cell therapy. Its first target is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. When muscle stem cells are injected into an existing muscle, the muscles can rebuild and regain function. Somite will then move on to creating brown fat cells for the treatment of diabetes.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-stem-cells-meet-ai-1001472419 https://somite.ai/index.html
Developing treatments since 1949. (TY Atid-EDI) Rafa Laboratories is one of Israel’s oldest pharmaceutical companies. For example, it has been supplying autoinjectors for over 30 years, for global medical conditions including seizures and now (partnering USA’s BARDA) to counter nerve agent and pesticide poisoning.
https://www.rafa.co.il/en https://www.rafa.co.il/en/therapeutic-areas
Better than before. (TY Nevet) Scientists at Israel’s Technion have developed a robotic hand that allows the wearer to play the piano and type on a keyboard. The device is intended to be used as a prosthetic for those who have lost limbs, e.g., in the War, and can give the wearer skills that they never had before.
https://ats.org/our-impact/giving-prosthetics-a-hand/
Wearable devices to fix mobility problems. (TY Nevet) Zuckerman Faculty Scholar Dr. Arielle Fischer runs the Fischer Biomechanics and Wearable Technology Lab at Israel’s Technion Institute. Her lab develops biomechanical tools and wearable devices to detect, prevent, and correct musculoskeletal movement disorders.
https://www.zuckerman-scholars.org/lab/fischer-biomotion-lab/
Hebrew University Trauma Institute. A new Trauma Institute has been established at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It will design new clinical approaches to and train therapists to deal with the nationwide traumas following the Oct 7 Hamas attacks. The new Institute has raised 25% of its budget and is seeking support.
https://www.afhu.org/2024/03/16/new-hebrew-university-trauma-institute-established-to-design-new-clinical-approaches-and-train-therapists-following-october-7th-attacks/ https://www.afhu.org/weareone/ (US donors)
Innovative trauma treatment. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Madrigal Mental Care is based in Kibbutz Reim – one of the communities devasted by Hamas on Oct 7. So, it is remarkable that it has just announced the successful completion of its pivotal nanotechnology research on using Ketamine as a treatment for PTSD & depression.
New treatment for depression. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s PsyRx has developed a radically new treatment for depression. It combines an approved medicine from the SSRI family with a low dosage of ibogaine. PsyRx has just completed a successful lab toxicological safety study for the treatment to help it progress to human trials.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/psyrx-advances-clinical-trial-exploration-with-successful-completion-of-toxicological-safety-study-in-rats-302098275.html https://www.psyrx.co/
Addressing women’s health. Israeli-founded Impact.51 is the first startup studio in the world to focus solely on women’s health. 51% of the world receives insufficient funding, research, & support. Impact.51 aims to create inventive solutions addressing critical gaps in women’s health. After Oct 7, the priority is trauma.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVktA8EihyU https://www.impact-51.com/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Purim fun for kids in wheelchairs. (TY Rachel) 30 children with disabilities at Israel’s Beit Issie Shapiro in Ra’anana were able to enjoy the Purim festivities as they were transformed into their favorite characters. Holon Institute of Technology (HIT) students customized their costumes to seamlessly incorporate their mobility aids.
Disability-focused travel. Israel’s accessibleGo is the world's first full-service, disability-focused travel site. It provides the booking of accessible travel options, with services and amenities verified and hand-picked for travelers with diverse needs. AccessibleGo is a one-stop shop for all disability travel needs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkixj3y1-Zo https://accessiblego.com/
A woman of many firsts. (TY Nevet) Technion alumna Neta Blum heads the Cyber Section of Israel’s Defense Ministry. Before that, she was the first woman and youngest person to lead Aviation Sciences in the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D). And much more (see link).
https://ats.org/our-impact/neta-blum-a-woman-of-many-firsts/
Making a global impact. Israel’s Impact Nation helps startups with the potential for global impact to promote themselves and drive their technology forward. These companies can change the world in the areas of food security, climate, health, water, equality, and economic empowerment.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/telling-the-story-of-israeli-innovators-trying-to-save-the-world/
https://www.impactnation.tech/
Sign up for the IAC Summit. Save the date Sep 19-21 for the IAC National Summit in Washington DC. Sign up for updates and be first in line for early registration.
https://iac360.org/summit/ https://iac360.org/wartime-community-resources/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
New reservoir to help revive Southern Israel. As the world marked World Water Day on Mar 22, thousands of displaced residents returning to Israel’s Gaza border communities are benefiting from the recently completed 14 million cubic foot Holit Reservoir made possible by Jewish National Fund-USA and its donors.
https://www.jnf.org/menu-3/press-releases/press-release-stories/march-22--2024
Preventing overwatering. The water sensors developed by Israel’s Treetoscope (see here previously) can reduce water consumption in agriculture by to 40 percent. Overwatering can also flush fertilizer before it has finished benefiting the crop. Treetoscope is working with water industry leaders including Israel’s Netafim.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/simple-sensor-for-what-plants-drink-helps-preserve-precious-water/
Beware the bloom. (TY OurCrowd) On World Water Day (Mar 22) Israel’s BlueGreen Water Technologies (see here previously) launched its “Beware the Bloom!” campaign to raise awareness of algal blooms from. cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. BlueGreen removes the algae and its dangerous toxins.
Using AI to check program code. Israel’s Codium (see here previously) has developed an AI “team member” to test and review computer code to make sure it is all working as it should, rooting out any potentially catastrophic missteps. Codium’s plugins have been installed by over half a million global developers.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/ai-assistant-smooths-out-mistakes-in-maze-of-code/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQqQweiqkao
Greener construction material. Israel’s EVA Greentech has developed a novel building material using demolition waste. It is designed to partially substitute non-environmentally friendly cement in concrete, significantly reducing its carbon footprint while preserving concrete’s essential physical properties.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkQBLc4R1q4 https://www.evagreentech.com/
Sustainable aquaculture. Israel’s AquaculTech (see here) promotes sustainable technologies to produce fish, algae, and other products from the sea, making Eilat into a national and international knowledge center. It aims to help Israel’s 160 aquaculture startups, combat overfishing, and preserve the ecological balance and diversity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW6HJX4nFhc https://www.aquacultech.org/
Top nano-scientist recognized. Tel Aviv University’s Prof. Ehud Gazit has won a 60,000 Euro Meitner-Humboldt Research Award for his extensive academic achievements. The award is given to international researchers who have had, and are expected to achieve in the future, a substantial impact on their domains.
https://english.tau.ac.il/news/congrats-prof-ehud-gazit
https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/humboldt-research-award
Detecting nanoparticles. (TY WIN) Researchers at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have developed a nano filter that can detect harmful molecular residue in water. The device, the size of a small coin, is based on an ion microscope with tiny holes that amplify the electromagnetic field to detect low concentrations of molecules.
https://tps.co.il/articles/new-nanofilter-technology-targets-harmful-contaminants-in-drinking-water/
Intercepting multiple drones. Israel’s Elbit has unveiled its 3G ReDrone anti-drone system. It uses Actively Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) DAiR 3D multi mission radar with advanced capabilities, sensors for detecting communications signals and COAPS-L advanced electro-optics systems.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-elbit-unveils-3g-redrone-anti-drone-system-1001475042
The first to analyze a supernova. Astronomers from Israel’s Weizmann Institute are the first scientists to chronicle the earliest stages of a supernova. A star in nearby galaxy Messier 101 exploded 30 million years ago but the light only reached Earth in January. And the Israelis got NASA to reposition the Hubble telescope.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07116-6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6megAXDxo2Q&t=1s
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Saving the harvest. (TY Atid-EDI) The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has approved the FieldProtect pre-harvest treatment from Israel’s Save Foods (see here previously). It should help California reduce food waste, plus it paves the way for Save Food’s commercial expansion in the State.
https://igrownews.com/save-foods-latest-news/
Learn about Israeli business culture. ESRA (English Speaking Residents Association) is hosting a free Zoom lecture by Arona Maskil entitled “Understanding the Israeli Business Culture”. Apr 1 at 8pm Israel time. Registration required. Part of the series of fully subsidized zoom lectures by “Get it Right in Israel”.
https://esra.org.il/events-listing-view/details/2024-04-01/901-understanding-the-israeli-business-culture-with-arona-maskil.html https://www.jpost.com/author/arona-maskil
For other events: https://esra.org.il/social-culture/activities-events.html https://getitrightinisrael.org.il/
El Al buys 3 more dreamliners. Israel’s El Al airlines has raised $100 million to help it finance the purchase of 3 new Boeing 787 “dreamliners). El Al plans to expand its 16-plane 787 fleet to a total of 28 by 2030.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-el-al-to-raise-100m-and-buy-3-dreamliners-1001474601
Mobileye is on the move. Mobileye’s 2,700 Jerusalem employees are moving to a new NIS 1 billion low-energy campus at the Har-Hotzavim Hi-Tech Park. In addition to the usual high-tech perks such as a gym, it will also include a convenience store, running track, hair salon, and nursing rooms.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sijgxxd0f
Maintaining Czech radar for 20 years. The Czech Ministry of Defense has awarded a 20-year contract to Israel Aerospace Industries to maintain the Czech MMR radars. The MMR radar is the ‘brain’ behind the Barak, Iron Dome, and David’s Sling. To date, over 200 systems have been sold to customers around the world.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-aarospace-signs-czech-radar-maintenance-deal-1001473955
Hi-tech funding up. Investment in Israeli startups in the first quarter of 2024 is $1.6 billion so far. That is 10% higher than the fourth quarter of 2023. Also, there was a 34% increase in the number of funding rounds.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/by6qv6fjc
Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 31/3/24: Israel’s Nexa3D has acquired US-based 3D-Fuel.
Startup investment – to 31/3/244: Coro.net raised $100 million; FundGuard raised $100 million; Zafran raised $30 million; Nominal raised $9.2 million; Foundational raised $8 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Pakistani Muslim holds book launch in Jerusalem. (TY Nevet) Peer Syed Mudassir Nazar Shah launched his new book, “Whispers in The Stones, A Sufi’s Quest Through Time” via Zoom at Jerusalem’s Center for Public Affairs research institute. It is about holy sites in Pakistan and includes a chapter on Pakistan’s Jewish history.
https://tps.co.il/articles/pakistani-religious-leader-holds-historic-book-launch-in-jerusalem/
How archeologists date the Tower of David. An in-depth description of the renovated Tower of David in Jerusalem. It includes a video (see 2nd link) of how modern Israeli archaeologists use the latest technology to date the various sections of the tower, compared to the techniques used during the British Mandate.
https://www.israel21c.org/sleek-renovation-at-tower-of-david-blends-old-and-new/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbrSxxfGSUY
THE JEWISH STATE
Celebrating Purim in Gaza. There are many videos circulating showing IDF soldiers in Gaza reading the Megillat Esther. Here are a few. The command to obliterate the name of the evil Haman was carried out with much enthusiasm, noting the close association between the names of Haman and Hamas.
https://www.jns.org/idf-soldiers-read-purim-megillah-in-gaza-watch/
Purim parade in Jerusalem. The Purim Unity Parade in Jerusalem was led by families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and featured a giant yellow ribbon, representing the call for their safe return. The procession included displays designed by Jerusalem cultural institutions, local children, and children of evacuees.
https://www.jns.org/purim-unity-parade-kicks-off-in-jerusalem/
https://www.jerusalem.muni.il/en/newsandarticles/municipalitymessages/purimeuhadim/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpdTUbiD0wY
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In the 24th Mar 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· An Israeli Arab policeman saved hundreds of Jews on Oct 7.
· Israeli scientists are testing new innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s and AMD.
· Israelis are the fifth happiest people in the world.
· An Israeli device that can detect infected food.
· Thousands of foreign workers are reviving Israel’s construction industry.
· An Israeli cycling team won the Tour de Taiwan.
· Archeologists have found where Jews prepared to fight the Romans.
· Click here to see the 17th Mar newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, and (TY Aviva) United With Israel. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, and (TY Barbara) into Spanish here, and Hebrew here, and (TY Mireille) into French here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 24,000 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Israel Prize for heroes. The Israel Prize for civilian heroism will be awarded to Menachem & Elchanan Kalmanson and Itiel Zohar, for saving over 100 lives on Oct 7. They named themselves “Team Elchanan” in honor of Elchanan Kalmanson, who died in the rescue operation.
Bedouin Arab policeman rescues hundreds. On Oct 7 Police Sgt. Remo Salman El-Hozayel, a member of the southern Israel Bedouin community, drove hundreds of Nova partygoers to safety in a small, abandoned car he found after Hamas blew his up with a grenade. He later returned the car to its owner who had escaped on foot.
Technion UK solidarity trip to Israel. UK readers can join Technion UK (May 6 – 10), for the “Solidarity trip to Israel”. Experience Israel’s innovative spirit firsthand through privileged encounters with pioneering startups, interactive sessions at the Technion Institute and adventure into the heart of Israel’s past, present, and future.
https://technionuk.org/event/solidarity-trip-to-israel/
Directing $800 million of donations to Israel. (TY Yanky) North American Jewish response to the Gaza war has been phenomenal. Jeff Schoenfeld, co-chair of the Israel Emergency Allocations Committee, is busy allocating $800 million of funds raised by Jewish Federations of North America and other institutions.
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Another approach to curing Alzheimer's? (TY Nevet) In 2023, Bar-Ilan University Prof Shai Rahimipour (see here previously) worked with Canadian scientists on a peptide therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Now he is working with Italian scientists developing nanoparticles to attack an early version of the Amyloid-beta protein.
https://tps.co.il/articles/nanotechnology-breakthrough-could-transform-alzheimers-care/
New pathway for treating wet AMD. Prof. Ofra Benny, cofounder and CSO of Israel’s Orsight, has developed a small molecule that (in lab tests) stops the formation of excess blood vessels in the eye, thus preventing the worst effects of wet AMD. It also has prospects for use in cutting off blood supply to tumors.
https://www.israel21c.org/orsights-novel-amd-drug-may-preserve-sight/
https://ngt-healthcare2.com/orsight-pharma/
Linking heart disease to cancer. (TY Nevet & UWI) Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Sheba Medical Center found that a diseased heart releases bubbles, called extracellular vesicles (sEVs). These travel through the bloodstream and promote the growth of cancer cells. Spironolactone stops sEVs and prevents cancer.
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.066911
Saliva tests can prevent lifelong disabilities. (TY Nevet) Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection causes (often lifelong) health problems for one in every 1,000 newborns in the USA. Hadassah / Hebrew Uni researchers have developed an efficient cCMV PCR saliva-based screening test for early detection & treatment.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-791556
https://www.hadassah.org/story/newborn-saliva-screen-could-revolutionize-ccmv-protocol
Innovative tech gets survivor back on her feet. Neta from Kibbutz Kfar Aza was badly wounded by Hamas on Oct 7. Technion doctors created a unique orthotic device tailored specifically for Neta based on 3D scans of her leg, to aid her in walking while her ankle is unable to bear weight. It allows for adjustment as her leg heals.
https://technionuk.org/news-post/a-new-step-toward-healing-with-innovative-orthotic-technology/
New technologies for treating wounded. (TY Nevet) Doctors at Hadassah’s hospitals in Jerusalem are using the latest technologies, like robot-assisted surgeries, 3D printing, and computer games, to treat wounded soldiers and civilians. A robot can extract a bullet easily, without damage to other organs.
https://www.hadassah.org/story/voa-hadassah-treats-wounded-using-advanced-technology
https://www.voanews.com/a/israeli-medical-technology-helps-treat-save-soldiers/7508578.html
Increasing fertility with AI. Israel’s FertilAI has developed Fertilane – an AI platform for clinicians, to offer solutions for better patient care throughout the entire fertility journey. It also includes an app to help patients throughout the complicated process of fertility treatments and to improve clinic-patient communication.
https://www.israel21c.org/fertilais-ai-platform-increases-clinical-fertility-by-8/ https://fertilai.com/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Female-friendly Technion. (TY Nevet) This year, 50% of new undergraduate students at Israel’s Technion Institute are women. To encourage more new mothers to enroll, the Technion has installed 18 nursing rooms. They are located in each faculty, as well as in the Student House and the Ulman Building used by all faculties.
https://ats.org/our-impact/the-technion-opens-18-rooms-for-nursing-moms/
First female head of aerospace engineering faculty. (TY Nevet) Professor Daniella Raveh is the first woman to become dean of the Israel Technion’s faculty of Aerospace Engineering. An alumna of the faculty, she graduated with honors and went on to earn both a master’s and Ph.D. degree at the Technion.
https://ats.org/our-impact/making-history-first-woman-to-head-the-faculty-of-aerospace-engineering-at-the-technion/ https://ats.org/about/faces-of-the-technion/daniella-raveh/
80,000 Muslims pray peacefully at Al-Aqsa. Tens of thousands of Moslems peacefully worshipped in the compound of the Al-Aqsa mosque on the first Friday prayers of Ramadan. Police reported no unusual incidents, despite Hamas calling for violence. The Islamic Waqf estimated that 80,000 people took part.
Medtech hub utilizes Israeli Arab creativity. Israel’s MEDX Xelerator (see here previously) has generated the NorthMed innovation hub in the northern town of Sakhnin. In its first year, NorthMed helped Swift Duct (see here previously) develop its endoscope for navigating the bile duct.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/medtech-hub-fostering-underutilized-creativity-of-israeli-arabs/
Ramadan parade led by Israeli flagbearer. (TY Yanky) The Israeli Bedouin settlement of Bir al-Maksur, which means Broken Well, and is located near the Jezreel Valley. The village held a parade to mark the start of Ramadan. Leading the parade was someone proudly carrying the Israeli flag.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Israel/comments/1bbk7i0/this_is_how_we_welcome_ramadan_in_my_arab_home/
“Nobel Prize” for Electrical Engineering. Tel Aviv University Prof. Hagit Messer-Yaron has been awarded the top prize in electrical engineering – IEEE’s Medal for Environmental and Safety Technologies - for her groundbreaking technology that uses existing cellular networks to monitor meteorological phenomena.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/tau-professor-wins-top-electrical-engineering-prize-for-weather-monitoring-work/ https://corporate-awards.ieee.org/wp-content/uploads/env-safety-rl.pdf
Still happy despite the war. (TY Nevet) Although at war, Israel is fifth on the World Happiness Report 2024, just one place lower than in 2023 and four higher than in 2022 (see here). The scores are from asking citizens questions about GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/387047
https://tps.co.il/articles/despite-war-israel-ranks-5th-in-world-happiness-report/
https://happiness-report.s3.amazonaws.com/2024/WHR+24.pdf
1,000+ African villages. Israeli NGO Innovation: Africa has brought water and electricity to 1,100 villages in Africa. Each village costs $65,000 to provide costs for drilling, solar pump, solar panels, tanks, piping, taps, a 10-meter tower, and remote monitoring. $20,000 brings light to all school classrooms and teacher’s homes.
https://innoafrica.org/ https://innoafrica.org/projects/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Shaping future technology with India. (TY Nevet) Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to foster research initiatives through collaborative projects, training programs, and research consultancy.
https://tps.co.il/articles/iai-iit-collab/
Sensing food that has gone bad. Israel’s Sensifi promises to revolutionize pathogen detection. Using an ‘artificial nose’, Sensifi’s tiny sensors – electrodes covered with carbon nanoparticles - enable rapid detection of harmful pathogens like E. Coli and Salmonella in under an hour, far less than current alternatives.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/artificial-nose-sniffs-out-bacteria-making-your-food-go-bad/
https://www.startuphub.ai/startups/sensifi/
Printing on the moon. Israeli 3D printing firm Stratasys is sending its 3D-printed materials on an upcoming lunar mission to test their performance on the surface of the moon. It is part NASA’s Tipping Point which is promoting companies that develop space technologies.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/3d-printing-firm-testing-how-its-products-perform-on-the-moon/
Innovative cooling technology. Israel’s Storage Drop (see here previously) has won a 1 million Euros grant in the EU funding program - HORIZON in the Clean and Efficient Cooling 2023 Track. The system, receiving energy from solar panels, aims to supply electricity to the system to produce 5 TR of cooling 24/7.
Turning Beersheva into Singapore. A comprehensive article about the Synergy7 hub (see here previously) located in the Gav-Yam Advanced Technologies Park in Beersheva. It has just opened its new, first-of-its-kind robotics lab, with specialists from Israel’s Elbit enabling entrepreneurs to gain valuable practical experience.
https://www.israel21c.org/ambitious-new-robotics-lab-opens-in-war-hit-negev/
https://www.gavyam-negev.co.il/en/ https://synergy7.co.il/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Thousands more foreign workers. (TY Hazel) The Ministry of Housing plans to bring about 40,000 more foreign workers to Israel for jobs in the construction industry. Already some 1,200 Indian workers are in Israel, increasing to 10,000 by end June. Similar numbers will be employed from Georgia, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-792325
Facts about Canadian trade. (TY Hazel) In his announcement of an arms embargo on sales to Israel, Canada’s Foreign Minister forgot to mention that in the last decade, the Canadian Defense Ministry purchased Israeli weapon systems worth more than a billion dollars. (see also here previously)
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-792943
Israel Resilience Fund invests in 34 companies. Israel’s OurCrowd has announced that commitment by investors to its Israel Resilience Fund had increased to $17 million, enabling it to increase funding to a current total of 34 startups. In addition, PwC Israel will provide business support to portfolio companies in the fund.
Europe continues to invest. The tenth Europe Days conference in Tel Aviv (see here previously) featured some 200 Israeli startups and entrepreneurs. All were hoping for investment from the 14 venture capital funds and 18 representatives of companies, authorities, and municipal bodies from Europe.
https://www.israel21c.org/foreign-investors-eye-israeli-startups-at-europe-days/
Europe invests in Israeli AI startup. Israel’s NeuReality (see here previously) has raised $20 million including from The European Innovation Council and Israel’s OurCrowd.
Securing payments in Africa. (TY OurCrowd) Egyptian-based PAPSS (the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System) has selected Israel’s Thetaray (see here previously) as its anti-money laundering (AML) and screening partner.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/egypt-based-pay-platform-taps-israeli-anti-money-laundering-startup/
Sports Illustrated is (for 10 years) Israeli. Israel’s Minute Media has reached a 10-year licensing deal for digital and print rights to publish Sports Illustrated. The Israeli company will oversee all digital and print editorial operations across the SI portfolio. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1tq0kuap
Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 24/3/24: US-based Gitlab is acquiring Israel’s cloud security startup Oxeye for $30-40 million. Israeli-founded Redis has acquired Israel’s Speedb.
Startup investment – to 24/3/24: BigID raised $60 million and achieved Unicorn status; NeuReality raised $20 million; Euno raised $6.25 million; IO River raised $5.4 million,
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
International Photography Festival. The 11th International Photography Festival has been rescheduled and will now take place Mar 27 – Apr 6 at the Enav Cultural Center and Ofer Garden complex in Tel Aviv. It is free and includes the Meitar 2024 exhibition, focusing on photographs of the evacuees of the Negev and the Galilee.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/photo-israel-11th-international-photography-festival/
Visit the Israel Museum. There are currently some interesting exhibits and lectures at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Shekels true or false (ends Apr 30); a VR tour of Aleppo’s Great Synagogue. Roman Road in the Desert; The lost album of Yemenite photos;
https://www.imj.org.il/en/current-exhibitions https://www.imj.org.il/en/exhibitions/shekels-true-or-false https://www.imj.org.il/en/exhibitions/wonders-deep
https://www.imj.org.il/en/exhibitions/lost-album-jakob-rosner%E2%80%99s-yemenite-photographs
International Music Festival. The Felicja Blumental International Music Festival runs Mar 25 – 30 at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. It advertises as “the best of our Israeli songwriters and classical Arabic music, all wrapped within European classical music performed by orchestras and chamber ensembles”.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/felicja-bloomental-international-music-festival/
https://fbmc.co.il/en/festival/felicja-blumental-festival/
Jerusalem in Harmony. The “Emunah” Concert – Jerusalem in Harmony, takes place on Weds Mar 27 at the Jerusalem Theatre. Chazanut, Classics, Broadway, Israeli, and more. Featuring Shai Abramson, Simon Cohen, Halellu Choir, & Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. Proceeds go to the Emunah Centers for Trauma Counselling.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/the-emunah-concert-jerusalem-in-harmony/
https://www.jso.co.il/en/concert/the-emunah-concert-jerusalem-in-harmony/?bt=1
Jerusalem’s new laser light show. The city of Jerusalem has just started its new laser light show along the Tower of David promenade. Through music and visuals, the show tells the story of Jerusalem’s cultural tapestry while offering spectators a panoramic view of the iconic landmarks of Israel’s capital city.
https://www.israel21c.org/jerusalem-debuts-spectacular-laser-light-and-sound-show/
https://www.jwire.com.au/lasers-light-up-jerusalem-night-sky/
Cycling team wins Tour de Taiwan. (TY WIN) Israel Premier - Tech cycling team continued its success at the Tour de Taiwan. After winning the first stage last week (see here previously) it won the overall team event after clinching the 5th and final stage in Kaohsiung City. The team’s 13th win of the year already beats 2023.
https://tps.co.il/articles/israeli-cycling-team-clinches-overall-victory-in-tour-de-taiwan/
The Israelis heading for the Paris Paralympics. Israel has 15 athletes so far in its team for August’s Paris Paralympics. Israel won nine medals at the 2021 games – eight of them in the swimming events.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-paralympic-team-so-far-15-athletes-heading-to-paris/
THE JEWISH STATE
2,000-year-old hideout from the Romans. (TY UWI & WIN) Israeli archaeologists have discovered an extensive underground complex at Huqoq in the Galilee, just north of Tiberias, dating from the First Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire in 66 - 70 CE. It had been converted from a 2nd Temple period water cistern.
https://www.jns.org/2000-year-old-refuge-complex-found-near-sea-of-galilee/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/386913
Virtual tour – the return to Zion. An immersive virtual tour (one-hour on Zoom) exploring the profound impact of Persian rule on ancient Israel and its enduring influence on the symbols of Zionism.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/virtual-tour-the-return-to-zion-post-purim/
https://www.museumtours.co.il/event-details/virtual-tour-return-to-zion
Solidarity mission to Israel. This May, join the Friends of the IDF for a truly unforgettable mission to spend Israel's Memorial Day and Independence Day on Israeli soil with her protectors. Spend Shabbat in Jerusalem; private meeting with Israel’s President; Yom haZikaron at the Kotel; Yom Ha’Azmaut with IDF soldiers.
https://www.fidf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Israel-Mission-May-Itinerary.pdf
Global hour of Jewish Unity. A global service of solidarity on Mar 21 was streamed live from the Kotel (Western Wall). The hour of psalms and please for the release of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas culminated with the simultaneous recitation of the Shema prayer. Also see the connection between Purim and this war.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiS5dprr0jU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFIKFnWNHzg
https://www.jns.org/thousands-attend-western-wall-prayer-service-for-the-hostages/
Jerusalem’s first Purim parade in 4 decades. Despite the war, Jerusalem will host its first Purim parade since 1982 on Shushan Purim 25th March. It will include 30 floats and seven musical stages along the 1km downtown route. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said it is “a victory of spirit and standing strong”.
https://www.jns.org/jerusalem-to-hold-first-purim-parade-since-1982/
240317
In the 17th Mar 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· A student engineer has 3D-printed thousands of items for the IDF.
· Israeli researchers have found a new approach to curing Parkinson’s.
· Israeli Jews and Arabs are good mates at chess tournament.
· An Israeli company uses bacteria to keep food fresh.
· Israel’s fast-charging EV battery still works well in the freezing cold.
· Israel’s Free Trade Agreement with Guatemala goes into operation.
· Israeli cyclists are in winning form.
· An 88-year-old Israeli Rabbi just celebrated the birth of his first son.
· Click here to see the 10th Mar newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, and (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, with a great intro. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, and (TY Barbara) into Spanish here, and Hebrew here, and (with Claude) into French here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 24,000 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Christian Embassy donates 4 ambulances. The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has donated four new ambulances to help replace the dozens of Israeli ambulances destroyed on and since Oct 7. One is an advanced military ambulance for Gaza border communities. One will serve Holocaust survivors in the North.
Reservists complain – let us fight. Israel’s military ombudswoman Brig. Gen. (res.) Rachel Tevet-Wiesel has found that most of the 1,316 complaints during the first three months of the war (Oct-Dec) were civilians seeking to return to reserve duty after receiving exemptions and reservists asking to be moved to a combat unit.
The largest ever IDF enlistment of Yeshiva students. The upcoming IDF recruitment cycle will include a record 1,000 fighters from the Hesder yeshivot (300 to combat units); another 300 from Zionist yeshivot gevohot (post high school yeshivot); and hundreds more from religious pre-military preparatory schools.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/386759
https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-confirms-1300-to-be-recruited-early-from-pre-army-programs/
Volunteering changed her life. On Oct 7 Yocheved Ruttenberg was in Dallas Texas waiting for her lone soldier brother to return from Israel so they could start a business in the USA. Now Yocheved is co-founder of NGO Sword of Iron – Israel Volunteer Opportunities, helping others organize their Israel volunteering trips.
https://www.israel21c.org/how-a-two-week-trip-to-volunteer-turned-lifechanging/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/353201190423242/
You need it, Ariel 3D-prints it. Ariel Harush is an engineering student at Israel’s Ben Gurion University. He 3D-printed a radio connector for a friend in the IDF and suddenly army commanders were asking for 1,000 of them. He and 400 volunteers have since printed 43,000 items, from knee pads to night-vision rifle adaptors.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/volunteer-engineer-is-3d-printing-kit-for-israeli-troops-at-war/
Latin America solidarity mission. A delegation of governors and mayors from Panama, Uruguay, Honduras, Chile, and Guatemala, traveled to southern Israeli cities targeted on Oct 7 and met with family members of Israeli hostages during their four-day trip.
https://www.jns.org/latin-american-local-leaders-pay-solidarity-visit-to-israel/
IFCJ funds 123 bomb shelters. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (FCJ) is funding more than one and a half million dollars to place 123 shelters alongside bus stops serving 42 northern Israeli communities, amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
https://www.jns.org/ifcj-funding-123-shelters-for-bus-stops-near-lebanon-border/
Sderot supermarket re-opens. The first supermarket in Sderot has reopened more than five months after the Israeli city was mostly evacuated due to the war with Hamas. Its owner, Prosper Peretz, said, “I worked throughout the war, even though my house was hit by a rocket. I didn’t give up and I didn’t leave the city.”
https://unitedwithisrael.org/sderot-supermarket-open-for-business-5-months-after-hamas-invasion/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Phage therapy combats antibiotic resistance. The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC), led by two Hebrew University of Jerusalem professors, has used a bacteriophage PASA16 on compassionate basis to treat tough Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in 16 patients. It has shown promising results with an 86.6% success rate.
https://www.cell.com/med/abstract/S2666-6340(23)00225-8
How do some viruses get nasty? Tel Aviv University researchers discovered a mechanism used by viruses to decide whether to kill their bacterial host. These phages monitor the health of the cell they are occupying. They also check that there are no viruses residing in nearby cells that the phages wish to occupy.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-023-01551-3
Clues may lead to a cure for Parkinson’s. Researchers at Haifa University have discovered that sufferers of Parkinson’s disease have brain cells that are deficient in mRNA and proteins that build the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is the ECM that provides brain cells with structural and biochemical support.
https://www.israel21c.org/parkinsons-breakthrough-link-discovered-between-disease-and-brain/
500 doctors to make Aliyah. Nefesh b’Nefesh’s Medex event held in Teaneck, NJ was a huge success. Nearly 500 medical professionals attended from 30 states and provinces in the US and Canada, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, dental hygienists, and many more. A European event is scheduled end-March.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/03/11/nefesh-bnefesh-inaugurates-international-medical-aliyah-program-to-combat-israels-physician-shortage/ https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/health-services/article-791431
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Tech startups hire more women in R&D. A survey by the Israel Innovation Authority and Israel’s Reichman University has determined that 38% of women in the Israeli tech industry held R&D positions last year. This compares to 28% in 2013. Women now hold around one-third of all high-tech positions in the Jewish State.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-tech-companies-hiring-significantly-more-women-in-rd-roles/
Israel relocates orphanage from Gaza to Judea. At the request of German authorities, Israel facilitated the transfer to Bethlehem of approximately 60 orphans, aged 3 to 15, from a German-funded Gaza orphanage that ceased operations due to the war. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryxljohpt
Brave Moslem women speak up for Israel. (TY Ted Belman) Anila Ali (Pakistan) and Soraya Deen(Sri Lanka) have dedicated themselves to resisting radical Islamist oppression of women and hatred of Israel and Jews. Anila spoke at a side event of the United Nations sponsored by the Israeli mission to the U.N.
https://www.jns.org/two-muslim-women-who-are-fighting-for-freedom/
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1t/k1tv3tvn0o (See at 27:41)
Chess tournament unites Jews & Arabs. (TY Yanky) The Israeli Open Chess Championship in Acre brought together Jews, Arabs and Druze in friendly competition. The 132 chess players ranged in age from 9 to 78 and included some 20 international masters and grandmasters.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/chess-tournament-makes-mates-of-arabs-jews-and-druze-amid-gaza-war/
Good relations with Liberia. Representative Moimah Briggs Mensah is Chairperson of Liberia’s Israel Allies Foundation Caucus. She expressed her fervor for reinforcing Liberia’s diplomatic ties with Israel, which could even include establishing its embassy in Jerusalem by the end of 2024.
Three new African ambassadors. Israeli President Herzog thanked the incoming ambassadors of Equatorial Guinea, Burundi and Eswatini for their support of Israel and in protecting Irael’s observer status in the African Union. “We believe in Africa. We love Africa,” Herzog told the ambassadors.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-president-lauds-african-countries-for-diplomatic-support/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Brain Science Prize winner. Prof. Haim Sompolinsky of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Harvard is the first Israeli to be awarded the Brain Prize - the largest and most prestigious international prize for brain research. The prize is awarded annually by the Lundbeck Foundation of Denmark.
So sweet! (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Incredo (formerly DouxMatok see here previously) has unveiled Incredo Sugar G2, a concentrated version of its award-winning Incredo Sugar. The new product is more sustainable because it can be produced, stored and manufactured in smaller quantities.
Using bacteria to keep food fresh. Israel’s LiVA uses “good” bacteria to increase the shelf life of fresh food by at least 100%. LiVA’s stickers contain a patented pre-biotic blend of bacteria that grows quickly and prevents “bad” bacteria and fungi from forming. It’s “survival of the fittest”. A clever (Israeli) idea.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/keeping-fruits-and-vegetables-fresh-with-a-simple-sticker/ https://www.liva.ag/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXNkdzZPqSU
Controlling pesticides. New to this newsletter - DriftSense, and its tool to help farmers decide when to spray their crops; Palm Robotics, which detects pests and diseases using remote sensing and other technologies; Fungit Biosolutions’s fungal microorganism-based biocontrol agents and BetterLeaf’s botanical biopesticides.
https://www.israel21c.org/8-innovations-helping-reduce-pesticide-use/ https://drift-sense.com/
https://palmro.com/ https://fungitbio.com/ https://olivetechltd1953.wixsite.com/better-leaf
Know where to go. Tel Aviv-based Atly (previously called “steps”) allows users to publicize their “new favorite places” such as eating out, hiking and even where to take a date. Atly has just added maps for gluten-free and celiac dining. Gluten-Free Eats has 28,000 places in the US and is vetting a further 300,000.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/platform-to-map-social-hot-spots-launches-new-gluten-free-map/
https://www.atly.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAFbmKGYmpg
Securing 7 million networks. Israel’s Sam Seamless Networks (see here previously) protects the 7 million networks of Verizon, Virgin Media, Orange and Bezeq – some half-a-billion devices. CEO and co-founder is Sivan Rauscher. She was a former officer in Israel’s elite 8200 Military Intelligence cyber unit.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/israeli-startup-secures-7-million-networks-500-million-connected-devices/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x94vQ0CBQyY
https://www.ourcrowd.com/companies/sam-seamless-network
Speeding up AI development. Some 80% of Artificial Intelligence projects fail, for many reasons. Israel’s Dataloop AI (see here previously) has launched Marketplace – an intuitive platform that streamlines processes, and accelerates workflow efficiency for AI teams, resulting in more efficient AI application building.
A headset for military dogs. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Silynxcom (see here previously) has developed a protective headset for military dogs such as the IDF’s K9 unit in operation in Gaza. The headset also enables seamless command transmission via radio directly to the dog.
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/03/04/silynxcom-headset-military-dogs/
A word in your ear. On the heels of its previous announcement for dog headsets, Israel’s Silynxcom has just reported that its new in-ear headset has completed trials and been purchased by the European law enforcement customer that tested the equipment. The system is compatible with a wide range of encrypted radio devices.
A cold start? No problem. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s StoreDot (see here previously) has reported that at -10°C its superfast-charging EV battery cells charged to 80% capacity and delivered over 85% of their full range capacity. Even in the extreme cold of -4°F (-20°C), the cells still provided over 70% of their full range capacity.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Free trade with Guatemala. (TY Atid-EDI) The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that Israel signed with Guatemala in 2022 (see here previously) has just come into effect. Guatemala has the largest economy (GDP & population) in Central America. It joins seven Latin American countries that also have FTAs with Israel.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-Israel-Guatemala-free-trade-pact-comes-into-force-1001472602
Big increase in apartment sales. Despite the war, the number of apartments sold in Israel has increased by 14% year-on-year. There were 8,053 real estate deals in January, the highest figure since September 2022.
Who’s flying to Israel? One site with information about how to get to Israel and what to do when you get there. https://www.touristisrael.com/traveling-to-israel-now/64346/
A space to build space-tech. JNF-USA funded the Mitzpe Ramon Hub in the Negev for startups developing technology with relevance to outer space. The first to take up the offer is Israel’s Creation Space, a group dedicated to promoting technology in New Space. It also helped turn the landscape into a replica of Mars.
Best Microsoft Contact Center. (TY Atid-EDI) At the CX (customer experience) awards hosted by CX Today, Israel’s AudioCodes (see here previously) received the award for Best Microsoft Teams Contact Center Solution for its Voca Conversational Interaction Center (Voca CIC). Judges were independent industry experts.
Saliva pregnancy testing kit hits the market. After rollout in England, Ireland, and Sweden, Israel’s Salistick (see here previously) is finally available in Israel. It will be sold in 285 branches of Super-Pharn for just under 25 shekels. The product detects the hormone Beta-hCG and has sold 100,000+ units in the UK since July 2023.
https://www.israel21c.org/saliva-pregnancy-test-kit-finally-hits-israeli-market/
The sweet smell of success. Israel’s iRomaScents (see here previously) couldn’t sell its “scented movies” to the entertainment industry. So, it re-positioned the product as an aid to choosing perfume. Its AI Wizard was a knockout at CES Las Vegas where it accurately recommended fragrances to the public.
https://www.israel21c.org/startup-iromascents-uses-tech-to-simplify-perfume-sales/
Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 17/3/24: Israel’s Wiz is acquiring Israel’s Gem Security for $350 million. Multinational Ashley Home has acquired Israeli co-founded Resident Home for $1 billion. America’s Zscaler is acquiring Israeli startup Avalor for $350 million. Israel’s Cycode has acquired US-based Bearer for around $10 million.
Startup investment – to 17/3/24: Empathy raised $47 million; Fijoya raised $8.3 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Jerusalem Biennale returns home. The sixth Jerusalem Biennale is finally set to return to the Israeli capital five months after the war in Gaza forced the organizers to take the art platform on a world tour. (see here). It has been updated to give broader recognition to female artists and include more works created post-Oct 7.
https://www.israel21c.org/after-war-induced-exile-jerusalem-biennale-returns-home/
Top pizza restaurants. (TY Atid-EDI) Two Israeli pizzerias have been selected to be featured in the annual 50 Top Pizza ranking in the Asia-Pacific category. The Fresca pizzeria from Kibbutz Afikim, located south of the Sea of Galilee, was ranked 37th in the guide, and the Jerusalem-based La Piedra was ranked 39th.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/03/04/2-israeli-pizzerias-make-prestigious-50-top-pizza-list/
https://www.50toppizza.it/en/asia-pacific-special-awards-2024/
https://www.50toppizza.it/en/50-top-pizza-asia-pacific-2024/
The winds of change. Israel’s entry in the Eurovision song contest had to be changed, as the European Broadcasting Authority objected to the original lyrics referring to Oct 7. Let’s hope that the new version, entitled “Hurricane”, blows the audience away! https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/386542
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV_NQ5F_iXY&
Tour de Taiwan first stage winner. Israeli cyclist Itamar Einhorn of Israel Premier - Tech Cycling Team, won the opening stage of the Tour de Taiwan in Tapei, becoming the first Israeli to wear the yellow jacket in one of Asia’s oldest races. https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-cyclist-wins-opening-stage-of-tour-de-taiwan-in-tapei/
THE JEWISH STATE
Firstborn son at 88. Rabbi Tzvi Kushlefsky, a Rosh Yeshiva in Yerushalayim, has just fathered a firstborn son at the age of 88 years old. He became a widower at the age of 82 and remarried a 50-year-old woman who had several children previously. The baby was born at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center.
https://anash.org/yerushalayim-rosh-yeshiva-has-firstborn-son-at-88-years-old/
Rave survivors & rescuers pray at Western Wall. Five months after the devastating Hamas massacre at the Nova Music Festival, survivors gathered to pray at the Western Wall. Notes from survivors were carried from Reim and placed in the cracks of the Kotel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWo2_cUN6Ss
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-oct-7-music-festival-survivors-pray-at-the-western-wall/
Soldiers receive new Torah scroll. Soldiers from the Hakotel and Yaffo Hesder Yeshivas, together with their peers from the Nachal Brigade, welcomed a new Torah scroll at the Netzarim Corridor in the Gaza Strip.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/386532
240310
In the 10th Mar 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· A massive project to rehabilitate southern Israel’s farms.
· He trained the IDF medic who later saved his life.
· Israeli hospitals are recognized as First Class.
· Israeli women are a beacon of light to the nations.
· An Israeli bedtime story-telling app is now a global educational tool.
· Huge confidence in Israel’s economy.
· The 13th Jerusalem marathon was an especially moving event.
· The Israeli wedding(s) of the year.
· Click here to see the 3rd Mar newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, (TY Aviva) United With Israel and (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here. (TY Mireille) into French here. (TY Barbara) into Spanish here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 24,100 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Gap-year students mentor displaced kids. Israeli high school graduates in a pre-army volunteer program are supporting children evacuated due to the war. 60 joined NGO Bakehila (see here previously) mentoring Jewish and Arab kids relocated from Kiryat Shmona to Haifa. Others helped at Bakehila’s Jerusalem’s communes.
https://www.israel21c.org/gap-year-israelis-mentor-kids-impacted-or-displaced-by-war/
Son of Chabad emissary surprises parents. (TY Sam Kramer) Chabad emissaries, who thought that their son was fighting in Gaza, were overjoyed when he was invited to join them on stage at a dinner in Florida. Join Israel Good News Only WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LH48ij0tIvFHnxg0hL8f8T
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/386270
Residents of Shlomit return. (TY WIN) Residents have returned to the Israeli village of Shlomit, just a few kilometers from Gaza, five months after having been evacuated following Oct 7. They are building a daycare center, funded by JNF-USA., to show that life has restarted and give strength to all the families in the region.
https://israfan.com/2024/02/29/homecoming-to-shlomit-a-communitys-resilient-return-amidst-ongoing-struggle/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPMs4yIcrwU
Regrowing Israel. Prior to Oct 7, the 40,000 hectares of western Negev agricultural land supplied 70 percent of Israel’s fresh produce. Regrow Israel (see here previously) intends to help farmers rehabilitate the land. It has support from the VIP non-profit, Israel’s Volcani Center, Ben Gurion University. and the MIGAL Institute.
https://www.israel21c.org/farms-deliberately-destroyed-by-hamas-to-get-long-term-rehab/
Aid for the war wounded. After Oct 7, Israel’s largest volunteer organization Yad Sarah went into war mode. It filled container loads of equipment and relocated them outside hospitals where Yad Sarah didn’t have a branch. It then opened “The Soldier Rehabilitation Unit” to aid disabled soldiers physically and socially.
https://www.israel21c.org/war-testing-israels-biggest-medical-aid-volunteer-group/
Massive land purchase discounts to IDF veterans. IDF soldiers leaving the war can qualify for a discount on the land in the Galilee or Negev regions to build a home. A soldier who does not own an apartment will receive a 90% discount and a combat veteran will receive a 95% discount – making it almost free.
https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-vets-to-receive-massive-land-purchasing-discounts/
Ohad goes to Wembley. (TY Yanky) Freed hostage Ohad Munder (see here previously), who spent his 9th birthday in Gaza, travelled to Wembley to watch his favorite UK team, Liverpool, play Chelsea in the cup final. He also met Israeli international and Tottenham striker Manor Soloman.
So many heroes. The Middle East forum mission to Israel met a country of heroes. They included Nova massacre survivors who were in uniform a week later to help clean up houses, feed pet fish, find missing cats and dogs, and empty refrigerators and freezers of rotting food. And the resilience of Israelis was everywhere.
https://www.jns.org/israels-heroes-will-ensure-victory/
Saved by paramedic who trained in his methods. Yonati is CEO at Extreme Solutions that trains elite units and emergency organizations to handle extreme emergency situations. On Jan 8, in Gaza, he was hit by six bullets, one piercing his lung. Luckily, IDF medic Litav had taken an Extreme course and saved Yonati’s life.
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Predicting response to cancer therapy. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) are successful in 40% of cancer patients but are invasive and time-consuming. Scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute have developed a tool that predicts the response based on the metabolic activity in the immune system cells. (See also here previously)
https://technionuk.org/news-post/new-tool-determines-cancer-patient-response-to-immunotherapy/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37965137/
Lowering the cost of treatments. The US FDA has approved SIMLANDI – a biosimilar to (and less costly than) Humira for the treatment of adult rheumatoid arthritis and many other autoimmune diseases including IBD. SIMLANDI is a product of the partnership between Israel’s Teva and the multinational Alvotech.
Predicting epileptic seizures. Israel’s NeuroHelp (see here previously) has developed a brain scanner that gives a one-hour warning of an upcoming epileptic seizure. It is working on a more compact device that can be worn during the day and a system called Neurofeedback that can help prevent the seizures.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/predicting-epileptic-seizures-an-hour-before-they-happen/
Sleep on it. James Leinhardt at Levitex Sleep knows how to get the best night’s sleep. It’s all about posture. Protect your spine and neck, reduce back and shoulder pain, prevent snoring, and increase lung capacity by reading his advice. His specialist mattresses and pillows can also help. James is relocating from UK to Israel.
https://www.israel21c.org/this-man-knows-the-secret-of-how-not-to-wake-up-grumpy/
US approves smart skin patches. The US FDA has approved the Smart Skin product from Israel’s X-trodes (see here previously). The patches have embedded electrodes and can be attached anywhere on the body, to measure brain activity (EEG), heart activity (EKG), eye movements, muscular activity, and other signs.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-fda-approves-x-trodes-monitoring-patch-1001472240
Sheba again at number 9. American magazine Newsweek in together with global data company Statista has again ranked Israel’s Sheba Medical Center as the nineth best hospital in the world. Key factors were the 98% survival rate for battlefield injuries, plus Sheba’s leading role in integrated physical and mental rehabilitation.
https://israfan.com/2024/02/29/sheba-medical-center-a-beacon-of-excellence-and-innovation-in-global-healthcare/ https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-hospitals-2024
And Hadassah is one of the smartest. Newsweek magazine also named Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center as one of the world’s leading hospitals in oncology, cardiology, and smart technologies. It is the sixth consecutive year that Hadassah has been recognized.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/386136
Rehab with VR. Tel Aviv’s Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital uses virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) to rehabilitate patients after injury or debilitating illness, even PTSD. It displays a VR or AR scenario, so that the patient performs exercises while immersed in a game or other enjoyable activity or experience.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/rehab-reality-using-vr-to-overcome-injury-illness-even-ptsd/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Israeli women. (TY Sharon) International Women’s Day is a farce at the UN, but in Israel it is a time to be proud. Fleur Hasson Nahoum (ex-deputy mayor of Jerusalem); the Presidents of Hadassah, Naamat & AZF; leaders of WZO, Health-tech, scientists, patent lawyers, One Family, survivors, MKs, athletes and soldiers.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/03/07/photos-of-special-israeli-women-for-international-womens-day/
The first female Airforce base commander. Lieutenant Colonel "Gimmel" is to lead the Ovda Airbase – the first woman to command an Israeli Air Force base. She enlisted in the IAF pilot training course in 2003 and will now be promoted to the rank of Colonel. See also here previously.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/1709576108-historic-appointment-idf-names-woman-as-commander-of-air-force-base https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/386215
The woman at the top of Harman. Michal Geva is the general manager of Harman Automotive Israel (a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics) and the general manager for OTA (over the air) and cybersecurity at Harman International. 30% of her employees are women in an industry that is predominantly male.
Girls in hard hats. (TY Nevet) David Biggio and his daughters Shirel, Lael, Selah, and Sara, are construction workers from Shvut Rachel in Samaria. They specialize in plastering. Their religious employers were originally concerned about modesty, but now they are impressed with how hard the girls work.
Ukrainian healthcare workers train in Israel. (TY Nevet) Israeli NGO One Heart has facilitated the training of surgeons, physiotherapists, mental health professionals, and ocularists at leading Israeli medical centers.
Aid orgs share $1 million. Israel’s answer to the Nobel Prize, the $1 million Genesis Prize, has been jointly awarded to five organizations helping the Hamas-held hostages in Gaza and their families. They are JAFI, Lev Echad, Natal, One Family, and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-hostage-aid-orgs-win-1-million-genesis-prize/
https://www.jewishagency.org/fund-for-victims-of-terror/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Revealing the earliest galaxies. International scientists including those at Israel’s Ben Gurion University, have analyzed spectra from the James Webb Telescope that reveal very low-mass galaxies less than a billion years after the Big Bang. The discovery represents a breakthrough in human knowledge of the cosmos.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1035923 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07043-6
A great story. Israel’s Storywizard.ai has evolved, in one year, from an app intended for the personal use of parents telling bedtime stories, into a teaching tool used in 1,500 schools worldwide, winning a Global EdTech Startup Award. It makes use of generative AI and supports English, Hebrew, Arabic and six other languages.
https://www.israel21c.org/storywizard-turns-bedtime-stories-into-english-teaching-tool/
https://www.storywizard.ai/ https://www.globaledtechawards.org/2023-winners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU4l8dtMM9w
Climate-friendly construction material. A video about the 3D-printed cyanobacteria-derived building material developed by scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute (see here previously). Not only does it avoid the polluting manufacture process of concrete, but the new bio-based material removes carbon dioxide from the air.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCxzqoLICSQ
Plastic waste has been sent packing. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Oceansix (see here previously) has just patented its revolutionary packaging material made from recycled plastic waste that can be reused up to 100 times.
https://cdn.getmood.io/warehouse/dynamic/457052.pdf https://www.oceansix.com/
Fighting fires with drones. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has a two-drone solution for fighting wildfires, for presenting at the XPRIZE Wildfire Competition in the US. One UAV sees through the smoke to locate the source of the fire before it gets out of control. The other UAV sprays a flame retardant at that source.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-aerospace-develops-wildfire-drone-solution-1001473135
Micro screens for AR/VR. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Tower Semiconductor has partnered with China’s Tianyi Micro to develop the next generation OLED micro displays for Augmented and Virtual Reality systems.
https://towersemi.com/2024/02/26/02262024/ https://towersemi.com/technology/cmos_image_sensor/
https://towersemi.com/technology/cmos_image_sensor/3d-gesture-control-face-recognition/
The next Israeli university. Israel has announced the establishment of the University of the Galilee. It will transform Tel-Hai College into the University of the Galilee in the city of Kiryat Shmona, based on Tel-Hai College and the Migal - Galilee Research Institute.
https://www.telhai.ac.il/en/news/3499
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Things are looking better. OurCrowd’s Jon Medved discusses Israel's economy on "Wall Street Week" daily. It helps that many of Israel’s hi-tech workers have returned from the IDF. Israel is good value for investors. Meanwhile, Israel’s annual inflation rate fell to 2.6% from 3% and job vacancies have soared.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28OeoD0tgSw
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-annual-inflation-rate-falls-to-26-1001471422
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-job-vacancies-on-the-rise-1001471444
Israel raises $8bn in overseas bonds. (TY Yanky) In a staggering show of support for Israel’s economy Israel raised $8 billion in its first sale of bonds since Oct 7. Demand was so high that the issue was oversubscribed by 4.75 times – Israel could have sold $38 billion. 400 different investors took part, from 36 different countries.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-raises-8b-in-overseas-bonds-1001473007
Shekel needs no support. After Oct 7, the Bank of Israel planned to sell up to $30 billion in foreign currency to support the Shekel if Israel’s currency came under pressure. Confidence in Israel is so high that no sales have been necessary for several months and Israel’s currency reserves increased by over $700 million last month.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-foreign-exchange-reserves-rise-again-1001473140
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-shekel-gains-to-strongest-for-9-months-against-dollar-1001472492
Record gas revenues. Israel’s revenue from natural gas royalties reached NIS 2 billion in 2023, over 23% higher than 2022. Production increased as the Karish field came online. Israel also benefited from a strong Shekel, plus a 25% increase in exports to Egypt and Jordan.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-govt-collects-record-gas-royalties-in-2023-1001472399
A record avocado harvest. (TY Yanky) Despite the war in Gaza and the difficulties in farming in certain areas, Israel's avocado yield is expected to reach 250,000 tons this season compared to about 150,000 tons in 2023, according to the Agriculture Ministry. The previous record was about 210,000 tons in 2022.
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/h18pf2fnp
Proud to be at mobile congress. The Startup Nation was well received at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The 32 Israeli companies arranged some 2,000 business meetings. Israeli innovations included infrastructure, network IOT (Internet of Things), Cloud solutions and AI.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/386344
Nvidia’s success in Israel. (TY Yanky) US tech giant Nvidia has 3,300 employees in Israel - 13% of its global workforce. In 2019 Nvidia acquired Israel’s Mellanox, now with annual sales of $13 billion, plus Israel-1, the world's strongest supercomputer. Some 1,000 Israeli AI tech companies participate in Nvidia's startup program.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-nvidias-path-to-stunning-success-runs-through-israel-1001472214
Vegan “meat” for Mexico. Israel’s Chunk Foods (see here previously) is partnering Spanish/Mexican Better Balance, bringing the co-branded Chunk plant-based products to Mexico. Chunk Foods will also launch new products that cater to the vibrant tastes and lifestyles of Mexicans.
https://www.israel21c.org/in-mexico-help-yourself-to-some-israeli-plant-based-meat/
Get ready for the foldable car. The CT2 from Israel’s City Transformer (see here previously) is scheduled to hit the roads in July. The foldable Electric Vehicle can seat two adults or one adult plus two children and will cost $17,400. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhqZZUpx3ds
https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-game-changer-israeli-based-firms-foldable-ev-to-hit-roads-in-july/
Team8’s new half-a-billion-dollar fund. Israeli fund Team8 has announced the closing of new funds totaling $500 million. Team8 has built 20 companies, invested in an additional 21, and achieved eight exits (including the recent cyber exits of Dig and Talon for a total of around one billion dollars.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjdxaqmpp
Castor seeds for Africa and Brazil. Casterra (see here previously) a subsidiary of Israel’s Evogen, has signed strategic agreements with existing and new seed producers in Brazil and Africa to increase its production of high-yielding, high-oil castor seeds. Casterra’s seeds are a vital source of biofuels and animal feeds.
https://evogene.com/press_release/casterra-announces-new-agreements-with-seed-producers-in-brazil-and-africa-to-meet-growing-demand-for-its-elite-castor-seed-varieties/ https://casterra.co/
Retirement? Maybe not now. Investment advisor Doug Goldstein reports that since Oct 7, Israeli Anglos may wish to re-assess their retirement strategy. Like younger Israelis, many have been invigorated and have no intention to put their feet up. Volunteering, charity, supporting family, travelling; it’s a whole new world now.
https://profile-financial.com/2024/03/06/redefining-retirement/
Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 10/3/24: Israel’s Deel is acquiring Africa’s PaySpace for around $100 million. US giant CrowdStrike, which already has acquired several Israeli startups has just acquired Israel’s Flow Security for around $200 million. Israeli phage therapy company BiomX is to merge with US-based Adaptive Phage Therapeutics.
Startup investment – to 10/3/24: Axonius raised $200 million; Claroty raised $100 million; Sweet Security raised $33 million; Healthee raised $33 million; Vessi Medical raised $16.5 million; FreezeM raised $14.2 million; Utila raised $11.5 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Film festivals mark International Women’s Day. LiaFEST at the Jerusalem Cinematheque honors Lia van Leer, the founder of that cinematheque, the Haifa Cinematheque, the film festivals in Jerusalem and Haifa, as well as the Israel Film Archive. The Tel Aviv Cinematheque is also featuring a women’s film festival.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-790384
Jerusalem marathon’s Bar Mitzvah. The 13th edition of the race featured a record 40,000 participants, including 15,000 IDF soldiers and 1,800 international runners from more than 70 countries. Many runners participated in full IDF uniform, or with Israel flags, and shirts supporting the hostages.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-790950
Gymnastic successes. (TY Hazel) At the Gymnastic International 2024 in Germany, Israel’s Daniella Munits won the gold medal in hoop and bronze with ball. In the juniors’ competition, Israel’s Alona Tal Franco won gold in hoop and clubs, while Meital Sumkin won gold in the ball and the ribbon.
https://twitter.com/nachal_giyus86/status/1764334079246225661
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjOKtqwnZNM
Other Israeli medalists. (TY Hazel) Elizabeth Tkachenko and Alexei Kiliakov won silver in the ice dance at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Taipei. Judoka Baruch Shmailov won silver at the Tashkent Grand Slam event. And 2nd-placed go-karter Yam Pinto held up a poster at the CEE Rotax Max Championship.
https://wjc2024taipei.com/en/elizabeth-tkachenko-alexei-kiliakov-isr/
https://www.goldenskate.com/neset-and-markelov-secure-junior-world-gold-in-taipei/
https://www.judoinside.com/news/6449/Baruch_Shmailov_makes_remarkable_comeback_in_tashkent
THE JEWISH STATE
Rare Judean coin discovered. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) have discovered a rare coin in the Judean desert from 132 CE with the name “Eleazar the Priest” in ancient Hebrew script. The reverse has the text “Year One of the Redemption of Israel,” again in ancient Hebrew script.
https://israfan.com/2024/03/05/echoes-of-bravery-unveiling-the-spirit-of-the-bar-kochba-revolt-through-a-newly-discovered-coin/ https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/archeology/1709545903-who-was-eleazar-the-priest-coin-found-in-judean-desert-unfurls-new-archaeological-mystery
Useful Aliya sites. (TY EEJH) Jacob Richman’s latest updates include Israel Traffic Signs, Customs, Etiquette and Behavior, Doing Business in Israel, Megavolt - Electrical Information in Israel, Aliyah FAQ, Lighting FAQ, Tips and Info. https://jr.co.il/links/#aliyah
10 IDF couples wed in one wedding. In a remarkable display of unity ten IDF soldiers married their partners at a mass wedding in the Tel Aviv Port. It was part of Chabad of Savyon’s “Marrying the Warriors” initiative and included 10 wedding canopies. Each couple invited 100 guests. 10 glasses were simultaneously smashed.
https://www.jns.org/ten-idf-couples-wed-in-massive-tel-aviv-wedding/
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-celebration-idf-wedding-marries-10-soldiers-simultaneously/
https://matzav.com/ten-idf-couples-wed-in-massive-tel-aviv-wedding/
A gift from Heaven. This winter in Israel could be one of the wettest in the country’s meteorological history, reviving nature in the process. The Kinneret is less than 90cm from being full and the ancient reservoir at Tel Megiddo National Park is full. Jordan, despite its hostility to Israel post-Oct 7, has asked Israel for more water.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-wet-winter-sees-kinneret-nearing-maximum-level-1001472784
https://www.israel21c.org/nature-comes-alive-amid-israels-unusual-rain-streak/
https://www.jns.org/israel-may-reject-jordanian-request-to-extend-water-deal/
240303
In the 3rd Mar 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· An IDF veteran drove over 130 miles to take charge of Oct 7 rescue operations.
· Israeli sunshine can help grow large families.
· A mother of 3 secretly oversees the development of David’s Sling.
· An Israeli pesticide makes weeds infertile.
· A war cannot stop Israelis from starting new companies.
· More sports gold medals for Israelis.
· A brave rescued Israeli female hostage has returned to army service.
· Click here to see the 25th Feb newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Aviva) United With Israel and (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here. (TY Mireille) into French here. (TY Barbara) into Spanish here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
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POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
He lied to his wife to rescue survivors. On Oct 7, IDF veteran Eran Masas, from Haifa lied to his wife that he had been called up by the army. He put on a uniform, took his sidearm and drove 220km to the Gaza border. He then coordinated multiple search and rescue operations as survivors thought he was an on-duty IDF officer.
Have a nice flight! IDF reservist Itay returned to Israel on an overbooked El Al flight from Bangkok with a seat in a washroom. The other 14 washrooms also seated IDF reservists, plus 10 in the cockpit and elsewhere. Luckily, he had a pre-flight massage. Two days later he was dodging terrorist bullets in Huwara, near Nablus.
https://www.jns.org/idf-reservist-flies-home-to-fight-hamas-in-planes-washroom-seat/
US mission for volunteer doctors in Israel. (TY Yanky) Israeli Doctors in America, together with the Israeli Ministry of Health and Israel’s Economic Mission to the USA – East Coast, have launched the IL-USDocAID Initiative. It brings US medical professionals to work either in Israeli hospitals or with Magen David Adom.
1,000 hugs. Operation Hug (see here previously) has now brought over 1,000 parents from over 50 different countries to visit their children who are lone soldiers serving in the IDF. Thanks to Nefesh B'Nefesh, JNF-USA, and FIDF (Friends of the IDF). Watch some of the recent reunions here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06D6EpiGnZU
Former US Envoy donated an ambulance. Former US Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt and his family donated a mini-lance (mini-ambulance) emergency response vehicle to Israel’s United Hatzalah. He requested that will be specifically driven by a female Arab volunteer and deployed in eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem.
https://www.jns.org/wire/former-middle-east-envoy-donates-mini-ambulance-to-israeli-ems-team/
Displaced Israeli kids learn and play in mobile tech lab. More about the work of the charity Machshava Tova (see here previously), which uses funds from CJP in Boston to purchase computers, projectors, 3D printers, VR goggles and other equipment for children evacuated from Sderot.
https://www.israel21c.org/displaced-israeli-kids-learn-and-play-in-mobile-tech-lab/
Displaced boy finds 2,000-year-old coin. 11-year-old Nati Tokiyar from Kibbutz Magen was evacuated to the Dead Sea to avoid Hamas rockets from Gaza. As he was exploring the area, he found a coin of Hasmonean king and high priest Alexander Jannaeus (104-76 BCE). The Israel Antiquities Authority gave him a certificate.
We will still sing. Some 7,000 Netanya children came to the city stadium to demonstrate unity and solidarity and express their desire to see the return of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. See other videos of adults and children displaying that Israelis will never surrender to those that hate us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlok2hsPKpU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hptZdP_hulY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaPhvOLDXjI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rzq-m8_9bE
“I survived for a reason”. Watch an example of the incredible spirit of Israeli soldiers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6nTy72rJo0
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
110 new medications and technologies. Israel’s 2024 subsidized health basket will see an expansion of genetic testing, treatment for adult ADHD, innovative diabetes management, and new treatments for cancer and chronic and rare diseases. The 110 additions will help 317,000 more people at a cost of NIS 650 million to the State.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-2024-health-basket-gets-110-new-medications-and-technologies/
Hope for Huntington’s disease patients. Scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have identified two small molecules capable, in the laboratory, of penetrating the blood-brain barrier and reducing the levels of a defective protein that causes Huntington’s disease.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-researchers-take-step-toward-cure-for-huntingtons-disease/
https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/life-sciences/toward-treatment-huntington%E2%80%99s-disease
https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44321-023-00020-y
Hi-tech medical analysis. Tel Aviv University Prof Noam Shomron digitizes human DNA and uses AI to discover genetic diseases. That’s his day job – in evenings and weekends he helps the IDF identify fallen soldiers. He explains how functional genomics and AI can help make better medical decisions.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-scientist-using-ai-to-build-a-more-resilient-society/
Israeli sunshine increases fertility. Women wishing to expand their family might consider making Aliyah. Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found for the first time that exposure to the sun in women aged 30-40 can increase fertility. Their ovaries secrete more Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) due to higher UV levels.
https://safrabio.cs.tau.ac.il/carmit_levy_exposure_to_sun_may_increase_fertility_among_women
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039128X23001356
Migraine? You’re covered. US non-profit health insurer Highmark has added, to the items covered by its insurance policies, the Nerivio Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) migraine band, developed by Israel’s Theranica (see here previously). Highmark covers around 7 million people in the Pennsylvania area.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/us-health-insurer-adds-israeli-migraine-treatment-to-coverage/
New rehab center. (TY Yanky) Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality has approved the construction of the Reuth TLV Rehabilitation Hospital - the largest and most advanced rehabilitation facility in Israel. It will take 7 years to build, contain 450 beds, clinics, hydrotherapy pool, hyperbaric chamber, etc., and cost some NIS 850 million.
Walk-in, walk-out surgery. Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center has opened 10 underground operating rooms for ambulatory surgeries. Costing NIS 100 million, they are expected to shorten the waiting periods for operations that do not require general anesthetic, or pre- or post-operative overnight hospital stays.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Easier admissions policy. Students who serve in the IDF reserves may be able to study for a bachelor’s degree at Tel Aviv University (excluding medicine) without a psychometric exam. Only high school matriculation grades will be considered. The policy may be extended for other students adversely impacted by the war.
https://english.tau.ac.il/news/acceptance-pathway-reservists-psychometric
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-788162#google_vignette
The female force behind David’s Sling. For the last 3 years, Anat (no surname, no photo) has been Rafael’s head of the launch and interceptor system project for Israel’s David’s Sling. She also updates it for constantly evolving threats. Anat has been 20 years at Rafael; she has 3 children including an IDF combat unit daughter.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/ib0r73cn1
Giving voice to speechless Australians. Israeli speech recognition startup Voiceitt (see here previously) has teamed up with Australia’s Superyou Tech, which helps people with disabilities access innovative assistive technologies. Voiceitt’s powerful AI addresses a diverse linguistic landscape, including accents and dialects.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/israeli-speech-recognition-platform-expands-into-australia/
Safer trucking in South Carolina. Israel’s SaverOne (see here previously) is to run a pilot program with South Carolina trucking company Motor Supply. SaverOne prevents drivers from accessing distracting apps such as instant messaging, while allowing others (such as those for navigation) to run without user intervention.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/us-truck-company-trials-israeli-driver-safety-system/
Christian parliamentarians visit Israel. More than 20 parliamentarians from around the world are gathering in Jerusalem in the largest political solidarity mission to Israel since Oct 7. They will be attending the annual Israel Allies Foundation Chairman’s Conference.
https://www.jns.org/christian-lawmakers-head-to-israel-in-biggest-mission-since-war/
Israeli NGOs working in Africa. (TY Dr Salem) Israel21c’s latest article lists 30 Israeli-linked NGOs saving or improving lives in Africa. Nine of them are new to this newsletter, including GYE Nyame Mobile Clinics in Ghana, Bilu Uganda, CultivAid, Africa 3030, HelpUp, Shanita, HalevAfrica, Brit Olam, and CoCuDi.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-israeli-groups-improving-and-saving-lives-in-africa/ https://www.africa3030.org/
https://www.gn-mobileclinics.org/ https://www.bilu-uganda.com/ https://www.cultivaid.org/
https://helpup.org.il/ https://www.shanita.org/en https://halevafrica.com/ https://www.britolam.org/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
More patents than Europe. Israel’s Technion Institute of Technology registered 48 patents in the US last year – more than any European university. The Technion was ranked 66th on the National Academy of Inventors list of Worldwide universities. It highlights the important role that the Technion plays in the innovation ecosystem.
https://academyofinventors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2023-Top-100-Worldwide.pdf
What’s happened to gummies? Israel’s TopGum was last reported here in Dec 2022. It has since launched Gummiccino, coffee flavored gummies shaped like espresso pods; also, three “Gummiceuticals” - calcium and magnesium, full-spectrum, and high-dose calcium. TopGum is building a second factory to cope with demand.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/israeli-company-creates-customizable-gummy-supplements/
Extending the shelf life of strawberries. Bar-Ilan PhD student Belal Abu Salha’s family owns a strawberry farm. So, it was in his interest to develop an edible nano-coating that extends the shelf life of strawberries by 15 days. He uses sonification (ultrasound in liquid) to create the nano-coated particles from natural polymers.
https://www.israel21c.org/strawberries-coated-with-edible-nanoparticles-last-15-days-longer/
Destroying weeds with kindness. Israel’s WeedOut (see here previously) is eliminating the Palmer amaranth weed, which poses a serious threat to crops in the United States, Brazil, (yes!) and Argentina, including corn, cotton, soybean, and sugar beet. WeedOut’s innovative pollen makes the weed infertile.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/agritech-startup-raises-8m-for-green-solution-to-resistant-weeds/
Climate-tech startups win funding. The Climate Solutions Prize Organization has awarded $1.3 million to 7 Israeli climate-tech startups. New to this newsletter include BaTTeRi (robotic EV charging) and Filo Systems (data compression). Previously reported here: Electriq, Biotic, Nemo Nanomaterials, Envomed, and TIGI.
https://www.jns.org/1-3-million-awarded-to-israeli-climate-tech-startups/
https://batteri.energy/ https://web.filo.systems/
The EV battery of the future. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s StoreDot (see here previously) has unveiled its concept battery pack for Electric Vehicles (EVs). Its new I-BEAM XFC resolves the main problem with car batteries – cooling! Each cell has its own cooling system – so no hotspots, and a 5-minute charge will get you 100 miles.
https://www.store-dot.com/press/storedot-unveils-the-future-of-extreme-fast-charging-with-all-new-i-beam-xfc-its-cell-to-pack-concept https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_SzaKVgpqM
Eco-friendly aviation fuel. The CarboNGV Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF – see here previously) from BGN Technologies and Israel’s Ralco Energy is far more environmentally friendly than SAF produced elsewhere. The process converts more waste into fuel and generates less pollutants and greenhouse gases.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/startup-aims-high-with-green-jet-fuel-made-from-waste/
Israeli flying car to get an engine. Israel’s AIR together with US-based Nidec Motors are designing a motor for the new AIR ONE eVTOL (electric Vertical TakeOff and Landing) vehicle.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/israeli-aircraft-innovator-teaming-up-with-us-motor-maker/
Israeli startups launch more AI products. Israeli AI products launched recently include Lightricks’ LTX Studio; AI21 Labs’ Summarize Conversation solution; and D-ID’s Agents AI avatars (see here previously).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjltksh2a https://website.ltx.studio/
https://docs.ai21.com/docs/summarize-conversation-api
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
A great time to invest. Michael Eisenberg, VC fund Aleph co-founder, said on CNBC that now is “one of the greatest opportunities to invest in Israel. Israeli companies deliver.” Israeli tech startups are undervalued and offer significant upside potential. Hamilton Lane CEO Juan Delgado-Moreira gave similar advice to CTECH.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-one-of-the-greatest-opportunities-to-invest-in-israel/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B2fvXWY9n4
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/wyjzilghw
Founding new companies during a war. Being evacuated or having a spouse in the reserves hasn’t stopped Israeli entrepreneurs from starting new companies. Gal Admati launched two (Qortein and HarvestR) from his hotel room. Dr. Hadas Ziso founded EndoCure despite her husband and a key employee being called up.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjitdruhp
Pitching up in Florida. The State of Florida recently hosted 30 Israeli tech companies for a “pitch day” in the state’s capital Tallahassee. The Israeli companies represented areas such as healthcare, water treatment, energy, and cybersecurity. Each presented ideas to help strengthen Florida’s resources and capabilities.
https://southfloridatribune.com/icymi-florida-welcomes-israeli-technology-companies-for-pitch-day-at-the-capital/ https://nocamels.com/2024/02/florida-state-hosts-israeli-tech-companies-for-tallahassee-pitch-day/
Assess the damage. OPENLANE, a US-based international digital marketplace for wholesale used vehicles, is now using Israel’s Click-Ins to detect and assess vehicle damage. OPENLANE’s Visual Boost AI creates visual overlays of detected exterior damage directly within the vehicle condition report.
https://www.israel21c.org/car-inspection-tech-adopted-by-major-us-vehicle-marketplace/
Saving billions in FX. Swiss-Israeli okoora (see here previously) says it has achieved cumulative savings of more than $3 billion for its customers through international foreign exchange transactions to date. Okoora’s Automated Business Currency Management (ABCM™) manages global payments, banking, and risk.
https://blog.okoora.com/airbnb-foreign-exchange-fee-a-missed-opportunity/
https://blog.okoora.com/3-new-features-to-make-opening-bank-accounts-and-issuing-payments-much-smoother/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhTRJA5ll_A
Safeguarding the Australian army. Despite waning support from the Australian government, it is still happy to purchase military protection systems from Israel. Elbit has announced it was awarded a 5-year, $600 million contract, to supply mission-critical systems to Hanwha Defense Australia for use by the Australian army.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/elbit-systems-awarded-approximately-600-082300885.html
Increasing corn yields in the Mid-West. Agriculture giant Syngenta has an Israeli seeds R&D center (see here). Syngenta is deploying sensors from Israel’s CropX (see here previously) to improve its irrigated corn fields across Mid-West USA. In multi-vendor trials last season, Syngenta ranked CropX as the top performer.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/syngenta-partners-with-cropx-as-a-key-sustainability-solution
Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 3/3/24: Israel’s Deel has taken over Germany’s Zavvy for $20 million. US IT giant Workday has acquired Israel’s HiredScore for “hundreds of millions of dollars”. Ausralia’s Octopus Deploy has acquired Israel’s Codefresh for $40-50 million.
Startup investment – to 3/3/24: Exodigo raised $75 million; WeedOut raised $8.1 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Zubin Mehta returns. (TY Yanky) Although he retired in 2019 after 50 years of conducting the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (see here previously), he has returned as guest conductor for eight concerts. But be quick – the last one is on March 5. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/entertainment/music/zubin-mehta-returns-to-israel-philharmonic-orchestra-for-eight-concerts/ar-BB1iBSvK
https://www.ipo.co.il/en/program/zubin-mehta-conductor-pinchas-zukerman-violinist/?event_id=43593
White rainbow and green-horned gazelle. Employees of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel have reported seeing some rare phenomena. Nadav Israeli spotted a white rainbow in the Galilee on Feb 8, and then Amir Balaban noticed a green-antlered Dorcas gazelle in the Negev. Both have logical explanations, but ..
https://www.newsrael.com/posts/8bbl53ls93l
Golda wins Dove award. (TY Yanky) Israeli director Guy Nattiv and British actor Helen Mirren received a Dove Award from the Cinema for Peace Foundation for their joint work in the 2023 biopic “Golda,” in which Mirren stars as Golda Meir, the fourth prime minister of Israel. Nattiv and Mirren received the awards in Berlin.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/golda-director-guy-nattiv-and-actor-helen-mirren-receive-dove-award-for-joint-work-on-2023-biopic/ https://www.cinemaforpeace-foundation.org/awards-2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unW5w6JCEb8
Singles and doubles tennis champion. (TY Hazel) Unseeded Israeli Lina Glushko won both the singles and doubles titles at the WIPHOLD International tennis tournament in Pretoria, South Africa. In the doubles Lina partnered Czechia’s Gabrielle Knutson and upset the number 3 seeds.
They hit the spot. (TY Hazel) Israeli archers won 2 individual golds, a team gold and 3 silvers at the European Indoor Archery Championships. Israel’s four young fencers won the Team Cadet European Championships in foil. And gymnast Artem Dolgopyat won silver in the floor exercise at the World Cup event in Germany.
https://www.instagram.com/followteamisrael/p/C3wwpOZN2Qu/?img_index=1
https://www.eurofencing.info/news/ech-naples-day-4-results-and-interviews-n491256.htm
THE JEWISH STATE
Rescued hostage returns to IDF service. Ori Megidish, the IDF lookout kidnapped on Oct 7 and rescued 23 days later, will return to military service - at her own request. She told US donors, "I believe in G-d, I felt that He would save me. When I was kidnapped, I prayed every day." (See also here about her family’s activity.)
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/385823
Biblical Kings on display. The “King David and Solomon Discovered” exhibit currently in Oklahoma USA includes many items from Jerusalem excavations by the late Dr. Eilat Mazar of the Hebrew University (see here previously). One of them, a Phoenician pendant, is the earliest gold artifact ever discovered in Jerusalem.
https://armstronginstitute.org/961-exhibit-kingdom-of-david-and-solomon-discovered
What’s new in Jerusalem. (TY Sharon) New events and sights in the timeless capital of Israel include the upcoming Jerusalem Marathon, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations National Leadership Mission, the Taub Center Conference at Shalva, and the Dome of the Tiferet Israel synagogue.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/02/25/10-new-things-to-see-in-jerusalem/
Aliyah Fair. Take the next steps of your Aliyah journey with Nefesh B’Nefesh at the NBN Aliyah Fair on Mon Mar 11 in New Jersey. Join the thousands of American Jews making Aliyah in 2024.
https://www.nbn.org.il/aliyah-fair/
How to help Israel. Here are some sites where newsletter readers can donate to Israeli organizations that provide vital help to Israelis at this difficult time. Many thanks to those who have already contributed and to those who are helping by donating their own valuable time and resources.
Friends of the IDF (US donors): https://www.fidf.org/
or IDF Soldiers Fund in Israel: https://www.ufis.org.il/en/donation-en/ (select the English speakers’ option)
American Friends of Magen David Adom (US donors): https://afmda.org/
or Magen David Adom (Israel): https://www.mdais.org/en/donation
Zaka (US donors): https://donate.zakatelaviv.org/give/525578/ or (Israeli donors): https://charidy.com/zaka
or (Canadian donors): https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bellevue-foundation/
United Hatzalah: https://israelrescue.org/campaign/israel-at-war-2/ or Canada https://www.uhcanada.org/
Leket Food Israel: https://www.leket.org/en/
JNF USA - https://my.jnf.org/gaza-emergency/Donate or Canada https://jnf.ca/
Orthodox Union - https://www.charidy.com/ouisraelcrisis
Schneider Children’s Hospital: https://www.fos.org.il/en/donate (Israelis)
https://system.smartgiving.org.uk/charities/8530/make-donation (UK)
https://chaischneider.org/donate/ (USA)
Hadassah Hospital Israel: https://www.hadassah.org/
Laniado Hospital (Netanya) https://my.israelgives.org/en/fundme/EmergencyLaniado
And many more charities here:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/where-people-abroad-can-donate-to-israels-hospitals-troops-survivors-and-more/ https://chesedtoday.com/campaigns/soldiers/ (Warm winter clothes for Israeli soldiers)
Buy Israel Bonds to support the Jewish State. (TY Larry B)
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/state-of-israel-bonds
USA - https://www.israelbonds.com/
Europe - https://israelbondsintl.com/
Canada - https://www.israelbonds.ca/
240225
In the 25th Feb 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· IDF soldiers can fly for free on Israel’s National Airline.
· Some “amazing but true” stories from Gaza.
· Clinical trials show Israeli ALS therapy slows cognitive decline.
· Three Israeli ag-tech innovations that could prevent world hunger.
· Europe is investing in Israeli green technology.
· Israel had international success at swimming, weightlifting and 4 more sports.
· A 2000-year-old stone box was unearthed on Jerusalem’s Pilgrim Road.
· Click here to see the 18th Feb newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours and (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here. (TY Mireille) into French here. (TY Barbara) into Spanish here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 24,000 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Airlifting medical supplies. (TY WIN) Yad Sarah, Israel’s largest volunteer-run non-profit organization, is circumventing shipping delays of critical equipment caused by attacks by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis with the arrival of the first airlift to Ben Gurion Airport. Funding was by the Jewish Federations of North America.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-785799 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOd_HK7oXPA
Fly the flag. Israel’s National airline El Al is granting free tickets to various destinations in Europe, to IDF soldiers who have completed 30 days reserve duty since the outbreak of the war. In addition, they will have priority in boarding flights and be thanked in an announcement on the plane at the beginning of each flight.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/385536
Teva donates its computers. (TY Yanky) Israel’s Teva has donated computers from its sites around the world to Israeli families affected by Oct 7. Teva’s offices in the USA, Germany, Spain etc., collected and shipped hundreds of used laptops. These were refurbished and sent to trauma therapists and to displaced families.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-786834
Cooking up some home comfort. The Asif Culinary Institute of Israel has helped many displaced families return to some form of normal life, despite being evacuated to hotel rooms. Asif’s Open Kitchen Project has paired 40+ families with host families and their kitchens around Tel Aviv where they can cook meals again.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/program-pairs-displaced-israelis-with-tel-aviv-kitchens-to-cook-up-some-home-comfort/ https://asif.org/en/ https://asif.org/en/the-open-kitchen-project/
Evacuees and exhibits at Bible Lands Museum. After Oct 7, Jerusalem’s Bible Lands Museum removed its ancient artifacts temporarily to make space for displaced families. Local artists and musicians gave creative workshops. It became a school for special needs children. It now hosts the Splinter from the Storm exhibition.
https://www.israel21c.org/bible-lands-museums-new-exhibition-reflects-turmoil-of-war/
https://www.blmj.org/en/Exhibition/splinter-from-the-storm/
Building bridges between funding and volunteers. Since Oct 7th Israel Support Bridge has sent 7 cargo planes worth of assistance to Israelis in need. It aims to build bridges between those who want to fund support efforts and volunteers who bring these services where they are needed.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-israel-support-bridge-brings-supplies-and-hope-to-israelis/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOd_HK7oXPA
The miracle of the Gaza shaft. Click “subtitles” at the bottom of this video to watch an IDF unit describe one of the many incredible narrow escapes that Israeli soldiers have had in the war against evil. A Hamas bomb exploded 10 meters from the soldiers’ tent and the only casualties were temporary hearing loss and a stray cat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBxUADCzyY
Wounded Fauda star’s two reasons to celebrate. Idan Amedi, singer and actor in the Israeli TV series Fauda, celebrated his 36th birthday - twice 18 (Chai = life), sharing photos of his injuries sustained in Gaza. He said both his survival and recovery were miraculous. Doctors say he made a 360-degree turnaround (20 times 18).
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/385517
More lost property found in Gaza. An IDF paratrooper has found a bag in an Arab house in Khan Younis in Gaza. It was a souvenir from a Chabad conference of teachers (Kinus Mechanchim) held in Gush Katif over 25 years ago. The paratrooper gave the bag to his uncle, Rabbi Kirshenzaft - the shliach of Gush Katif at that time.
https://anash.org/bag-found-in-gaza-from-kinus-held-in-gush-katif-25-years-ago/
Bedouin hero gets full residency rights. (TY Hazel) Bedouin Arab Abu Ar’ar was born in the Gaza Strip, so wasn’t Israeli. On Oct 7, he hid as Hamas terrorists murdered his wife. He heard them planning an ambush on nearby IDF soldiers and went to warn them, saving their lives. His reward - permanent residency in Israel.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/bedouin-man-who-saved-idf-soldiers-from-oct-7-hamas-ambush-gets-full-residency-rights/ https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bkuhk9x3p
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Good results for ALS therapy. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Immunity Pharma had positive results from its Phase 2a human trial with IPL344 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Disease progression compared to placebo slowed by some 50% over 3 years. There were other positive indications and no serious adverse events.
https://immunitypharma.com/news/64-immunity-pharma-announces-positive-top-line-results-from-phase-2a-trial-with-ipl344-in-als-patients https://immunitypharma.com/technology
More accurate detection of diabetes. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) have developed a new method of analyzing pancreatic cell types and help discover diabetes early. Their DNA methylation-based analysis is far more accurate than current analysis that relies on protein markers.
https://www.afhu.org/2024/02/12/new-study-by-hebrew-university-researchers-addresses-an-alternative-to-traditional-protein-marker-diabetes-detection/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38266068/
Breakthrough valve replacement device. (TY Atid-EDI) The US FDA has just granted Breakthrough Device status to Israel’s PI-Cardia (see here previously) for its ShortCut ™ device that facilitates Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures.
Orphan status for cystic fibrosis treatment. (TY Atid-EDI) The US FDA has granted “orphan” status on BX004 from Israel’s BiomX (see here previously) for the treatment of chronic lung infections suffered by cystic fibrosis patients. Orphan designation is given for rare conditions that have no current treatment.
Brazil approves self-scan ultrasound. (TY Atid-EDI) Before the Brazilian President’s hateful speech, his country’s medical authorities approved the home ultrasound system from Israel’s Pulsenmore (see here previously) for use in reducing pre-natal fatalities and unnecessary visits to hospital by pregnant mothers.
National PTSD clinic. A clinic dealing with post-trauma and related mental-health disorders was planned to be inaugurated in Tel Aviv University in about two years’ time. But due to the urgent need for treatment following Oct7, it has now been launched on temporary premises. Initial patients will be IDF reservists and other adults.
https://www.israel21c.org/tel-aviv-university-opens-national-ptsd-clinic-for-soldiers-civilians/
https://english.tau.ac.il/news/national-ptsd-clinic
Over 5,000 lives saved. Israel-based NGO Ezer Mizion now has over 1.1 million potential donors on its global database. Its stem cell transplants have now saved 5,000+ lives – almost 500 in 2023. Its support services provide hot meals, medical equipment, family and mental support, transportation to hospitals and much more.
https://ezermizion.org/blog/because-you-cared-14/ https://ezermizion.org/donate-now/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
A place for Ethiopian Israelis at the hi-tech table. Haile means “within my power” in Amharic. Solomon Geveye recently established the Haile Venture Capital Fund to invest in pre-seed disruptive startups in which at least one founder is from Israel’s Ethiopian community. He also founded MetekuAI to combat fake news.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-high-tech-vc-fund-aims-to-bring-ethiopians-into-the-industry/
https://meteku-ai.com/ https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-780964
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
IAI launches US Innovation Center. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel Aerospace Industries is to launch its Washington DC CATALYST accelerator program, operated by Starburst Aerospace. It will provide tech startups with $100k investment plus the resources to develop and scale their products, by leveraging IAI’s in-house capabilities.
https://catalyst.iainorthamerica.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leb6K5V6ci8
Climate-smart seeds. Breakthrough non-GMO seed treatment from Israel’s SaliCrop (see here previously) transforms arid terrain into flourishing arable farmland. The seeds are resilient to abiotic stresses from extreme climate challenges. SaliCrop has saved Spain’s tomato industry and is now doing field trials in 3 continents.
Breakthrough in plant cultivation. Tel Aviv University researchers and the Volcani Institute have developed new compounds that significantly increase the success rate for getting plant cuttings to root. It can help develop new, high-quality, hardy varieties that survive climate challenges, and reduce costs to farmers and consumers.
https://www.aftau.org/news_item/tau-develops-significant-improvement-to-process-of-genetically-cloning-plants/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-023-02065-3
Sensors for irrigating cereal crops. Israel’s SupPlant (see here previously) is expanding into Morocco and the UAE, it is also adapting its irrigation sensors for grain and cereal plants. These are the most common crops, but they are generally only irrigated by rain. The threat to world hunger if these crops fail is now too high to ignore.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/smart-watch-for-plants-keeps-crops-irrigated-as-climate-changes/
Sun dried as they grow. Israel’s Supree, a subsidiary of NRGene (see here previously) produced a strain of the (Israeli-created) cherry tomato that dries itself on the vine as it grows in the sun. Instead of selectively breeding fruit and veg to be plump and juicy, Supree has enhanced their microcracking trait to dry them out.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/israeli-cherry-tomatoes-that-dry-themselves-in-the-sun/
https://supree.co/press-release/supree-tomato/
Then there will be light. Israel’s low-light imaging startup Visionary.ai (see here previously) has partnered with leading chipmaker Qualcomm to produce stunning visuals in low-light conditions. This technology, shown at CES 2024, will be available in the next generation of Android smartphones – perhaps as early as next year.
https://www.israel21c.org/low-light-wont-limit-your-pics-and-videos-anymore/
Storage product of the year. (TY Atid-EDI) The Infinibox SSA II F4316T from Israel’s Infinidat (see here previously) has just been named Storage Product of the Year 2023 in the Disk and Disk Subsystems category by TechTarget. It has a phenomenal capacity of 6.635 petabytes. (There are 1,024 terabytes (TB) in a petabyte.)
Using their heads. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Silynx has making ruggedized tactical communication headsets for industrial and military use for over a decade. The IDF and Israeli police have purchased $550,000 of them since Oct 7. One international customer has bought some $4.5 million of them. It has just launched on the NYSE.
https://www.silynxcom.com/silynxcom-received-550000-in-orders-from-israel-defense-forces-and-israeli-police-forces-since-beginning-of-year/ https://www.silynxcom.com/silynxcom-receives-400000-follow-up-order-from-a-leading-global-defense-company/
More smiles please. US-headquartered Align Technology manufactures the Invisalign teeth alignment system for a perfect smile. The scanners used to map the patient’s mouth are made in Israel where they have launched the iTero Lumina intraoral scanner. It has a 3X wider field of capture but is 50% smaller than previous models.
https://investor.aligntech.com/news-releases/news-release-details/align-technology-announces-new-itero-luminatm-intraoral-scanner https://www.aligntech.com/ https://www.invisalign.co.il/
Out of Syte. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Syte (see here previously) has announced the launch of its AI Styling and Product Description Generator solutions, combining visual AI with generative AI. Syte’s upgraded technology improves the ability for the public to instantly find online and buy the items they want.
https://www.syte.ai/blog/company-updates/syte-pioneers-generative-ai-solutions/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5gjQolsP6E
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Europe invests in green Israel. (TY Atid-EDI) The EU's European Investment Bank (EIB) is expanding its agreement with Israel’s Bank Leumi for “green” investments. EIB will inject €250 million to finance projects for small and medium-sized businesses. Finance has already been provided to Israel’s Solegreen and Teralight.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-eib-to-invest-250m-in-israeli-green-projects-via-leumi-1001469237
Ohio buys more Israel Bonds. As it has since 2003 (see here previously), the US State of Ohio has bought Israel Bonds - $30 million this time. Ohio is one of the country’s largest buyers of Israel Bonds, now holding $262.5 million. Ohio’s treasurer, Robert Sprague, said the bonds were good for Israel and good for Ohio.
https://www.jns.org/ohio-buys-30-million-in-israel-bonds/
More angels. Israel’s female-led Venture Capital firm iAngels has raised $70 million for its second fund, iAngels Ventures 2. It will invest in early-stage startups, with investments ranging between $2-4 million for seed rounds. iAngels’ previous Israeli investments include Oddity, Hello Heart, BeeHero, WSC & Immunai.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkkfg11bn6
Overland route to Israel. To avoid ships being attacked by Houthi terrorists, Israel-based firms transporting goods from the Far East (China and India) run trucking routes from the ports of Dubai and Bahrain to Haifa. They pass through Saudi Arabia (despite not having diplomatic relations with Israel) and Jordan.
Expanding Tamar gas production. The energy companies extracting natural gas from Israel’s Tamar field are investing $24 million to increase production. The additional gas will raise daily output to 1.2 billion cubic feet and by 2025 to 1.6 billion cubic feet, helping to meet Israel’s future energy needs and export gas to Egypt.
$5 million US order for railway safety system. Israel’s Rail Vision (see here previously) goes from strength to strength. While it was receiving EU certification for its rail safety systems, it was also winning a $5 million order from a leading US-based rail & leasing services company. And it has just announced AI enhancements.
A sweet, juicy plan for USA expansion. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Better Juice (see here previously) has partnered with US company Ingredion, a provider of specialty ingredients to the food and beverage industry. Ingredion will lead a funding round for Better Juice, to help it market its reduced sugar technology in the US.
That’s Odd. Although the takeover of Israel’s hyperspectral imaging tech startup Voyage81 by US-based beauty brand Il-Makiage was reported here previously, the IPO of IL-Makiage’s parent company Oddity wasn’t. Why is that odd? Because Oddity’s R&D is performed in Israel. And Oddity has a very odd website.
Startup investment – to 25/2/24: BRIA.ai raised $24 million; DustPhotonics raised $24 million; Loora raised $12 million; Faddom raised $8 million; KTrust raised $5.3 million; Silynx raised $5 million (IPO);
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
The Ivri House. If you are in Tel Aviv and are interested in nostalgia and memorabilia, stop, and have a coffee at the Ivri House, 8 Gedud HaIvri Street. Owner Guy Levy, an interior design graduate of Shenkar College, has amassed and displays Israeli memorabilia and secondhand furniture. Even the staff dress the part.
https://www.israel21c.org/eclectic-cafe-and-shop-serves-up-all-types-of-hebrew-nostalgia/
https://www.instagram.com/cafeivri/
Fashion Week debut’s finale of Hope. (TY Yanky) Israeli American designer Kobi Halperin held his very first own label show for New York Fashion Week. His Fall 2024 collection, entitled “Illumination of Hope,” ended with an instrumental version of “Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem, which translates to “The Hope.”
https://www.timesofisrael.com/this-designer-closed-his-ny-fashion-week-runway-show-with-israels-national-anthem/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6g1Yr1AOUs
As unpredictable as the weather. (TY Sharon) Israel’s recent wintery weather has included a mixture of heavy rain followed by beautiful sunny days. Jerusalem’s on-going Shaon Horef (Winter Noise) festival on Monday nights includes an unusual mixture of musical street events from DJs, and bands, plus food and “fun”.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/02/19/february-and-time-for-presidents-again-in-jerusalem/
Silver medal in Qatar. Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko finished runner-up in the women’s 400-meter individual medley at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar. She ignored boos from Hamas-supporting spectators and dedicated her medal to a childhood friend, Matan Angrest – held hostage in Gaza.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-swimmer-brushes-off-heckling-in-qatar-after-finishing-2nd-in-400m-race/ https://unitedwithisrael.org/amid-the-gaza-war-israeli-athletes-face-discrimination-but-triumph-overseas/
Medals for weightlifters. (TY Hazel) At the European Women’s Weightlifting Championships in Sofia, Israel’s Celia Henna Gold won the silver medal for the Clean & Jerk in the 71kg category. In the 76kg category, Israel’s Nicole Rubanovich also won silver.
https://blog.torokhtiy.com/news/celia-henna-won-silver-at-2024-european-weightlifting-championships/
https://blog.torokhtiy.com/news/european-weightlifting-championships-2024-women-76-kg/
More medals. (TY Hazel) In the Seville Marathon, Israel’s Gashau Ayale finished third in 2:04.53, breaking the Israeli record and qualified for the Paris Olympics. At the Zagreb Kickboxing European Cup, there were gold medals (again) for Yulia Sachkov and Deniz Serebyanikov and another for Karolina Chorny.
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/h18uvdk3p
https://www.instagram.com/followteamisrael/p/C3iJRdOtSkT/?img_index=1
Winning cyclists. The Israel Premier–Tech Cycling Team won the 8-day “Tour of Rwanda” race with Israel’s Itamar Einhorn wining the second stage. It marked one year after the building of Rwanda’s “Field of Dreams” cycling center, with funds from supporters of the team. The team went on to win stage 1 of the Tour des Alpes.
https://www.jns.org/israel-premier-tech-cycling-team-scores-victory-in-rwanda/
European soccer success. (TY Hazel) Maccabi Haifa beat Gent 2-1 on aggregate to advance to the Europa Conference League round of 16.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/maccabi-haifa-advances-in-europa-conference-league/
The most since Moses. Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija scored a game-best and career-high 43 points for his Washington Wizards basketball team. He became the first Wizard to score 40-plus points and 15-plus rebounds in a game since Moses Malone accomplished that feat on Jan. 12, 1987. Despite this, the Wizards lost the game.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-basketball-sensation-shines-on-the-nba-stage/
NASCAR racer fights anti-Semitism. (TY UWI) Interesting article and interview with Israel’s Alon Day (see here previously), winner of NASCAR’s Whelen Euro Series, in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022. He talks about his career ambitions, but also about his pro-Israel activism. He singles out the support of Christian Zionists.
https://www.jns.org/face-of-israeli-stock-car-racing-searches-for-a-seat-on-big-stage/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHN22Rlzm-4
THE JEWISH STATE
2,000-year-old stone box is historic. An extremely rare stone box, dating back to Jerusalem’s 2nd Temple, was found on the Pilgramage Road in Jerusalem’s City of David. Stone vessels cannot become impure and were often used in Temple times. The box’s burnt exterior fits with Jerusalem’s 70 CE destruction by the Romans.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/385572
Thousands of volunteers. Since Oct 7, thousands of Jews from the Diaspora have boarded El-Al planes to show their love and solidarity by volunteering in Israel. The include from Masa Israel Journey, Taglit-Birthright Israel, and Operation Hug. El Al supports these volunteer programs by subsidizing ticket costs.
https://www.jns.org/wire/el-al-brings-volunteers-and-hugs-to-israel/
Purim Katan. Rabbi Doron Perez of Mizrachi describes how Fri Feb 23 is Purim Katan – the day when miracles happen. Like us all he prays that all Israeli hostages are freed – including his son!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQnD_ZBHNy0
240218
In the 18th Feb 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· IDF special forces rescue two Israeli hostages in Gaza.
· Israeli surgeons removed a massive tumor from a young child.
· An Israeli climate project aims to build a sunshade in outer space.
· Israel’s world-class universities generate billion-dollar companies.
· An Israeli produced opera about Herzl has received international acclaim.
· You can now study Torah on El Al’s in-flight entertainment.
· Click here to see the 11th Feb newsletter on IsraelSeen and Ruthfully Yours. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here. (TY Mireille) into French here. (TY Barbara) into Spanish here and into Hebrew (4 Feb) here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, Hebrew-speaking and French-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (over 24,000 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Dramatic rescue of two Israeli hostages. (TY WIN) All of Israel celebrated the news that IDF special forces had rescued two Israeli-Argentinian hostages in a daring overnight operation in Rafah. The President of Argentina had just completed his historic visit to Israel and was also delighted with the outcome.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/1707714683-idf-rescues-2-hostages-during-op-in-rafah
Rescue app saves lives. The app Digital 101 is one of the technical innovations that has vastly improved survival rates of wounded IDF personnel during the current war. The app, developed by Israel’s K Health (see here previously) and two army reservists, transfers medical data about the wounded from battlefield to hospital.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/ryc9a00yia
Critical gear for female IDF soldiers. Operation Israel is a group of over 100 volunteer professionals and experts. They have shipped millions of dollars’ worth of critical gear to the IDF. They are now responding to urgent requests from female IDF soldiers for properly fitting shoes, helmets, vests, uniforms, and backpacks.
https://www.operationisrael.org/ https://www.operationisrael.org/girlpower
‘Falafel King’ donates 25,000 portions to IDF. Shimon Biton, owner of Falafel Biton in Be’er Ya’akov, south of Tel Aviv, has been dubbed the “King of Falafel.” He has donated 25,000 portions of Israel’s national snack to IDF soldiers fighting in Khan Yunis in Gaza. In addition, security personnel always eat free at his restaurant.
https://www.jns.org/falafel-restaurant-donates-25000-portions-to-israeli-soldiers/
The biggest homecoming yet. 80% of southern moshav Shokeda’s 132 families have returned to their national-religious community, 4 miles from Gaza. The homecoming was the largest single movement of people into the Tekuma Region near Gaza since its evacuation following Oct 7. Some immediately began mowing their lawns.
Malawi kibbutz workers sing for hostages. In recent months, agricultural workers from Malawi in Africa have been working at Kibbutz Zikim. The issue of the kidnapped Israelis touches their hearts and prompted an acapella band to make a new arrangement of the song; "Home" and a music video filmed in Malawi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzJpEwpYsLA
Gaza mystery (TY UWI) While the IDF was fighting Hamas in the Bani Suheila neighborhood of Khan Yunis, they discovered a desk in one of the houses. On it was an inscription which read: "The table of the late Levi Eshkol." Donation of Dubek Ltd. 1981." How did the desk of Israel’s ex-Prime Minister (1963-69) get there?
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/385142
Oct 7 Heroes medal. (TY UWI) “The President’s Medal for Civilian Heroism,” is to be awarded to civilians who showed outstanding heroism on October 7. The announcement said it is to honor ordinary citizens, who risked their lives, “out of a sense of unity of fate and mutual Israeli guarantee, with the aim of saving lives.”
Bedouin Oct 7 heroes honored. Military service for members of the Bedouin tribes is not mandatory, yet more than 1,500 are presently serving in the IDF. Public figures came to the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem as a tribute to 13 civilian Bedouin who saved men, women, and small children while being fired at by Hamas.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-786571
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Another breakthrough in dementia research. Tel Aviv University researchers found a method of preventing memory deterioration in the animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. They detected physiological changes that appear 10 to 20 years prior to cognitive decline. They also hope to prevent cognitive issues from anesthesia.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-team-prevents-memory-deterioration-in-alzheimers-animal-model/
A gut feeling. (TY UWI) Researchers from Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have uncovered a potential link between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the composition of the gut microbiome. Certain bacteria were more prevalent and diverse in those with ASD. It could lead to the development of possible treatments.
Neurofeedback device effective for treating PTSD. (TY Dr Salem) In a recent trial, the Prism neurofeedback device from Israel’s GrayMatters Health (see here previously) significantly improved the condition of 67% of the chronic PTSD patients in its recent trial. Almost one third achieved remission after three months of therapy.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/brain-activity-monitor-proves-efficacy-in-ptsd-therapy-study-finds/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178123006613
https://www.graymatters-health.com/clinical-publications
Doctors removed 3lb tumor from 4-year-old. (TY UWI) Surgeons at Israel’s Emek Medical Center in Afula successfully removed a huge Wilms tumor (see here previously) weighing 1.3 kg from a four-year-old child. The tumor, in the right kidney, measured 16 cm by 12 cm and constituted over 7% of the girl’s body weight.
https://tps.co.il/articles/israeli-doctors-remove-1-3-kilo-tumor-from-toddler/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wilms-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-20352655#
Hadassah’s new rehab center. Wounded IDF soldiers from Gaza are being treated at the new Gandel Rehabilitation Center in Jerusalem, part of the Hadassah Medical Organization, which opened in January 2024. Construction sped up after Oct 7, thanks to $29 million from the government plus $5.5 million donations.
https://www.jns.org/wounded-warriors-find-multiple-ways-to-heal-at-hadassahs-new-rehab-center/
Egyptian girl treated in Israel. The daughter of an Egyptian official was injured in a traffic accident and hospitalized in Cairo. She was then transferred to Hadassah Hospital, where there is a dedicated ward for complex trauma in children. Israel approved the transfer as a humanitarian gesture.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/384823
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Digital pen pals connect during wartime. Over 4,000 Jewish high schoolers from Israel and around the world participate in the One2One initiative. They engage in a series of five weekly English conversations of at least 30 minutes each. One2One uses an algorithm to match up students by age, interests and background.
Chassid ex-commando is head of security. Asaf Peleg walks to his Chassidic synagogue and to take his daily ritual bath wearing a long black coat and fur hat - an M16 over his shoulder and a pistol and walkie-talkie at his waist. The ex-IDF commando is head of the rapid response team in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Malachi.
https://www.jns.org/ex-commando-turned-chassid-bridges-secular-religious-divide/
Arabs and Druze in the IDF. Eye-opening article for those who are unaware that minorities have equal rights in Israel. https://unitedwithisrael.org/the-unity-among-druze-and-israelis/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Mapping Israel’s space-tech ecosystem. There are currently 105 startups operating in Israel in the field of space applications. These companies raised a total of $314 million in the past year. Most of Israel’s space startups (71%) are involved in Earth observation, communications and navigation, or space infrastructure.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s16ya11gsa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGLNJynjbX4
Using cosmic rays to map underneath Jerusalem. Tel Aviv University scientists are using muon detectors to build a 3D map of undiscovered underground Jerusalem tunnels, chambers, and fortifications. Muons are a fundamental particle, created when cosmic rays hit our atmosphere. High muon levels indicate a cavity above.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/unable-to-dig-researchers-look-to-cosmic-rays-to-unlock-jerusalems-ancient-underworld/ https://cris.tau.ac.il/en/publications/muon-detector-for-underground-tomography
7-year deal to cut pollution and save energy. Israel’s Brenmiller Energy (see here previously) has signed a seven-year, $3.55 million project with Wolfson Medical Center in Holon to replace its old, costly, polluting diesel boilers with Brenmiller’s crushed rock clean energy storage system.
There goes the sun. Back in August, scientists at Israel’s Technion began work on the Cool Earth project aimed to build a gigantic sunshade made of Kapton, to block the Sun’s rays and cool the Earth. Now Professor Yoram Rozen, says they are ready to build a prototype shade to show that the idea will work.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/by1zx7po2
https://ats.org/ats-news/could-a-giant-parasol-in-outer-space-help-solve-the-climate-crisis/
Sustainable aviation fuel. Ben Gurion University’s BGN Technologies has partnered with Israel’s Ralco Energy to revolutionize the aviation industry with a novel method for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). They have created a new company, CarboNGV, in which Ralco has invested $2.4 million.
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/herskowitz-sustainable-aviation-fuel/
https://www.ralcoenergy.co.il/en/home-page/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Huge number of Unicorn founders from Israeli universities. Apart from US universities, Israeli universities are top of the world for producing alumni who launch startups that grow into billion-dollar companies. Tel Aviv was number 1 with 31 founders; Technion - 3rd (27); Hebrew U - 5th (23). BGU and Reichman were 10 & 11.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hkj9lmzs6
Israel & Argentina sign innovative software agreement. On his first visit to Israel, Argentinian President Javier Milei signed an agreement with the Israel Latin America Network (ILAN) to develop innovative software and technologies. The President saw it as a major opportunity to advance Argentina’s economy.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/384943
Canada approves “no cow” milk. (TY OurCrowd) Canada has given Israel’s Remilk approval to sell its animal-free milk protein, marking the first time the country has authorized such a product. Remilk previously received similar approvals in the US, Israel, and Singapore.
Exits, mergers and takeovers – to 18/2/24; US cyber giant F5 has acquired Israeli cybersecurity Wib for “tens of millions of dollars.” Israel’s HiBob is acquiring British payroll platform Pento for $40 million. Israel’s Armis has acquired US-based CTCI for $20 million.
Startup investment – to 18/2/24. Clarity raised $16 million; Lava Network raises $15 million; Seal Security raised $7.4 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Much praise for Theodor. Original Israeli Opera production “Theodor,” about the founder of modern Zionism Theodor Herzl, was chosen as one of the world’s best opera productions of 2023, by the magazine “Opera Now.” Composed by Yonatan Cnaan and librettist and director Ido Ricklin, it was launched in May 2023.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-opera-original-theodor-named-one-of-worlds-best-for-2023/
“Discovering the hidden gems of Tel Aviv”. (TY Yanky) AZbigmedia - the fastest-growing news website in the US – focused on Tel Aviv as a tourist destination. The comprehensive article describes Tel Aviv as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city celebrated for its stunning beaches, bustling markets, and lively nightlife.
Flags & flowers in Feb. (TY Sharon) Huge floral display on the streets of Jerusalem last week. The blue & white colors of the Israeli flag were also flying.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/02/11/new-february-flowers-and-flying-flags-in-jerusalem/
Sports center to be built on Gaza border. Canadian-Israeli philanthropist Sylvan Adams has promised to build a sports infrastructure in the Gaza border area. He announced that a bicycle track will be built in memory of the fallen, as a donation on behalf of the cycling group he owns, Israel-Premier Tech Cycling Team.
https://www.jns.org/sylvan-adams-to-build-sports-infrastructure-in-gaza-border-area/
The hectic life of an Israeli quadriplegic tennis player. Nice article about Guy Sasson (see here previously) who was runner-up in both the singles and doubles wheelchair tennis finals at the Australian Open.
https://www.jns.org/the-hectic-life-of-guy-sasson-world-ranked-israeli-wheelchair-tennis-player/
Israel-born baseball player makes history. (TY UWI) Assaf Lowengart made history as the first Israeli-born position player to sign a pro baseball contract in the US. He is set to join the New York Boulders in the Frontier League, an independent league affiliated with Major League Baseball.
Irish basketball team trounced. Unsporting behavior by the Irish women’s basketball team was rewarded with being convincingly beaten 87 – 57 by the Israeli team. The Irish team had requested to boycott the match but were told that they would be hit with a massive fine and being barred from future EuroBasket qualifiers.
https://www.algemeiner.com/2024/02/08/israeli-womens-basketball-team-trounces-ireland-in-qualifying-match-amid-row-over-antisemitism/ https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-785904
THE JEWISH STATE
Amazing times. The Argentinian President vowed to move his Embassy to Jerusalem and prayed at the Kotel during his recent visit. And the secular family of the two rescued Israeli-Argentinian hostages revealed that they had been lighting Shabbat candles. Read (here) about the previous hostage to have been rescued.
El Al offers Torah classes to passengers. In-flight “entertainment” on El Al long haul flights now includes religious content, provided by the YUTorah platform. It includes discussions on Halacha (Jewish law), Jewish history, Tefillah (Jewish prayer), dating and marriage, parenting, Parsha (weekly Torah portion), and Daf Yomi.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/384767 https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sj9aktgot
The front lines. The word of the Lord really has gone out from Jerusalem. IDF Battalion 7421 moved all over the Gaza Strip, fighting Hamas terrorists. Everywhere they went, they were accompanied by the battalion's Torah scroll, establishing seven temporary synagogues. (See Numbers Chapter 10 verses 35 & 36.)
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/384846
Knesset 75th Anniversary. Israel’s President and Prime Minister spoke at a special event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament). The session was also attended by the Leader of the Opposition and the acting President of the Supreme Court. A military cantor led a prayer for the safety of IDF soldiers.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/384095
Restaurant chains go strictly kosher to serve the IDF. Several branches of Israel’s largest hamburger fast-food chains McDonald’s, Burger Ranch and BurgerIM, plus Domino’s Pizza are to enforce higher kosher standards. The aim is to support Israel Defense Force soldiers who only eat mehadrin-certified meat.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-burger-chains-go-strictly-kosher-to-support-war-effort/
Thousands of children pray for the IDF. Some 5,200 children gathered in 42 communities in the Binyamin region of Samaria to pray for the IDF’s success. They also prayed for soldiers wounded during the military campaign and for the return of hostages being held by Hamas.
https://www.jns.org/thousands-of-samaria-children-pray-for-idf-victory/
The Roman base at Megiddo. Back in 2015, archaeologists discovered the remains of a Roman garrison at Megiddo in northern Israel (see here previously). 8.5 years of excavations have revealed it to be Legio - a permanent base for more than 5,000 soldiers, and a strategic military hub for more than 180 years.
https://www.jns.org/ancient-roman-military-base-uncovered-in-israel/
240211
In the 11th Feb 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· A dog rescued in Gaza could understand Hebrew.
· A volunteer US eye specialist has saved the sight of many wounded IDF soldiers.
· 50,000 volunteers show that they have “One Heart”.
· Another breakthrough in the production of green hydrogen.
· A startup used its own invention to save its business.
· Three instances of proactive women entrepreneurs.
· Israelis won international gold medals in skiing, kickboxing, windsurfing and jujitsu.
· The Argentine President promised to move his embassy to Jerusalem.
· Click here to see the 4th Feb newsletter on IsraelSeen and Ruthfully Yours. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, (TY Barbara) into Spanish here and into Hebrew here Also (TY Mireille) into French here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, Hebrew-speaking and French-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.
· 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 (nearly 24,000 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Cowboys to the rescue. (TY UWI & ILTV News) Ruthie’s horse farm in Binyamin, home to many troubled teens, faced closure when its male workers were called up. Then the Christian cowboys of Montana came to walk the horses, clean and maintain the farm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0HRRrTdkow
If it could only talk. IDF troops in Gaza have rescued many abandoned pet dogs and cats, at least one parrot and three horses. One dog was a purebred Malinois, a.k.a. Belgian sheepdog. It responded to commands in Hebrew, which probably meant it (like many of the rescued animals) was looted on Oct 7.
Fauda star released from hospital. (TY Yanky) Actor and singer Idan Amedi, star of Israel’s Fauda TV series, was released from hospital after 8 weeks. Although badly burned in Gaza, he now hopes to be in Fauda season 5. He said, “The Israeli people are the strongest in the world. When we are united, we are invincible.”
20% of IDF reserves are hi-tech workers. Although hi-tech workers constitute only 10% of Israel’s employees, they make up 20% of the IDF’s reserve forces. Interesting, but not sure what to make of that!
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hku9ilrq6
No place like home. (TY Yanky) After 10 weeks in limbo in an Eilat hotel, over 400 Kibbutz Re’im members have moved into two towers in Tel Aviv. A Tel Aviv Municipality banner welcomed relocated Kibbutz Re’im residents with this message: “There is no place like home, but in the meantime, feel at home.”
His prayers were answered. IDF Sgt. Major Malchiel ben Yosef saved his comrades from a Hamas terrorist who emerged from a Gaza tunnel behind them with an RPG launcher. Malchiel turned towards Jerusalem to pray the afternoon service and spotted the terrorist. He then alerted his comrades who dealt with the threat.
https://www.jns.org/prayer-of-idf-soldier-saves-fellow-fighters/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Adapting animal antibodies for humans. (TY UWI & JNS) Researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have developed an algorithm to help identify which antibodies, that work on animals, can be adapted for human use. Their CUMAb, algorithm generates 20,000 variants of a mouse antibody and predicts which are most stable.
Why some children stop breathing. Researchers at Ben Gurion University and Tel Aviv University have discovered the impact of a genetic defect that causes Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) in children. They hope that their findings will lead to a cure to a dangerous form of sleep apnea.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-785213 https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44318-023-00018-9
Ultrasound surgery just got more focused. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Insightec has announced Exablate Prime - the next generation of MR-guided focused ultrasound with many new features for incisionless neurosurgery. It comes as the US military and the Dutch government have approved Insightec for essential tremor therapy.
Netanya hospital opens pediatric playroom. Netanya’s Laniado Hospital has opened a brand-new playroom, courtesy of Toys for Simcha, based in Brooklyn. Happy Kids Heal Faster,” said Rabbi J.J. Hecht II, president of Toys for Simcha. Hundreds of the 8,000 evacuees living in Netanya have been treated at Laniado.
https://www.jns.org/netanya-hospital-opens-pediatric-playroom-in-wake-of-oct-7/
Overcoming trauma. As a boy, Yechial witnessed a bus explode, which motivated him to become a volunteer United Hatzalah EMT. He has helped at many tragedies: Miron, Ukraine, Hurricane Ian, Turkey, Morocco, and Oct 7. One of the last lives he saved was a dog. He now trains therapy dogs, to help others overcome trauma.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qve42g2F0v4
https://www.instagram.com/unitedhatzalahofisrael/reel/C2K78jxtVLt/
The medical specialists who answered the call. Israel’s Health Ministry and Nefesh B'Nefesh arranged for hundreds of physicians to fly to Israel to help those in need following Oct. 7. Many world-renowned specialists left their lucrative jobs, families, and children behind to come to Israel and boost the medical system.
Restoring sight to wounded IDF soldiers. Eye specialist Dr Sid Shechet of Baltimore’s Elman Retina Group is volunteering for two weeks at the Soroka Medical Center in Beer Sheva. He has been operating non-stop for more than twelve hours daily, helping to restore vision to severely wounded soldiers and anyone else in need.
https://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=169946
https://www.elmanretina.com/about-us/meet-the-doctor/
Partnering for mental health therapy. Israel’s Sheba Medical Center has partnered with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) to expand the mental health support provided to trauma-suffering war victims. FIDF Funds will help train new Shaba therapists to work in IDF veterans' rehabilitation centers across the country.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Jewish Disabilities Month. JNF-USA is planning a series of events to mark Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM) and to celebrate their longstanding efforts to improve Israel for residents and visitors with disabilities. Feb donations to support this cause will be matched up to $1.25 million.
https://www.jnf.org/menu-3/press-releases/press-release-stories/february-3--2024
A campus for ultra-orthodox students. A consortium led by Ben-Gurion University and several academic colleges is to create a separate ultra-Orthodox campus in the South. A growing number of haredim want to pursue a higher education, but not compromise their beliefs and religious observance.
https://americansforbgu.org/bgu-open-orthodox-campus/ https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-760508
Empowering Ethiopian Israelis at Rambam. Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa and Boston-Haifa Connection have launched a 5-month course to educate 20 of its Ethiopian Israeli employees in Hebrew literacy and computer skills. The employees predominantly work in the Housekeeping and Custodian Department.
https://israfan.com/2024/02/08/bridging-cultures-a-leap-forward-for-ethiopian-israelis-at-rambam/
Prize-winning, women-led startups. The competition for female-led Israeli startups at an event organized by Yazamiyot (see below) was won by anydish (AI nutrition - see here previously). In 2nd place was Aisap (AI ultrasound heart monitoring - see here previously) and in 3rd was Kinoko (funghi - see here previously).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/kmvn5pprn
It’s all in the Family. In a world that seems to devalue the family unit, Family Day (Yom HaMishpacha) in Israel on Feb 9 is a day to honor the family unit and its centrality to our lives. Israel has 2.25 million families with about half having two parents and at least one child under the age of 17.
https://www.jns.org/2-25-million-families-in-israel-average-of-3-69-members-each/
See Israel through the eyes of the IDF. If you, your children, or grandchildren live in the USA, are aged 21-39 and want to gain a deep understanding of IDF soldiers' mission in the current war, register for the Friends of the IDF’s National Young Leadership Mission to Israel from May 24 to May 30, 2024.
https://www.fidf.org/national-young-leadership-mission-to-israel/
Visitors. (TY Nevet) Friendly visitors to Israel in Jan included Chechia President Petr Pavel, former US Vice President Mike Pence, 9 UN envoys, 22 EU lawmakers, 40 US JCC leaders, 50 Hadassah leaders, Palantir directors, US student leaders, Christian Zionists, Indian influencers, Iran’s opposition leader, and many more.
https://www.broaderview.org/visitors/
50,000 volunteers mobilized. Last week’s article about Lev Echad (One Heart – see here) supporting wounded IDF soldiers didn’t give the US charity enough credit. Since Oct 7, some 50,000 volunteers have run Israeli mental health hotlines; supported displaced Israeli families and reservists; distributed food, and much more.
https://www.israel21c.org/50000-volunteers-give-from-their-hearts-through-one-heart/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
An innovation hub in the Negev. Synergy7 is an innovation hub in Be’er Sheva, aimed at boosting both the area and the entire Israeli tech sector. The Israel Innovation Authority is providing NIS 100 million of funding and it is backed by Ben Gurion University, Clalit Healthcare, Elbit Systems, Dell, and the Merage Foundation.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/new-high-tech-hub-is-making-israels-desert-bloom-with-ingenuity/
A better water splitter. A detailed scientific paper describing the efficient method devised by Technion Prof Avner Rothchild and his team to split water into “green” hydrogen and oxygen. It involves using Bromine in the Decoupled Water Electrolysis (DWE) process. See here for Technion’s research into Hydrogen production.
https://www.israel21c.org/scientists-unlock-secret-of-producing-green-hydrogen/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-023-01767-y
Turn your Apple watch into a wrist camera. It took over seven years (see here previously) but Israeli-developed wristcam is a smart wristband that uniquely turns an Apple Watch into a camera capable of taking photos and recording video and audio, without relying on an accompanying phone.
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/smart-strap-turns-your-apple-watch-into-a-camera/
Protecting vulnerable websites. Israel’s MazeBolt has developed RADAR – a system that constantly checks a company’s websites and reports any vulnerabilities to DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. It performs a real attack on the webserver, but not disruptive enough to crash it. The server is then re-checked after fixing.
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/security-system-stops-hacker-attacks-before-they-happen/ https://mazebolt.com/
Keeping railways safe. Israel’s Rail System develops AI-based safety technology for railways. It has just received European certification for its Main Line system which uses 2km range vision sensors to assess risks and detect threats for the railway industry. Even in poor visibility, they can prevent deadly collisions.
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/israeli-rail-safety-company-secures-eu-certification/ https://railvision.io/
What a way to run a business. Israel’s Alignment Labs lost two of its 3 key employees who were called up to the IDF reserves. One was released, but only so he could donate a kidney to someone he didn’t know. So, they used their own developed product – Goni – to help them focus on priorities and keep their customers happy.
https://www.israel21c.org/how-can-a-startup-function-when-its-founders-go-to-war/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATtRpPlL3Jo
https://www.alignment-labs.com/
Ramon Space Conference. Another wow year. The 19th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference was introduced by Israel’s President Herzog. His message was “working together” for “the future of humanity”.
https://www.jns.org/space-diplomacy-builds-bridges-on-earth/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-X85xo2p-A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azoq20KQBSM
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Israel Resilience Fund progress report. Global venture investing platform OurCrowd presented progress of its Resilience Fund (see here previously) supporting war-impacted but high-potential Israeli startups. It has now invested in 22 startups - many building products to help win the war or have 50-100% of employees in the IDF.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/companies/israel-resilience-fund
Women-led startups in the south. Israeli NGO Yazamiyot (see here previously) and Arieli Capital held an event at Microsoft's offices in Be'er Sheva to discuss how to support female-led startups in the south. When partners are called up, women entrepreneurs often must manage both the home front and lead the startup.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1wwt6nq6 https://www.yazamiyot.com/
Finding the best employment for evacuees. The 710 West initiative, set-up by an all-women team, motivates and encourages evacuees of the western Negev to seek employment. Its personal and professional support helps them find the right fit of employer and suitable work, even though many are still displaced.
Smiling again. (TY Yanky) Oracle CEO Safra Catz, the US's top-earning female tech billionaire, granted every Oracle employee in Israel a bonus for the difficulties they are facing. During her week-long visit to Israel, she revealed that her husband said that on Oct 7 she stopped smiling. Only on arrival in Israel did she smile again.
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/h1xoj00zc6
$9.6 million BIRD Foundation grant. The Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation has granted $9.6 million to 10 joint projects. The Israeli companies are Celleste Bio, CENS Materials, Diptera.ai, Opmed.AI, Hypervision, Imagindairy, IAI, LahakX, Tissue Dynamics and Sheba hospital.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s13hssx56
Bringing cardiac ultrasound to Asia. Israel’s UltraSight (see here previously) has partnered with South Korean medical device manufacturer Selvas Healthcare to introduce the Israeli’s AI-powered cardiac ultrasound diagnosis system into the Asia market. It should help combat the increase of cardiovascular disease in Korea.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/korean-firm-bringing-israeli-ultrasound-software-to-local-market/
Satellite tech for US Defense. Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks (see here previously) has won a $10 million follow-on order from the US Department of Defense to supply more of its DKET 3421 terminals. Deploying in less than three hours, the DKET 3421 provides a satellite network hub anywhere in the world.
One financial app to rule them all. It’s not there yet, but Israel’s Sequence looks a very useful future platform to manage all personal finances in one place. Keep track of bank accounts, investments, credit cards, loans etc. Automate regular financial activities, reduce debts, get the best interest rates, control investment strategies etc.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/ryqmkuafp https://www.getsequence.io/
More investment. The $473 million startup investment funding in Jan 2024 was 75% higher than Jan 2023.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjh8ngy9p
Startup investment – to 11/2/24.; Ionix raised $42 million; Oobit raised $25 million; Sensos raised $20 million; Octup raised $4 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
The evolution of Israeli fashion. One of the upcoming Ezra lectures for English-Speaking Residents in Israel is an interactive journey through the history and future trends of Israeli fashion. Shenkar College graduate Ilan Dotan describes how fashion is connected to every milestone of Israel’s history. Feb 13 at 11am in Raanana.
https://esra.org.il/events-listing-view/details/2024-02-13/872-the-evolution-of-israeli-fashion-a-journey-through-history-and-future-trends.html https://esra.org.il/social-culture/activities-events.html
Winter sounds festival. (TY Yanky) Tel Aviv’s Cultural Centre hosts the Winter Sounds music festival in May. Over four days, live music performances will feature the cream of Israeli music, from classical and Mizrahi music to singer-songwriter tributes and jazz. https://www.jpost.com/must/article-784224
Swamp cat seen in Hula valley. An Israeli nature conservationist recorded a swamp cat (also known as a jungle cat, reed cat, or jungle lynx) in the Hula valley in Northern Israel. The swamp cat is one of the three remaining species of wildcats in Israel. Israel is the most westerly location for these animals.
https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-783109
We will bloom again. This year’s Darom Adom (Red South) festival, where Israelis visit the fields of red winter-blooming anemones that carpet the forests and fields, will be more muted that usual. But many events are to go ahead, such as the Anemone March, and the numerous opportunities to support local businesses.
https://www.habsor.co.il/?p=24599&lang=en https://www.habsor.co.il/?lang=en
Hot wheels. (TY Hazel) Israeli driver Ariel Levi won Round 2 of the Porsche Sprint Challenge Southern Europe Sport Division. See last few laps. Also (at 3mins 30secs) the Israeli National Anthem Hatikvah.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=223252000859435 https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/ariel-levi
Gold skier & kickboxers. Israeli skier Viktor Polinkovsky won the FIS Masters World Cup event (age category 60-64) in Slovenia. Israelis Yulia Sachkov and Deniz Serebyanikov won gold at the WAKO European kickboxing Athens Challenge. 12-year-old Karolina Chorny won the Kick Light European Championship.
https://www.instagram.com/followteamisrael/p/C2rKol6NuHU/?img_index=1
https://www.instagram.com/followteamisrael/p/C2p3Hv1tuMU/?img_index=1
https://www.instagram.com/followteamisrael/p/C2ojT2_tMmc/
Gold windsurfer & jujitsu judokas. (TY Hazel) Israeli windsurfer Sharon Kantor on Saturday won a gold medal at the iQFoil World Championships in Lanzarote and qualified for the Paris summer Olympics. Meanwhile, Israelis Guy Borstein and Tommy Buaron won gold medals at the Jujitsu Genoa Open.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-sharon-kantor-wins-gold-at-windsurfing-championships/
https://www.instagram.com/followteamisrael/p/C26vJXyNJ3E/?img_index=1
6,000 runners in the Dead Sea Marathon. Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz said the Dead Sea marathon “is a symbol of the willpower and the tremendous love of life of the State of Israel and its citizens. The Dead Sea is a wonderful natural phenomenon in the lowest place in the world. From here, you can only go up.”
https://www.jns.org/6000-run-in-dead-sea-marathon-amid-gaza-war/
https://www.israel21c.org/6000-runners-defy-adversity-in-5th-dead-sea-marathon/
THE JEWISH STATE
What to do after a gap year in Israel. Nearly 450 students came to the Nefesh B'Nefesh Aliyah Campus in Jerusalem to learn more about what life after their gap year can look like in Israel. With a total of 25 booths and 60 volunteers on hand, students learned about Sherut Leumi, army and higher education options.
https://www.herenextyearisrael.org/ https://www.nbn.org.il/jlm-higher-education/
Countering hostile Arab media. Since Oct. 7, Israeli political analyst and Arabic-speaker Idit Bar has engaged in intensive public diplomacy on BBC Arabic and social media. In the process, she has learned to gain support by emphasising common concerns (e.g., terrorism, Iran, fundamentalism, etc.) in the Arab world.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/to-stand-up-for-israel-mideast-expert-agrees-to-be-punching-bag-for-arab-media/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJxLd056sNA
The most consecutive rain days in 30 years. Israel has seen 14 straight days of rainfall in the north and south for the first time since February 1992. It is called a “rain of blessing” as the steady, persistent downpour allows rainwater to seep into the ground, enriching natural water sources without the damaging side effects of flooding.
Amulet found. IDF reservist Erez was hiking in Israel’s Nahal Tabor Nature Reserve during two days’ leave. He found a 2,800-year-old Assyrian scarab amulet at Tel Rekhesh, identified as the city of Anaharath in the book of Joshua. The Assyrians defeated the Kingdom of Israel but failed to conquer the Kingdom of Judea.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-hiker-finds-2800-year-old-scarab-amulet/
WW1 Jewish graves found in Gaza. (TY WIN) Soldiers in the IDF’s 188th Brigade were surprised to find stars of David on gravestones in a cemetery in the central Gaza town of Al-Maaziin. They were the graves of British Jewish soldiers who fell in 1917, in World War I, fighting the Ottomans in the Land of Israel.
https://www.jns.org/idf-soldiers-stumble-on-wwi-graveyard-in-gaza/
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/history-of-jewish-settlements-in-gaza
Argentine Embassy to move to Jerusalem. Argentina’s new President Javier Milei stepped off his plane on arrival in Israel and immediately announced that his country’s embassy would be relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He brought his personal Rabbi, visited Yad Vashem, and prayed at Jerusalem’s Western Wall.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-president-of-argentina-prays-at-the-western-wall/
240204
In the 4th Feb 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Kibbutz Be’eri re-opened its printing press 3 days after the Hamas attack.
· Thanks to Israeli tech, a totally paralyzed woman is “virtually” cured.
· The first Arab Israeli delegation to visit Auschwitz.
· Lab-cultivated coffee cuts water used in production by 98%.
· An Israeli startup delivers the world’s first fully electronic truck.
· Israelis win international gold medals in ice hockey and fencing.
· An embassy for indigenous people is to open in Jerusalem.
· Click here to see the 28th Jan newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours and IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, (TY Barbara) into Spanish here and (with Lital) into Hebrew here Also (TY Mireille) into French here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, Hebrew-speaking and French-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.
· 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 23,900 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Helping wounded soldiers recover. New York based NGO Belev Echad (With One Heart) supports wounded IDF soldiers, providing respite, rehabilitation, and emotional support. Volunteers who make hospital visits are mostly army veterans who were themselves wounded in battle and have been through the recovery process.
https://www.jns.org/soldiers-give-wounded-comrades-strength-during-road-to-recovery/ https://belevechad.nyc/
IDF recovers tractor stolen by Hamas. One of the videos that Hamas broadcast on Oct 7 was of a tractor that they stole from Kibbutz Nir Oz and drove through the streets of Khan Yunis. The IDF have since found the tractor, repaired it, and driven it out of the Gaza strip. It will return to work in a rebuilt Kibbutz Nir Oz.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-tractor-stolen-by-hamas-on-oct-7th-returned-by-idf/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2D0-ojOdXw
Christian group supports with visit and donation. A delegation from the Christian Passages group traveled to Netiv HaAsara and Kfar Aza in the Gaza Envelope - two of the hardest-hit communities on Oct. 7, to express their friendship. They gave a donation of $250,000 to help each community rebuild.
JNF-USA plants trees at ground zero. More than 100 Jewish National Fund-USA volunteers planted trees at Kibbutz Re'im, near the site of the infamous NOVA music festival during Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for trees. It was part of JNF-USA’s broader efforts to revitalize and renew the battered region.
https://www.jns.org/wire/planting-trees-at-israels-ground-zero/
He raised the flag he lowered 19 years ago. Zvi, an IDF reservist volunteer, lowered the last Israeli flag in Gaza when he was the last IDF soldier to leave in 2005. He kept that flag for 19 years and has now raised it again in Khan Younis. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/384042
Bar Mitzvah boy treats soldiers to dinner. Amichai Jackson, from Elazar in the Gush, canceled his Bar Mitzvah party and used the money to prepare a lavish dinner for 200 IDF soldiers. He wasn’t sad about missing his party, “When I saw the soldiers eating and enjoying themselves, that was 1,000 times more meaningful.”
https://thejewishvoice.com/2024/01/bar-mitzvah-boy-forgoes-party-treats-200-idf-soldiers-to-dinner/
Showing reality to overseas students. The Maccabee Task Force fights against Antisemitism on college campuses. It brought 40 US student leaders (Jewish and non-Jewish) to see wartime Israel for themselves and then use the knowledge gained to make a difference on campus when they return to the USA.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/allies-of-jewish-us-students-visit-israel-after-oct-7-and-come-back-armed-with-info/ https://www.maccabeetaskforce.org/
Kibbutz printing press reopened in 3 days. Kibbutz Be’eri was famous for having the largest printing press in Israel. Despite the devastating Hamas attack, by Oct 10 factory workers were back at work and within the week, President Isaac Herzog officially reopened the press in a special ceremony.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-768546
Displaced volunteer EMT is still working. United Hatzalah volunteer paramedic Vicky was evacuated from the upper Galilee to escape Hezbollah rockets. Now in a hotel in Tzfat she is the first responder for all residents, treating panic attacks, pneumonia, etc. She also co-ordinates doctors, insurance, incident training, and more.
We shall not be moved. (TY Hazel) The residents of Hurfeish, a Druze town of 7,000 in the Galilee just 1.5 miles from the Lebanese border, refused to be evacuated. As the commander of the first response team said, “We’ll fight to the end. Whoever tries to infiltrate or harm us or the State of Israel, we’ll stop them.”
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/community/articles/never-too-old-to-fight-druze-hamas-hezbollah
Amazing rescue. The remarkable story (could be a movie) of I24 News employee Noam, who was shot in his car on Oct 7 while his 9-month-pregant wife Noa was under attack in their Kibbutz Mefalsim. Noam was rescued by two men, both who were shot but survived. He woke up in hospital in time to hold his newborn son.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/survivor-testimonies/1706440683-what-could-a-movie-plot-becomes-an-october-7-miracle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr9zTn6egDM
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Partnering to develop solid tumor therapy. (TY OurCrowd) India’s Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is partnering Israel’s Edity Therapeutics (see here previously). They plan to build a platform for developing intracellular proteins to destroy solid tumors. https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=316507
“Locked in” woman can speak again. The Israel ALS Research Association IsrA.L.S. It has worked with Israel’s D-ID (see here previously) to develop a virtual avatar for Debbie, a woman with ALS who can only move her eye muscles. The AI technology recreated Debbie’s image, voice, facial and lip movements.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-783095 https://en.israls.org.il/
3D printer helps rebuild shattered leg. (TY Yehoshua) Doctors at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital used a 3D printer from Israel’s Stratasys to reconstruct the fractured knee of wounded IDF soldier Shilo Segev. The printer model identified a lack of upper thigh bone which surgeons rebuilt using bone from Shilo’s pelvis.
https://www.jpost.com/science/article-783484
A better world for animals. University of Haifa’s Tech4Animals lab (see here previously) is developing AI-powered analysis of video, sensor, and audio data to determine animals’ emotional states. Its most advanced project is Cat Reader, a mobile app for detecting cat pain – initially for veterinarians, and later for cat owners.
https://www.israel21c.org/unique-lab-uses-ai-to-make-a-better-world-for-animals/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35846-6
Israel’s first Advanced Therapies Award. Israel’s Bonus Biogroup (see here previously) is the first Israeli company ever to receive an Advanced Therapies Award, winning in the Cell Therapy Biotech Innovation category. Bonus Biotech has two products in advanced human trials – MesenCure and BonoFill.
https://www.israel21c.org/first-ever-israeli-win-in-advanced-therapies-award-event/
https://advancedtherapiesawards.phacilitate.com/winners/ https://advancedtherapiesawards.phacilitate.com/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
A home for graduates with disabilities. The "Line for Life" Association has completed a new NIS 6 million home for its graduates. Situated in Kibbutz HaGoshrim, it will house eight individuals aged 21+ who will integrate into the local community, study at Tel Hai College, and then work in the surrounding communities.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/real-estate/article-782506
Knights deliver rice to Israeli food charity. The order of the Knights of Malta (full title “Maltese Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem”) delivered 24 tons of rice to Leket Israel to support the people of Israel during the ongoing war. It was financed by Governor of the Nevada Commanderie David Flippo.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-782715
Israeli Arabs visit Auschwitz. It was a historic event when the first Arab Israeli delegation visited the Auschwitz death camp on Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day). Israel-Arab Yussef Haddad features on this special documentary of the emotional journey of dozens of Arab Israelis to Poland to learn about the Holocaust.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91OpBfO4_M4
Bedouin eco-village turns desert into oasis. Project Wadi Attir in the northern Negev (see here previously) aims to show the world that proper land stewardship and technologies can turn an unlivable place into an oasis. It opened an agricultural school in 2018, grows medicinal plants and produces health and skincare products.
https://www.israel21c.org/bedouin-culture-combined-with-modern-tech-blooms-the-desert/
Promoting Arab-Jewish unity. The non-profit Tsofen (see here previously) has launched a new campaign to promote unity among Jews and Arabs working in Israel’s high-tech sector. Its slogan is “working together - right now we are making a voice of partnership.” Startups Intuit, Hailo, and Sanofi have joined the campaign.
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/new-campaign-fosters-arab-jewish-unity-in-israels-high-tech-sector/
Helping protect ships in the Red Sea. This article mentions five Israeli startups that either are being used or could be used to help keep cargo ships safe from attack in the Gulf. Windward, and theDOCK hub startups WaveBL, Hoopo, ConboAI and DockTech. They all have previously been included in this newsletter.
https://www.israel21c.org/5-technologies-keeping-cargo-ships-safe-in-turbulent-times/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Distinguished service award. Tel Aviv University Professor Isaac Ben-Israel, former head of Israeli Space Agency, is the first Israeli to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). It is for his outstanding contribution to astronautics (space sciences) and to the IAF.
https://www.jpost.com/science/space/article-784076
Climate prizes. JNF-Canada, KKL-JNF and Startup Nation Central awarded their $1 million Breakthrough Climate Solutions Prize (CSP) to three Israeli projects: - two Technion professors (cyanobacteria in building), Tel Aviv University Prof Brian Rosen (green ammonia) and BGU Prof Menny Shalom (zinc-air batteries).
https://www.jns.org/1-million-climate-prize-awarded-to-three-israeli-research-projects/
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-783760
EVs to be powered by nuclear fusion energy. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s NT-Tao (see here previously) plans to use mini fusion power generation facilities as charging stations for electric vehicles. It aims to manufacture demonstration facilities by 2029 and to commercialize them in the 2030s.
Helping the US modernize its power grid. Israel’s Exodigo (see here previously) is working on the US Department of Energy’s GOPHURRS project to modernize America’s aging power grid using underground technologies. The US is also funding Exodigo to provide 3D maps of the country’s power lines.
https://nocamels.com/category/news-briefs/#post-126801
Hydrogen-powered drones just got more powerful. Since last featured (see here) in this newsletter, Israel’s Heven Drones has launched several new models of its hydrogen-powered drones. The early model flew for 100 minutes with a 7kg payload. Its new HD250 carries 10kg for up to 8 hours and can travel 466 miles.
https://www.israel21c.org/hydrogen-power-takes-drones-to-the-next-level/
New tech saves lives on the battlefield. Israel’s Ministry of Defense Directorate of Defense R&D (MAFAT) works with 200 startups plus universities to develop tech solutions to wartime challenges. New vehicles include remotely piloted troop carriers and bulldozers. New software includes AnyVision’s facial recognition system.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-innovative-systems-aid-israeli-ground-forces-in-gaza-1001467845
Cell-based cultivated coffee. Israeli biotech Pluri (previously Pluristem) has launched its cell-based coffee. It is estimated to cut water usage by 98% compared to traditional methods of production. Pluri plans to spin out its cell-based coffee as a new subsidiary focused on developing innovative products for the coffee industry.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-biotech-co-pluri-launches-cell-based-coffee-1001468609
Food-inspection system is now portable. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Neolithics (see here previously) has launched Neolithics Light. The portable, AI-powered, platform uses hyperspectral optics to automatically inspect fruits and vegetables for ripeness, nutrition levels, sweetness, and other indicators to eliminate waste.
https://www.food-safety.com/articles/9190-neolithics-lighttm-automated-fruit-inspection-platform-increases-accuracy-reduces-waste https://www.fruitnet.com/main-navigation/neolithics-launches-automated-fruit-inspection-platform/258085.article
Sustainable bags from fish skin. Israel’s Kornit Digital (see here previously) and Israeli design school Shenkar College, teamed up to create a way of transforming the waste into a useful everyday product – a handbag made from discarded salmon skin. The process used French maroquinerie leathercraft methodology.
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/fish-fashion-designers-make-sustainable-bags-from-salmon-skin/
Tomatoes that use less water. Researchers at Tel Aviv University used CRISPR gene editing to reduce the time that tomatoes transpire - open their stoma to photosynthesis - which also causes evaporation. Less evaporation means less water needed for irrigation.
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/tel-aviv-university-gene-tech-produces-tomatoes-using-less-water/
https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2309006120 https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/lp-en-plants
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Tech salaries up, inflation down. Israel's tech sector continued to expand in 2023 with salaries increasing by around 3%. Although exports of services fell generally, in the tech sector they increased by 1.6%. Meanwhile Israel’s inflation rate fell to 3% - within the Bank of Israel's target range, allowing it to cut interest rates.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-tech-salaries-in-israel-rose-in-2023-1001468626
https://www.timesofisrael.com/amid-ongoing-war-bank-of-israel-cuts-borrowing-costs-for-1st-time-since-april-2022/ https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-december-cpi-fell-as-inflation-drops-to-target-range-1001467828
Google’s AI startup lifeline. Google is launching a $4 million fund to provide a lifeline to around 20 cash-strapped Israeli startups developing artificial intelligence technologies. Google is also offering mentoring support to the selected startups to help with development, strategy, and marketing.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/google-creates-4-million-fund-to-provide-lifeline-to-israeli-ai-startups-during-war/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjsvn8cka
But most of the multinationals are fine. The top 10 largest multinationals (MNCs) including Intel, Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, HP, Applied Materials, IBM, Philips, & Apple, employ 37% of Israel’s workers. 60% of all MNCs said the war had minimal impact on their Israeli business, with 30% reporting limited impact.
El Al adds more US flights. El Al plans to add five weekly flights to Israel in the coming months. Two from Fort Lauderdale (pre-Passover); two to Los Angeles (to add to its current daily flights) and one more to Boston (to increase its schedule to four times a week). It will give El Al a total of 52 weekly flights to the US.
https://www.jns.org/el-al-to-add-five-weekly-flights-from-south-florida-los-angeles-boston/
Rescuing vessels in the UK and Israel. Israel’s Sealartec (see here previously) is now plain sailing since it rescued its first floundering boat in 2019. It secured its first UK - giant BAe and now its ALR (Autonomous Launch and Recovery) system is used by several UK and Israeli companies with a US launch in progress.
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/autonomous-boat-cradle-saves-stricken-vessels-in-stormy-seas/
Drive by wire truck goes commercial. The P7-C Electric Commercial truck from Israel’s REE (see here previously) is now being delivered to customers. It is the first fully “by-wire” (i.e. electronic, not mechanical) vehicle certified by the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Environmental Protection Agency.
https://www.israel21c.org/introducing-americas-first-x-by-wire-e-truck/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nMZTOK9n78
Keeping exotic mushrooms fresh. Israel’s StePac (see here previously) has customized its award-winning modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) films to preserve fresh whole exotic mushrooms, such as oyster, lion’s mane, shiitake, portabella and more. It slows deterioration and cuts waste of this highly perishable item.
Exits, takeovers, and mergers – to 4/2/24: Israel’s Minute Media has acquired North America’s STN Video for an estimated $150 million.
Startup investment – to 4/2/24. Oasis Security raised $35 million; Aim Security raised $10 million; Joyned raised $8 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Jerusalem’s streets are blooming. (TY Sharon) Tu b’Shevat – the Jewish New Year for Trees - is always a more colorful spectacle in Jerusalem where the climate encourages the almond trees to blossom.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/01/28/see-the-jerusalem-streets-for-tu-bishvat/
Tour Israel virtually. The Association for Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI) is beginning its 2nd series of insightful, yet fun, educational Mini Virtual Study Tours. The next one “Ancient Synagogues in Israel” is on Mon Feb 26, guided by Aliza Avshalom. To register, contact Jeff Rothenberg at: conted@aaci.org.il
https://aaci.org.il/virtual-study-tours-series-2/
Israel’s greatest ecological turnaround. The 1950s draining of Lake Hula was a huge environmental mistake. Now, a photo exhibit celebrates the 20th anniversary of the successful reversal of the damage. Agamon Hula’s success serves as inspiration for future conservation projects worldwide. (See live video cameras at 2nd link.)
https://www.israel21c.org/10-photos-of-israels-greatest-ecological-turnaround/
https://www.kkl-jnf.org/tourism-and-recreation/forests-and-parks/hula-lake-park/live_broadcast/
Wheelchair medalist. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Guy Sasson was runner up in the final of the Quad Wheelchair Singles at Australian Open 2024. Just watch what he says when he collects his trophy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4S-kYQjdKs&t=246s
A whitewash! The Israel Under-20 National Team was reinstated to the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division III Group A tournament in Bulgaria after being banned for security reasons. The Blue & White team took home the gold medal, winning all five of its matches and has been promoted to Division II Group B.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-784257
https://www.jns.org/israeli-hockey-wins-gold-at-u20-tourney-after-ban-reversed/
Hatikvah in Qatar. (TY Hazel) Israeli fencer Yuval Freilich won the gold medal at the Epee Grand Prix in Doha, Qatar. Amazing to hear the Israeli national anthem in wartime in a country that doesn’t recognize Israel.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/hatikva-in-qatar-israel-fencer-yuval-freilich-wins-gold-en-route-to-paris-olympics/amp/ https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=741068684628364
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29VBwJ5AB_0 https://twitter.com/Uber_Observer/status/1752759072821297599/video/1
THE JEWISH STATE
Masa program for young volunteers. The Jewish Agency’s Masa Israel Journey is bringing Diaspora Jews to Israel to volunteer for six weeks, to support the country's south and evacuees. 100 have already arrived and are cooking for soldiers, packaging food, working in logistical centers, in agriculture, and teaching English.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-782442 https://www.masaisrael.org/volunteer-israel/
Let’s talk. Nice article that combines Israelis caring for each other, messaging technology and transportation in Israel. A common experience in Israel, but quite rare overseas.
https://www.israel21c.org/tales-from-the-heart-the-night-i-met-francoise-on-a-train/
Indigenous embassy to open in Jerusalem. The Indigenous Coalition for Israel (ICFI) is opening an embassy in Jerusalem to recognize Jews as indigenous to Israel. ICFI includes Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawaii, Native Americans, Papua New Guinea, Samoa Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Taiwan, and Tonga,
https://www.jns.org/indigenous-coalition-for-israel-opening-embassy-in-jerusalem/#:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzcWvhcG0gs
240128
In the 28th Jan 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Many heartwarming stories about IDF soldiers.
· Israeli technology has reduced mortality in the IDF by 50%.
· Israel is the best Middle East country for Christians and Muslims.
· Israel leads the world in non-animal meat technology.
· Much evidence of Israel’s strong economy.
· A huge donation of Yemenite Jewish literary history.
· Archeologists unearth 2,500-year-old Jewish links to the Land of Israel.
· Click here to see the 14th Jan newsletter on IsraelSeen and Ruthfully Yours. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here. Also (TY Barbara Davis) into Spanish here, (TY Mireille Goodisman) into French here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking, 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 23,800 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Druze woman saved Jewish town. On Oct 7, Druze IDF Sgt Maj Iyyad Yousef captured two Hamas terrorists who invaded the Jewish town of Yated where he lived. His wife Nasreen then interrogated them in Arabic and extracted vital information that helped IDF forces to eliminate the threat to their town.
https://worldisraelnews.com/how-a-druze-woman-saved-her-jewish-town-on-october-7/
Foreign students maintain Gaza border dairies. (TY Hazel) Dairy farms near Israel’s Gaza border have been supplying milk uninterruptedly since the outbreak of the Oct 7 war thanks to a few staff that remained behind while most residents were evacuated. Among those who stayed are university students from Africa and Asia.
Good news from Bet Shemesh. (TY Yanky) Journalist Hanoch Daum offered to pay a Tel Aviv restaurant owner for the meals of the IDF soldiers sitting at a table. The owner replied, “you'll have to get in line, six other people have offered to do the same thing before you!" (more articles below)
https://www.shemesh.co.il/en/highlights/good-news-corner-11th-january-2024/about
Read all about it. Don’t miss these: A wallet lost in Gaza 10 years ago returned to its owner. A record 39,000 ADI organ donor cards were issued in 2023. 31,000 Jewish Israeli babies were born since Oct 7. Volunteers present soldiers with gift packages for them to give to their wives on returning from Gaza. And more…
https://www.shemesh.co.il/en/highlights/good-news-corner-11th-january-2024/about
In Gaza together, re-united in maternity ward. IDF reservists Eliya Rosen and Daniel Novogrotzky fought together for six weeks in Gaza. They were drafted on Oct 7, to join the same IDF unit. They were astonished to meet up again when they discovered that their wives were sharing a maternity room at the same hospital.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/383577
IFCJ donates $19 million in 100 days. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) provided $19 million in aid and assistance to thousands of Israelis in the first 100 days of the war with Hamas. IFCJ will continue to support evacuees and displaced war victims with basic needs and other essentials throughout 2024.
https://www.jns.org/wire/ifcj-provides-19-million-in-aid-in-first-100-days-of-war/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-782687
14 ambulances donated. North Carolina based Samaritan’s Purse has donated 14 new MDA ambulances to replace those destroyed by Hamas on Oct 7. In addition, the organization is donating seven armored ambulances to MDA, which are still in production and will be dedicated this spring.
https://www.jns.org/samaritans-purse-replaces-14-mda-ambulances-lost-on-oct-7/
Something is afoot. There are a great many happy feet in the IDF due to the thousands of pairs of US-certified military-grade boots being delivered each week. 10,000 pairs of boots have been distributed to Israeli soldiers, thanks to some $850,000 of donations, raised mainly from individuals in the US at private funding events.
Asylum seekers cook for IDF soldiers. Dozens of Eritrean migrant workers hosted hundreds of IDF soldiers serving on the border with Gaza to a festive barbecue dinner. The Christian Orthodox Eritreans self-funded the cost of all the steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, kebabs, and salads.
https://www.jns.org/eritrean-migrants-barbecue-for-israeli-soldiers-near-gaza-border/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Finland gives $1 million to MDA. (TY Hazel) The Finnish government is to donate $1 million to Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service. Finland’s ambassador to Israel Dr. Nina Nordström signed the agreement after she toured the MDA 101 Emergency Call Center in Kiryat Ono.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/finland-to-donate-1-million-to-magen-david-adom/
US approval for ultrasound software. Israel’s Techsomed Medical Technologies (see here previously) has received US FDA approval for its BioTraceIO groundbreaking ultrasound-based liver ablation software. It helps surgeons to see the real-time status of liver tumors while they use thermal ablation therapy to destroy them.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/techsomeds-biotrace-solution-achieves-de-novo-clearance-from-fda-as-the-first-ultrasound-based-software-for-tissue-response-prediction-in-liver-tumor-ablation-302028369.html https://nocamels.com/2024/01/israeli-company-gets-fda-clearance-for-liver-tumor-software/
A sensor to guide the endoscope. Israel’s SwiftDuct has developed a smart endoscope for navigating the complex and dangerous route needed to check the condition of the bile duct. 20% of the 2 million annual ERCP procedures cause damage to the nearby pancreatic duct. SwiftDuct’s sensor and guidewire solve this problem.
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/unique-sensor-offers-safe-solution-for-tricky-intestinal-procedure/
Boosting survival rates for wounded IDF soldiers. The current 6.7% mortality rate for wounded IDF personnel is half of that during the 2006 2nd Lebanon war. This can be attributed to faster evacuations, better protective equipment, and medical tech from Israeli founded companies such as Mazor Robots and Aidoc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaEdmYrNAO0
DNA sequencing to combat pathogens. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Sequentify (see here previously) was awarded a grant by the Israel Innovation Authority to help develop a targeted DNA sequencing panel for infectious disease research, focusing on pathogen diagnosis and antibiotic resistance surveillance.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Child-friendly bomb shelters. The central Israel city of Holon is often called the children’s city as it hosts a huge children’s museum complex, a children’s library, and kid-friendly story parks. The municipality has now employed artist Rinat Luk Elhaik to paint each of the city’s 23 public shelters in the style of a children’s book.
https://www.israel21c.org/this-is-how-bomb-shelters-look-in-israels-childrens-city/
More emergency interpreting services. (TY Yanky) A previous article (see here) mentioned the services provided by volunteers at Bar-Ilan University for non-Hebrew speakers. It links to the Bar-Ilan professional hotline for mental support 03 531 8811. BIU’s emergency interpretation service is *9392 extension 4.
https://www.biu.ac.il/en/article/23412 https://www.biu.ac.il/en/article/23379
Israel’s educated Christians. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics has just reported that 55.1% of Israel’s Arab Christians studied for a bachelor’s degree within eight years of graduating high school, compared to 34.6% of Arabs and 48.1% of all Israelis.
https://www.algemeiner.com/2024/01/15/israels-christian-community-booming-data-show/
My Life in Israel as an Arab Muslim. Sophia Khalifa tells her story. Please watch and forward this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkvaxLaIsG0
Winning Arab hearts and minds. Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee is head of the Arab Media Branch in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, tasked with refuting the lies of Al Jazeera and other Hamas supporters. His deputy is Major Ella Waweya (see here previously) – a Muslim woman, known as “Captain Ella”, even after promotion.
https://www.jns.org/how-the-idf-spokesperson-in-arabic-wins-hearts-and-minds/
Indian journalists, including Muslims from Kashmir, tour Israel. (TY WIN) Israeli NGO Sharaka (Partnership) brought a delegation of Indian journalists and social-media influencers, to tour Israel in the wake of Oct. 7 and the current war. It included three Muslim writers and an Afghan journalist living in Germany.
https://www.jns.org/indian-journalists-including-muslims-from-kashmir-tour-israel/
We know who our friends are. (TY Hazel) Czech President Petr Pavel assured his Israel’s President Herzog that his country stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish state in its battle to defeat Hamas. “You can always rely on the Czech Republic,” Pavel told Herzog when they met at the President’s residence in Jerusalem.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-782289
A good time to be in Israel. Superb support messages from Oracle’a CEO Safra Catz. “America in particular loves a winner. And Israel is a winner”. Oracle put ‘We stand with Israel’ on global websites in the local language to publicize how important Israel is and what the difference is between good and evil.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hklfqi7kt
Ride for Freedom. Tens of thousands of cyclists around the world responded to Israel-Premier Tech cycling team owner Sylvan Adams’s call to join the ride in over 40 cities across the globe to mark 100 days in captivity for the hostages of Hamas. https://www.jns.org/ride-for-freedom-marks-100-days-of-our-people-in-captivity/
UAE opens Israeli AI/IR R&D center. (TY Yanky) Despite the war, the United Arab Emirates is to open a Haifa center for research into Artificial Intelligence and Information Retrieval. It will be the Israeli arm of the UAE’s the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) that invented the Falcon Open Source Large Language Model.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1rklvfut https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/h13tjctua
Securing friendly Gulf states. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Perception Point (see here previously) has partnered Dubai-based Securenet FZC to protect Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from online attacks.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Returning to space. Israel Space Week (see here previously) is making its return from Jan 28 to Feb 2, with special events held for Israeli evacuees and for IDF reservists. Conferences will feature leading Israel's space professionals, such as Israel's 2nd astronaut Eytan Stibbe, plus space agencies of Italy, France, and Azerbaijan.
https://www.jpost.com/science/space/article-783201 https://www.space.gov.il/special-event/285
Cleantech 100 companies. International research and consulting company Cleantech Group has issued its 15th annual Global Cleantech 100 list. It included Israel’s BeeHero (see here previously) in the Agriculture & Food category. Israel’s Copprint (see here previously) was cited in the Materials & Chemicals category.
https://www.israel21c.org/beehero-copprint-make-the-cleantech-global-top-100/
From the Battleground to the Showground. The IDF gave permission to the founders of several Israeli tech startups to fly on a specially chartered El Al plane to CES 2024 in Nevada to demonstrate their innovative products to the world. Visionary.ai CEO Oren Debbi will return to IDF helicopter rescues in Gaza next week.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1ge8ba00a
Eldercare robot gets AI upgrade. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Intuition Robotics (see here previously) has just launched ElliQ 3 – the generative AI version of its ElliQ companion robot desk lamp. The company notes, “Now users can discuss a virtually infinite number of topics in a more natural and detailed manner with ElliQ.”
https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/09/elliq-ces/
Israel’s cultured meat is a “Game” changer”. (TY UWI) In a landmark event, Israel has approved Israel’s Aleph Foods to sell its cultured (kosher / parve) beef to the public. (The USA and Singapore previously only approved cultivated chicken.) Aleph Farms hopes to roll out its Black Angus Petit Steak later this year.
https://www.jns.org/israel-gives-worlds-first-regulatory-approval-to-cultivated-beef/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkm3zsst6
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-783204 (the “game” changer article)
Boosting cultivated meat production. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s ProFuse Technology has launched ProFuse -S1 - a supplement that accelerates muscle cell development in the cultivated meat industry. In the future it could also benefit the rehabilitation of human muscle cells.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
NIS 1.2 billion to support hi-tech. Israel’s latest aid for startups includes a huge fund to invest in deep tech breakthrough scientific developments. It ranges from 50% of a pre-seed round to NIS 50 million for series A rounds. Startups with women, Haredi, or Arab entrepreneurs, or from the periphery will receive 10% more.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1cnkrput
Not a bad year. The IVC-LeumiTech Israeli Tech Review 2023 has just been published. In summary, considering that Israel is at war, the Israeli tech ecosystem kept going well. High-tech capital raising was stable; foreign investors were not scared by the war and increased their share of funding over local investment.
https://www.ivc-online.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=d0tSSB_wMH8%3d
Vote of confidence in Israel’s economy in the face of war. Very positive assessment by Ambassador Yoram Ettinger. A low debt to GDP ratio; high foreign exchange reserves; He even quotes a positive article in the New York Times. And that according to Intel’s CEO: “The Israeli people are the most resilient people on earth”.
https://theettingerreport.com/vote-of-confidence-in-israels-economy-in-the-face-of-war/
$250 million for early growth. Israel’s Red Dot Capital Partners (see here previously) has completed the funding of its third Israeli fund. It has over $200 million to invest in early-growth startups working across the Israeli tech industry sectors, including enterprise software, fintech and cybersecurity.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s114aojka
$120 million fund for deep tech. Israeli-European venture capital firm Cardumen Capital has raised $120 million for its second deep tech fund to invest in early-stage Israeli startups. The Israeli-European VC will select companies in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, big data, and information technologies.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkcejrbta
J.P Morgan expands its Israeli tech center. Global financial services firm J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. is reaffirming its commitment to Israel with the expansion of its Israel Tech Center in Herzliya, home to its risk and trade management platform Athena.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hk4lupsfa
Indian workers seek jobs in Israel. (TY Ted) Thousands queued in India’s northern state of Harayana during a recruitment drive to send workers to Israel, where there is a shortage of labor. Masons, painters, electricians, plumbers and some farmers can earn five times more than in India where 17% of under 29s are unemployed.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1b19yvft
An island desalination plant. (TY Dr Salem) Israel is helping India establish a desalination plant in Lakshadweep – a group of islands off the Southwest tip of India.
https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/israel-to-begin-desalination-program-in-lakshadweep-today-what-it-means-124010900370_1.html https://viswagyan.com/israel-to-open-desalination-plant-in-lakshadweep/
Be the President of your field. (TY OurCrowd). Very clever new marketing video from Israel’s CropX (see here previously). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JZtaANYVOk
Exits, takeovers, and mergers – to 28/1/24: Israel’s Snyk is acquiring Israel’s Helios.dev for several tens of millions of dollars.
Startup investment – to 28/1/24. Silverfort raised $116 million; Bluewhite Robotics raised $39 million; Vicarius raised $30 million; Xyte raised $20 million; SeeTree raised $17.5 million; Cyabra raised $5.7 million; Sequence raised $5.5 million; Prompt Security raised $5 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
45,000 Yemenite manuscripts. The family of the late Yemenite Jew Yehuda Levi Nahum (1915-1998) has donated his entire collection to Israel’s National Library. Over 60 years, Nahum assembled some 45,000 Yemenite-Jewish manuscripts plus 15,000 Hebrew fragments including renditions of works by Maimonides.
https://www.jns.org/jerusalem-library-gets-45000-jewish-manuscripts-from-yemen/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/kimhi-wears-crown/articleshow/106849067.cms
First Israeli medal at European Track Championships. (TY Hazel) Michael Yakovlev is the first Israeli cyclist to win a medal at the European Championships. He won bronze in the sprint race and dedicated the medal (see here) “to the abductees who have been in captivity for 100 days. I am proud to raise the Israeli flag."
https://twitter.com/IsraelPremTech/status/1746275247735603505
THE JEWISH STATE
Kingdom of Judah coin unearthed. (TY WIN) An extremely rare silver coin was recently discovered during an excavation in Israel’s Judean Hills. It is around 2,500 years old (6th–5th centuries BCE) and was found whilst excavating a First Temple period building. Archeologists also discovered a shekel measuring weight.
https://www.jns.org/unearthed-2500-year-old-silver-coin-from-kingdom-of-judah/
Help reveal the Jerusalem Stone. What is the secret that lies beneath the Jerusalem Stone underneath the Dome of the Rock? Help make this ground-shattering movie that explains what is currently happening in the world. Please watch the trailer and then consider becoming part of history as one of the movie’s sponsors.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-jerusalem-stone#/
Internship opportunities. ISRAEL21c is cultivating the next generation of digital communication experts who want the world to know the truth about life in Israel. College students aged 18-25 can create innovative social media content that shares the positive stories of Israel. Non-political impactful storytelling to the world.
https://www.israel21c.org/digitalambassador/ link for applications
Keeping Shabbat for Israeli soldiers. The organization Shabbat 4 Soldiers asks US families that normally don’t observe Shabbat, to keep it on behalf of an IDF soldier on active duty who normally keeps it but currently cannot. In its first month, 85 families have kept Shabbat for the first time, and more are joining each week.
https://www.jns.org/those-who-can-keeping-the-day-for-those-who-cant-shabbat-4-soldiers/
https://www.shabbat4soldiers.com/
A synagogue in Khan Yunis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9HE6a5ebtc
240114
In the 14th Jan 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· The saying, “an army marches on its stomach”, is true.
· The IDF retrieves “lost” property in Gaza.
· Two more award-winning Israeli medical devices.
· Israel’s Walter Bingham is 100 – the world’s oldest working journalist.
· Israeli volunteers are helping survivors of Japan’s recent earthquake.
· Another Israeli no-cow milk gets US approval.
· Israel’s economy is strong, even in a war.
· Woman born in Jerusalem hospital has first baby of 2024 in same hospital.
· Click here to see the 7th Jan newsletter on IsraelSeen and Ruthfully Yours. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here. Also (TY Barbara Davis) into Spanish here, (TY Mireille Goodisman) into French here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking, 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 23,800 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
US charity provides $7 million in supplies. (TY UWI) US non-profit Operation Israel has provided more than $7 million worth of supplies, medical equipment, and protective gear to IDF soldiers since Oct 7. 10,000 soldiers with a total of more than 50,000 items, including ceramic vests, ballistic goggles, and tactical gear.
https://www.jns.org/3pm-us-based-volunteers-helping-to-equip-idf-fighters/ https://www.operationisrael.org/
https://www.livenowfox.com/video/1382593 https://www.operationisrael.org/donate
Free food for troops. (TY Yanky) Anyone in uniform can get a free pizza at Jerusalem’s La Piedra - the only Israeli pizzeria in the World’s Top 50 Pizza Guide. Also, free food (monthly) at Muffin Boutique; Friday buffet to lone soldiers at Piccolino; at Aroma Beit Kama soldiers eat free; and Hamal Hamatok (the sweet war room).
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-779932
Italian Jewish leader cooks for the IDF. (TY UWI & I24 News) Italian Jewish leader Riccardo Pacifici, the Vice President of the European Jewish Association, cooked for soldiers in Israel's southern city of Sderot. He cooked pasta, sauces, and other foods to lift the spirits and hearts above the conflict.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbWqsCY47qk
Special delivery. At the IDF’s Emergency Logistics warehouse in Ramla, young soldiers of the “Special In Uniform” program join regular recruits to pack food and clothing, and prepare equipment to be delivered to IDF units across Israel. Their enthusiasm, diligence, and resilience contribute to a unique, positive atmosphere.
https://www.jns.org/soldiers-with-disabilities-contribute-to-israels-war-effort/
Operation Suitcase. (TY Yanky) Several members of UK’s Sussex Jewish Representative Council have just completed Operation Suitcase. They visited Israel with 13 suitcases, ten with supplies for the army units they visited, two with chocolate for children, and one filled with black wool for knitting woolly hats for soldiers.
https://www.thejc.com/community/sussex-group-extends-solidarity-to-israel-i0o3tekv
Kibbutz closed but the factory is open. Kibbutz Sasa near the Lebanese border has been evacuated to protect residents from Hezbollah attacks. But employees of the Plasan armor factory inside the Kibbutz are working around the clock producing body armor plates for bulletproof vests and bolt-on armor kits for military vehicles.
Green energy kept cellular networks running. The Oct 7 fighting crashed the Gaza border electricity grid and disrupted mobile communications. But networks supported by Israel’s Phinergy (see here previously) based on innovative “green” aluminum-air technology, kept going, providing essential connectivity.
Wounded soldier is treated at father’s hospital. Dr. Roni Eichel, head of neurology at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, was relieved when one of his IDF soldier sons woke up in SZMC’s intensive care unit. A bullet / shrapnel penetrated his ceramic vest but stopped short of the thorax and any permanent disability.
https://www.jns.org/a-wounded-soldier-ended-up-being-treated-at-his-fathers-hospital/
Book of Psalms found in Gaza. IDF soldiers have found a Book of Psalms dated 1986 in the home of a Hamas terrorist in Jabalia, Gaza. It contains a personal dedication to an Israeli Shmuel Goldring. The sender has been identified but at the time of writing, the recipient has not.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-soldiers-find-hebrew-book-of-psalms-in-gaza-home/
IDF soldier finds reporter’s house sign in Gaza. 19 years after Amiel Yarchi was evacuated from his home in Netzarim during the 2005 disengagement from the Gaza Strip, IDF soldiers in Gaza retrieved the name plaque that was on his house. Amiel reported the find on the Kipa News site that he works for. See the photos.
https://www.jns.org/19-years-on-idf-soldier-finds-gush-katif-evacuees-house-sign-in-gaza/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
A new way to treat Sleeping Sickness. Scientists at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have been able to destroy the genetic code of the trypanosome parasite that the tsetse fly infects with, to cause trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). It opens the way for development of RNA-based therapies to prevent transmission of the disease.
https://www.israel21c.org/scientists-discover-new-way-to-tackle-sleeping-sickness/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43263-6
Battlefield medic simulation training. IDF medics have been receiving training using computer-controlled, anatomically correct, mannequins to learn key lifesaving procedures for use on the front lines. The Israel Center for Medical Simulation (MSR) based at Sheba Medical Center also trains civilian and overseas medics.
Medicare pays for ReWalk exoskeleton. Medicare Administrative Contractor Noridian Healthcare Solutions has paid the first ever claim by an eligible Medicare patient for a personal exoskeleton from Israel’s ReWalk. ReWalk is now an authorized medically necessary device when prescribed for a patient with spinal cord injury.
Award for pressure sores detection. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s IR-MED (see here previously) has been awarded the “Most Innovative Non-Invasive Diagnostics Technology Developer 2023 – Israel” by UK-based Corporate Vision Magazine for the company’s PressureSafe device and technology platform.
https://www.ir-medical.com/about-us/#Awards https://www.corporatevision-news.com/winners/ir-med/
PTSD device is Best Startup. Israel’s GrayMatters (see here previously) was named the Prix Galien USA Best Startup 2023 winner. Its technology uses an EEG headset device to read biomarker activity in the amygdala. AI software, including an Avatar, relaxes the part of the brain which is overactive in people suffering from PTSD.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-startup-graymatters-treats-ptsd-with-avatars-1001463926
EMT volunteer saves her own niece., United Hatzalah volunteer Adele had just left her mother’s Rehovot home when she was alerted that her niece was choking back at her mother’s apartment. She quickly returned and used Heimlich thrusts, plus back slaps to clear trapped food from her niece’s mouth.
https://israelrescue.org/stories/a-family-emergency-emt-saves-her-own-niece-from-choking/
The effect of missing genes. Williams syndrome is caused by 25 missing genes. Tel Aviv researchers have discovered the function of one of the deleted genes - Gtf2i. Its absence impairs the production and regulation of mitochondrial organelles in the brain’s neurons. Impacts include dental, cardiovascular, and visual problems,
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-781703
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Happy birthday Walter. Walter Bingham, the world's oldest working journalist, has just celebrated his 100th birthday in Jerusalem. He escaped Nazi Germany in 1939 via Kindertransport, joined the British Army, and made Aliyah in 2003. He still hosts a weekly news program on Israel News Talk Radio.
https://www.jns.org/kindertransport-survivor-celebrates-100th-birthday-in-jerusalem/
https://israelnewstalkradio.com/category/walter-bingham/
20 Israeli heroines. KKL-JNF has inaugurated the “Path of Heroines,” planting trees at the entrance of Ofakim Park in honor of 20 Israeli women who put their lives at risk to save others on Oct 7. Of the terrorists, Ofakim mayor Danino said, “Wherever they sought to bring death, we will create the foundation for a better life”.
https://www.jns.org/jnf-honors-20-israeli-women-for-their-bravery-on-oct-7/
Filipino carers help Israeli farmers. Many thousands of elderly Israelis employ carers from the Philippines. Nearly all have a rest day on the Jewish Shabbat, but many now volunteer to spend their free Saturday working for those short-staffed Israeli farmers missing reservists in the IDF and foreign workers who have gone home.
https://www.israel21c.org/filipino-caregivers-spend-saturdays-aiding-israeli-farms/
Welcome. Recent visitors to Israel included 29 University of Pennsylvania faculty members on a 3-day solidarity visit. Also, US data-analysis software giant Palantir Technologies is holding the firm’s first board meeting of 2024 in Tel Aviv, to show solidarity with Israel.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-palantir-ceo-flies-company-board-to-israel-in-show-of-solidarity/
Aid for Japan. It’s hard to believe, but in the middle of a war, an Israeli NGO has managed to devote resources to help the victims of the Jan 1st earthquake and tsunami that hit central Japan. Two SmartAID members in Japan at that time worked to provide phone and Internet access and off-grid electricity to victims and medics.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-ngo-sends-aid-to-earthquake-struck-japan/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Israeli startups at CES. Despite the war, several Israeli startups will be exhibiting at CES Las Vegas this year. Inside the Israeli pavilion will be Arti, Carteav, CorrActions, EZinGrow (smart plant pot), Hailo, Iromascents, Nimble Beauty, Resight.io, Visionary.ai, & Visual Layer. Outside - Nuancehear & Foretellix.
https://www.israel21c.org/10-israeli-companies-to-watch-at-ces-2024/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPvSBLnxZ2I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9O9m1lJ600
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWNH2QTRtq8 https://en.ezingrow.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNxoeSSbnPY
No question it’s cow-free milk. Israel’s Imagindairy (see here previously) has received a “no questions letter” clearance from the US FDA. It confirms that Imagindairy’s animal-free proteins can be safely used in the production of dairy duplicates, like milk and cheeses. (Israel’s ReMilk has already obtained FDA approval.)
Get ready to learn. Israel’s academic school year opens on Sun 14 Jan. A special program was launched at Israel’s Technion Institute that will facilitate and assist all students, and especially the reserve officers, to return to routine as easily as possible. https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2023/12/back-on-track/
Award-winning 3D printing. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Stratasys (see here previously) earned the 3D Printing Industry Award, in the Medical, Dental or Healthcare Application category. Stratasys’ portfolio of three PolyJet printers beat out nine other nominees for substantial market growth.
https://investors.stratasys.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/873/stratasys-wins-coveted-3d-printing-industry-award https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220158018/en/
Taking orders for the e-trike. Israeli-founded Revoltz has launched the pre-order of its PORTO e-trike urban delivery vehicle. The electric vehicle (EV) is capable of long-range deliveries and a full day’s work on one charge, offering a similar storage capacity to the boot of a small hatchback car.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/01/04/2803856/0/en/Revoltz-Opens-for-Pre-Orders-of-its-Revolutionary-Micro-Mobility-EV.html https://revoltzev.com/ https://revoltzev.com/porto/
No workers, so use robots. Even before the war, Kibbutz Alumim near Gaza had a chronic labor shortage. Then Hamas killed many kibbutzniks and destroyed all its greenhouses. Kibbutz Be’eri suffered even worse but still had a greenhouse. Now both have a joint plan to install robots from Israel’s MetoMotion.
https://www.israel21c.org/farmers-develop-robotic-greenhouse-to-solve-chronic-labor-shortages/
https://israelactive.com/?s=MetoMotion+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzrSz8JnGDk
19% increase in pistachio yield. Between April 2022 and April 2023, Israel’s Edete (see here previously) pollinated 500 acres of pistachios in Bakersfield, Calif., for one of the largest growers in the US. Edete achieved a 19% increase in yield on two sites, equating to an estimated additional contribution of $1,000-$1,300 per acre.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-781629
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Average wage jumps by 10%. According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, the average monthly Israeli wage in in Nov 2023 was NIS 12,651 gross, 10% higher than in Nov 2022 and well ahead of inflation. Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron was upbeat on the economy after cutting the BoI interest rate by 0.25% to 4.5%,
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-average-wage-jumps-1001467110
$9 billion for army reservists. Israel has announced assistance plan for those serving in the army reserves with an annual cost of NIS 9 billion. It includes grants and payments to combat and non-combat soldiers and family members; compensation for business recovery & lost profits; vacation & maternity leave grants.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-govt-unveils-nis-9b-aid-package-for-army-reservists-1001466269
Foreign exchange reserves. Israel's foreign exchange reserves rose by $6.468 billion in Dec 23 to end the year at $204.367 billion, close to record levels. The value of the Shekel has risen, despite an expectation that the Shekel would depreciate due to the war and signifies global confidence in Israel’s economy.
https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/israel/foreign-exchange-reserves
https://boi.org.il/en/communication-and-publications/press-releases/b07-12-23/
Energy independent. Mathios Rigas, CEO of energy company Energean, reminded delegates at the Israel Business Conference that Israel is the only energy independent Mediterranean country. Europe relied on Russia and could suffer another fuel price crisis in a cold winter. Israel’s energy prices are stable, even during a war.
More airlines to resume flights. Air France, Bulgaria Air, Lot (Poland), Blue Bird (Czech Republic), Vueling (Spain), Transavia (France) and TUS (Cyprus) have all announced they are resuming flights to Israel this month. Luftansa, Swiss and Austrian airlines have already resumed.
Securing Chinese cars. Israel’s C2A security (see here previously) is a strategic partner for Chinese software company ThunderSoft and will contribute to ThunderSoft’s new vehicle operation system - Dishui. All vehicle manufacturers must include cybersecurity provisions in their new and old vehicles from 2024.
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/israeli-firm-providing-cybersecurity-for-chinese-car-operating-system/
14 subsidiaries in 100 countries. (TY Yanky) Israel’s Haifa Group (see here previously) has been expanding its sustainable agricultural technology business across the planet. It is also developing new seeds at Aaronsohn Farm in Atlit where agronomist and Nili founder Aaron Aaronsohn re-discovered the original wild wheat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z2T175legY https://www.haifa-group.com/haifa-grows
https://www.haifa-group.com/haifas-rd-center https://www.haifa-group.com/haifa-blog/i-saw-happy-growers
Digital bank expands into Europe. Israel’s digital bank One Zero (previously First Digital Bank – see here) is expanding its reach to Italy. Calcalist reports that it is poised to sign an agreement with Italian bank Generali.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkhuyboop
Exits, takeovers, and mergers – to 14/1/24: Global diagnostics company Veracyte is acquiring Israeli cancer care startup C2i Genomics for $70 – 95 million. US company Delinea has acquired Israeli cybersecurity Authomize for “several tens of million dollars”.
Startup investment – to 14/1/24. Anecdotes raised $25 million; DigitalOwl raised $12 million; Ask-AI raised $11 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Chaim Herzog Museum. The Chaim Herzog Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War Two in Latrun honors the 1.5 million Jewish men and women who were recruited into or volunteered for the armed forces of the Allies, the Partisans, and the resistance movements. Some 250,000 Jewish soldiers gave their lives in WW2.
https://www.jns.org/all-roads-lead-to-israel/
https://yadchaimherzog.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Bro-Museum-Anglo-Web.pdf
Exploring Israeli history – for the young. Ofek’s “Israel 101 - A Journey Through Time and Heritage” is a dive into the captivating narrative of Israel's rich history. It will provide children and teens with a profound Jewish history education, fostering a deep connection to their heritage, Israel, and identity.
https://www.ofekhub.org/courses/prep-course-for-college-antisemitism-and-jewish-history/
https://www.ofekhub.org/israel101/ https://www.ofekhub.org/courses/israel-101-course-7th-8th-grade/
https://www.ofekhub.org/courses/israel-101-course-4th-5th-grade/
Viet Taam is on eLuna. My favorite Netanya restaurant is now featured on my favorite Israeli kosher on-line restaurant site. Owned by Naomi and Rabbi Asher Fettman – members of my local McDonald’s (yes!) synagogue. The restaurant is in a garden setting and specializes in meat and vegetarian dishes from Vietnam.
https://www.eluna.com/rest/VietTaam.asp?mumu=1219&name=Viet+Taam
The founding faces of Machane Yehuda. To celebrate the centenary of the famous Jerusalem Machane Yehuda street market, artist Solomon Souza completed his 8-year project of shutter portraits with many of those responsible for establishing and expanding the market over the century..
https://www.israel21c.org/street-artist-celebrates-founding-faces-of-jerusalem-market/
THE JEWISH STATE
The first baby of 2024. Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek medical center had a record 1,856 babies delivered in Dec due to many expectant mothers evacuated to Jerusalem. Shira ben Yitzhak was born at Shaare Zedek 26 years ago. She also worked there during her national service year. Shira gave birth to the hospital’s first baby of 2024.
https://www.israel21c.org/jerusalem-hospitals-report-record-number-of-births/
Volunteer tours. Here is one company that organizes packages for those wanting to combine a visit to Israel with a couple of days experiencing what it is like to help those in need. And one US couple made good on a 50-year promise to volunteer to help Israeli farmers during a war. Their trip was arranged by JNF-USA.
https://www.touristisrael.com/tours/the-israel-volunteer-experience-10-days/
https://www.jns.org/making-good-on-a-50-year-promise-to-israel/
I’m not religious, but… Secular Israeli actor Guri Alfi says he is not becoming religious, but since Oct 7 he wants “to go to synagogue, to learn Talmud, to put on tefillin”. In the Jewish State, that’s not a problem!
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/383158
Send a teen to Israel. The Alexander Muss High School in Israel has information on its Spring and Fall semesters. Spend four exciting months digging deep into the history, culture, language, and geology of Israel, while keeping up with your coursework from home. Also learn about summer programs.
https://www.amhsi.org/information-sessions
Prayer for the IDF. A beautiful rendition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL-yEVU18Cc
240107
In the 7th Jan 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Tears were shed when parents met with their lone soldier children.
· Israel’s Phoenix Battalion of reconditioned tanks goes into action.
· An Israeli device can prevent delirium in immobilized ICU patients.
· An all-female IDF unit operates drones to protect soldiers.
· Volunteers make thousands of devices to re-charge IDF equipment.
· New innovation centers will encourage hi-tech nationwide.
· Two rare birds spotted wintering in Israel.
· The youngest and oldest new Israelis.
· Click here to see the 31st Dec newsletter on IsraelSeen, Ruthfully Yours plus great comments; and IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here. Also (TY Barbara Davis) into Spanish here, (TY Mireille Goodisman) into French here. Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking, 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 at 23,750 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
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
More heroes of Oct 7. (TY UWI) Brothers Daniel and Neria Sharabi, saved dozens of lives at the Supernova music festival on Oct 7 by providing fire cover for escapees with weapons they found in a tank, while receiving instructions over the phone from an IDF officer. They also treated the wounded who were hiding with them.
Operation Hug. Some very emotional scenes as Nefesh b’Nefesh flies out parents to Israel to greet their lone soldier children serving in combat units. There is no guarantee that the IDF will release the soldiers to meet up with their parents but just see the reaction when they do! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw8T6_lfvTk
https://www.nbn.org.il/operation-hug/ https://twitter.com/i/status/1740680579639882126
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-french-lone-soldier-reunites-with-family-after-9-months/
Support for parents of IDF soldiers. Parents Beyachad is a worldwide group of parents of IDF soldiers. They have enlisted famous personalities to record 60+ video messages of support.
https://www.jns.org/wire/video-messages-provide-support-to-parents-of-idf-soldiers/
https://www.parentsbeyachad.org/
Word of the Year – Resilience. Israel21c’s Word of the Year for 2023 is Resilience. Israeli NGO Eran defines it as “the ability to enlist internal resources such as flexible thinking, creativity and a willingness to receive help, together with external resources, in order to overcome the challenges and obstacles that always face us.”
https://www.israel21c.org/israels-word-of-the-year-for-2023-is-resilience/ https://en.eran.org.il/
Showers, tailor, laundry, beds. Not a John le Carre book, but some of the innovative mobile services that Israelis have developed to provide IDF soldiers with basic necessities. Thanks to Brothers and Sisters for Israel, (see here) the NGO Restart (see here), Rabbi Shai Graucher (see here), and Bentov Ellipsis.
https://nocamels.com/2023/12/beds-baths-beyond-israelis-get-creative-to-support-the-troops/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPIQpTKUg1k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eTya3ufLZo
https://www.bentov.net/ https://vimeo.com/882815262
The spirit of wounded soldiers. These brave soldiers send out such positive inspirational messages.
https://www.jns.org/a-rare-glimpse-into-the-recovery-of-wounded-soldiers/
Just see what Israelis can recycle. IDF reservist Dan Levit is VP of R&D at Israel’s U-Tron Parking. He assembled a team to rehabilitate 24 decommissioned IDF tanks and then trained volunteers to operate them. The appropriately named “Phoenix” tank battalion is already seeing action in Gaza. And the IDF wants more.
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Cure for Peripheral Artery Disease sounds good. Israel’s NovaPulse has developed a “virtual” stent that opens blocked arteries in the legs. The implant sits just under the skin on the leg; when the patient moves, they generate ultrasound waves that dilate the implant, allowing oxygenated blood to flow from the heart.
https://nocamels.com/2023/12/virtual-stent-uses-sound-waves-to-open-blocked-leg-arteries/
Nitric Oxide for cancer. Israel’s Beyond Air (see here previously) has partnered with US-based Beyond Cancer to produce a form of immunotherapy for solid tumors known as ultra-high concentration nitric oxide (UNO). The ultra-high concentration of UNO is undergoing Phase 1 human trials.
https://nocamels.com/category/news-briefs/#post-126279
Restoring sanity in the ICU. Two Israeli hospitals (Beilinson and Assuta Ashdod) are trialing the innovative communication headset for locked-in patients developed by Israel’s EyeControl (see here previously). They want to see if it can reduce the incidences of delirium (nightmares & hallucinations) in ICU patients.
Computer games can lift depression. Neuroscientist Prof. Moshe Bar co-founded Israel’s Hedonia and created the computer game Mood Bloom to reduce negative feelings. It is based on a therapy called Facilitating Thought Progression (FTP) in which mini games require the player to focus less on circular thoughts.
https://nocamels.com/2023/12/hedonia-mood-bloomanxiety-depression-mobile-app/
Rehabilitating wounded soldiers. More on the Kemtai AI-powered virtual physiotherapist (see here previously) that Israel’s medical institutions and organizations are using to help get wounded IDF service people on the journey back to health. https://vimeo.com/707320029
https://nocamels.com/2024/01/virtual-physio-helping-wounded-soldiers-on-road-to-recovery/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Guardian angels. (TY UWI) The all-female IDF Sky Rider unit operates the drones (UAVs) that protect troops on the ground. Read here about a battle where they were the eyes in the sky for the 13th Battalion in one of the major battles of the ground incursion Gaza and helped the soldiers on the ground emerge unscathed.
https://www.jns.org/the-guardian-angels-of-golanis-13th-battalion-recall-dramatic-encounter/
Friends despite the war. (TY Diana Bletter) Two Jews and two Muslims share an apartment run by Kivunim, an organization that helps young adults with disabilities. Despite Oct 7, the four flat mates get along just as before. Kivunim’s 45 apartments in Nahariya and Haifa house some 120 residents with disabilities.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-group-home-in-nahariya-bond-between-muslim-and-jewish-young-adults-survives-oct-7/ https://www.kvn.org.il/en/about/
No cycle of violence here. (TY Diana Bletter) Zippy Schrager, a 56-year-old Rabbi’s daughter, manages a cycle repair shop in Mailiya, a Christian Arab village in the Western Galilee, just 12 miles from Lebanon. Zippy learned how to fix bikes from the shop co-owner Ron Boutillier who is currently on IDF reserve duty.
Man of the Year. (TY UWI) Frontpage Magazine’s Man of the Year is the IDF Soldier. It writes, “In a year of defeatism and surrender, he is fighting back… The men on the front lines are not the politicians or the generals, they’re among the 360,000 reservists … who left behind their homes, families, and jobs to go and fight.”
https://www.frontpagemag.com/frontpage-magazines-man-of-the-year-the-idf-soldier/
Zionist Leadership Academy. (TY Sharon) KKL-JNF and the WZO’s Zionist Leadership Academy is a 10-month program to develop young global leaders who will strengthen connections between their communities and Israeli institutions. Read about the recent mission to Israel of 18 program graduates from 14 countries.
https://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=37&ARTICLE_ID=169222
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh5xnJ5cnzk
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
30,000 chargers for soldiers. Shaked Agress designed the Mensch (Military vehicle USB Charging) Solution - a device that allows IDF soldiers to recharge their phones, GoPro cameras, iPads for medics, and more, while in army vehicles. In a synagogue, hundreds of volunteers are assembling thousands of the life-saving devices.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/1703919449-volunteers-build-over-30-000-portable-chargers-for-idf-soldiers https://www.mensch.solutions/ www.israeldonationforce.org https://vimeo.com/884298996
IDF’s encrypted smartphone. The IDF-designed encrypted smartphone can make calls, transmit encrypted videos, texts, files, emails and more. It speeds up decision-making, providing relevant information for combat.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjjqgh0wp
Automated valet parking. Israel’s U-Tron is a leading provider of automated parking solutions. The system is eco-friendly with huge space-saving benefits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zg93tot0OI
https://www.utron-parking.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1zgsyP32Cg
Transforming energy storage. Israel’s Windstore has developed a system that stores the energy generated by a wind turbine as compressed air within the actual wind mast at low cost. It means many previously uneconomic wind farms are now viable and can compete with fossil fuel plants. https://windstore-energy.com/
Solar-powered crop irrigation. Israel’s Trigo-Solar allows farmers to install solar farms without losing valuable arable land. The agri-solar system focuses on water management of rain-fed crops. Rainwater falling on the solar panels is diverted to the crops, reducing evaporation whilst maintaining yields.
https://trigo.solar/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAczqrguGRo
Connecting Einstein to quantum physics. Professor Ron Folman of Ben Gurion University has received a $2.6 million grant from a collective $30 million fund to lead the development of a nanodiamond spatial interferometer. It will help resolve the disconnect between quantum physics and Einstein’s theory of relativity.
https://www.jns.org/wire/ben-gurion-university-selected-as-part-of-30-million-quantum-physics-fund/
Verifying Biblical history. Thermal demagnetization technology developed by researchers at four Israeli universities, has enabled archaeologists to estimate the firing temperatures of burnt materials discovered in excavations. In one case it confirmed the destruction of the Philistine city of Gath as in Kings 2, ch12 v17.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-technology-verifies-biblical-account-of-conquest-of-gath/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Nine innovation centers. Israel is investing NIS 100 million to set up nine innovation centers in regions away from Israel’s center. They will help local entrepreneurs build technical solutions for food tech, agritech, desert tech, aquaculture, biotech, health tech, climate, renewable energy, green building tech, innovation, and AI.
https://www.jns.org/israel-to-boost-entrepreneurship-with-nine-innovation-centers/
$9.75 million for clean energy projects. Nine clean energy projects (see here previously) are to receive $9.75 million under the US-Israel (BIRD) Energy program. Israelis orgs involved include Bar Ilan R&D, SolarPaint, Groundwork BioAg, CarbonBlue, Boson Energy, PowerPlug, AIR EV, Trigo Solar, and Windstore Energy.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hk9cjgg006 https://powerplug.ai/ https://trigo.solar/
“Resiliency is off the charts”. At two financial events last week, finance heads and investors spoke of the resilience of Israeli entrepreneurs. Typical was Ed Sim, founder, and general partner at boldstart Ventures. “Yes, there’s an impact,” he said. “But the resiliency is off the charts.”
https://www.timesofisrael.com/vc-funds-stay-bullish-on-israeli-tech-as-resiliency-is-off-the-charts/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rk1lxl1100p
Taste vegan “realistic meat” in Florida. The fermented plant-derived “meat” from Israel’s Chunk Foods (see here previously) has now reached Florida. The authentic tasting replicated whole cuts are now available at The Talk of the Town Restaurant Group, which comprises six restaurants in Central Florida.
https://nocamels.com/2023/12/fermented-filet-made-from-plants-looks-and-tastes-like-meat/
Boycott brings success to Israeli company. The Israeli franchise of Ben & Jerry’s is expanding thanks to its split from its anti-Israel parent. It is to open a bigger factory to expand its product range into ice cream bars and popsicles. CEO Avi Zinger also wants to enlarge the frozen pastry division.
Returning to work after a war. Israeli companies have been gearing up to help employees re-adjust when they return from IDF reserve service. Read how Israeli firms Applied Materials, Taboola, Priority, and Monday.com have prepared for the challenge. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/7l6yhdusi
Palantir stands with Israel. US tech giant Palantir is to hold its first board meeting of 2024 in Tel Aviv. The company wrote on X last week, “We stand with Israel…Our work in the region has never been more vital. And it will continue.” https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h14fcrz00t
Exits, takeovers, and mergers – to 7/1/24:.US-based Level Access has acquired Israeli AI web accessibility startup UserWay for around £99 million.
Startup investment – to 7/1/24. Israel’s PomVom (IPO); Aqua Security raised $60 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Rare birds visit Israel for the first time. Two rare birds recently arrived in the Jewish State. A rare hybrid cross between the western yellow wagtail and citrine wagtail has nested in a kibbutz in northern Israel. And a pacific diver from Alaska was spotted in Eilat – the first time this bird has been seen in the entire Middle East.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/382929
https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-780541
Finding solace underwater. Diving clubs in Eilat are offering evacuated Israelis free courses and sessions in scuba diving and free diving. The underwater setting, physical activity, breathing exercises, weightlessness, body control, and exposure to and overcoming fear can all serve to mitigate emotional pain and reduce stress.
Israeli MMA fighter gives Jews self-defense lessons. (TY UWI) French-born Israeli Natan Levy stars in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has also been training participants in the Israeli American Council's (IAC) Teen Ambassador program. He is now showing Brooklyn Jews how to combat racist attacks.
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-720866
IDF team to run in Miami marathon. In a show of solidarity and unity between Israel and the Jewish people, a group of 10 Israeli soldiers will join Team Lifeline at the upcoming Miami Marathon on Jan. 28. They will raise funds for Chai Lifeline, the children’s charity that benefits families coping with serious illness and trauma.
https://www.jns.org/wire/idf-delegation-to-run-with-team-lifeline-warriors-in-miami-marathon/
We’ve got a friend. New Argentine President Javier Milei opened the Pan-American Maccabi Games in Buenos Aires. In front of 10,000 participants, he declared his “unalterable commitment to the State of Israel and to the Jewish people in their fight against Islamic terrorism, for peace and freedom.”
THE JEWISH STATE
End-of-year Aliyah surge. Whatever the annual statistics show, there certainly has been an increase in Aliya since Oct.7. 720 newcomers have arrived in Israel since the onset of the war, with 200 of them landing just in the last week of 2023. And in the 4th quarter of 2023, Aliyah requests were up 142% from the previous year.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/aliyah-surges-after-oct-7th-with-700-north-americans-moving-to-israel/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/382833
179,000 Israeli babies. Israel’s population grew by 1.9% in 2023 to just under 10 million – an expected milestone for 2024. It included 45,000 new immigrants – most from Russia and Ukraine. The most popular names for Jewish babies were David and Abigail. The most popular baby name overall was Mohammed.
https://www.jns.org/avigail-and-david-top-names-for-jewish-babies-in-israel/
He fought in Israel’s War of Independence – now he makes Aliyah. Canadian-born Irving Matlow, who fought to ensure Israel's existence in 1948, is finally becoming an Israeli citizen at the age of 96. His parents made Aliyah in 1955 and he always wanted to, “but life got in my way”.
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-780616?
Yanky’s Morale-Boosting Doodles. Yanky Fachler (based in Ireland) sends out a batch of positive stories, every 2-3 days – many related to Israel. If anyone wants to be added to his mailing list, please email yankyfachler@gmail.com
Jewish presence in the Land of Israel (Part 3). The final instalment of the series showing that Jews have been in the Land of Israel for over 3,000 years. Just in case anyone tells you that we are colonialists! (Parts 1& 2)
https://aish.com/jews-in-the-land-of-israel-part-3-from-19th-century-to-today/
A Torah scroll of healing and hope. Nogah Safer’s day job may be in hi-tech, but it is his work as a Torah scribe that he really enjoys. In writing his first Torah scroll he has enlisted secular Kibbutz members, survivors of the Nova party, and IDF soldiers serving in Gaza. Over 1,000 added a letter to help complete the scroll.
https://www.jns.org/a-torah-of-healing-and-hope-the-nogah-safer-story/
