240414
In the 14th Apr 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· A music graduate from Oxford Uni is now an agronomist rebuilding Israeli farms.
· A revolutionary Israeli alternative to antibiotics has begun human trials.
· Jews hand out dates to Muslim worshippers at the end of Ramadan fasting.
· Israelis fly out to help victims of Taiwan’s earthquake.
· An invitation to see some “cool” Israeli climate technology.
· Commercial organizations can help make Aliyah much easier.
· Israeli sporting stars are truly flying the flag.
· Two current Jewish Presidents helped write a Torah scroll for Peace.
· Click here to see the 7th Apr newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, and (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, and (TY Barbara) into Spanish 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 24,300 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
Fallen soldier saves five lives. (TY Yanky) The family of fallen IDF soldier Sivan Weil donated his organs. His heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas saved five seriously ill patients at Israel’s Sheba, Hadassah, and Beilinson Medical Centers. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-794971
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/parents-of-soldier-killed-in-gaza-say-organs-donated/
Protection at sea. For the first time, Israel deployed the C-Dome naval point defense system on a recently commissioned Sa'ar 6-class corvette to intercept an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that had entered its airspace near the southern city of Eilat. Here is an article about the event and the timely implemented new system.
https://www.jns.org/in-first-israels-ship-mounted-iron-dome-downs-target-near-eilat/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b10lmpmga
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-enemy-drone-shot-down-by-ship-mounted-interceptor/ (see video)
Rebuilding the South. Israel’s Ben Gurion University has launched “Way Forward” – a campaign to raise $1 billion for rebuilding the Negev region devastated on Oct 7. It will fund capital projects ($500 million), student aid ($250 million), and research excellence ($250 million). Philanthropists have already donated $380 million.
https://www.jns.org/ben-gurion-university-launches-1-billion-campaign-to-rebuild-south/
How life can change. Danielle graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Music. She started a bureaucratic job with the UK Government. Then she went to The UK Limmud Conference, and now she is executive director of Israel’s Volcani International Partnerships, repairing devastated farms in southern Israel.
A positive BBC interview of 3 Israeli students! Has the perpetually anti-Israel BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen finally seen the light? There was little to complain about his five-minute interview of three students from Israel’s Ben Gurion University who fought against Hamas in Gaza. Apart from some unsympathetic questions.
https://americansforbgu.org/bbc-student-reservist-interview/
Why Israelis are happy despite the war. Historian Gil Troy wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal that the essence of Israeli happiness lies not in the absence of conflict, but in the deep social cohesion, enduring family ties, and a rich tapestry of tradition and history that bind its people, especially evident after Oct 7.
https://israfan.com/2024/04/11/unity-amid-adversity-the-secret-to-israels-remarkable-happiness/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
A nano-polymer to deliver chemo. Researchers at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have developed a nanometer size polymer containing a peptide for delivering chemotherapy. In lab tests, it was over 50% successful in destroying resistant liver metastases (secondary cancer) materialized from colorectal cancer.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1748013224000379
The arms race in the gut. Ben Gurion University scientists have just published the results of their work reported here in 2019. In trying to develop a biologic remedy to reduce the methane produced by cows, they have uncovered a war in the intestines between good and bad bacteria and a probiotic toxin that tries to mediate.
https://www.jpost.com/science/article-795199 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-023-01521-9
Fast-tracking cure for hospital infections. The US FDA has granted Fast-Track Designation to the groundbreaking antimicrobial peptide OMN6 from Israel’s Omnix Medical (see here previously). OMN6 is commencing a Phase II trial in patients with two deadly hospital-acquired pneumonias - HABP and VABP.
Confirming Deep TMS treats depression. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s BrainsWay’s has published another positive study of 247 depression patients receiving its Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment. 60% went into remission and 80% had a positive response. The results confirmed a 2023 study of 1,350 patients.
Improving mental health in the Police force. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s XRHealth (see here previously) is to deploy its VR/AR solution in a specially equipped “quiet room” at every police station throughout Israel. It aims to promote mental health resilience, decrease stress, anxiety, and aggression, and improve performance.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/xrhealth-awarded-contract-israeli-police-120000609.html
Israelis are living longer. The number of Israelis aged 75 and over is growing by about 9,000 individuals per year. Life expectancy in Israel is 85 years for women and 82 years for men and continues to increase. Currently some 346,000 people receive elderly care benefits (e.g. home caregiver) as compared to about 180,000 in 2018.
https://www.jns.org/researchers-call-to-reform-long-term-care-as-israelis-live-longer/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Dates for break-fast. (TY Nevet) Muslims on their way to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem at sunset at the conclusion of the fast on the last Friday of Ramadan, were greeted by a Jewish family handing out dates. Sky News Arabia made this clip public, and the tweet has been viewed over half a million times.
https://twitter.com/skynewsarabia/status/1776313903632597267
Gazan children in Israeli hospitals. Many patients at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center and hospitals in Jerusalem are children from Gaza. They, and their families, have been allowed to remain in Israel during the war. One mother gave birth at Sheba and the baby provided bone marrow to cure its leukemia-suffering sibling.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/rkmstigx0
Healthcare cooperation agreement with Greece. (TY Nevet) Israel and Greece have signed a five-year agreement to cooperate on various aspects of healthcare. It covers emergency preparedness, mental health, stem cell therapy and genetics, nursing, health insurance, diseases, organ donations & transplants, and much more.
https://tps.co.il/articles/israel-greece-sign-healthcare-cooperation-agreement/
Aid to Taiwan. Israel’s SmartAID has sent members to join its local team in Taiwan to provide power and communications following the 3rd of April’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake. It is helping restore vital electricity, phone, and internet connections. See here and here for previous Israeli aid for Taiwan.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-aid-group-mobilizes-in-taiwan-after-fatal-earthquake/
An honor for Douglas. It seems that author and journalist Douglas Murray has appeared on every major TV channel in the world since Oct 7. He is such a great speaker on behalf of Israel, so it is fitting that he received a special award from Israeli President Isaac Herzog for his efforts to support Israel during war against Hamas.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/388242
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Can science save the planet? In an enlightening pre-Earth Day webinar, Technion scientists will share their insights and research on sustainable development, renewable energy solutions, sustainable material innovations, and eco-friendly alternatives for chemical processes. Apr 17 (9am PT, noon ET, 5pm BST, 7pm Israel).
https://ats.org/events/technion-earth-day-webinar/
Climatetech incubator. (TY Atid-EDI) Israeli VC Climate First invests in exceptional early stage climate tech startups across Europe and Israel. Its latest (Israeli) group pitched recently in the UK. SoCold, Carbon Blue, Chiral Energies, Climate Crop, First Airborne, Nitrofix, RepAir Carbon Capture, Xfloat, and Polymertal.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hynarh11kc https://climatefirst.vc/ https://chiral.energy/
https://climate-crop.com/ https://firstairborne.com/ https://polymertal.com/
Other new Israeli climatetech startups. Israeli VC Climate First’s original group includes Israeli startups not previously reported here. They are Gigaton (algae to remove CO2), Hydro X (safe Hydrogen storage), Momentick (greenhouse gas monitoring), and Nakai Robotics (autonomous cleaning of ship hulls).
https://climatelaunchpad.org/finalists/gigaton/ https://hydrox.earth/ https://www.momentick.com/
https://www.nakairobotics.com/
Revolutionary new digital printing. Israel’s Velox has created a paradigm shift in the digital printing industry related to rigid packaging. Velox’s technology offers high-speed, direct-to-surface decoration of cylindrical containers such as beverage cans. One environmental benefit is that it will allow aluminum cans to be recycled.
https://velox-digital.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djRrAj60f6o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEWUsfYAnkQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3UN1s1eduw
AI to decipher ancient texts. Engineering students at Israel’s Ben-Gurion University are employing Mask Language Modeling to read and translate damaged, centuries-old Hebrew & Aramaic inscriptions. The AI technique enables damaged content to be reconstructed more efficiently. See findings of their Embible model.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-university-uses-ai-to-decipher-ancient-hebrew-aramaic-texts/
https://aclanthology.org/2024.findings-eacl.56/
Intelligent advertising. (TY OurCrowd) Israeli dynamic advertising startup Clinch, has won an Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award from the Business Intelligence Group, for the most innovative applications of Generative AI. Clinch created and markets the award-winning Flight Control campaign activation platform.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/clinch-wins-2024-artificial-intelligence-excellence-award
https://clinch.co/ https://clinch.co/2024-artificial-intelligence-excellence-award/
https://clinch.co/clinch-named-best-marketing-automation-platform-2022/
An app for parents of ADHD children. Several apps (e.g. here) diagnose or treat children with ADHD, but nothing helped their parents. Now Israel’s Pery gives those parents an AI ally. The app tracks achievements, connects with doctors and teachers, and provides personalized science-backed strategies and expert advice.
https://www.israel21c.org/pery-offering-the-parents-of-adhd-kids-new-ai-support/ https://www.mypery.com/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Help for war-affected startups. Another social impact fund has been established to assist startups struggling for cash because of the war. A joint venture between the Southern Israel Bridging Fund (SIBF), the Rashi Foundation, and ICA in Israel, will invest $4m in startups developing tech that benefits society.
Texas loves Israelis. Israelis received a warm welcome at the annual SXSW (South by Southwest) festival in Austin Texas hosting a combination of movies, music, and business expo. Israeli startups included RetiSpec (see here previously), and Yofi which distinguishes genuine customers from bots and malicious abusers.
https://www.israel21c.org/texas-festival-sxsw-welcomes-israel-and-its-startups/
A springboard for 2024? Two finance industry leaders are positive about Israel’s hi-tech prospects. Firstly, from Dell Technologies Capital, and secondly from lool Ventures.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sygtwyelc
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkny4ncy0
Azerbaijan promotes tourism to Israelis. Last year, Azerbaijan made history by becoming the first Shi’ite Muslim country to open an embassy in Israel. Azerbaijan Airlines operates 9 weekly direct flights from Baku to Tel Aviv. Azerbaijan was one of 12 countries represented at the Tel Aviv Tourism Exhibition (Apr 3-4).
https://www.jns.org/azerbaijan-pushes-for-increased-israeli-tourism/
Airlines resume flights. Montreal-based Air Canada is restarting flights to Tel Aviv. It initially will have four nonstop return flights a week from Toronto, and then in May, replace one with a nonstop return flight from Montreal. Ryanair resumes flights to Israel on Jun 2, the day after Ben Gurion Airport Terminal 1 re-opens.
https://www.jns.org/air-canada-to-restart-flights-to-israel-starting-april-9/
Sun shines on solar energy acquisition. Israel’s SolarEdge has acquired Israel’s Wevo Energy. Wevo manages and optimizes EV charging sites with large quantities of EV chargers such as apartment buildings, workplace car parks and public charging locations across North America, Europe and the Middle East.
https://wevo.energy/media/solaredge-acquires-wevo/
8 multi-million-dollar orders. In the last two weeks, Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks has won eight orders for its technology worth nearly $50 million. They include from the US Department of Defense, the US Army, and an order for a public WiFi service that will give Internet access to thousands of people in rural Latin America.
https://www.gilat.com/pressreleases/gilat-received-approximately-5-million-for-providing-services-to-a-leading-latam-service-provider/ https://www.gilat.com/news-resources/press-releases/
A personal concierge service for new Olim. The startup Belong is a paid concierge service to help new Israeli immigrants assimilate. It acts as a private social service, supplementing the free services of the Jewish Agency and Nefesh b’Nefesh. Belong also plans to carry out an active campaign promoting Aliyah around the world.
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-795044 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dUTKC3jHbA
Other Aliyah concierge services. These are just a few of several other free, “for profit", or sponsored services to help new Olim. Check their fees with them and / or their commission arrangements.
https://aliyahadvisors.com/ (UK – previously promoted here)
https://aliyup.co.il/ https://easylandingil.com/ https://www.unlimitedvips.com/concierge/?lang=en https://www.olimadvisors.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYinhpQ2dFc
Cyber exits hits record $7 billion. The total value of the exits of only 24 Israeli cyber companies in 2023 reached $7.1 billion – compared to $2.45 billion from 35 companies in 2022. There are 522 active cyber companies in Israel. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjjzbryl0
Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 14/4/24: Israel’s SolarEdge has acquired Israel’s Wevo Energy. Israel’s Nayax (global payments) has taken over Israel’s Roseman (fuel station & EV management systems). Israel’s Hub Cyber Security has acquired Israel’s Qpoint Technologies (IT solutions).
Startup investment – to 14/4/24: Cyera raised $300 million (new Unicorn); Guesty raised $130 million; Velox-digital raised $38 million; PVML raised $8 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Orfeo ed Euridice. The Tel Aviv Opera stages a mesmerizing rendition of “Orfeo ed Euridice,” on Apr 16 (eve) and Apr 19 (matinee). See events calendar for other performances including for children during Passover.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/orfeo-ed-euridice/
https://www.israel-opera.co.il/eng/?CategoryID=1283&ArticleID=6691 https://www.israel-opera.co.il/eng/
Music from the Movies. The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra has many upcoming concerts. E.g., on Apr 16 an evening of well-loved tunes from movies such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, A Fistful of Dollars, Shaft, A Clockwork Orange, The Wizard of Oz and a medley from the James Bond films.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/music-from-the-movies/
https://www.jso.co.il/en/concert/music-from-the-movies/ https://www.jso.co.il/en/
Art on the street. Enjoy an exhibition of street art at the Berlin in Florentin, until Apr 17 (5pm – 10pm). Also book for behind-the-scenes street art & graffiti insider walks in Tel Aviv, led by the artists themselves. And on Apr 15, you can do your own painting at ESRA’s Paint Night event – 7pm at Tel Aviv Art Studio.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/street-art-partner-the-exhibition/ https://streetartpartner.com/pages/tours
https://streetartpartner.com/ https://www.nbn.org.il/events/paint-night-at-tel-aviv-art-studio/
Jerusalem houses are open again. The Open House Jerusalem festival that was postponed from Oct, is now back on. 152 locations will open their doors to the public, including historical sites, private houses, bridges, & hospitals. Also, a theater, where the architects who participated in building the sites will interact with visitors.
Tel Aviv Wine Festival. For the 6th year in a row, in honor of the Pesach holiday, the Tel Aviv Wine Festival will feature 45 vineyards, a DJ and performances, and more! Thursday, April 18 from 18:00.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/tel-aviv-wine-festival/ https://myyain.com/
Tel Aviv Papaya Night Run. Tel Aviv Papaya Night Run (Apr 17) supports the communities of Otef Israel, IDF soldiers, and all Security and Rescue Forces. Register to run or just go to watch.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/tel-aviv-papaya-night-run/ https://www.tlvnightrun.co.il/MenuDefault_en.aspx?Id=8904
Boxing for Blue & White. Israel’s Nili Block (see here previously) just won her seventh martial arts World title (61kg Muay Thai and Kickboxing) in Paris. She entered the ring to the music “Am Yisrael Chai”. She took the gold medal, draped in the Israeli flag as images of the hostages held by Hamas flashed behind her.
https://www.israel21c.org/nili-block-israel-martial-arts-champion-wins-7th-world-title/
https://www.iskaworldhq.com/kickboxing-champions/ https://www.instagram.com/niliblock/reel/C1JDQGcp6Jb/
Publicity on the podium. (TY Hazel) Israeli racing driver, Ariel Elkin, won 3rd place in the USF Formula 4 Championship in USA. When he got to the podium the commentator told him to put down his helmet and lift up his trophy, but he refused & instead he lifted his helmet covered with the photos of the hostages held by Hamas.
Other sporting victories. (TY Hazel) Rhythmic gymnast Daniela Munits won a gold medal with her routine with the ball at the World Cup in Greece. Shelly Bobritsky and Ariel Nassee won a gold medal at the Artistic Swimming World Cup in Beijing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwkNxxvoXso
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=953088646405234&set=a.225139202533519
THE JEWISH STATE
Egyptian tour of the Israel Museum. A captivating sTOURytelling and educational experience for adults in Jerusalem’s Israel Museum. Explore ancient and modern history, stories, artifacts, and concepts, and add another dimension to Pesach. Apr 24, 12:30pm – 2:30pm. See also site for free virtual tours and lectures.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/egyptian-pesach-tour-of-the-israel-museum-adults/
https://www.museumtours.co.il/virtualtours
Christian support for Israelis. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is distributing over NIS 18 million to support 100,000 needy Israelis over Passover. It will focus on war-impacted families, especially the bereaved, families of hostages, wounded soldiers, and evacuees. IFCJ has already distributed NIS 25 million.
https://www.jns.org/christian-zionists-to-help-100000-israelis-for-passover/
“Garden of Eden” opens. Ubeidiya Jordan Valley national park has three features. First, a prehistoric site. Then adjacent, is Tel Ubeidiya where an inscription of the time of Pharaoh Merneptah (c.1210 BCE) was found mentioning Israel. And finally, Moshav Menahemia, an early Zionist village, was established here in 1901.
https://www.jns.org/israel-opens-prehistoric-garden-of-eden-to-public/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-795359
Ancient ivory jar reveals local trade & skills. (TY Nevet) Israeli archaeologists uncovered a 6,000-year-old “amphoriskos” (small oil jar with two handles). Made from an elephant tusk, it is the first of its kind to be found in the region, highlighting its skillful manufacture, plus its trade route location - Horbat Raqiq near Beer-Sheva.
https://tps.co.il/articles/6000-year-old-ivory-jar-opens-window-into-holy-land-trade-networks/
https://www.jns.org/researchers-restore-6000-year-old-ivory-vessel-from-southern-israel/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqRX6O_JvRw
A 6-legged gazelle. Some very unusual animals have appeared in Israel recently. Red Heffers, and now this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji7cZuA-VcU
Police clown reduces tension at protests. “Hashoteret Az-Oolay” (Policewoman Then-Maybe) has been a regular fixture at Israeli street demonstrations for the last three or so years. In her big shoes, old-fashioned police uniform and red nose, she aims to connect with all the different kinds of communities in Jerusalem.
https://www.israel21c.org/meet-the-clown-handing-out-love-at-israeli-street-protests/
Two Jewish Presidents complete Torah scroll. Israel’s President Herzog and Ukraine’s President Zelensky both wrote a letter in a new Torah scroll for Kyiv’s Great Synagogue, dedicated to peace and unity. Other writers include Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Ukrainian soldiers, relatives of Israeli hostages and bereaved families.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-795481
240407
In the 7th Apr 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Thanks to Israeli surgeons, an IDF soldier blinded in Gaza can see again.
· An Israeli stem cell treatment reverses the decline of MS patients.
· Thousands of Muslim and Christian Arabs pray peacefully in Jerusalem.
· Soon you may pick your own vegetables from an Israeli vending machine.
· An Israeli app gives rewards for good driving.
· Daimler trucks are to be protected by Israeli security software.
· Historical treasures discovered during relocation of Israel National Library.
· Click here to see the 31st 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 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 24,300 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
After 6 surgeries IDF soldier’s eyesight is restored. (TY WIN) IDF soldier Dor lost his eyesight in the war in Gaza. But thanks to Israeli medical technology and six eye surgeries, he can now see again. “I am born again” he says in Hebrew at the end of the video. Many tears were shed at his final eye test.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-israeli-doctors-restore-eyesight-to-wounded-idf-soldier/amp/
Wounded IDF soldier holds newborn daughter. Omer was seriously injured in the Gaza war, when an explosive device was detonated. He was evacuated to hospital, to be treated and rehabilitated just as his wife gave birth to their firstborn daughter. Their private victory gave Omer strength to recover and return to his unit.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/387797
You don't need to be a spokesperson to speak up for Israel. Eylon Levy has been an excellent spokesperson for Israel since Oct 7. He has now established a Civilian Public Diplomacy initiative called “the New Israeli Discourse”. It includes his State of the Nation podcast. https://www.stateofanationpodcast.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypEyo4XWc-8 (About his initiative)
https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/124800/about (to support him)
The Diaspora donates. Israel's Diaspora Ministry reports that world Jewry has donated NIS 5 billion to Israel since Oct 7. Also, some 60,000 volunteers came to Israel. https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-794568
Supporting and investing in Israel. Since Oct 7, Israel Bonds has raised more than $1.5 billion worldwide. This article explains why this is so important, why it’s a win-win activity, and how you can be a part of it.
https://www.jns.org/forever-changed-after-a-trip-to-israel/
70% of Gaza periphery residents return home. Nearly six months after Oct 7, most evacuees from the Gaza periphery have made the decision to return to their homes. The towns located between 4 and 7 km from the Strip (including the city of Sderot) have seen the return of 75% of residents.
https://www.jns.org/70-of-gaza-periphery-residents-return-home/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Stem cell injections benefit MS sufferers. (TY Nevet) A study of 23 progressive multiple sclerosis patients at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem highlighted significant beneficial effects of repeated stem cell injections. They improved neurological function, cognition, and quality of life with no adverse effects.
Possible therapy for bone cancer. (TY Nevet) Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered in the laboratory that two existing medicines can be used to enhance treatments against bone cancer. It is important as bone cancer is often the result of metastasis (spreading) in breast cancer patients.
https://tps.co.il/articles/cocktail-of-repurposed-drugs-offers-hope-to-breast-cancer-patients/
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/article-abstract/doi/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-23-0762/734997/
3rd clinical trial for gastro leakage sensor. The xBar sensor from Israel’s Exero Medical (see here previously) is about to begin a Phase 3 pivotal clinical trial in the USA and Israel. The device aims to immediately detect post-operative leakage following gastro surgery, which is fatal in 40% of affected cases.
https://nocamels.com/2024/04/life-saving-sensor-monitors-dangerous-fallout-of-stomach-surgery/
Live greener, live longer. What seems to be an obvious statement has been proved in a study by Tel Aviv University researchers. They examined over 3,000 heart bypass patients and found that patients who live in a “greener” environment are at a lower risk of mortality than those who live in a “non-green” environment.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-794536
https://www.aftau.org/news_item/heart-patients-live-longer-in-a-greener-environment-tau-study-finds/
Video game app to combat chronic pain. The pain-relieving video games from Israel’s TrainPain (see here previously) are now available to download on iPhone and Android phones. You also need to order (fees required) the haptic pod and cables. Available in the US only.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/new-video-game-aims-to-train-the-mind-to-stop-sensing-chronic-pain/
Using AI to find cures for diseases. (TY Nevet) An interesting article explaining how Israel’s CytoReason (see here previously) is using AI and big data from the medical companies themselves to help reduce the cost and time required to bring a new remedy to market.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/using-ai-made-models-to-find-cures-for-disease/
400 French doctors & dentists seeking to make Aliyah. The first European MedEx event took place in Paris, gathering more than 400 doctors and dentists from France and Belgium. At MedEx, potential immigrant medics can convert licenses and engage directly with representatives from Israeli healthcare institutions.
https://www.jns.org/more-than-400-doctors-and-dentists-attend-aliyah-fair-in-paris/
Global Change-maker. (TY Nevet) The prestigious Nature magazine named Israeli Tal Patalon, outgoing head of the KSM research and innovation center of Maccabi Healthcare Services, as one of the world’s change-makers in medical research. Her team’s COVID-19 research changed vaccination policies in the United States.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00754-w
https://www.ksminnovation.com/member/dr-tal-patalon/
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-784798
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Children with trauma can make a wish. The NGO Make-A-Wish Israel (see here previously) has granted more than 5,500 life-changing wishes for sick children in Israel (one-third for Arabs). It is now to help children traumatized by Oct 7 events. Philanthropist Sylvan Adams has just been named its global goodwill ambassador.
https://www.jns.org/sylvan-adams-named-goodwill-ambassador-for-make-a-wish-israel/
Double amputee joins twin sister in IDF. (TY Nevet) Due to a premature birth, Emanuel suffered cerebral damage and the eventual amputation of both legs when she was one year old. But she was determined to join the IDF, like her twin sister Maayan. Now, thanks to Special in Uniform, she serves at a Home Front base.
https://tps.co.il/articles/double-amputee-joins-israel-army-fulfilling-dream-alongside-twin-sister/
Yale faculty members amazed in Israel. 25 Yale University faculty members, including at least 4 professors, visited Ben Gurion Uni, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv Uni, the Technion and Weizmann Institute. They were astounded to see Arab and Jewish students learning together during the war and global hostility.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/yale-academics-astounded-by-trip-to-israel/
Call for co-existence. 20 prominent leaders from across the religious spectrum in Haifa have issued a statement calling for cooperation between their religions and recognizing a deep commitment to the State of Israel and its laws. The 20 include men, women, Jews (Orthodox, Chabad and Reform) Muslims, Christians, and Druze.
https://www.jns.org/wire/israeli-faith-leaders-issue-unprecedented-call-for-coexistence/
Peace in Jerusalem. So far, Friday prayers during Ramadan at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque have been attended each week without incident by tens of thousands of Muslims. Meanwhile, thousands of Christian Arabs converged on Israel’s capital to celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
https://www.jns.org/ramadan-prayers-at-temple-mount-so-far-pass-without-major-incident/
Israel-UAE relations - no news is good news. Don’t be fooled by the media blackout: business between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, bolstered initially by the Abraham Accords in 2020, has been thriving despite Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas and intense scrutiny from the rest of the world.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1tliil1a
Richie Torres gets it! Israel needs more friends like the South Bronx Congressman Richie Torres. Democrat, progressive, Hispanic, gay, and proud to stand up for Israel. See the Youtube interview with Eylon Levy.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-improbable-friend-for-true-progressives-israel-is-an-exemplar-says-ritchie-torres/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm8L2-EVqFs https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritchie_Torres
Providing water to 64,000 in Kenya. In the past year, IsraAID has drilled or rehabilitated 17 boreholes in the county, restoring access to safe water for more than 64,000 Kenyans.
https://www.jns.org/wire/israaid-hands-over-new-boreholes-to-local-community-in-kenya/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Vegetables from a vending machine. Israel’s replantin’ is developing a specialized vending machine that grows a variety of high-quality, nutritious leafy greens inside it, and in less time than it takes in a field. Each plant starts as a seed inside a coffee-capsule-sized pod, which provides all the nutrients it needs to grow.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/get-your-greens-from-a-vending-machine-that-grows-the-veg-inside/
Realtime maps save lives. The IDF’s Hunter system, developed during the current war, detects threats in real time and sends signals to soldiers. The software allows soldiers to see drone launches, rocket launches and terrorist activities as they happen - sensing a missile attack before conventional technology picks up on it.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-map-technology-saves-lives-on-the-battlefield/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF-fNSF564c
Drone startups partner to make sky safer. The Goshawk anti-drone UAV from Israel’s Robotican (see here previously) is to carry the advanced Halo system from Israel’s Elsight (see here previously) to boost the Goshawk’s success rate in catching rogue unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and avoiding breakdowns.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/drone-startups-team-up-to-boost-destroyer-of-enemy-craft/
Shhh! It’s the Oron spy plane. The Israel Aerospace Industries-developed, US-manufactured Oron is Israel’s new and advanced intelligence aircraft. The 1-billion-dollar plane has already logged hundreds of operational flight hours, totaling close to 100 missions. It possesses multiple sensors and operates at over 40,000 feet.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjmtfxgkc
Protecting planes from cyber-attack. Latest article on Israel’s Cyviation (see here previously), developing security technology that protects commercial and private aircraft from cyber-attacks. Its 4 layers comprise “SkyRay” for vulnerability scanning; training for pilots; event management and real-time detection devices.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/air-safety-startup-protects-planes-from-cyber-attacks/
https://cyviation.aero/cyviation-announces-strategic-partnership/
Liquid AI – the thinking car. Israel’s Autobrains (see here previously) has unveiled Liquid AI - a paradigm shift in autonomous driving and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Like the human brain, it adapts dynamically, activating only AI modules specific to the driving context and thus reducing power consumption.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/autobrains-liquid-ai-enables-true-automotive-intelligence
Fully autonomous defense vehicles. Israel’s Elbit (see here previously) is to deploy the 3D image processing software from Israel’s Foresight (see here previously) in the fully autonomous defense vehicles of one of Elbit’s leading defense customers. https://ir.foresightauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Elbit-first-commercial-deployment-020424-ENHE-accessible.pdf
Rewarding good drivers. Israel’s Letstop has developed an app that incentivizes good driving of any vehicle. If the phone has not been used for texting etc., during the journey, the driver earns credits which can be converted into cash or vouchers for a range of stores and eateries; or in-app purchases at various businesses.
https://nocamels.com/2024/04/new-app-rewards-users-for-staying-off-the-phone-while-driving/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Hi-tech is thriving. Despite 15% of employees in the IDF reserves, plus air travel restrictions, most Israeli startups continue to thrive. Startup Nation Central reports that 220 investments since Oct 7 raised some $3.1billion. March’s $822m exceeded Jan + Feb. Plus, 20 new Israeli venture capital funds raised $1.7bn.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sylbipl1r
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjnc5awka
Fast innovative companies. US magazine Fast Company recognized four Israeli startups in its annual list of the world’s most innovative companies. Vis.ai was ranked 43rd of the top 50, for “harnessing AI to expedite lifesaving diagnoses”. Highlighted in specific sectors were Papaya Global, UVeye, and GreyMatters Health.
https://www.fastcompany.com/91033263/viz-ai-most-innovative-companies-2024
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/meet-the-israeli-firms-on-prestigious-list-of-worlds-top-innovators/
Tel Aviv Sparks. (TY Jacob, David, and Jason) The Tel Aviv Sparks Innovation Summit & Expo (Apr 8 -12) features the latest Israeli startups, organizations, and company exhibitors showcasing their cutting-edge products and solutions. Plus (at the summit) key presentations and discussions that shape the future.
European VC fund to invest in Israel. (TY Yanky) New Europe-based venture capital fund Vinthera is to invest tens of millions of dollars in Israeli funds and startups in growth stages. Past investments by the team in Israel include Grove Ventures, Angular Ventures, Oryzn Capital, and the cloud data storage company Firebolt.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sy8mf9eha
Innovation winner. Israel’s Kaltura (see here previously) has won an Innovation in Business award at the 2024 MarTech Awards for its video event platform. The award recognizes outstanding creative products, solutions, and services in the fields of marketing, advertising, and sales technology.
https://nocamels.com/category/news-briefs/#post-127709
See it now on Amazon Connect. Israel’s TechSee (see here previously) is now working with Amazon Web Service's (AWS) new and improved Amazon Connect Agent Workspace. TechSee’s computer vision AI empowers AWS digital channels to see the physical world and offer AR-guided automated technical support.
Israeli security for Daimler trucks. Israel’s C2A Security is to supply its EVSec cybersecurity platform to Daimler Trucks. C2A’s CEO said it was "one of the most significant product security deals that was done in the industry". Also, in 2023 C2A sold its platform to BMW Group, Marelli, NTT Data, Siemens, and Valeo.
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/israeli-firm-c2a-supply-cybersecurity-platform-daimler-trucks-2024-03-28/ https://www.ourcrowd.com/companies/c2a-security
More vegan milk from mushrooms. Israel’s ImaginDairy (see here previously) has partnered with one of America’s biggest biotech companies, Ginkgo Bioworks, to scale up production of ImaginDairy’s no-cow “dairy” proteins. Ginkgo’s AI capabilities will be used to create biological systems that reduce production costs.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/israeli-us-companies-unite-to-make-more-milk-from-mushrooms/
New fungicide for Europe. Israel’s Adama (see here previously) has launched a new early-stage multi-crop cereal fungicide in Europe. Forapro protects crops such as wheat and barley from common fungal diseases including Powdery Mildew, Septoria, and Yellow Rust. It is highly absorbent, fast-acting, and cost-effective.
https://nocamels.com/category/news-briefs/#post-127690
Startup investment – to 7/4/24: Hailo raised $120 million; Lumana raised $24 million; Nucleai raised $14 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Look what we found when we had a clear-out. When the National Library of Israel (NLI) moved to its new building, it discovered priceless artifacts that had been languishing in boxes in the basement of the old library building for decades. The Seattle-based Samis Foundation has given $1 million to catalog and digitize them.
https://www.jns.org/seattle-grant-brings-sephardi-treasures-to-light-in-jlems-national-library/
https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/judaism/jewish-history/spain-jews-expulsion#archives
Boutique hotel joins elite club. Jaffa’s Drisco boutique hotel, and its onsite (non-kosher) top Middle East restaurant, George & John, are the first Israeli establishments to be admitted to the Relais & Châteaux association. The Drisco once hosted Mark Twain, fell into disrepair, now refurbished in the American Colony.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-hotel-and-eatery-make-history-by-joining-elite-relais-club/
See the parade. (TY Sharon) The photos of Jerusalem’s Purim Parade by the Real Jerusalem Streets are far more interesting than those published here last week. The costumes of many of the spectators also deserve much praise. https://rjstreets.com/2024/03/31/favorite-purim-photos-in-jerusalem-and-more/
Matisyahu ascends to new heights. Rap singer Matisyahu uplifted the spirits of the crowd at Jerusalem’s Zappa at the Lab. The eclectic musician entertained his secular and religious fans for two hours with his 20 years of hits. From his recent “Ascent” memorial to the Supernova victims, to his 2009 hit “One Day”.
https://www.jns.org/matisyahu-ascends-to-new-heights-in-jerusalem-performance/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jpQvARYDHg
THE JEWISH STATE
Preparing for Pesach (Passover). Jacob Richman has updated his websites of useful material for the upcoming Jewish festival of Passover. Just one seder in Israel, of course. https://jr.co.il/links/#hebrew-songs-passover
https://jr.co.il/hotsites/passover.htm https://jr.co.il/humor/passover.htm https://jewish-trivia.com/ https://jr.co.il/videos/passover-videos.htm https://jewish-clipart.com/
Fate or providence? A scroll, dubbed the “Horoscope” scroll unearthed in the Judean Desert reveals the beliefs of a secretive sect that lived thousands of years ago. In reversed Hebrew writing, Greek, Aramaic, ancient Hebrew, and cipher symbols, it claims that your birth date determines personality and physical appearance.
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-791339
