240922
In the 22nd Sep 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Overseas doctors share their experiences of volunteering in Israel.
l Positive thinking is scientifically proved to be the best medicine.
l 18,000 multi-ethnic Israeli volunteers fortify the Negev & Galilee.
l Israeli scientists unlock the secret of Eilat’s water-purifying sponges.
l An Israeli bank invests in life-saving battlefield technology.
l Top Israeli singers wow audiences in Israel, USA and Sweden.
l The tomb of King David’s father has been restored – as in the Bible.
· Click here to see the 15th Sep newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, and (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, and Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Also (TY Barbara) into Spanish here. Also (TY Aviva) for United With Israel 8th Sep issue 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 25,000 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, and the subject “Subscribe”) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
On a mission. Technion alumna Maya Shnur is a business manager at Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. “When the sirens start and I take my little boy down into the bomb shelter, I say ‘thank you Rafael for saving our lives.’” Maya contributes to Israel’s security and raises the profile of women in the workplace.
https://technionuk.org/news-post/on-a-mission-a-woman-who-protects-her-country-her-family-her-home/
Cowboys don’t run away. (TY Israel21c) There are some 50 cattle ranches in Israel’s Golan Heights, under fire from Hezbollah rockets and drones. One, Merom Golan, has around 1,500 head of cattle. Shay Zerbib owns another ranch; he says, “Someone has to take care of the animals; they need to get fed no matter what,”
https://www.israel21c.org/cowboys-herding-cattle-under-hezbollah-rocket-fire/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-sazvRNUGM
Doctors answer the call. (TY Yanky) Since Oct 7, some 400 doctors and 30 health professionals from the US and other countries have arrived in Israel to assist in treating the large number of injured or to fill in for Israeli medical staff who are called to military duty. Read about five of them here.
Christian support for the South. (TY Yanky) The International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem visited the south and asked Rafi Babian, security chief of the Sadot Regional Council, what he needed. “Paramedic kits for all 16 communities under my watch, please,” he replied. The life-saving kits have now been delivered.
https://www.icej.org/blog/icej-donates-paramedic-kits-to-sadot-negev-region/
Montana retreat helps heal IDF vets. (TY Yanky) Healing in Nature (HIN) runs weeklong retreats on an isolated Montana ranch for IDF combat vets traumatized by their Gaza experience. Tel Aviv University psychiatrist Dr Roi Sar-el, uses biofeedback to track soldiers’ vital signs before, during and after the ranch trip.
Underwater protection. The IDF Navy’s Underwater Missions Unit (Yaltam), protects Israel’s maritime borders, performs complex rescue operations, and neutralizes underwater threats. Since Oct 7, its missions included neutralizing and removing vehicles, devices, and weaponry from attempted sea infiltrations.
https://www.jns.org/deep-dive-into-israels-elite-underwater-unit/
How female soldiers saved lives on Oct 7. We read about how female IDF intelligence soldiers were ignored when they warned of Hamas Oct 7 invasion preparations. This video tells of an all-female unit that helped defend beleaguered Israeli communities on that fateful day.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-female-soldiers-play-crucial-role-in-hamas-conflict/
IDF father and daughter reunite in Gaza. Another emotional family reunion on the battlefield.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-father-and-daughter-reunite-on-gaza-battlefield/
Rebuilding the South & North. A historic agreement between the two largest Zionist organizations KKL-JNF and Jewish National Fund-USA has established a joint venture for reconstruction and renewal in Israel’s southern and northern regions. Each organization will contribute $25 million for each rebuilding project.
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Can we talk? Researchers at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center have created LIV - a new generative AI-based platform offering personalized patient interactions and effective diagnostics to people with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It reduces bottlenecks from an acute shortage of mental health experts.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/edglfl4h6
Pain relief is also anti-inflammatory. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s PainReform (see here previously) has developed new improved anti-inflammatory properties for its PRF-110 pain relief treatment. These have then been successfully tested in a Phase 3 multi-site US trial of 443 patients undergoing bunionectomy surgery.
https://painreform.com/releases/painreform-announces-positive-safety-profile-for-prf-110-in-phase-3-bunionectomy-study/ https://painreform.com/releases/painreform-announces-development-and-successful-manufacturing-of-new-formulations-providing-anti-inflammatory-and-extended-analgesic-effects/
Hope for hypothyroidism sufferers. Israeli researchers have discovered that a common pollutant (perchlorate salts – found in pesticides and automobiles) interferes with the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. They built a detection device that uses a receptor molecule to alert to pollutant’s presence.
https://ats.org/ats-news/new-sensor-detects-chemicals-that-impair-thyroid-gland/
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-sensor-chemicals-impair-thyroid-gland.html
https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/chem.202302968
Positive thoughts can heal the heart. At least it can in heart-diseased mice. Scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute induced positive emotion and motivation, resulting in an immune response that helped heal cardiac scarring, increased blood vessel formation, and improved cardiac performance. So pass on my positive news!
https://technionuk.org/news-post/can-good-thoughts-heal-the-heart/
Predicting and preventing brain diseases. Researchers at Israel’s Technion Institute have developed a model to predict problems involving proteins that can lead to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other brain diseases. This model could serve as a basis for designing new proteins that can treat these diseases.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2024/08/new-hope-for-alzheimers-and-parkinsons-patients/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46881-w
Shape-shifting pill gets US approval. Israel’s Epitomee (see here previously) has received US-FDA marketing approval for its pill that expands in the stomach, making it feel full and discourage overeating.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/qmnwnpw1b
Life-saving deliveries. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Magen David Adom is training some 1,000 Wolt delivery drivers in CPR, treating injuries, how to stop bleeding, etc., and giving them life-saving first aid tools. Wolt drivers often encounter emergencies all over Israel, in which first aid training could be vital.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-820579
Even smarter. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Sheba Medical Center was ranked 10th in Newsweek’s latest list of the world’s smartest hospitals, having risen from 13th (see here previously). Sheba’s standout categories were Robotics and Telemedicine.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/health-and-medicine/sheba-medical-center-ranked-10th-smartest-hospital-worldwide/2024/09/18/ https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-smart-hospitals-2025
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
18,000 volunteers. MAKOM is Israel’s largest national organization that unites Jews, Muslims, Druze, Right, Left, secular, and religious to work together to promote society as a whole. Its 18,000 volunteers work together in education, arts, social services, and more, empowering and revitalizing Negev and Galilee communities.
https://makompioneers.org.il/content/1
https://www.jnf.org/menu-3/news-media/robinson-reports/robinson-report-august-2024
Israel’s inclusive medical system. (TY Elaine) Professor Stephen Malnick has just retired as Director of Internal Medicine at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot. He and his multi-ethnic team treat Muslims, Druze, Jews, Christians, Bedouin, Bahai, Hindu, Buddhist and all who live and work alongside each other in Israel.
https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Stephen-Malnick-2031104437
Critical US military tech support. Datapath, the wholly owned US-based subsidiary of Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks (see here previously) has received additional contracts from the US Department of Defense worth $5 million. The main work is to perform technical upgrades to critical US military communications systems.
Global admiration. Much worldwide acclaim for the unspecified purveyors of the largest successful synchronized attack on a terrorist organization. No further comment but some interesting articles here.
https://worldisraelnews.com/report-19-iranian-soldiers-killed-150-injured-in-pager-bombings/
https://substack.com/@melaniephillips/p-149072823 https://x.com/TimesRadio/status/1836357147774402664
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/09/18/israel-hezbollah-exploding-beepers-devices-war-hamas/
IDF rescues deer from barbed wire. IDF soldiers from the Golani brigade maybe under fire from Hezbollah rockets, but they don’t ignore an animal in distress. Here they can be seen releasing a wild deer that had been caught in a barbed wire fence.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-idf-troops-rescue-wounded-deer/
What have the Jews done for us? This brief history of Jewish scientific contributions to the world includes (at 8 mins 50 seconds) a glimpse of Israeli achievements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8ceRZ-YiwY
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
English tutor is now both Android & iOS. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Loora has launched the Android version of its virtual AI English tutor app. Previously (see here) the app was only available on Apple’s iOS. It will make the app available to a much larger audience of non-native English speakers across the globe.
Translating video into foreign languages. Israel’s D-ID (see here previously) has launched Video Translate. It allows users to upload videos that are then automatically translated into multiple languages, cloning the speaker's voice and adapting their lip movements. It will redefine how we communicate globally.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1z0a00voa
Eilat sponges can purify water. (TY TPS) Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that the Eilat sponge Theonella conica contains the bacterium, Entotheonella sp. This acts as a “detoxifying organ” converting poisons and metal pollutants into harmless minerals. It may lead to new water treatment solutions.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/new-bacteria-in-eilat-sponges-could-transform-water-purification/
Quality over quantity. Israel annually produces some 7,000 new engineering graduates, compared to Iran’s 234,000. However, Ami Moyal, President of Tel Aviv’s Afeka Academic College of Engineering is sure that the Israeli focus on innovation and entrepreneurship gives Israel the advantage.
https://www.jns.org/quality-over-quantity-the-key-to-israels-high-tech-advantage/
Jerusalem’s new bus terminal. (TY Yanky) The new half-billion-shekels Haarazim transportation hub has opened in Jerusalem on Route 1. It includes 12 bus platforms servicing Bnei Brak, Petah Tikva, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Rehovot, and more. It has 215 rapid electric bus charging stations, and a 200,000 sq. ft “green roof".
https://www.jerusalem.muni.il/en/newsandarticles/municipalitymessages/arazimterminal-inaugurated/
Advanced helmets for pilots. (TY Yanky) At the UK’s Farnborough Airshow, Elbit Systems displayed its advanced helmets. The modular X-Sight for helicopter pilots delivers a crisp, clear, and precise AI image. The Zero G represents a significant upgrade to the advanced helmet used by F-35 pilots worldwide.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/24/the-advanced-radar-system-that-thwarted-75-iranian-drones/
Grasping the future. Israel’s Pickommerce (see here previously) has developed PickoBot – a robot that can pick and place inventory in a warehouse. It uses a computer vision system powered by machine learning that enables the safe and intelligent packaging of objects of different sizes, weights and textures.
https://www.pickommerce.com/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/skte2l86a
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gZ6JvKPQxA
Anything women can do…. Following the life-saving innovations developed by female students at Jerusalem College of Technology’s Hack.Her.IT competition (see here previously), the men had a go at JCT’s 8th annual Great Minds Hackathon. The winner, Campaign Matcher, built an AI web-based fundraising support platform.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Average wage jumped 4.7% in June. (TY Atid-EDI) The average monthly wage in Israel in June was NIS 13,865, up 4.7% in real terms from NIS 12,836 in June 2023. Inflation was 2.9% over the same period. Israeli hi-tech salaries averaged NIS 28,822 (10% of all jobs), while hospitality and catering averaged just NIS 6,192.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-average-wage-in-israel-jumped-in-june-1001485867
1,600 companies provide internships. Since 2011, jInternship has provided Jewish college students and young professionals with the opportunity to spend time in Israel, developing themselves professionally and personally through engaging internship programs while connecting to their Jewish identity.
https://www.jns.org/wire/amid-rising-antisemitism-jewish-students-find-connection-and-growth-via-israeli-internships/ https://jinternship.com/
Meta accelerates AI startups. Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp etc.) has launched AI Accelerator TLV for early-stage Israeli B2C AI startups. Its first 10 selections are QRGenetics, Twee, Lucid Dreams, Adge.ai, Vinst, Weavy, Spines, OrCam (Hear), Panjaya, and an unnamed startup which is in stealth mode.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1pnl6rpc
https://www.panjaya.ai/ (like D-ID’s latest feature see above) https://www.startuphub.ai/startups/adge/
Innovating for the future. There’s just time to register for this Technion Institute webinar on 25 Sep at 5pm BST (midday EST). You will learn how the Technion’s close ties with industry and its entrepreneurial-focused programs, accelerators, and incubators help transform research into reality.
https://technionuk.org/event/innovating-for-the-future-technions-entrepreneurial-impact/
Investing in saving lives. At London’s Mind the Tech conference Bank Leumi’s CEO Hanan Friedman said, “the main reason why Israelis are experts in solving problems is because we don't have a choice…it is why we at Leumi decided recently to look for investments in technologies that could save lives in the battlefields.”
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/xna8f4vde
40,000 safer delivery vehicles. (TY Yanky) One of the world’s largest express delivery companies has ordered 40,000 licenses for software from Israel’s Cipia (see here previously). The Cipia system monitors drivers for distraction and drowsiness levels, creating a safer driving experience.
https://cipia.com/news/40k-order-for-leading-express-delivery-fleet/
Exits, mergers & acquisitions – to 22/9/24: Israel’s Playtika is acquiring Israel’s SuperPlay for at least $700 million.
Startup investment – to 22/9/24: REE Automotive raised $45 million; Intezer raised $33 million; Payouts.com raised a total of $12.1 million; With (Bewith.io) raised $10 million; Pickommerce raised $3.4 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Taste the cholent and challah in Bnei Brak. (TY Yanky) Yanky Fachler recommends a Thurs evening visit to Bnei Brak. There you can enjoy some of the best cholent in Israel. For the uninitiated, cholent is a savory slow-cooked stew prepared for Shabbat comprising meat, potatoes and beans. Many guided tours available.
https://bnei-brak.com/english.html https://www.jpost.com/metro/cholent-crawling-in-bnei-brak-448211
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/the-nosher/the-7-best-food-tours-in-israel/
First culinary institute students. Despite rocket attacks in the North, construction on the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF (GCI by JNF – see here previously) is advanced. Students are already enrolled in the first year, beginning in November. https://www.galileeculinaryinstitute.com/
Dudu celebrates 50 years of music. (TY Yanky) Dudu Fisher celebrates 50 years in music with a nationwide tour in in 14 different Israeli cities from Aug 27 to Nov 28. He says, “People need music in times like this, and the best way to give hope is through personal stories mixed with songs of faith and prayer.”
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-816305
Another MSG sell-out. Some videos of Ishay Ribo’s sell-out concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sep 15th. Plenty more on the Internet – search for “Ishay Ribo live MSG 2024”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zp6MjjL-DI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jSl-wUbYDM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCFtcd_7X6E https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGOw1BoQpBM
Eden Golan wins Sweden’s “People Prize”. At the Eurovision song contest in May, Israel’s Eden Golan received maximum points from the Swedish televoters, but zero from the on-site Swedish jury. The Swedish people subsequently raised $20,000 to help fund some of the rebuilding of Kibbutz Nir Oz, destroyed on Oct 7.
THE JEWISH STATE
Visit the tombs of Jesse and Ruth. Israeli volunteers have been restoring the tombs of Jesse and Ruth, the father and great-grandmother of King David, located in Hebron. See Isaiah (ch 11 v10) “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious”.
Israel advocacy in Miami. 300+ student leaders attended the 111th annual convention of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), the world’s leading Jewish college fraternity, in Miami where they learned about advocating for Israel. AEPi presented a check of $125,000 to the Israel Cancer Research Fund and $100,000 to United Hatzalah.
Bob Dylan’s producer friend makes Aliyah. Louis Kemp has been friends with Bob Dylan, ever since Bob was simply 11-year-old Robert Zimmerman. Kemp produced Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Review concert tour. Kemp also launched Jewish programs for Chabad and Aish. Now at age 82, Kemp has just emigrated to Israel.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/bob-dylans-confidant-emigrates-to-israel-at-82/
Shoah Survivor gives grandson his IDF beret. Itzik, a survivor of the Holocaust, gave a green beret to his grandson at the ceremony for completing his training in the IDF’s Nachal Brigade.
Reason for surge in Aliyah. (TY UWI & ILTV) Israeli minister of Aliyah Ofir Sofer discusses the increase in immigration to Israel following the outbreak of the war. It’s not just anti-Semitism, it’s the wish to show solidarity with Israel, in spite of the war. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNP2XhM8MyM
240915
In the 15th Sep 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l 5 articles featuring amazing war-wounded Israelis.
l Thousands at risk of lung blood clots saved by Israeli AI.
l How a black African Jew became Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv.
l Another Israeli process turns garbage into fuel.
l It’s never been a better time to invest in Israeli technology.
l Israeli journalist Walter Bingham skydives to celebrate his 100th birthday.
· Click here to see the 8th Sep newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours with a great introduction, and (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, and Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Also (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 25,000 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, and the subject “Subscribe”) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
He absorbed a bomb but didn’t give up. (TY UWI) Amichay Shindler saved his family by absorbing a bomb planted by Hamas terrorists outside the door to their safe room. Ten months and one prosthetic hand later, it is still not clear how he is alive today. His wife Avital manages a group for the wives of injured Israeli reservists.
Soldier’s recovery and mission. (TY UWI & I24 News) Captain Israel Ben Shitrit, a reservist serving in Khan Yunis, tells his story and future plans. A Hamas terrorist hit his unit with an RPG and he was badly wounded. After three and a half months in rehabilitation, he declares that he is proud to be a Captain in the IDF.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ivSSk2J7c
Wounded soldier returns to his tank. In Nov 2023 IDF tank crewman Sergeant Aharon Shmuel Bryce was severely wounded by a Hamas-fired RPG missile that hit his tank. After 10 months of surgeries, reconstructions and rehabilitation, he has returned to serve in Gaza in the very same tank that he was injured in.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/395922
Druze girl recovers after Hezbollah attack. Kai Marai, the 11-year-old Druze girl, most seriously wounded in the July 27 Hezbollah rocket attack on the Golan Heights, regained consciousness on Aug 13 surprising doctors at Haifa’s Rambam children’s hospital. Kai’s mother thanked the medical team for saving her daughter’s life.
Oct 7 survivor receives her medical degree. Elai Hogeg Golan awoke from a coma 51 days after Hamas terrorists firebombed her home on Oct 7. In May she received her medical degree at an emotional ceremony. She is now finishing her medical internship at Sheba Medical Center, while receiving rehabilitation treatment.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/bjoe4ijqr
A nation of superheroes. Rony Ben-Zvi Elimelech is completing her doctorate at Israel’s Technion Institute. She is also a mother of two boys, ages 6 years and 16 months, and chief executive officer of Wisemama, which supports women who are combining parenthood and academic studies. Then she was called up for reserve duty.
https://ats.org/our-impact/rony-ben-zvi-elimelech-israel-is-a-nation-of-superheroes/
Cooking up resilience. Israel’s Technion Institute held a hackathon, attended by 140 science students, who worked with mental health experts to develop solutions to improve mental resilience. The winning team developed a technology to treat post-traumatic stress disorder through cooking, using a virtual reality headset.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/2024/07/technology-for-mental-resilience/
US doctor volunteered and then made Aliyah. In Nov, cardiothoracic anesthesiologist Dr. Eugene Rapaport volunteered for two weeks at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center, treating some unique injuries and diverse patients. Then in June he realized his dream and made Aliyah through Nefesh b’Nefesh. A fascinating article.
https://www.jns.org/us-doctor-makes-aliyah-after-volunteering-to-treat-oct-7-victims/
Volunteers make a difference. (TY Yanky) Angie Jacobs and Naomi Frankel write about their experiences as volunteers on Kibbutzim, Moshavim, Army bases, children’s homes and more. They really made a difference.
https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/i-needed-to-make-a-difference-why-we-went-to-israel-to-volunteer/
Making chocolates under fire. (TY Rhoda) Rhoda’s great-niece Chana Koenig shows typical Israeli resilience by making gourmet chocolates (without preservatives) in Nahariya, northern Israel. For the last 11 months, she has endured near-incessant aerial attacks by Hezbollah from exploding UAVs and rocket fire.
https://davebender.substack.com/p/from-rockets-to-rosh-hashana-an-israeli (link in article is incorrect)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5yO41eBStU https://www.cacaohagalil.co.il/ (link here is correct)
A wish comes true. Miri and her fiancé Roy are both IDF reserve officers and had to postpone their wedding several times due to the war. When they finally fixed the date, they pleaded on Instagram for help getting Miri’s paralyzed, holocaust-survivor grandfather Kim to attend. Thanks to Israel’s Wish Ambulance, he got there.
https://israfan.com/p/wish-ambulance-reunites-holocaust-survivor-at-wedding
https://www.mdais.org/en/activities/wish-ambulance
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Positive early results of heart repair trial. Israel’s Endospan (see here previously) shared good early news from the trial on 22 patients of its Nexus Aortic Arch Stent Graft System. The trial is being extended to 110 patients. 120,000+ patients suffer thoracic aortic arch disease every year in the USA and Europe.
Detecting high risk of pulmonary embolism. Researchers at Ben Gurion University and Israel’s Sheba Medical Center used AI to detect nearly 2,000 patients at high risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (lung blood clot). Sheba used the BGU algorithm to analyze the records of 46,000 patients who were admitted to ER.
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/sheba-study-ai-can-spot-patients-at-risk-of-pulmonary-embolism/
https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e48595
Non-invasive cancer treatment. Scientists at Israel’s Technion Institute have developed a sonodynamic cancer therapy - ultrasound that targets sensitive nanoparticles accumulated in the cancerous tissue to treat deep-seated tumors. It destroys tumors without damage to healthy cells.
https://ats.org/our-impact/technion-researchers-develop-promising-treatment-for-tumors/
https://t3.technion.ac.il/technology/drug-delivery-nanoparticles/
Valve replacement startup gets approval & funds. Israel’s TruLeaf Medical has received approval from the Helsinki Committee to begin human trials of its minimally invasive Mitral Valve Replacement procedure. The Israel Innovation Authority awarded TruLeaf an additional NIS 1.5 million, to make a total of NIS 11.5 million.
Aquatic plant is good for diabetics. An Israeli clinical trial shows that diabetics who drink a beverage with the Mankai cultivated aquatic plant after meals can reduce blood sugar levels by 20%. It confirms the results of initial tests that Israel’s Ben Gurion University scientists conducted five years ago (see here previously).
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/study-aquatic-plant-reduces-blood-sugar-in-diabetics/
A better fish farm. Traditional aquatics uses the wastewater from fish farms to grow hydroponic vegetables. Now scientists at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have also made use of the solid waste from fish by means of anaerobic digestion. The new system produces biogas, higher crop yields, using less energy and less water.
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/bgu-researchers-offer-proof-of-concept-for-unique-aquaponics-system/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344924003100?via%3Dihub
Real-time medical translator. Current and ex-students from Israel’s Technion Institute have developed CommU - a real-time language translation platform that allows doctors to converse with patients in Hebrew, English, Arabic, Russian, and most other European languages.
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/automatic-translator-breaks-language-barrier-for-doctors-patients/
AI devices for the hard-of-hearing. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Bettear provides Auracast-based assistive listening solutions to enhance sound experience. Its B-CASTER streamer integrates with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Other products support tour guides, teachers, entertainers, and museums.
https://www.bettear.com/solutions
AI contest for Parkinson’s FOG detection. Tel Aviv University researchers ran an international contest to develop an algorithm to detect “Freeze of Gait” (FOG) in Parkinson’s sufferers, using data from 100 patients. The prize of $100,000 attracted nearly 25,000 solutions from AI researchers in 83 countries.
https://english.tau.ac.il/research/fog-detection-ai https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49027-0
Treating and reversing DDD. Israel’s Discure Technologies is developing an implantable bioelectronic device designed to treat and reverse degenerative disc disease (DDD). The Discure System restores fluids and nutrients to the affected discs. DDD accounts for 35% of all lower back pain, at a cost of $100 billion in the US alone.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjvw00d62c
https://www.hcs-capital.com/portfolio/discuretechnologies/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Black Jewish Zionists. As a child immigrant from rural Ethiopia, Mehereta Baruch Ron could never have imagined she would one day become Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv. In this interview she shares her powerful story of perseverance, identity, and faith, recounting her community's ancient connection to Jerusalem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUt487s0R9o
Haredi recruits join elite border guard. 31 Haredi (orthodox) men have just completed their rigorous training and have joined the ranks of Israel’s Border Police. Their unit focuses on border security, counterterrorism, and maintaining security in Jerusalem. The men combine Torah study with combat training and police duties.
Promoting IDF service to Muslims. Hisham Abu Raya was the first Muslim (non-Bedouin) officer in the IDF. Immediately after his discharge in 2018, he founded “Ma’an” (meaning “together” in Arabic), to strengthen ties between the Israeli State and young Arab citizens. Today he promotes IDF service as key to their advancement.
Israelis on the US front line. CEO of the Israeli American Council Elan Carr tells about the hundreds of thousands of Israeli Americans who have mobilized in the past 10 months to fight rising Jew-hatred, including on U.S. campuses. The IAC has also trained 2,000 public school teachers, influencing countless children.
https://www.jns.org/so-important-to-teach-american-jews-what-it-is-to-be-israeli-elan-carr-says/
Saudi ambassador at MEAD summit. Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, participated in the inaugural MEAD (Middle East - America Dialogue) conference in Washington, D.C. MEAD is co-chaired by ex-US Ambassadors to Israel, and the summit featured several high-ranking Israelis.
https://www.jns.org/saudi-us-envoy-attends-event-with-israeli-officials/ https://www.meadsummit.com/
10,000+ march for Israel in Montreal. Over 10,000 Montreal Jews and allies marched in solidarity with Israel as part of the powerful March for Jerusalem. Wearing blue and white, the crowd gathered to call for the release of the 101 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and to show unwavering support for the Jewish state.
https://israfan.com/p/montreal-march-for-jerusalem
Israel’s African Allies. A conference of 40 lawmakers from 20 African countries affirmed Jerusalem is the true capital of Israel and declared an intention to seek partnerships with the Jewish State. They all signed the “Addis Ababa Declaration of Africa-Israel Cooperation and Partnership” declaration.
Taiwan’s cooperation with Israel. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung stated in Taipei that Intelligence exchanges and technology cooperation between Taiwan and Israel are essential to counter shared threats. Taiwan also pledged over NIS 187,000 to the Druze High-Tech Empowerment Center (DTEC) in Usfiya,
https://israfan.com/p/taiwan-israel-intel-tech-cooperation
https://israfan.com/p/new-tech-training-program-launched-taiwan-druze-veterans-majdal-shams-attack
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
More fuel from waste. Following last week’s article about Israel’s Co-Energy (see here) another process is being researched at Tel Aviv University. Waste is superheated and catalysts are used to separate it into biofuel and a solid biochar that can be used elsewhere, while isolating the extracted greenhouse gases inside.
https://english.tau.ac.il/research/fuel-from-waste https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590174523001319
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/tau-researchers-turn-organic-household-waste-into-fuel/
Another Quantum alliance. (TY OurCrowd) Israeli startups Quantum Machines and Classiq are now founding members of the QuEra Quantum Alliance Partner Program launched by QuEra Computing, a leader in neutral-atom quantum computing. The 19 leading quantum companies aim to advance quantum computer development.
Not secure enough. Two graduates from Israel’s Technion Institute have managed to seize control of Siemens’ new controllers, which are among the most secure in the world, by deciphering their communication protocol. As a result of the successful attack, Siemens have updated the software.
Sunflowers know their neighbors. When plants such as sunflowers are planted together in dense patches, they will grow in such a way to give maximum sunlight to their neighbors. A team including Tel Aviv researchers discovered that sunflowers can distinguish between another plant and an inanimate object such as a building.
https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.031027
A nursery for the Atlantic guitarfish, in the Med. A University of Haifa study has found that a coastal strip south of Haifa, is an effective natural habitat for the endangered cartilaginous (“guitar”) fish. The Israeli location provides food, protection from predators, and shelter (factors also enjoyed by Israeli citizens!).
https://unitedwithisrael.org/beach-in-haifa-becomes-nursery-for-endangered-atlantic-guitarfish/
Financial AI-chat bot. Israel’s Lettuce Financial has launched LettuceHead AI - a free AI-chat bot specialized to answer solopreneurs tax and accounting questions. It is designed for businesses run by solopreneurs (one-person companies) who need guidance on how to approach and manage their businesses accounting and taxes.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/skejg9vic https://lettuce.co/ https://lettuce.co/lettucehead
AI support for Hebrew & Arabic. Israel’s AI21 Labs (see here previously) has launched Jamba 1.5 for the development of GenAI systems that need to process large volumes of text. It fully supports Hebrew and Arabic languages. CEO Ori Goshen says they included Hebrew support “for Zionist reasons”, as it is not a big market.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1a4rcesc
https://www.ai21.com/blog/announcing-jamba-model-family
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Economy grows even during the war. Israel’s gross domestic product grew at an annualized 1.2% rate in the April-June period compared to the previous three months. Over the first half of 2024, the economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.5%. https://www.jns.org/israeli-economy-grows-slightly-in-q2-amid-hamas-war/
Now is the time to invest in Israeli companies. (TY Rhoda) So many positives in this WSJ opinion article. (Note, no investment advice given from the VeryGoodNewsIsrael editor)
Defense tech fund. Ace Capital Partners is a new venture capital investment fund focused on defense, aviation, and space startups. Although it will also invest in international companies, ts primary goal is to nurture and strengthen the Israeli ecosystem in aviation and space.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjqyoovoc
Fund for joint UK-Israel research. Israel and the UK have created a NIS 9 million fund to provide research grants for joint projects, plus scientific collaboration on the development of transformative technologies. The grants focus on quantum tech, AI for medicine discovery, alternative proteins, and advanced food packaging.
Benefits for Olim at JCT. New immigrants who enroll in specific programs at the Jerusalem College of Technology are eligible for benefits thanks to JCT’s partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Aliya and Integration. They include full-tuition scholarships and financial support, plus up to 1,500 NIS a month for housing.
Vegan salmon for celebrities. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Oshi (formerly Plantish) has partnered with Neat, a vegan burger chain backed by celebrities Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio. Oshi’s vegan salmon will be featured in Neat’s New York City menu inside vegan fish tacos, rice bowls, and Caesar salads with avocado.
Startup investment – to 15/9/24: Quantum Source raised $50 million; Zafran Security raised $40 million; Discure Technologies raised $16 million; Datricks raised $15 million; Lettuce Financial raised $15 million; Odigos raised $13 million; Element Security raised $5 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Art, design and sushi on display in Haifa. Six new exhibits opened on 1st Aug in the Haifa Museum of Art, all solo affairs featuring works by female artists. Meanwhile, Haifa’s Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art hosted a traveling exhibit and local presentations including one on the art of rolling sushi for soldiers on the frontlines.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/art-and-design-on-display-in-haifa-as-creativity-trumps-tensions/
Beautiful new stamps. (TY Jacob Richman) New Israeli postage stamps have been issued featuring the festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles) – etrog (citron), lulav (palm branch), hadasim (myrtle), aravot (willow); Ramat Gan Safari; Murals; YAMAM (National Counter-terror Unit); Paralympic Games; Animals from the Bible.
https://jr.co.il/stamps/index-2024.html https://jr.co.il/prayers/
Eurovision singer gets IDF call-up. Israel’s Eden Golan, who came fifth singing “Hurricane” in May’s Eurovision Song Contest, has just had her summons to enlist in the IDF. She is likely to serve as a performer, showcasing her musical abilities for fellow soldiers as part of the military’s cadre of exceptional artists. https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/08/19/from-eurovision-to-boot-camp-eden-golan-prepares-for-idf/
https://www.jns.org/from-eurovision-to-boot-camp-eden-golan-prepares-for-idf/
THE JEWISH STATE
$5 million donation for new “Chessed” center. Philanthropists Debbie and Michael Flacks have donated $5 million to Colel Chabad to erect a new center dedicated to promoting community service and acts of kindness. The 10-story “Flacks Chessed Tower” will be located next to Jerusalem’s Machaneh Yehudah open-air market.
Moss Haggadah gifted to National Library. The National Library of Israel has received the original version of the Moss Haggadah. The 1980’s masterpiece, by renowned Judaica artist David Moss, is a large-format, handwritten and hand-illuminated rendition of the classical Passover seder liturgy in a traditional style.
https://www.jns.org/national-library-of-israel-receives-gift-of-original-david-moss-haggadah/
5-year-old survives 8-floor fall. A five-year-old girl from Kiryat Gat was released from Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon after falling eight floors and only suffering minor bruising and scratches. She had woken in the night, climbed out onto the balcony and fell into bushes, eight floors below. The parents plan to celebrate the miracle.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/395890
Skydiving at 100. The world’s oldest journalist, Walter Bingham (see here previously), celebrated his 100th birthday by skydiving over Israel – as he had done on his 95th birthday. Before he boarded the plane he said he looked forward to “seeing the country from the River to the Sea”.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-100-year-old-holocaust-survivor-skydives-over-israel/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnVVI7N_gIA
Pictures of resilience. (TY Sharon) This week, the Real Jerusalem Streets stretched from Israel’s capital to Sderot to show the unity of Israelis. The Kotel (Western Wall), Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s funeral, wedding photos at the Botanical Gardens, and new buildings for the many people wanting to live in restored Sderot.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/09/08/jerusalem-streets-emotional-roller-coaster-of-prayer-and-unity/
Voice of the people. Israeli President Herzog launches the Voice of the People initiative on Sun 15th Sep with an inaugural online symposium, featuring Israeli actress Gal Gadot. The event aims to unite Jewish voices from around the world to emphasize the resilience and unity of the Jewish people amid current global challenges.
https://israfan.com/p/gal-gadot-president-herzog-voice-of-the-people
240908
In the 8th Sep 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l An IDF soldier breathes through the lungs of a fallen comrade.
l Israeli surgeons used a robot to reconstruct a patient’s digestive system.
l Israelis and Cypriots cooperated to save 8 kidney patients in one day.
l An Israeli startup turns unsorted plastic waste into fuel.
l Soon every new Israeli building will have to include solar panels.
l Watch as an Israeli paralympic swimmer receives his second gold medal.
l Added to the 30,000 new Israeli immigrants since Oct 7 is one therapy pony.
· Click here to see the 1st Sep newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, and (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, and Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Also (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.
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POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
The breath of life. (TY Sam Kramer) Kfir Zar’s lungs were badly damaged when Hamas fired a rocket at his tank in Gaza. He was put on a heart-lung machine until he received a double lung transplant at Sheba Medical Center from fallen soldier Dor Zimel. Kfir has now been discharged after nine and a half months of recovery.
https://www.afsmc.org/2024/05/dor-gave-kfir-the-gifts-of-breath-and-life/
Volunteers saved $50 million of produce. Israeli charity Leket Israel reported that since Oct 7, hundreds of thousands of volunteers, from Israel and around the world, helped rescue over 35,000 tons of Israeli agricultural produce that otherwise would have gone to waste.
https://www.jns.org/volunteers-saved-50m-in-israeli-produce-during-war-study-finds/
Navigating the “new normal”. Interesting article highlighting the resilience of Israelis who continue their “normal” lives in a war situation. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-navigate-normal-life-amid-danger-and-anxiety-from-war-and-iranian-threat/
Respite in Connecticut. World ORT Kadima Mada brought a group of 21 Israeli teens to the USA for a two -week break with summer camps, parks, and counselling. Each student had lost a family member or friend in the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7 or in the months of violence against Israel since.
https://www.jns.org/the-love-of-country-in-their-eyes/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Robot surgery to remove pancreas (and more). (TY Aubrey) Surgeons at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya are the first in Israel to use a robot to completely remove a patient’s pancreas and other organs. The 78-year-old patient had multiple cystic (non-malignant) tumors. After a few days, he was discharged home.
Robot can help rehabilitate stroke patients. Ben Gurion University researchers published the first long-term study of stroke patient rehabilitation using Socially Assistive Robots (SARs). The robots used speech, facial expressions, and gestures to guide and coach patients and improve outcomes. (See also here previously).
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/socially-assistive-robots-improve-stroke-rehabilitation/
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10496321
Hope for colorectal cancer patients. (TY Ron) Early results of a study at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center of 29 patients showed new treatment for colorectal cancer eradicated tumors in 65% of patients and prevented surgery for most. Combined immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy substantially improved survival and quality of life.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/s11krhyq0
Big data is revealing. A 2-year study by Tel Aviv University researchers is being hailed as a test for vaccines and also to give early warning of a potential pandemic. Smartwatch sensors from Israel’s Biobeat (see here previously) monitored the heart, lungs, blood oxygen, temperature, blood pressure, etc. of some 5,000 patients.
https://english.tau.ac.il/research/smartwatches-pandemic-prevent
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/smart-sensors-take-the-sting-out-of-studying-vaccine-safety/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666776224001017
New AI medical solutions. Israel’s AIDOC (see here previously) has announced seven new CE-approved AI solutions for European healthcare. They help analyze blocked blood vessels; a tear in the aorta; spinal fracture; a malplaced tube for opening the airway in the throat, and three cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
https://nocamels.com/2024/09/israeli-healthcare-firm-unveils-new-ai-solutions-for-europe/
Papaya to treat cystic fibrosis? Israel’s ODE Pharma has discovered that a molecule, code named ODE-001 and derived from the papaya fruit, reduces inflammation and deterioration in organs adversely affected by cystic fibrosis. One scientist who originally suggested the molecule is Nobel laureate Aaron Ciechanover.
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/startup-sees-potential-of-papaya-to-treat-cystic-fibrosis-in-kids/
https://pollen-group.com/portfolio/ https://odepharma.com/
Looking to stop cancer at cell level. Dr Gabriel Frank at Israel’s Ben Gurion University employs microscopy – examining cells using BGU’s powerful cryo-electron microscope, He has discovered that cancer cells rely on iron ions. The body’s Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 4 (NCOA4) controls the ion level and can kill the cancer.
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/bgu-microscopy-discovers-drug-candidates-for-cancer/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48151-1
Upgrading emergency dispatch. Israel’s volunteer emergency medical organization United Hatzalah has just enhanced its dispatch center’s capabilities by upgrading to the APEX cloud-based system from Israel’s Carbyne (see here previously). United Hatzalah partnered with Carbyne (see here) after the Turkish earthquake.
https://carbyne.com/solutions/apex/
Oncologists base decisions on Israeli tech. (TY OurCrowd) A study published in Clinical Lung Cancer finds that 93% of oncologists adjust their treatment recommendations with the help of PROphetNSCLC, a test developed by Israel’s OncoHost (see here previously).
https://www.clinical-lung-cancer.com/article/S1525-7304(24)00138-4/fulltext
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Water from air system at Vatican office. To help publicize the global need for clean drinking water, Israel’s Watergen (see here previously) has installed one of its “water from the air” generators at the Office of Papal Charities in Vatican City. It also supports the Office’s mission to help vulnerable communities.
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/israeli-water-from-air-machine-installed-at-vatican-office/
How to make people positive about Israel. A survey of 1,000 18- to 25-year-old Americans who have never visited Israel found that 63% of them can be persuaded to view Israel more positively through engaging, visually appealing social-media content. Register here for Sep 10 webinar on how to make this work.
https://www.israel21c.org/people-focused-social-media-posts-change-minds-about-israel/
German partner for autonomous vehicle. (TY Yanky) The unmanned REX MK II land vehicle built by Israel Aerospace Industries and Germany’s Flensburger Fahrzeugbau can carry supplies, munitions, medical equipment, and wounded. It was awarded Best Scientific Solution at the recent European Land Robot Trial.
https://www.iai.co.il/p/rex https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daFeqDD69uw
https://monch.com/rex-mk-ii-awarded-best-scientific-solution-in-the-european-land-robot-trial/
TAU researchers win $1 million prize for statistics. The King Baudouin Foundation, based in Brussels, has awarded the prestigious Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics to 3 Tel Aviv University professors for their pioneering work on False Discovery Rate. FDR is vital to genomics, neuroscience, agriculture, economics, and more.
https://english.tau.ac.il/news/rousseeuw-award-winners2024
https://www.rousseeuwprize.org/news/winners-2024
https://www.jns.org/tel-aviv-professors-win-1m-prize-for-statistics/
Christian students learn to counter anti-Israel activity. (TY Yanky) Passages, an organisation that brings Christian college students to Israel, held a training session in Washington DC for 250+ Christian students and alumni. They learned how to combat anti-Israel activity on campus and met with families of hostages.
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-812328
Israel and Cyprus perform 8 transplants together. A record eight kidney cross-transplant operations were performed in Israel and Cyprus in one day: five in Israel and three in Cyprus. Israel’s National Center for Transplantation has been pairing compatible patients and donors from both countries since 2019 (see 3rd link).
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-818788
https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/09/02/cyprus-hails-life-saving-kidney-cross-transplants-with-israel/
https://www.financialmirror.com/2019/08/23/health-cyprus-organ-donors-are-saving-lives-in-israel/
Strategic cooperation with India. (TY Hazel) Israel and India held a seminar in Delhi to enhance security cooperation against drone threats with participation from defense ministries and companies from both countries. It also featured a showcase of technologies to counter drone threats, with nine Israeli companies participating.
https://www.jpost.com/news-updates/article-818716
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Vaccines to keep produce fresh. Israel’s HarvestR (see here previously) is developing vaccines that contain dsRNA (double-stranded ribonucleic acid) molecules that disrupt diseases targeting specific crops. The new technology means less use of chemical-based fungicides to keep agricultural produce fresh.
https://www.israel21c.org/a-vaccine-could-keep-fresh-produce-healthier/ https://www.harvestrag.com/
Helping companies prepare for a cyber crisis. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Cytactic helps businesses cobat cyber threats by integrating cyber crisis preparation, response management, and recovery. Focusing on readiness, coordinated management, and fast recovery mitigates the impact of crises and can avert some threats altogether.
1,000 urban trees. Israel’s TreeTube (see here previously) has implemented its innovative tree planting system in cities in Israel, The Netherlands and Estonia and has sprouted over 1,000 trees. TreeTube is one of this year’s MassChallenge Israel Early-Stage Accelerator Program winners.
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/tree-planting-startup-turns-overheated-cities-into-urban-oases/
See cultured chicken made and then eat it. Israel’s SuperMeat (see here previously) offered a unique opportunity for chefs and food “experts” to watch “no-chicken” chicken being cultivated in the laboratory. They then consumed it and couldn’t taste any difference to “real” chicken.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baF22S1Yg2c
No moles here. Moles are a nuisance for lawns, gardens, organic greenhouses, crop fields, and golf courses. So the underground sound system from Israel’s Molex should be extremely attractive. Molex imitates the noises made by the presence of a mole’s preditor, repelling the moles and convincing them to burrow somewhere else.
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/sound-emitting-device-safely-keeps-the-moles-from-the-door/
Converting waste into energy. Israel’s Co-Energy turns plastic and organic waste into energy. No waste pre-sorting is necessary. The process involves pyrolysis – super-heating without the use of oxygen. It turns plastic into a form of oil or gas and wood into biochar (a type of charcoal used to improve soil health). See also here.
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/plastic-into-power-startup-changing-face-of-waste-conversion/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw2DEXZg5J8 https://co-energy.energy/
https://www.elconrecycling.com/en/
Removing Greenhouse Gas at scale. Israel’s BomVento (see here previously) is developing a coating for the blades on wind turbines that can extract greenhouse gasses (GHG) from the air even as the turbines operate. BomVento estimates that the world’s 300,000 wind turbines could remove 3 billion tons of GHG per year.
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/transforming-wind-turbines-into-killers-of-greenhouse-gasses/
Preventing excessive fertilizer. Israel’s Yevul Info has developed Leaf Guardian – an AI-enhanced solution designed to prevent overfertilization, environmental damage, and ensure optimal plant health. It uses cameras, sensors, and other advanced technology to spot tiny changes in the green color of the leaves.
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/ai-platform-watches-crops-24-7-to-prevent-a-fertilizer-overdose/
Drought-tolerant watermelon. (TY Yanky) Watermelons require around 500 liters of water to grow to maturity. Israel’s Origene Seeds (see here previously) has introduced the “Essence” and “Maxima” seedless watermelon varieties, which require 30% less water - and are sweeter than regular watermelons.
https://www.origeneseeds.com/products/watermelons-collection
When every second counts. (TY Israel21c) Important video featuring Israel’s SeismicAI (see here previously) and its earthquake warning system. SeismicAI aims to give customers four, five, six more seconds of warning which can allow people to take cover and for automated systems to shut down sensitive infrastructure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Yp2ktgnHDM
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Technion students pitch up in NYC. MBA students from Israel’s Technion Institute presented their innovative technologies to a panel of New York City entrepreneurs and investors, “Shark Tank” style. The winner was Gil Menasherov with a polymer that protects solar panels from UV radiation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDVYM6Xi53U
https://chemeng.technion.ac.il/en/seminar-by-gil-menasherov/
Solar panels to be mandatory. New Israeli Energy Ministry regulations have been approved requiring all new detached houses and non-residential buildings of a certain size to install solar panels for electricity generation. The regulations will shortly expand to residential apartment buildings, in which the majority of Israelis live.
A chocolate boost for no-tree chocolate. Having produced its proof of concept, Israel’s Celleste Bio (see here previously) is now upscaling its lab-cultivated chocolate production, thanks to a strategic investment from food giant Mondelez. It is upgrading its 1,000 liter bioreactor to 50,000 liters, aiming to be ready for market in 2027.
https://nocamels.com/2024/09/cultivated-cocoa-can-make-chocolate-without-the-environmental-toll/
https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/trendlines-celleste-bio-sustainable-chocolate/ https://celleste-bio.com/
https://www.birdf.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/BIRD-BOG-December-2023-Final.pdf
Prize-winning mining technology. Israel’s Razor Labs (see here previously) won three separate categories at the 2024 Mining Technology Excellence Awards. Razor Labs’ AI-driven DataMind AI platform maintains key mining machinery and won in the categories of Innovation, Safety, and Research & Development (R&D).
https://nocamels.com/2024/08/israeli-mining-maintenance-platform-scoops-3-awards/
The biggest drone delivery service in the US. Israel’s Flytrex (see here previously) has just completed 100,000 on-demand deliveries across its locations in suburban North Carolina and Texas, more than any other airborne food delivery service in the United States.
https://www.israel21c.org/flytrex-marks-100k-drone-food-deliveries-in-the-usa/
Military supplies for Dutch army. The Netherlands Army is buying $277 million of Spike LR2 missiles from Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Earlier this year the Netherlands halted exports to Israel of F-35 fighter aircraft parts after a ruling by a Dutch court that the Dutch government is now appealing.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-netherlands-to-procure-rafaels-spike-lr2-missiles-1001488526
$1 billion for safe AI. Israeli-founded Safe Superintelligence (see here previously) has just raised an incredible $1 billion, just 3 months after launching. Its aim is to build scalable computer power that will eventually result in Artificial Intelligence that, although more powerful than humanity, will be safe for humanity.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1pqj1lh0 https://ssi.inc/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/syyjgqdnr
$1.9 billion exit. Salesforce is to acquire Israel’s Own Company, formerly known as OwnBackup (see here previously), for $1.9 billion in cash. Salesforce already owned 10% of Own Company, giving a total valuation of $2.1 billion.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyiemjv20 https://www.owndata.com/
Startup investment – to 8/9/24: Sedric raised $18.5 million; Hypernative raised $16 million; Rep AI raised $8.2 million; Odeeo raised $5 million; Somite.ai raised another $4.8 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Ancient paintings in Ashkelon. Two ancient tombs dating back at least 1,700 years ago featuring restored wall paintings of Greek mythological characters, people, plants and animals are to go on display in the Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon. The Roman-era site has been turned into a public garden.
https://www.jns.org/ancient-greek-paintings-to-be-displayed-in-new-ashkelon-garden/
Oops! Thanks to the Hecht Museum in Haifa. After 4-year-old Ariel Geller accidentally knocked over a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age jar, the museum invited him back to witness its restoration process firsthand. The jar was repaired using advanced 3D technology and high-resolution videos. Ariel even crafted a clay jar of his own.
https://israfan.com/p/haifa-museum-boy-damages-jar-watches-restoration
Swallowtail butterflies arrive in Hula valley. The KKL-JNF Hula Valley Reserve is currently aflutter with the arrival of thousands of swallowtail butterflies, one of a number of migratory species that graces the area each summer (see here previously).
https://www.israel21c.org/migrating-swallowtail-butterflies-flock-to-hula-valley/
Sperm whale’s long journey. A team of international researchers, led by University of Haifa’s Dr. Aviad Scheinin, has documented the longest journey of a sperm whale to date. The researchers provided evidence of at least one immature male whale swimming eastward, some 2,800km (1,740 miles) of the Mediterranean Sea.
https://www.jns.org/haifa-u-researcher-documents-longest-journey-of-sperm-whale-in-mediterranean/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.4155
Welcome back Olympic team. (TY Sharon) Israel’s President Herzog hosted the Israeli athletes returning from Paris after Israel’s most successful ever Olympic Games.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/09/01/in-jerusalem-silver-bronze-and-gold-under-grey-sky/
“Almost” Israeli won Olympic wrestling gold. Amit Elor, born to Israeli parents, won the gold medal in the Women’s freestyle wrestling 68 kg category at the Paris Olympics. Her mother tongue is Hebrew and all her five siblings live in Israel. She expressed her hope that her victory represented a small ray of light for Israelis.
https://www.jns.org/american-amit-elor-born-to-israeli-parents-wins-wrestling-gold/
4 more paralympic golds. (TY UWI) Israelis have won another three gold medals, a silver and two bronze at the Paris Paralympic Games. Swimmer Ami Dadaon (watch youtube) won three medals (gold 100m freestyle, silver 150m medley, gold 200m freestyle). Moran Samuel won the women’s 2,000-meter PR1 rowing gold.
https://www.israel21c.org/israelis-win-gold-in-paralympic-swimming-and-taekwondo/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCrXjgZ0YT8
THE JEWISH STATE
Thousands at Kotel Selichot prayers. Thousands attended the first night of Selichot prayers at the Western Wall, praying for the welfare of Israel's soldiers, healing for the injured, and the return of the hostages held captive in Gaza.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/395727
Selichot home hospitality. (TY Sharon) Religious Jewish women who wish to sing the traditional pre-high holiday prayers in a private environment can now do so. The artist Bracha Cohen is hosting Selichot Home Hospitality every evening until Yom Kippur at the gallery in her home in Jerusalem.
https://www.jerusalem.muni.il/en/experience/allevents/brachasiyur/
Ishay Ribo at Madison Square Garden. Israeli singer Ishay Ribo is to perform at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sep 15th – one year after his first sold out MSG concert. To mark the occasion he has released a video of last year’s performance of the timeless Rosh Hashana prayer, “Meloch,”. Breathtaking!
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/395747 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLDXIHDDvbI
30,000 make Aliyah since Oct 7. Nearly 30,000 new immigrants have arrived in Israel since the Oct. 7 massacre, according to figures released by the World Zionist Organization. 6,000 US Jews have opened Aliyah files - 62% more than the same period last year. In France, the increase is 355%.
https://worldisraelnews.com/30000-new-immigrants-to-israel-since-october-7th-massacres/
https://www.jns.org/aliyah-up-by-30000-since-oct-7-massacre/
They made Aliyah with their pony. Robert and Jennifer Shurtleff landed in Israel to be reunited not only with their daughter, who moved here about a decade ago, but also with their pony, Turk who had been in quarantine. Turk is a trained therapy horse and the Shurtleffs plan to establish a farm to help people with special needs.
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/hy5ti9sor#autoplay
240901
In the 1st Sep 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l IDF rescued a Moslem Bedouin hostage from a Hamas tunnel in Gaza.
l Pre-emptive strike on Hezbollah rocket launchers saves countless Israeli lives.
l Israeli cancer treatment achieves almost 100% success.
l Arabs praise IDF rescuers of Moslem hostage and Jewish doctors who treated him.
l Israelis provide technology and training to US Department of Defense.
l Three more Israeli tech companies help conserve global water resources.
l Israel’s economy is showing remarkable resilience.
l A Jewish seal from the 1st Temple period was found by the ruins of the 2nd Temple.
· Click here to see the 25th Aug newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, and (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit. Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, and Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Also (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 25,000 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, and the subject “Subscribe”) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Bedouin hostage rescued after 326 days. (TY WIN) 52-year-old Bedouin Muslim Quaid Farhan Al Qadi and father of 11, was rescued by IDF forces from a tunnel in Rafa, Gaza after Israel received intelligence about the presence of living hostages in the area. Farhan’s brother said “Baruch Hashem” (Blessed is G-d) on the news.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/hostage-rescued-by-idf-from-tunnel-in-south-gaza-after-10-months-of-hamas-captivity/ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3w67w47eego
Soul food for the IDF. Shlomi, a former IDF soldier wounded in the Lebanon War, rises at 5 a.m. to buy the freshest ingredients for his food truck, now based at the ill-fated Nova dance party location. Shlomi feeds 250-400 soldiers every day since the Gaza war began. The IDF provides sustenance, but Shlomi provides soul food.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/395076
Shawarma still turning in Kiryat Shmona. (TY Yanky) The shawarma spit is still turning in Toby Abutbul’s fast-food restaurant, Baguette Shlomi in Kiryat Shmona. Toby is determined to remain in the Northern Israeli town and keep his restaurant running - a reflection of the resilience of many Israelis during the war.
No holiday for Hassidim. (TY Yanky) The Rebbes of the Belz and Sanz Hassidim are forgoing their vacation this year. Both sects encourage their followers to serve in the IDF. "How can I travel for rest and vacation when we are fighting a battle on all fronts and soldiers are sacrificing their lives”, said the Belz Rebbe.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/en/news/393636
Bedouin girl leaves hospital. Amina Alhasoni, the 7-year-old Bedouin Muslim girl critically wounded in Iran’s April 13 missile attack on the Jewish state (see here previously) has been released from Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva. Amina underwent numerous neurosurgeries during her three months in hospital.
https://www.jns.org/months-after-direct-iranian-attack-bedouin-girl-victim-leaves-hospital/
https://x.com/IsraelWarRoom/status/1817582004398899472
Blind grandfather presents grandsons with IDF berets. In a poignant ceremony, a visually impaired grandfather had the unique honor of presenting his grandsons, who serve in the IDF, with their hard-earned berets. Warning - video may cause excessive eye moisture!
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-blind-grandfather-presents-grandsons-with-idf-berets/
Adir’s diamonds. Israeli jeweller Alon Mesika has donated over 100 engagement rings in tribute to his son Adir, murdered by Hamas on Oct 7. Each ring, valued up to 8,000 shekels, went to an IDF soldier planning marriage. “Adir is not going to build a family in Israel, but because of him, a lot of people will”, said Alon.
https://israfan.com/p/father-nova-victim-donates-rings-idf-couples
The miracle of Aug 25. 15 minutes before Hezbollah planned to launch over 6,000 missiles at Israel, the Israeli Air Force destroyed most of the rocket launchers aimed at central Israel. Hezbollah fired some 320 rockets which caused limited damage, including to a chicken coup, which was mocked on Arab social media.
Praise for non-Jews defending Israel. Master Sgt. Ashraf al Bahir said that it was a “great honor” for Israel’s Bedouin community that he was able to travel to Washington with Israel’s Prime Minister, who highlighted his bravery, and that of other non-Jewish soldiers, in his address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
https://www.jns.org/muslim-soldier-praised-by-netanyahu-in-congress-idf-needs-to-finish-hamas/
Ethiopian Israeli ran 12km to defend Israel. 2nd Lt. Avichail Reuven is another IDF soldier praised publicly by Israel’s Prime Minister during his speech to Congress. On Oct 7 Avichail, who has no car, ran 12 kilometers (8 miles) from his parents’ home in Kiryat Malachi, to the Gaza border to help fight off the terrorists.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-young-idf-officer-who-ran-8-miles-to-the-gaza-border-on-oct-7-to-fight-terrorists/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/25/netanyahu-highlights-israeli-heroes-in-us-congress-speech/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRwPo7SZEbc (Must-see video)
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Almost no re-ocurrence after freezing tumors. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s IceCure Medical (see here previously) presented the results of its three clinical studies using ProSense to treat breast cancer. Of the 389 patients treated, The ipsilateral tumor recurrence rate was 0.26%, resulting in a 99.74% recurrence-free rate.
Breakthrough device treats heart failure. Israel’s Restore Medical (see here previously) has been granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. FDA for its transcatheter Pulmonary Artery Banding (PAB) system designed for patients suffering from left ventricle failure who currently have limited treatment options.
Israel approves oxygenation system. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Ministry of Health has approved the ART100 Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Cardiopulmonary Bypass system from Israel’s Inspira Technologies (see here previously). The ART100 helps increase the level of oxygen in patients’ blood.
MDA partners midwives in Northern Israel. Magen David Adom is partnering with the Israel Midwives Organization to help women deliver their babies safely even when war prevents immediate transport to hospital. Midwives are matched to expectant mothers. Equipment is funded by the Jewish Federations of North America.
How cells coordinate activity. Researchers from Israel’s Ben Gurion and Canada’s British Columbia universities have discovered the pathway for cells to coordinate activity such as tissue repair. 3 to 8 local cells send Calcium ion signals to “hot-spots” inside lymph nodes, which then trigger actions and send signals back.
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/cells-coordinate-to-create-tissue-scale-behaviors/
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2318155121
Preventing adverse medication interactions. Israel’s FeelBetter (see here previously) has validated its AI algorithm, using Israeli patient records, to predict and reduce the risk of multiple medicines causing side effects. FeelBetter has just partnered New Jersey’s Atlantic Health Systems with its half a million patients.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/patient-care-platform-makes-taking-multiple-medications-safer/
High-school space experiment. 4 years ago, six Israeli 9th-grade students put an experiment about brain disease progression aboard the International Space Station. The results have just been published in the June edition of Astrobiology. If repeated, it could have major implications for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ast.2023.0096
Still smiling. If you wanted to know what happened to Aerodentis (see here previously) from Israel’s Dror Ortho-Design, there is good news. Aerodentis has been rebranded as Zsmile and its orthodontic system that straightens your teeth while you sleep is about to launch commercially. https://www.zsmile.com/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Israel’s inclusivity goes viral. UAE analyst Amjad Taha shared a picture with his 500,000+ followers on X of rescued hostage Qaid Farhan Al-Qadi in hospital being treated by a Jewish doctor wearing a kippah.He wrote: "First, in the Middle East, this is a moment for all to celebrate. Congratulations to Israel and to humanity."
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/395256
Medical charity serves Druze town. Israel’s largest volunteer charity Yad Sarah recently opened a branch in the Druze town of Majdal Shams. The timing means the charity is able to provide vital medical equipment to residents recovering from Hezbollah’s rocket attack that killed 12 children and wounded many more.
https://www.jns.org/wire/yad-sarah-staying-operational-in-the-north-no-matter-what/
Israeli Arabs move into hi-tech. Very informative personal stories of how Israeli Arabs are joining the Israeli hi-tech industry. They are supported by programs such as Samana by Portland and A-Tech by Elevation and Atidna (supported by Israel Innovation Authority).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1fhiu2oa
Religious women develop life-saving systems. 120 religious Jewish women took part in the 7th annual “Hack.Her.It” competition at the Jerusalem College of Technology. The winner built a radio-wave tracking device for travellers. Others built communication devices, aids for amputees, and a safety system for the eldely.
Teaching the US how to minimize casualties. (TY Nevet) IDF Surgeon-General, Brigadier-General Professor Elon Glassberg is finishing a 34-year military career. His new job is to share with US military medicine experts how Israel reduced the fatality rate of wounded soldiers from 15% in the 2006 Lebanon war, to 6.5% in Gaza.
Critical connectivity for US DoD. (TY Atid-EDI) DataPath, a subsidiary of Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks, has received over $9 million in orders to support U.S. Department of Defense end users’ critical connectivity requirements in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
11 Olympiad medals at Math & Physics. (TY Yanky) At July’s International Math Olympiad in the UK, Israelis won two gold, two silver and two bronze medals against teams from 108 countries. At the European Physics Olympiad in Georgia, Israelis won a gold and four silver medals against participants from 55 countries.
https://allisrael.com/israeli-students-win-11-olympic-medals-in-mathematics-physics
https://www.imo-official.org/team_r.aspx?code=ISR&year=2024
Bamba prevents peanut allergy. It’s official (I thought it already was!) that eating Bamba, Israel’s peanut-butter-flavored snack, is proven to reduce peanut allergies in children by 75 percent, according to a recent study of over 500 participants, in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/study-finds-eating-bamba-drastically-cuts-peanut-allergy-risk-in-young-children/ https://evidence.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/EVIDoa2300311
Next year. Yoav Turgeman, CEO of Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, stated that Rafael’s groundbreaking Iron Beam laser missile defense system will be operational and in IDF hands by next year. He made the announcement at the Farnborough International Airshow in England. It cannot come soon enough!
https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-to-get-rafaels-laser-missile-interceptor-by-2025/
Blowing in the Wind. (TY Yanky) Also at the Farnborough Airshow, Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled its WIND DEMON air-to-surface cruise missile that should make Iran and its proxies wary about attacking Israel.
https://www.iai.co.il/about/press-release/iai-unveils-wind-demon-farnborough-air-show
https://www.iai.co.il/p/wind-deamon
How a locksmith developed Israel’s Arrow system. Dov Raviv made Aliyah from Bucharest in 1947 and trained as a locksmith. His parents persuaded him to enrol at Israel’s Technion where he switched to aerospace engineering. He later became director of Israel Aerospace Industry’s Arrow Interceptor development.
https://ats.org/our-impact/dov-raviv-the-father-of-israels-defense-systems/
GenAI for agriculture. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Taranis (see here previously) has launched Ag Assistant, the agriculture industry’s first generative AI-powered agronomy engine, aiming to transform crop input and farm management decision making. Ag Assistant uses crop intelligence, plus historical data, weather maps and more.
https://www.taranis.com/newsroom/ag-assistant/
Saving every drop of water. Israel’s LeakZon has developed cutting-edge AI technology to drastically reduce water loss in public and private water utilities.
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/leakzon-ltd-emerges-from-stealth-mode-with-seed-investment-from-peal-holdings-aa-ltd-302203020.html https://www.leakzon.com/
Partnering for sustainable agriculture. Israeli companies Rivulis and Phytech have announced a strategic partnership. Rivulis will integrate its cloud-based precision irrigation subsidiary, Manna, into Phytech. It will provide farmers with a comprehensive view of their entire irrigation and fertigation system.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Economy continues to grow. Israel’s housing sales increased by 37% between March and May. Apr 2024’s average monthly wage was 7.3% higher than the previous April. Average wealth rose 14% in 2023, well above the worldwide growth rate of 4.2%. Israel is now ranked 18th in the UBS Global Wealth Report.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-housing-sales-in-israel-up-37-1001484258
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-average-wages-in-israel-remain-high-1001483461
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-ubs-israelis-average-wealth-rose-in-2023-1001483972
Unemployment drops to new low. The Central Bureau of Statistics reports that Israel’s unemployment rate in July fell to 2.8%, down from 3.1% in June. 63% of Israelis aged 15 and older participate in the labor force.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-815692
Startup investment up 36%. The IVC & LeumiTech Israeli Tech Review reports that 226 Israeli startups raised $4.78 billion in H1 2024 - 36% more than in the first half of 2023. Startup Nation Central also reported strong support for Israeli tech startups. Calcalist reported that Israeli startups raised $556+ million in June.
https://www.israel21c.org/israels-high-tech-investment-picture-unexpectedly-rosy/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1y00gxxp0
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/reports/snc-h1-2024-report
NIS 35 million for high-tech in Negev and Galilee. The Israel Innovation Authority has launched a NIS 35 million fund to encourage high-tech companies to expand into Israel’s Northern and Southern regions. It is part of a program called “Leap to High-Tech” that will help companies open new branches and hire local talent.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1hqht3sa
Tax benefits for immigrant home buyers. To encourage immigration, Israel is to expand tax benefits granted to new citizens who purchase their first home in the Jewish state. On homes valued between 1.98 million and 6 million shekels they will now pay 0.5% purchase tax instead of previously 5% (8% for veteran citizens).
https://www.jns.org/israel-expands-tax-benefits-for-immigrant-home-buyers/
Elbit gets NIS 1.5 billion contract. Israel’s Defense Ministry has awarded Israel’s Elbit Systems a 10-year, 1.5 billion contract to build and operate a state-of-the-art munitions factory. Its strategic aim is to give Israel military autonomy in the face of slowdowns and stoppages of arms exports from Western countries.
https://www.jns.org/elbit-gets-contract-to-build-massive-munitions-factory/
Billion dollar revenue. Israeli work management company Monday.com (see here previously) has reached $1 billion in annual recurring revenue (ARR). The company said it recently achieved this financial milestone, a decade after it launched its Work Operating System (Work OS) and 8 years since it reached $1 million in ARR.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/ry11o7xqir
Exits, takeovers & mergers – to 1/9/24: Israel’s Check Point has acquired Israel’s Cyberint Technologies for $200 million; Computer giant Cisco is to acquire Israel’s Robust Intelligence.
Startup investment – to 1/9/24: Cytactic raised $16 million; IR-Med received $0.5 million from the Israel Innovation Authority.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Summer festivals in Jerusalem. (TY Sharon) Israel’s capital hosts several end of summer festivals. They include Hutzot Hayotzer Arts and Crafts (Mitchell Park), kosher food stalls (Old City walls); concerts (Sultan Pool) Cocktail festival (First Station); and Shakespeare (Bloomfield Garden).
https://rjstreets.com/2024/08/25/check-out-the-jerusalem-end-of-summer-festivals/
https://www.jpost.com/must/article-814741
Balloon story in New York. (TY Chava) 30 Israeli artists worked with artists from Europe and the Americas to bring the Balloon Story to the NYC Park Ave Armory (2 Jul - 25 Aug). Visitors were taken on an interactive, “It’s a Small World”-style tour through various “lands” made entirely of a total of 700,000 inflated balloons.
https://balloonstory.com/new-york/
Top 10 Middle East cities. (TY Atid-EDI) 186,000+ of the readers of prestigious American tourism magazine "Travel + Leisure" voted Jerusalem 3rd of the top ten cities in the Middle East and Africa. Tel Aviv was 8th. The cities were selected on the basis of sites, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value for money.
https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/byv1gq11oc
Kickboxing champion. (TY Stuart Plaskow & AACI Netanya) Netanya’s Polina Grossman (age 25) won the gold medal in the under 70kg women’s kickboxing World Cup in Budapest Hungary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwCAm9H5bLM
Gold taekwondo Paralympics medal. Israel’s Asaf Yasur (see here previously) beat Turkey’s Ali Can Ozcan 18-12, to win the gold medal in the men’s taekwondo under-58kg class at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
THE JEWISH STATE
1st Temple seal discovered near Temple Mount. An extremely rare and beautiful stone seal from the First Temple period, about 2,700 years old, was discovered near the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount.. It depicts a winged figure, plus an inscription engraved in paleo-Hebrew script – “To Yehoezer, son of Hoshayahu”.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/395346
Finding lost property. Dozens of volunteers helped the widow of a fallen soldier locate his wedding ring that she wore around her neck, but fell off onto a beach in Ashkelon. And then Ma'ale Adumim residents found a toddler's implant, worth NIS 40,000, in the garbage at the city’s Magic Kass amusement park.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/dozens-of-volunteers-help-widow-of-fallen-soldier-find-his-lost-wedding-ring-at-beach/ https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/394918
Volunteer EMT saves entire family. Yechiel Stern, a United Hatzalah volunteer emergency medical technician, climbed a burning building in Jerusalem. Stern scaled the building and holding onto the railing with one hand, he helped the family climb down the building. The roof of the building then collapsed in the blaze.
https://www.jns.org/watch-volunteer-emt-saves-family-from-burning-building-in-jerusalem/
https://x.com/EliBeerUH/status/1819150333337391129
Mezuzot installed at Air Force base. Prior to the Israeli Air Force attack on the Houthis in Yemen, teens from CTeen, USA affixed 100 mezuzot (mezuzahs) to the doors at the Ramon Air Force base in southern Israel. 48 hours later, the IAF conducted one of its longest-range daylight missions. All its aircraft returned safely to base.
The largest influx of Olim in one week. More than 600 new olim are scheduled to arrive in Israel on 14 flights between August 22-28. Five Aliyah flights landed in Israel from North America on Aug 22 – the most in one day since Oct 7. Some 2,000 new immigrants are expected to arrive over the summer.
250 emissaries. A group of 250 shlichim (“emissaries”) gathered for a ceremony in Jerusalem on July 11 before leaving to represent Israel in dozens of religious communities worldwide. Their aim is to strengthen Israel-Diaspora ties. The event was organized by the Religious Zionist Shlichut Center, founded by World Mizrachi.
240825
In the 25th Aug 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Israeli saved hundreds on Oct 7, now gives new skills to ex-soldiers .
l Israelis give cancer--killing cells a new lease of life.
l Israeli support for bereaved Golan Druze.
l Israel is ranked fourth in the world for AI advancement.
l No wonder Israelis are happy - we have an app for that.
l Massive project to deliver Israeli renewable energy to the US.
l More archaeological evidence of ancient Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel.
· Click here to see the 18th Aug 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, and Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Also (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 25,000 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, and the subject “Subscribe”) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Oct 7 hero rehabilitates IDF soldiers. On Oct 7, Lt Yehonatan Skariszewski fought Hamas terrorists and guided over 100 Nova festival survivors to safety. He now works for NGO “For the Home, For Tomorrow,” training ex-combat soldiers in manual skills as therapy to counter anxieties following their active service.
https://www.jns.org/oct-7-hero-saved-dozens-at-nova-festival-now-rehabilitates-combat-soldiers/
Inspiration from Israelis returning home. (TY Ruth Kaplan) On Oct 7, residents of Kibbutz Magen fought off dozens of invading Hamas terrorists (video link below). They were then evacuated to the Dead Sea, from where 90% have since returned to their Kibbutz. Their stories of resilience give strength to Jews everywhere.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/kibbutz-magen-first-border-community-to-return-home-inspires-boston/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_nBmWIVPDU
Resilience in the North. While Israeli citizens in the South are returning to their homes, many in the North have never left. The residents of this region - Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze alike - have become the guardians of their homeland, refusing to abandon the land they love, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Far-seeing enhancement. (TY UWI) While regular IDF soldiers have modern weapons, reservists lacked precision scopes for their Negev guns. So, several Israeli civilians voluntarily developed the Tomer Adapter, named after Tomer Nagar - a “Negevist” who fell while bravely defending the Kissufim military post on Oct 7.
Donations for Northern hospitals. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) is donating $1 million to the Tzafon Medical Center (Poriya) to bolster its Trauma Unit. It is also funding $620,000 worth of new equipment and medical supplies at the Italian Hospital in Nazareth.
https://israfan.com/p/ifcj-boosts-northern-israels-medical-infrastructure-162m-donation
Thousands of American volunteers. (TY Stefan) Another article publicizing the work of volunteers from America. They include some 3,500 who came on missions organized by JNF-USA since Oct 7, helping repair, rehabilitate, and rebuild Gaza border communities and giving vital motivational support.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-810564
Helping rebuild Israeli communities. Russell Robinson, CEO of JNF USA, describes how his organization is building a community center 2km from Gaza. Self-funded volunteers on JNF-USA trips are cleaning up schools so that children can resume their studies. In the north, JNF-USA is building culinary and medical centers.
https://video.i24news.tv/video/brightcove/6360820023112/6360820023112_hls
Reduced university tuition fees for reservists. Some 500 Tel Aviv University 1st-year students beginning their studies in the coming academic year who have served at least 30 days in the reserves since the beginning of 2024 will be entitled to a tuition discount of NIS 2,500, covering about 25% of total tuition fees.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-811913
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Rejuvenating cancer-killing cells. Researchers at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have discovered why natural killer (NK) cells in the immune system lose their ability to fight cancer. They introduced nanoparticles that silenced the enzyme DGK alpha and the transcription factor Egr2, returning the NK cells to normal function.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/394893 https://www.biu.ac.il/en/article/581709
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDjFPY3zcmk
Cancer pain treatment now used in US. (TY Nevet) The US is now recommending the innovative pain relief treatment for pancreatic cancer patients developed at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center (see here previously). 125 international patients received radiation treatment to the celiac plexus nerve. 53% reported significant benefit.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-811486
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(24)00223-7/abstract
Wearable can predict epileptic attacks. Israel’s Blink Energy has developed a tiny device, fitted to one eyelid, that monitors and analyzes blink patterns to detect or diagnose health conditions. E.g., to warn of an imminent epileptic seizure; or if about to fall asleep at the wheel; or to diagnose Parkinson’s disease or sleep disorders.
https://www.israel21c.org/eyelid-wearable-can-predict-and-alert-to-epileptic-seizure/
https://www.blinkenrg.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTfrhaxO7ig
Fighting superbugs. Latest article about Israel’s NanoSynex (see here previously) and its antibiotic diagnosis test. The $11 million funding from investors, the IAA and Europe has helped it develop the product to test up to 20 patients at once and determine the correct antibiotic to use against bacteriological infections.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/startup-fights-superbugs-antibiotic-resistance-with-rapid-testing/
The secrets of nutrient absorption. Scientists from Israel’s Weizmann Institute and Sheba Medical Center have compiled the first detailed map of the various activity areas in the human small intestine, revealing what makes it so effective at absorbing nutrients and protecting the body from infection.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/394262 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07793-3
https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/life-sciences/navigating-digestive-tract
Can you shed light on this? (TY Ron M) I don’t know why an 8-year-old child swallowed a flashlight part - but he didn’t die. Doctors at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital removed the object, which had created an electrical circuit in the child’s esophagus. In another hour, it could have caused irreversible damage.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/s1z5jfb000
Antibiotics from pepper. Researchers at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have created a derivative of the long pepper plant that disrupts the chemical communication between bacteria. The PL-18 derivative of Piperlongumine reduces bacterial virulence by disrupting the biofilm that surrounds bacteria.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/bgu-study-finds-antibiotic-properties-in-pepper-plant/
Detecting COPD with a smartwatch. Israel’s RespirAI uses artificial intelligence and smartwatch sensors to monitor chronic patients e.g., with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). RespirAI compares oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) and EKG data with the wearer’s physical movement to predict imminent deterioration.
https://www.israel21c.org/copd-flareups-could-be-predicted-via-smartwatch/ https://www.respirai.com/
Diagnosing high-risk fat. All fat is not created equal. Scientists at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have devised a non-surgical miRNA biomarker biopsy test for visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation, which is derived from a specific type of body fat that poses a high cardio-metabolic risk in obese individuals.
https://www.israel21c.org/if-your-fat-is-vat-fat-you-could-be-at-higher-risk/
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/109/3/858/7274810
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Co-existence in Northern hospitals. Prof. Masad Barhoum, Christian Arab director of Galilee Medical Center, and Prof. Salman Zarka, Israeli Druze director of Ziv Medical Center in Safed, describe how their staff of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Circassians, Druze, and Bedouins work as a family to save victims of Hezbollah.
Support for Druze families. Israelis have donated some two million shekels to help support the families of the Druze children in Majdal Shams killed by a rocket fired by Hezbollah terrorists. Countless Israelis made pilgrimages to the local playground, laying bouquets of flowers or tying black ribbons to the charred fence.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sy11g5uhtr
Hoops sanctuary for displaced kids. Jared Armstrong made Aliyah (eventually) from Philadelphia to Ashkelon. Following Oct 7, and subsequent Hamas rocket attacks, he converted his Jared Armstrong Basketball (JAB) CAMP non-profit to unite diverse children via basketball camps and clinics in Israel and the US.
https://www.israel21c.org/us-israeli-basketball-player-aims-for-peace-through-sport/
https://www.jabcamp.com/our-why
The IDF Bedouin Battalion. (TY Yanky) A photo essay on the IDF’s Bedouin battalion that operates in the desert terrain of Israel’s south. In addition to the Bedouin majority, the battalion also has Jewish, Arab Israeli, and Christian soldiers – a diversity that reflects its soldiers’ deep-rooted connection to the land they defend.
Inspiring Muslim blogger. Nagham Haj Ali, 20, from Shefa-Amr in northern Israel has over 500,000 social media followers. She volunteers at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center and tells everyone to do national service. President Herzog awarded her a certificate of excellence for fostering understanding between Jews and Muslims.
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/r1shujefc
3 Israeli universities again in top 100. The Shanghai Ranking, is widely viewed as an authority in determining the quality of academic institutions. In its 2024 list, The Weizmann Institute was ranked in 69th place, Hebrew University in 81st place, and the Technion Institute in 85th place.
https://worldisraelnews.com/extraordinary-achievement-3-israeli-unis-in-top-100-ranking/
https://www.shanghairanking.com/news/arwu/2024
Paraguay to move embassy back to Jerusalem. (TY WIN) Paraguay has announced the relocation of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, reaffirming its unwavering support for the Jewish people. The official statement emphasized, "Paraguay will always be on the side of the Jewish people, no matter what the cost."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INU80kVzYsE
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
4th highest advancement in AI. Israel is rated 4th globally in Artificial Intelligence technology advancement according to a recent study by US software company ZeroBounce. Israel invested over $12 billion in AI during the last decade - ranking fourth after the USA, China and the UK - more than Canada, Germany and India.
https://www.enterprisetimes.co.uk/2024/08/06/a-new-zerobounce-study-reveals-countries-advancing-ai-the-fastest/ https://unitedwithisrael.org/israel-rated-4th-globally-in-ai-technology-advancement/
Converting waste into bio-fuel. Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a process to turn any wet raw waste thrown in the trash into liquid and solid bio-fuels without the need to dry the waste. It involves using solar energy to heat the waste, removing water and oxygen, and using the residue as a solid fuel.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590174523001319
More recognition. (TY Nevet) The European Research Council has awarded Ben Gurion University’s Dr. Nir Shlezinger up to 1.5 million Euros for his project that aims to bring Artifical Intelligence (AI) to wireless communications. Dr Shlezinger won a Krill prize from the Wolf Foundation back in June (see here previously).
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/dr-nir-shlezinger-awarded-erc-starting-grant/
Israel’s first energy island. Kibbutz Ma’ale Gilboa in northern Israel is set to become Israel’s first micro-grid. Its wind turbines, solar energy fields and biogas storage dome will make it electricity independent should the national grid fail. Gilboa will be a pilot backup, providing decentralized electricity distribution centers.
Alert system without GPS. The IDF can now send out location-based alerts to phones in case of large-scale emergencies. The system is based on Cell Broadcast, which is a method of sending short messages to multiple phone users in a defined area where accurate GPS signals cannot be relied on.
El Al’s defense system. A reminder of why El Al can continue to carry passengers to and from Israel while most foreign airlines have suspended services. Each aircraft is installed with C-MUSIC from Israel’s Elbit Systems, comprising automated laser-based Directed Infra-Red Counter Measure (DIRCM) protection.
https://worldisraelnews.com/safer-skies-el-als-anti-missile-defense-system/
https://elbitsystems.com/product/c-music/
The app that can teach you happiness. Israel’s Talia Soen is co-founder and CEO of Happy Things - an app based on positive psychology research, that encourages users to take simple, everyday action to increase happiness in an attainable way. Apparently, happiness is a skill that can be strengthened with practice.
https://www.israel21c.org/happy-things-the-app-that-teaches-you-happiness/
Pollination without bees. Israel’s QueenDee has developed a device that attaches to the underside of a drone / UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and collects or distribute pollen to flowers and plants. Collection uses one of two methods - vacuum or electrostatic attraction. AI and image recognition ensure accurate pollination.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/ai-powered-device-transforms-drones-into-pollination-machines/
Connecting trains at high speed. Israel’s DirecTrains has developed “Direct Coupling” to allow trains to join and separate while moving. Local trains can connect with express trains without stopping either one. It reduces road congestion, energy consumption, operational costs, CO2 emissions, travel times and more.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/israeli-coupling-technology-lets-trains-join-separate-at-high-speed/
https://directrains.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzLf3z1Rb0Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dS42sOGE2c
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
13 Israelis open NYSE. On 19 Aug, the founder of Israeli Mapped in NY, Guy Franklin rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. He was joined on the podium by twelve founders of Israeli tech companies. The 450 Israeli-founded companies in New York include 30 unicorns. These 30 alone have created 15,000 jobs.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyu2owxic
Negev Innovation Hub. The InNegev Innovation Hub (see here previously) is an incubator for startups developing climate tech solutions. It has attracted startups including Emnotion, and BeAir, but supports startups across Israel. Partners include Netafim, the Israel Charitable Association, Alpha Capital and Lamed Holdings.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/negev-innovation-hub-cultivates-environmental-tech-in-desert-climes/
Electricity reform to save money for consumers. (TY Yanky) Israelis will soon be able to choose which supplier to purchase electricity from, breaking the decades-old monopoly of the Israel Electric Company, Discounts on electricity bills could reach 20%, resulting in total savings to consumers of up to NIS 2 billion.
Israeli systems boost income at Palo Alto. US gian Palo Alto Networks increased its annual revenue by 16% to $8 billion fueled by two Israeli-based Next Generation System (NGS) products - the Cortex division and the Prisma Cloud division. Annual NGS revenue was $4.2 billion representing a 43% growth rate.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkbop1fsr
$1.5 billion of Israeli green energy for US. Israeli renewable energy company Energix, in collaboration with tech giant Google, will enter a tax equity partnership for future projects in the U.S. amounting to 1.5 gigawatts by 2030. The estimated value of the partnership is between $1.3 and $1.5 billion by 2030.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hymnf7mir
$1.2 billion to develop new gas field. (TY Hazel) Multinational Energean has announced that it will invest $1.2 billion to develop the Katlan gas field off Israel’s Mediterranean coast. It expects output to commence in 2027. The field contains 1.10 trillion cubic feet of proven and probable gas reserves.
Israeli tech at Bojangles drive-thrus. The AI voice bot from Israel’s Hi Auto (see here previously) is to be used to handle customer orders at hundreds of Bojangles drive-thrus. Bojangles has dubbed the technology “Bo-Linda”, which has already been implemented in over 50 of its restaurants.
https://www.israel21c.org/bojangles-serves-drive-thru-diners-using-israeli-ai/
Exits, takeovers & mergers – to 25/8/24: Johnson & Johnson is to acquire Israeli medical device maker V-Wave for up to $1.7 billion. Israel’s Thetaray has acquired Europe’s Screena. US-based Applied Systems acquired Israel’s Planck Resolution.
Startup investment – to 25/8/24: Kubiya raised another $6 million; DreaMed Diabetes raised $3 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Rare whale shark visits Eilat. A 20-foot whale shark was sighted and photographed gliding through the waters of Eilat's coral reserve. The world’s largest fish is an endangered and protected species, harmless to humans, so it was heartening to see it accompanied by baby whale sharks. (Article includes video of the sharks.)
https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/28/watch-endangered-whale-shark-spotted-off-eilat-coast/
NBA star motivates Israelis. Former NBA star and sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal sent a message to dozens of Oct 7 survivors and bereaved relatives of victims who were on a One Family therapeutic vacation at Canada’s Camp Timberlane. O’Neal’s message was sprinkled with Hebrew, offering his “love” and support.
THE JEWISH STATE
Look what they found in the drainage channel. Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists, excavating a drainage channel in Jerusalem, have uncovered relics of life prior to the sacking of the city by Roman legions in 70 CE. A glass vial, grape pips, eggshells and ceramic lamps still with soot in them.
https://worldisraelnews.com/archaeological-discoveries-in-jerusalem-reveal-details-of-end-of-2nd-temple-period/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSD3BmTVbN4
Huge quarry unearthed in Jerusalem. A massive 2nd Temple period stone quarry from the time of King Herod is being excavated in the Har Hotzvim Industrial area in Jerusalem. Archaeologists have uncovered stone slabs, many 2.5 meters long and 40cm thick. Also a stone implement and a stone vessel, likely used by workers.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/393948
From Tisha b’Av to Tu b’Av. (TY Sharon) The emotional rollercoaster of the Hebrew month of Av was more noticeable this year. Positive Jerusalem events included Summer Nights at the Tower of David, the Puppet Festival, “Infinity” near the Pais Arena, Jerusalem of Gold, plus Tu b’Av itself - the “holiday” of love.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKiu8Db_1uk
Speeding up the Aliyah process. Israel is to issue temporary licenses to lawyers, accountants, and teachers, enabling new immigrants to work in their professions immediately on arrival in the country. More than 10,000 Aliyah case files have been opened by North Americans since Oct 7 plus nearly 6,500 from France.
https://www.jns.org/israel-to-streamline-work-licenses-for-immigrant-professionals/
150 French Jews make Aliyah. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews arranged an El Al flight to bring 148 men, women, and children, seven babies, and one small dog to begin new lives in Israel. They will take up residence in Netanya, Raanana, Hadera, Givat Shmuel, and Ashdod. More will certainly follow.
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-812981
240818
In the 18th Aug 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Two charities have donated bullet-proof Search & Rescue ambulances to Israel.
· Israelis have re-engineered a parasite to deliver medical treatments to the brain.
· The income of Arab-Israelis is growing faster than the national average.
· Take a close look at Israeli augmented reality (AR) spectacles.
· Hi-tech employees provide over one third of Israel’s income tax revenues.
· Israel’s Wiz turns down a $23 billion exit offer and keeps growing in value.
· A record-breaking Olympic games for Israeli medalists.
· A new Torah scroll has been dedicated to the Israeli hostages.
· Click here to see the 21st Jul 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, and Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Also (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 (some 25,000 articles).
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POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
The most moral army in history. The High Level Internatiotional Military Group comprises former NATO chiefs of staff, generals, senior officers, political leaders and officials. Its July 2024 analysis of the IDF’s war against Hamas was sent to the International Criminal Court. It praises the IDF’s moral conduct of the war.
https://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2024/08/israels-army-is-not-only-moral-it-is.html
https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/CourtRecords/0902ebd180920f26.pdf
New bullet-proof ambulances. The Israeli Police has inaugurated its first bullet-proof ambulances. They will enhance the safety of search and rescue forces, particularly in high-risk areas. They were funded and supported by non-profits Israel Friends and Let's Do Something (LDS) which have both raised millions since Oct 7.
https://israfan.com/p/israel-police-bulletproof-ambulances https://israelfriends.us/
Survivor rates. IDF medics are measured by the metric CFR (case fatality rate) - the percentage of wounded soldiers evacuated from the battlefield whom they failed to save. In the Second Lebanon War in 2006, the CFR stood at 15%. In the Gaza War, the CFR is 6.5%, due to more medics, faster evacuation and blood products.
2,000 BGU student hospital volunteers. More than 2,000 medical, nursing, and social work students from Ben-Gurion University volunteered in hospitals throughout Israel in the days immediately Oct 7. They provided medical and psychological assistance to the thousands of injured Israelis and their families.
Brothers saved thousands. (TY Miller Group) On Oct 7, South African brothers Keith and Brett Isaacson risked their lives to protect Gaza border communities. Brett, defended the Mivtahim Junction, the main access point to 7 moshavim. Keith, head of security for 32 Eshkol region communities, blocked further attacks.
https://www.sajr.co.za/heroic-south-african-brothers-saved-thousands/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Turning a parasite into a brain healer. Israeli scientists from Tel Aviv and Glasgow Universities have engineered the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to deliver protein-based medical treatments through the blood-brain barrier. Their example delivered the protein MeCP2, to remedy a deficiency associated with Rett syndrome.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-scientists-turn-parasite-into-brain-healer/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-024-01750-6
Step sensor measures brain disease progression. Researchers in Tel Aviv have developed a wearable step sensor to monitor the wellbeing of the elderly and patients with cognitive decline or neurological diseases. Reductions in step length are important indicators for assessing patients with Parkinson’s, MS, etc.
https://www.israel21c.org/step-length-sensor-monitors-neurological-disease-progression/
Smartwatch software monitors stress levels. The NeuroSpeed AI analysis software from Israel’s NeuroBrave (see here previously) uses the photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor on the back of a smartwatch to measure he length of time between heartbeats. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a good indicator of overall mental health.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/smartwatch-tracks-your-mental-health-through-your-heartbeat/
Proven to prevent pre-term deaths. Recent trials of the Lioness device developed by Israel’s PregnanTech (see here previously) showed a high rate of full-term births among women at high risk of pre-term birth. A US trial next year is planned, to help the company obtain FDA approval.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/new-device-helps-pregnant-women-avoid-dangerous-preterm-births/
https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00595-7/fulltext
Better chances for fertility treatment. Israel’s BAIBYS uses Machine Vision (MV) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to select the best quality sperm for IVF success. It autonomously selects and collects the sperm to microinject into the egg. It uses high magnification and morphology (shape, structure, size, etc.).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyu7zxgqa https://www.baibys.com/
Going beyond. Israel’s Dr. Linda Rubinstein moved from NASA to Sheba Medical Center and from Outer Space research to Inner space research. Her work focuses on mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouse). Stopping it from aging could contribute to the eradication of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/kg6kb2y0a
50 blood infusers donated. Harvard University Business Professor Regina Herzlinger has donated 50 life-saving blood infuser devices to about 20 Israeli hospitals and trauma centers. They replace blood lost during hemorrhaging and are especially crucial in the treatment of those wounded in the current war.
https://israfan.com/p/american-israelis-donation-aids-medical-care-soldiers-injured-gaza
Making US hospital treatment more affordable. Israel’s PayZen has developed a fintech platform that allows hospitals to receive payment in advance for medical treatment invoices, thereby enabling US patients to benefit from interest-free payment plans without additional costs for their medical care.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjwbj1y9a https://payzen.com/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
In the front line of public service. Technion aerospace engineering graduate Hilla Haddad Chmelnik served in the IDF, worked as a test manager for Iron Dome; headed Israel’s Highways Administration, directed the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology; and lco-aunched the SAFEDOME VC fund (see below).
https://ats.org/our-impact/hilla-haddad-chmelnik-a-model-of-public-service/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1azj3fwt
The growth of Arab-Israeli income. (TY Hazel) Researchers at Israel’s Reichmann University report that the average annual income from labor among Israeli Arabs has grown at a faster pace than that of Haredi and non-religious Israelis. The study suggests more employment of Arab women, better education, and higher wages.
Israeli Arab tech leaders. Two Arab Israeli women, Khouloud Ayuti and Saja Kabaha, spoke to CTech about Seeratech - the first women-led Arabic podcast about Arab tech leaders in Israel which they co-host.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjvcgb0k0
Ella’s office. (TY Hazel) Major Ella Waweya, is the IDF’s spokesperson to the Arab world and the IDF's top Muslim woman. The walls of her office display diplomas, certificates of merit, family pictures, Arabic calligraphy of the Quran, a Druze flag, a cross, a small copy of the Zohar, and flags of Abraham Accords states.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-809892
UK buys Israeli anti-drone target system. (TY Hazel) Some UK politicians want to ban arms sales to Israel. Meanwhile, the British armed forces have paid nearly £4.6 million to buy the 500 Smash counter-unmanned aircraft system rifle add-ons from Israel’s Smart Shooter to improve precision against attack drones.
https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/british-army-buys-israeli-smart-shooter-anti-drone-system-xo2fgc8o
1,000 Christians petition the ICJ. Nearly a thousand Christians from 45 nations expressed their support for Israel’s biblical connection to the Holy Land in a decree presented to the International Court of Justice in The Hague ahead of its majority ruling that Israelis are “occupiers” in their own homeland.
https://www.jns.org/christians-highlight-israels-biblical-roots-to-hague-court/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Texas & Israel in space. The Israel Space Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Texas Association of Business (TAB) to collaborate on space-based initiatives in the future. It includes the exchange of industrial and academic delegations, sharing expertise, and joint ownership of developed content.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-809596
Identifying drones in all conditions. Tel Aviv University researchers have unveiled a smart-tagging system to track and identify aerial drones in challenging conditions, such as urban environments, low-flight altitudes, and extreme weather. It involves smart-sticker identity cards, AI-supported radar and electromagnetic radiation.
The future is looking up. Interesting article about the Augmented Reality (AR) glasses from Israel’s Lumus (see here previously). Its system of mirrors sends images directly to the wearer’s eyes so there is no need to look down at a screen. Useful for vehicle navigation, real-time translations, video calls. And very stylish too.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/new-specs-augment-reality-and-make-you-look-good-doing-it/
https://lumusvision.com/news/company/
Training IDF soldiers using XR. Israel’s Combatica uses the Extended Reality (XR) features of Meta’s Quest 2 headsets to train law enforcement, special forces, and security teams. Cambatica focuses on building decision-making skills under stress and fire, using big data to reduce the risk of friendly fire casualties.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkehcfatc https://combatica.com/
Revealing the truth. More fascinating details about Israel’s Revealense (see here previously). It analyzes involuntary behaviors, such as tiny facial movements, voice pitch and heart rate, offering insights critical for homeland security and mental health care. It can also detect deep fakes such as manipulated video images.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/startup-can-read-our-thoughts-from-our-involuntary-actions/
Attracting foreign hi-tech advanced graduates. Israel’s Innovation Authority has launched a NIS 10 million program for organizations to bring to Israel AI-experienced graduates with an MA or PhD. The aim is for these experts to lead innovative projects, contributing to Israel’s economy and its status as a technology superpower.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkotiiic0
160 of Israel’s innovative defense companies. Israel’s Startup Nation Central has produced a landscape map of 160 Israeli companies that address critical challenges in air defense, homeland security, aviation, dual-use applications, space technologies and more. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hky8xdjtr
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/reports/defense-tech-map
https://lp.startupnationcentral.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DefenseTech_Landscape_Map_V5.pdf
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
July investment is at the double. The total of startup investment during July 2024 was $703 million – more than double the amount invested in July 2023. The 28 deals resulted in the fifth consecutive month that more than half a billion dollars had been raised. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1m100gytc
Millions for Israeli startups. Since Oct 7, venture capital fund Index Ventures has invested a total of $60 million in five Israeli startups. Since opening offices in Israel in late 2022, the VC fund has invested $186 million in 12 Israeli startups. Also SeedIL has raised $18 million to invest in early-stage Israeli startups.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkirsog00r
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bj3na00ukr
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/byiuc0gqc
36% of Israel’s income tax is from hi-tech. Proving how crucial Israel’s hi-tech sector is to Israel’s economy, new data from the Innovation Authority reports that in 2021, high-tech workers and companies contributed 36% of the nation’s income tax revenue. Recent years are certain to show even higher relative value.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/syscj0pcr
Texas likes Israel. Texas Venture Partners has raised a $50 million fund for investing $1 million - $4 million in several early-stage Israeli defense tech startups. Areas of interest include biotechnology, quantum science, space technology, and renewable energy. TVP will also help them expand into US markets.
SAFEDOME Emergency fund. Hilla Haddad Chmelnik (see Inclusive above) and others have established SAFEDOME – an emergency fund for early startups struggling after Oct 7. Angel investors invest up to half a million dollars in startups that meet strict financial conditions. See also 3rd link for other VC emergency funds.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1azj3fwt https://safedome-vc.webflow.io/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/syhwm3qtt
https://www.startupforstartup.com/startup-in-time-of-crisis/
Streamlining US healthcare. Israel’s Vim (see here previously) amalgamates medical records from hundreds of disconnected US medical companies to recreate the Israeli system, bringing together providers and insurers in one electronic platform – facilitating treatments, referrals and payments at point of care.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/streamlining-us-healthcare-with-israeli-electronic-system-as-model/
Dealing in private shares. It can be difficult for early investors or employees of a private company that isn’t traded on a stock exchange, to sell their shares. Israel’s Meitav is raising $100 million to buy those shares at realistic prices. They will use the secondary platform of Israel’s Valoo (see here previously).
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/synlk2od0 https://www.meitav.co.il/en/
Migraine relief for Colorado. Some 1.7 million Americans will now get insurance cover for the Nerivio REN migraine bioband from Israel’s Theranica. Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid (public healthcare) provider, will cover the upper arm wearable that releases neurotransmitters to the brain to counter migraines.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/colorado-medicaid-provider-to-cover-israeli-wearable-for-migraines/
$6.55 million in Bird grants. The BIRD Foundation has approved $6.55 million in funding for six new projects between Israeli and American companies. The Israeli startups are Amarel Embedded Solutions, CyberRidge, Datos Health, Groundwork BioAg, Quai.MD, and Quantum Art.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkxdm64tc https://www.cyber-ridge.com/
https://www.datos-health.com/ https://www.aes-connect.com/ https://www.quantum-art.tech/
No record takeover, but... Israel’s Wiz may have rejected a $23 million takeover offer from Google, but it said “that will do nicely” to a multi-million dollar investment from Japan’s SoftBank. Wiz recently recruited dozens of employees in Japan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, and established a new data center in Sydney.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/ry4dpdx5c
Exits, takeovers & mergers – to 4/8/24: Israel’s Outbrain acquired US-based Teads for $1 billion. Israel’s Payoneer acquired Singapore-based Skuad for a minimum of $61 million. Israel’s Fiverr has acquired Israel’s AutoDS. Israeli-American founded company Deel is acquiring the British start-up Hofy for an estimated $100 million. Canada's Element Fleet has acquired Israel’s Autofleet for $110 million. Multinational Prytek acquired Israel’s TipRanks for $200 million.
Startup investment – to 18/8/24: Magenta Medical raised $105 million; Placer.ai raised $75 million; Chaos Labs raised $55 million; Dazz raised $50 million; Scopio Labs raised $42 million; Addionics raised $39 million; PayZen raised $32 million; Faye raised $31 million; Linx raised $27 million; Waltz raised $12.5 million; Sepio raised $11 million; CarbonBlue raised $10 million; Holisto raised $10 million; Monto raised $9 million; Clutch Security raised $8.5 million; BAIBYS raised $4.5 million; definity raised $4.5 million. Wiz raised multi-millions from Japan’s Softbank. BlueTree raised $2.26 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Success for Ethiopian Israeli artist. Moshe Tarka was 3 years old when his family was brought to Israel via Sudan in Operation Moses. He has now opened an art gallery at Shabazi 58 in Tel Aviv. His abstract art sells for thousands of dollars to collectors in Israel and abroad and have been exhibited in major Israeli museums.
https://www.israel21c.org/edgy-ethiopian-artist-breaks-the-glass-ceiling/
Seven Olympic medals. Israelis won a record seven Olympic medals. They were Tom Reuveny (windsurfing gold), Sharon Kantor (windsurfing silver), Raz Herhsko (Judo silver), Artem Dolgopyat (gymnastics), Inbar Lanir (silver judo); Peter Paltchik (bronze judo), Rhythmic gymnastics team (silver).
https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-nets-1-gold-and-3-silver-medals-at-paris-olympics/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-812978
Olympic soccer team. For the first time since 1976, the Israel Under-23 Olympic Soccer Team competed at the Paris Olympic Games, marking a historic return. The team featured a dynamic mix of young talent and experienced players, including some of Israel’s top football stars.
https://israfan.com/p/israels-olympic-soccer-team-paris-2024
Golden archers. (TY Hazel) Israeli archers Roy Dror and Shamai Yamrom won gold at the Archery European Youth Championships in Ploiesti, Romania. Dror, Niv Frenkel and Ori Berlad won bronze in the team event.
https://x.com/AIJAC_Update/status/1813065706667450732
https://www.ianseo.net/TourData/2024/18685/MEDLST.pdf
https://www.ianseo.net/TourData/2024/18685/IFCU21M.php
Tel Aviv welcomes NBA all-star. Three-time NBA All-Defensive Team member Patrick Beverley has signed a two-year deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv. His previous clubs include the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/longtime-nba-player-signs-two-year-deal-with-israeli-league/
El Al’s Israel Spirit Team. Israeli airline El Al has formed the Spirit Team - Israel’s cheerleading squad - to encourage Israeli athletes at the Olympic Games and the Paralympics in Paris. It is flying selected injured IDF veterans, volunteer workers, and fans, as guests of the airline. Unfortunately it is too late to apply.
https://www.jns.org/wire/el-al-is-building-the-israel-spirit-team/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu9w8QW2m_g
https://www.elal.com/eng/about-elal/fly-the-flag-to-israel/paralympic-fans
THE JEWISH STATE
Jerusalem is busy. (TY Sharon) Despite the war, much has been happening in Israel’s capital. Huge crowds at the Western Wall, especially on the 9th of Av; new roads being built; the annual Yom Iyun Bible study; Knesset committees; Indigenous Peoples Day; National Library children’s exhibit; and Olympic medalists.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/08/11/august-highlights-from-the-jerusalem-streets/
Jerusalem’s 3000-year-old moat discovered. Israeli archaeologists in the City of David have uncovered a 70-meters ancient fortification moat that once protected Jerusalem during the Kingdom of Judah nearly 3,000 years ago. This moat formed a massive channel that separated the City of David from the Temple Mount.
https://israfan.com/p/ancient-fortification-moat-city-of-david
More French immigrants arrive. As Grande Synagogue of Paris Chief Rabbi Moshe Sebbag declared, “There is no future for Jews in France.” another plane-load of French Jews arrived in Israel to begin new lives.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-100-new-immigrants-from-france-arrive-in-israel/
Sick Israeli children holiday in the Catskills. (TY Yanky) 28 Israeli children with serious diseases were taken to Camp Simcha, the Chai Lifeline Jewish summer camp in the Catskills for children with life-threatening or debilitating ailments. The infirmary is staffed by eight nurses, several doctors, and specialists.
https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-809843
New Torah scroll dedicated to the hostages. Hundreds gathered in Jerusalem for a ceremony celebrating the completion of a Torah scroll dedicated to the hostages still held in Gaza. The event was led by the parents of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin and the scroll will be used at their Hakhel Minyan Shivyoni synagogue in Baka.
240721
In the 21st Jul 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Even the loss of limbs cannot defeat the Israeli spirit.
· Israeli computer-brain interface breakthrough could restore the power of speech.
· An Israeli surgical device can transform the lives of millions of heart patients.
· Israeli tech enables those with impaired speech to access the Internet.
· An Israeli food additive makes cooking oil safe for re-use.
· The FBI used Israeli tech to access cellphone of would-be assassin.
· In the latest EU Horizon investment round, the 3rd most funds went to Israel.
· A Haredi community hosted 180 secular Nova survivors for Shabbat.
· Click here to see the 14th Jul 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 Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Also (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 24,900 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, and the subject “Subscribe”) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Lifting our spirit. (TY Sam Kramer) Ziv Shilon lost an arm in Gaza in 2012, but he didn’t lose his spirit. Here, he performs hagbah (lifting the Torah scroll) in the Chabad of Savyon, Nothing stops these heroes - they are now a defining and meaningful part of the fabric of Israeli society. See also Ari Spitz, wounded in Feb 2024.
https://sparksofanation.com/sparks/ziv-shilon-lost-an-arm-but-he-didnt-lose-his-spirit-here-he-performs-hagbah-in-savyon-fortitude-and-faith-fueling-him-forward/ https://zivshilon.com/en/about/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9NaGEct2GG/ https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/388392
A modern day prophet & hero. Another article describing the actions of Rami Davidian (see here previously) who saved hundreds from the Hamas terrorists. The author writes, “Our people are Maccabees and prophets, warriors and angels. There have been many heroes, but Rami Davidian...must be remembered for generations.”
https://www.jns.org/a-modern-day-prophet-and-hero/
Defense innovations from startups. Once you skip the negative section of this article, there are several key initiatives and innovations that will help the IDF in future conflicts. The MAFAT program, Tel Aviv University problem-solving, Unit 81, MAMRAM’s tech commando unit,
Be’eri dairy makes cheese again. The dairy at Kibbutz Be’eri is producing its famous cheeses again, nine months after the devastating Oct 7 attack. Despite losing his business partner, Dagan Peleg bowed to pressure from Israelis craving for Be’eri cheese - especially those from the kibbutz evacuated to Dead Sea hotels.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/beeris-boutique-cheesemakers-carry-on-without-dror-ors-golden-hands/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Patient “speaks” using the power of thought alone. A historical first. A 37-year-old male neurosurgical epilepsy patient at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov (Sourasky) Medical Center was implanted with depth electrodes. He silently controlled a computer-based vocalizer in a natural way to voluntarily produce 2 vowel sounds.
https://www.jns.org/tau-researchers-allow-patient-to-speak-with-thought-alone/
Non-invasive glucose monitoring. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s HAGAR’s GWave is the world's first non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring technology that uses radiofrequency (RF) waves to measure glucose levels in the blood. Its latest trial had 97% accuracy compared to blood tests (see here). See other Israeli monitors here.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211123005227/en/HAGAR-GWave-Awarded-FDA-Breakthrough-Device-Designation https://www.hagartech.com/
How good are your arteries? Israel’s AccuLine is developing CORA – an accurate, non-invasive, swift, and low-cost test for early detection of coronary artery disease and prevent heart attacks. It detects 2 novel bio-signals in combination with AI-powered signal processing and proprietary augmented waveform display.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjp00jnzdc https://acculine-medical.com/
Replacing open-heart surgery. (TY Ron M) US giant Edwards Lifesciences’ acquisition of Israel’s Innovalve Bio Medical will enable its innovative catheterization system to replace the diseased mitral valves of millions of patients, avoiding open-heart surgery. The system was originally developed at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/b1fsw8sua https://www.innovalvemed.com/
The hub of the brain. (TY UWI) Researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have identified the brain’s claustrum as vital for controlling behaviour e.g., responsiveness and impulsivity. It also regulates sleep and the new knowledge can open up new pathways for treating ADHD, schizophrenia, OCD, and addictions.
https://tps.co.il/articles/israeli-findings-on-a-hidden-brain-hub-open-path-for-new-adhd-treatment/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48829-6
One-day retreat to prevent PTSD. (TY Yanky) Israeli NGO The Protective Partnership has started a free one-day retreat in Herzliya, called the Villa. Led by Dr Ronny Simons, it uses Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to strengthen the brains of IDF soldiers to protect against suffering PTSD.
https://the-villa.co.il/en/main/ https://the-villa.co.il/en/who-we-are/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_movement_desensitization_and_reprocessing
Cancer care for Anglo Israelis. (TY Yanky) Sharsheret Israel helps English-speaking women in Israel with breast cancer to navigate treatment and support. Based on the US model, Sharsheret Israel is piloting its services including psychosocial support, cancer treatment navigation, education, support groups and more.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-808079 https://sharsheret.org/israel/
Boosting health tech in the North. Israeli NGO Startup Nation Central is helping Tzafon Medical Center (Poriya hospital) near Tiberias become a regional leader in health tech innovation and entrepreneurship. It will also support the new Helmsley Rehabilitation Center at the hospital.
Has your medicine expired? The expiry date printed on many medicine bottles is not relevant once you open it – you must record the date it was opened. Israel’s Innocap has a special cap with a simple dial that records the day and month of opening. It also connects to a smartphone which displays information about the medicine.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/smart-cap-keeps-on-top-of-your-medications-crucial-expiration-date/
https://innocap.info/smart-cap-en/
Almost life-like. (TY Atid-EDI) The new J5 Digital Anatomy™ 3D Printer from Israel’s Stratasys enables the creation of biomechanically accurate, highly realistic anatomical models for medical purposes. These mimic bone structures, tissues, ligaments, & complex vascular structures, respond like organs, and much more.
https://www.stratasys.com/en/3d-printers/printer-catalog/polyjet/j5-digital-anatomy-printer/
https://www.stratasys.com/en/landing-pages/j5-digitalanatomy-3d-printer/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx48txM5P6A
Sisters! Take care if you ask to see the “Sister” at the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya. Nurses Yamit and Inbal are identical twins. Their older sister Sima (another nurse) looks just like them. They grew up in a house with 10 children - nine girls and one boy. Their parents must have needed a lot of patience, or is it patients?
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/sjdljievr
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Street doctors. Street Medicine Tel Aviv (SMTA) comprises 50 volunteer medics who treat the homeless of Tel Aviv. 95% are citizens with medical insurance but lack ID, a phone to make appointments, or money to buy medicines. SMTA breaks the stigma on twice-weekly rounds, applying antibiotics, bandages, stitches and more.
https://www.jns.org/tel-avivs-street-doctors-try-to-bridge-the-healthcare-divide/
Special class receive their BA degrees. The six Israeli Intellectually Disabled (ID) students that achieved the necessary academic BA qualifications last year (see here previously) have just formally received their Multidisciplinary degrees in a ceremony at Bar-Ilan University.
https://www.jns.org/bar-ilan-u-graduates-dont-let-disabilities-hold-them-back/
Say it, do it. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Voiceitt (see here previously) has just launched Voiceitt for Chrome. Voice-impaired users can dictate into their browser to convert garbled speech into text for emails, Google Workplace, Google Classroom, and blogs, plus message services like Slack or Discord, and much more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLf0-8wicPQ https://www.voiceitt.com/chrome
Jerusalem Youth Chorus. (TY Harvey) Jerusalem’s inclusive choir of Israelis and Palestinian Arabs wowed the jury on America’s Got Talent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYp5LCC1WrM
Winning the hearts & minds of GenZ. The Israeli non-profit TalkIsrael (see here previously) is training the next generation of social media content creators to develop high-quality content that can shine a more positive view of Israel and life inside the country. TalkIsrael’s content already has had 5 million views.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkmjavtdc
Peace delegation from Morocco. Two dozen Moroccan social-media influencers and young professionals from the Muslim delegation in the Holy Land are on a week-long visit to Israel, organized by the Sharaka NGO (see here previously). They are seeing a different view from the “Al Jazeera” narrative they get in Morocco.
https://www.jns.org/a-moroccan-delegation-sees-a-different-israel-in-person/
Welcoming diplomats to Israel. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog received the diplomatic credentials of new ambassadors to Israel from Italy, Japan, and Peru, all wearing the yellow ribbon symbol supporting the kidnapped hostages. The President also warmly greeted the new ambassadors of Kazakhstan and Kenya.
https://www.jns.org/herzog-receives-diplomatic-credentials-from-five-new-envoys/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Multifunctional sensors for physical AI. Scientists and Israel’s Ben Gurion University have developed 3D-printable electronic composite materials (ISMCs) that can make biological-like sensors. They can have a huge impact in healthcare and robotics and launch the world of physical AI, with even more potential than digital AI.
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/new-soft-multifunctional-sensors-mark-a-step-forward-for-physical-ai/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1385894724052483?via%3Dihub
Post-grad course in green energy. (TY Atid-EDI) The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is launching a new master’s program focused on green energy technology. It will incorporate eco-friendly materials, creating green energy production devices, and tackling challenges in energy storage and management.
https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-805909
Sustainable corn production. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s N2Off (NTWO OFF – see here previously) has demonstrated that its innovative bacteria technology, can potentially reduce Nitrous Oxide (N2O) emissions when applied to corn seedlings at comparable levels (by 40-50%) already obtained in wheat cultivation.
Increasing yields of winter wheat. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Lavie-Bio (see here previously) has expanded its Yalos microbial inoculant (biological fertilizer) to winter wheat. Yalos improves yields by some 12.5%. Trials in North America continue and Lavie-Bio plans to expand Yalos to crops such as soybean and canola.
https://lavie-bio.com/press/lavie-bio-announces-commercial-expansion-of-yalos-to-winter-wheat/
A healthier fry-up. Israel’s Beyond Oil is a unique powder that absorbs harmful components from fried oil so it can be reused while preserving its quality. It won the FoodTech Company of the Year award at the 2024 Israeli Restaurateurs Conference and is now being used in Israel by two global fast-food chain brands.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-powder-removes-cancer-causing-compounds-from-fried-food/
https://www.beyondoil.co/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSfJqbSopJ8
Startups for space accelerator. Five Israeli startups were selected, from 50 candidates, to join the EXPAND space program, part of the Creation-Space accelerator (see here previously). These are Tedence Space (electro-magnets), OASIX (heat pump), Omnidrill (robots), Inhayle (hydroxyl disinfectants), and NOVAlert (sensors).
https://www.jns.org/wire/israeli-startups-compete-to-join-nasa-space-exploration-program/
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/oasix-energy https://oasix.energy/
https://liortevet6.wixsite.com/omnidrill https://www.novalert.com/
Making sense of the data. Israel’s Kaleidoo (part of Israel’s Bynet Data Communications (see here previously) has created the Kal Sense platform. It converts a company’s video, voice, and text communications into AI-ready data that can be analyzed to answer questions posed by company executives.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/ai-platform-lets-organizations-dive-deep-into-their-own-data/
https://www.kaleidoo.ai/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4EnVX5rrZA
Gaming for education. Israel’s Arcademy has finished a successful trial of its Minecraft educational gaming platform at nine Israeli schools. Students actively engaged in lessons, and improved problem-solving, multitasking, and creativity skills. Arcademy will launch in schools across Israel and the US next year,
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-startup-to-bring-minecraft-education-to-us/ https://www.arcademy.io/en
Moovit moves up to intercity. Israeli public transport app Moovit (see here previously), which helps travelers navigate local journeys in more than 100 countries, has launched a new platform for longer, intercity trips.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/moovit-launches-global-public-transport-planner-for-intercity-trips/
Israeli tech hacks Crooks’ phone. The Washington Post reported that the FBI used technology from Israel’s Cellebrite (see here previously) to unlock the cellphone of would-be assassin Thomas Crooks. Cellebrite is used by over 2,500 North American agencies, 20 of the largest US city police departments, and 25 in the EU.
https://worldisraelnews.com/fbi-used-israeli-tech-to-crack-phone-of-trumps-would-be-assassin/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
$142 million of EU funding. Nine Israeli startups have secured a total of $142 million in funding from the EU Horizon (EIC Accelerator) program. They include MediWound (EscharEx), JaxBio, Nurami, LightSolver, Quantum Transistors, RAAAM Memory, Reophotonics (ioTech), SpacePharma, and Impact Biotech.
https://www.mediwound.com/products/escharex/ https://jaxbio.com/ https://quantumtransistors.com/
Microsoft’s partner of the year. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s 2bcloud has won the 2024 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Israel, which recognizes companies that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft Cloud applications, services, devices and AI innovation in 2024. 2bcloud is also an Amazon AWS partner.
https://2bcloud.io/2bcloud-recognized-as-winner-of-2024-microsoft-partner-of-the-year-award/
A top fintech company. Israel’s Okoora (see here previously) has been selected for CNBC/Statista's 2024 list of the world's leading fintech companies. The list recognizes companies that have significantly contributed to the transformation and innovation of the financial services industry through technology.
https://www.jpost.com/brandblend/okoora-makes-top-250-fintech-list-for-2024-by-cnbcstatista-810132
A one-stop shop for solar sites. Israel’s GiraSol Renewable Energy builds and maintains solar energy systems using the best global technology to check for performance issues. GiraSol’s clients include Israel’s Energix and France’s EDF, which operates large solar farms in Israel.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/startup-transforming-israels-solar-ecosystem-into-a-global-affair/
Boots UK sells Israeli pregnancy tests. The UK chemist chain Boots is now selling Salistick, the world's first saliva-based pregnancy test, from Israel’s Salignostics (see here previously).
https://www.abingdonhealth.com/news/boots-launches-the-salivia-pregnancy-self-test/
https://www.boots.com/boots-saliva-pregnancy-test-2-pack-10340838
Pain monitoring in Japan. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Medasense (see here previously) is partnering with Nihon Kohden for the exclusive distribution of its revolutionary PMD-200 real-time non-invasive pain monitoring device in Japan. https://medasense.com/medasense-announces-a-strategic-agreement-with-global-medical-company-nihon-kohden-corporation/
Israel’s most promising startup. 40% of Americans used to travel within the USA with no travel insurance. When Covid struck everyone wanted insurance. Israel’s Faye launched its product and in 2023 was named Wall Street Journal’s travel insurance product of the year. Now Faye is Israel’s most promising startup of 2024.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-company-thats-redefining-us-travel-insurance/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rj4rxodx0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccBHmXRm41w
1,000 pay for GenAI. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Upword (see here previously) attracted 30,000 users for its Beta version, with 1,000 paying for its advanced GenAI capabilities. Upword is designed to mimic the traditional research methods required by professionals, researchers and academics and has now launched its full version.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1xj9cdua
Exits, takeovers & mergers – to 21/7/24: Holding our breath for Google’s expected $23 billion takeover of Israel’s Wiz. Meanwhile, Edwards Lifesciences has acquired Israel’s Innovalve for $300 million. US-based Tricentis has acquired Israel’s SeaLights for around $150 million.
Startup investment – to 21/7/24:. CTERA raised $80 million; CytoReason raised $80 million; OCON Therapeutics raised $10 million; HAGAR raised $5 million (total $25 million); Acculine raised $4.2 million; Upword raised $3 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Jerusalem is an on-going project. (TY Sharon) Great photos of many of the completed and nearly complete cultural sites in Israel’s capital, alongside how they looked during construction. Yad Vashem, Tower of David, National Campus for Archaeology, and more. Jerusalem is constantly changing and growing.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/07/14/in-jerusalem-preserving-and-presenting-the-past-in-new-ways/
“Your Honor” tops the streaming charts. In early June the Nielsen rating agency ranked “Your Honor”, with 1.5 billion viewing minutes, as the most-watched series on various streaming services in the US. The drama series was adapted from Israel’s “Kvodo” that first aired in Israel in the spring of 2017.
https://www.jns.org/your-honor-israeli-drama-adaptation-tops-us-streaming-charts/
A bridge not too far. (TY Hazel) Israel’s bridge team of Adi Asulin, Ilan Bareket, Ronnie Benin-Barr, Ron Pachtman, Nathalie Saada, Yaniv Zack are the European Mixed Team Champions.
http://www.eurobridge.org/2024/07/04/56th-european-team-championships-the-winners/
THE JEWISH STATE
83-year-old survivor finds his cousin. (TY Yanky) Shalom Korai was rescued from the Warsaw Ghetto at the age of 3 and brought to Israel, never knowing his real name. Now a DNA test has reunited him with his cousin Ann Meddin Hellman in Charleston South Carolina. (First printed in normally anti-Israel UK Guardian).
https://www.timesofisrael.com/holocaust-survivor-who-never-met-any-family-finds-cousins-through-dna-testing/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/27/i-knew-nothing-the-warsaw-ghetto-boy-who-found-his-family-at-83-holocaust-survivor
180 Nova survivors at Haredi Shabbaton. (TY Sharon & Yanky) 180 secular Nova survivors joined a Shabbaton in Jerusalem run by the haredi Kesher Yehudi (“Jewish Link”) whose founder Tzili Schneider said, “The media says we’re separate. We’re not. We’re one people.”
https://baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=173308
https://www.jns.org/180-nova-survivors-join-shabbaton-in-jerusalem-with-haredim/
Excavating Zanoah. (Original source MailOnline) Israeli archaeologists have published their findings from excavating Moshav Zanoah in Central Israel. It contains many artifacts including an inscription “of the King”, thought to be King Hezekiah (c 700 BCE). Zanoah is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah (ch.3 v.13)
Roman ring found on Mount Carmel. 13-year-old Yair, hiking on Mount Carmel, uncovered an 1,800-year-old ring engraved with a goddess of war from ancient Roman and Greek mythology. It was found near the ancient Kdumim quarry site that lies below the Mishmar HaCarmel Farm.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-boy-finds-1800-year-old-ring-on-mount-carmel/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5pliOS3WlI
Baby names. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics reported the most common Jewish baby girl names in 2023 were Avigayil (1,278), Ayala (1,171), Tamar (1,113), Sara, Maya, Noa, Yael, Esther, Libi and Chana. For boys, David (1,760), Lavi (1,415), Yosef (1,324), Rafael, Ariel, Ori, Ari, Moshe, Noam & Yehuda.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/392430
240714
In the 14th Jul 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Miracle Israeli survivor of Nova massacre walks out of hospital.
· Dog that fled from Hamas attack is now giving therapy to traumatized Israelis.
· Groundbreaking cell therapy saves limbs and lives.
· Israeli tech is preventing global money laundering and human trafficking.
· Israeli robots connect solar farms to agricultural farms.
· Israeli companies are working on space tech projects for Florida, Japan and Morocco.
· Israel’s Jewish population continues to grow.
· Click here to see the 7th Jul 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 Hebrew here, and into French here. Also (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 24,800 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, and the subject “Subscribe”) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Wounded paramedic has a strong spirit. Tal, an IDF paramedic was wounded when he went to the aid of a soldier shot by Hezbollah, who subsequently fired an anti-tank missile at him. He is in rehabilitation but has returned to manage the Golani distillery that he and his family own. He is literally keeping up everyone’s spirit!
https://davebender.substack.com/p/heroic-idf-medics-dad-shares-emotional
https://www.golanispirit.com/collections
Miracle survivor leaves hospital after 9 months. Nova victim Sa’ar Ben Sela was almost dead before a Hamas terrorist aimed his gun to finish him off. But the gun jammed and Sa’ar was eventually brought to Ichilov hospital. After surgery and nine months of recovery, Sa’ar was discharged and walked out of hospital.
A healing trip to Mexico. A group of 30 orphaned Israelis recently returned from a 13-day healing retreat in Mexico. The trip, arranged by Israeli NGO OneFamily and the Jewish community of Mexico City, brought orphans who lost both parents to terrorism (including on Oct 7) along with their adopted families.
https://www.jns.org/30-israeli-orphans-including-oct-7-victims-heal-in-mexico/
Scholarships for Gaza border students. The Russian Jewish Congress and the Center for Jewish Impact have awarded scholarships totaling NIS 430,000 to students at Israel’s Ben-Gurion University residing within 7 km of the Gaza border fence. Many of the students were directly affected by the Oct 7 events.
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/scholarships-for-gaza-border-bgu-students/
Global support for Gaza border towns. The Jewish Agency for Israel has launched Communities2Gether, to pair 25 Israeli communities with those around the world. The pairings aim to help rebuild infrastructure, mend social bonds and foster long-lasting connections. The priority is to help everyone to return to their homes.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-agency-project-to-strengthen-gaza-border-towns/
Released hostage passes IDF training with honors. Noga Weiss, who was released from Hamas captivity in November, has just completed an IDF training course with honors. She said, “Today I have finished the course and I feel that I have won. I am excited for the future, to feel that I am able to help other soldiers."
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/392824
The search for Stevie. (TY Yanky) When Rebecca travelled from Tel Aviv to London, she left her dog Stevie with friends in a village 7km from Gaza. On Oct 7, Stevie ran off and went missing for 41 days. Thanks to two animal charities and posters, Stevie was found and now has a new job comforting human victims of Oct 7.
https://people.com/missing-dog-israel-hamas-war-found-8410773
Israel lives. (TY Joan) Kathleen Hayes writes in the Jewish Journal about her first trip to the Jewish State. In her opening sentence she states, “there’s something almost biblical about the Israeli people. Ever-emerging stories about October 7 continue to awe and humble me.” And afterwards, “they are getting on with living”.
https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/opinion/372616/israel-lives/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Preventing loss of limbs. Israel’s BioGenCell (see here previously) is conducting Phase 2 trials of its Tissue Regenerative Activated Cell (TRACT) Therapy. It is preventing amputations at Netanya’s Laniado Medical Center, the US (Yale and Johns Hopkins), Belgium, and Georgia. It is now raising funds for Phase 3 trials.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hki11xl2wa
Preventing clash of medications. A study by Israel’s FeelBetter (see here previously) at Boston’s Mass General Brigham, of its medicine interaction algorithm shows it could reduce hospitalizations by 24%. It has now signed with New Jersey’s Atlantic Health System, which administers to over half a million Americans.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/patient-care-platform-makes-taking-multiple-medications-safer/
Saving lives in Ohio. (TY Atid-EDI) Cleveland based University Hospitals is deploying the aiOS diagnosis platform from Israel’s Aidoc (see here previously) across 13 of its hospitals and many outpatient locations. All patients undergoing CT scans for injury or pain will be analyzed by aiOS for expected and unusual conditions.
Sealing wounds after heart surgery. EndoRon Medical provides abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair with a long-lasting sealing and fixation solution for their endograft.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1wabb6w0 https://endoronmedical.com/
American Jewish medical professionals see this. (TY Yanky) The American Jewish Medical Association (AJMA) is a non-profit, national organization representing health professionals (doctors, dentists, nurses, and others) who stand strongly with Israel, and promote Jewish values and ethics in medicine. Please join them.
First Aliyah event for South American medics. The inaugural South American MedEx event took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Over 60 doctors came from all over Argentina and neighboring Uruguay to be assisted with their Aliyah planning and licensing. (see here for previous MedEx events in Europe and USA).
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/392745
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
A new children’s center in Jerusalem. Israeli charity Yad Ezra V’Shulamit has purchased a new building for their Jerusalem Children’s Center. They are renovating it and will soon be able to double to 200 the number of impoverished kids that they can give daily hot lunches, tutoring, therapies, and fun.
https://www.yadezra.net/campaign/2024/nl_09_07/index.htm#b
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmEpjH3g4Qs&t=1s
Arab Professor wins biomedical prize. Muslim Arab Professor Ashraf Brik of Israel’s Technion Institute was featured here back in 2013. He has just been awarded the 2024 Rappaport Prize for Biomedical Research for his work on protein mechanisms that can lead to treatments for diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s.
https://ats.org/ats-news/watch-rappaport-prize-for-biomedical-research-2024-recipient-ashraf-brik/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8xIRPqsZhc
Study at the Technion in English. Following Oct 7, many university campuses in the US and UK no longer are safe for Jews. Israel’s Technion Institute enables Jews from around the world to come to Israel to study in English at the undergraduate and graduate level, and to strengthen the ties between Israel and the diaspora.
US-Israel friendship group. Israeli and American political leaders have inaugurated the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group, the newest body aimed at deepening ties between the two countries. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said, the relationship between the two countries "transcends parties and administrations”.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-us-politicos-inaugurate-parliamentary-friendship-group/
Showcasing the “real” Israel. Philanthropist Sylvan Adams is promoting the “real Israel” to the world. His new business cards say “self-appointed ‘Ambassador of Israel’”. He aims to project Israel to the silent majority who don’t know Israel but get a negative impression from the media. Please forward my newsletter to him.
https://www.jns.org/sylvan-adams-billionaire-philanthropist-showcasing-the-real-israel/
The world’s smallest underground railway. (TY Yanky) The UK’s Express news site featured Haifa’s 1959 Carmelit subway, the oldest underground transit system in the Middle East and the smallest in the world, having only four cars and six stations for just over 1.1 miles. It descends Mount Carmel – a height of 274 meters.
Combatting money-laundering. (TY OurCrowd) In 2023 Israel’s BioCatch (see here previously) identified and helped banks shut down more than 150,000 mule bank accounts in the Asia-Pacific region. Criminals use mule accounts as intermediate stops between the victim’s account and where they withdraw money from.
Combatting slavery. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s ThetaRay (see here previously) with global bank Santander, received the “Best Use of Data for Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Detection” award at London’s Digital Transformation Awards. ThetaRay’s system alerted Santander to potential human trafficking networks.
https://digitaltransformationawards.net/winners-2024/
Marching for hostages in NYC. Every Shabbat afternoon since Nov. 4, pro-Israel Manhattan residents have marched for about 45 minutes carrying signs drawing attention to the hostages whom Hamas holds in the Gaza Strip. New York’s Jewish community cannot rest - even on the Day of Rest.
https://www.jns.org/manhattan-jews-have-marched-in-support-of-hostages-every-shabbat-since-nov-4/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Groundbreaking polymer for 3D printing. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Nexa3D (see here previously) has launched Xyon, a groundbreaking carbon-fiber filled plastic 3D printing filament. Xyon is versatile, durable, high performing, and cost-effective, designed for numerous 3D printing applications.
Combating mosquitoes. Israel’s Hebrew University is developing a natural mosquito repellent; it is also using genetics to make sterile male mosquitoes; Haifa University is working to synthesize fish microbiota for use as a mosquito repellent; meanwhile Israel’s Senecio (sterile males, see here previously) is partnering with Rentokil.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-weapons-in-the-anti-mosquito-arsenal/
https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/4/pgad069/7103447?login=false
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqp2i41qs-A https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3885219/v1
Post-grad course in green energy. (TY Atid-EDI) The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is launching a new master’s program focused on green energy technology. It will incorporate eco-friendly materials, creating green energy production devices, and tackling challenges in energy storage and management.
https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-805909
Connecting the sun and the soil. Israel’s agRE.tech is developing an AI-powered robotic system for solar farms that incorporate agricultural farms. The robots perform precise spraying, pruning, autonomous picking, and more, alongside automatic control and maintenance of the solar fields.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hktuf7zvr
Enhanced cowpea approved. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s BetterSeeds (see here previously) has received US Department of Agriculture approval for PeaMAX - its gene-improved cowpea. The new high-protein, hardy variety has a shorter growing season and is easier to harvest. Ideal for summer cultivation by soybean farmers.
https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---50664.htm
Lasers to stop hair loss. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Lumenis (see here previously) has launched FoLix – its FDA-approved breakthrough laser system designed to combat hair loss. FoLix’s unique technology delivers precise pulses of laser that leverage the body’s natural processes to stimulate hair follicles.
https://lumenis.com/aesthetics/resource-hub/lumenis-introduces-folix-the-first-fda-cleared-proprietary-fractional-laser-for-hair-loss-treatment/ https://lumenis.com/aesthetics/products/folix/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMh1Ez59uww
Accident prevention software unveiled. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s CorrActions (see here previously) has developed AI software that determines a driver’s cognitive state – sleepy, inebriated or simply distracted. Its Driver NeuroMonitoring (brain analysis) System integrates with motion sensors in the steering wheel, seats etc.
https://nocamels.com/2024/06/startup-unveils-ai-platform-to-monitor-drivers-by-reading-minds/
https://startupsmagazine.co.uk/article-ai-powered-solution-prevents-cognitive-distraction-drivers
Empowering the deaf to use the phone. Israeli-founded Nagish allows the deaf to talk on the phone. The solution uses AI to enable real-time transcription, adjustment of the text display to the user's needs, and an intuitive interface. There are about one billion hearing impaired people worldwide.
https://nagish.com/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bykvaxnvr
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
$220 million to focus on Israeli startups. European venture capital firm Forestay Capital has closed its second fund at $220 million, with a key focus to invest in Israeli startups and help them expand in Europe. Forestay said, “… we will continue to support Israeli tech innovation in the enterprise AI space for the long run.”
,
Meta accelerates Israeli AI startups. Meta is launching AI Accelerator TLV to boost the potential of early-stage Israeli startups with a focus on AI capabilities and products. 10 startups will be selected for the 15-session program, which will run from Sep to Dec 2024. They will be supported by Meta’s AI Research Lab.
https://www.israel21c.org/meta-launches-ai-accelerator-tlv-to-boost-israeli-startups/
Space tech. Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, and the Israel Innovation Authority are funding joint space-tech projects involving US & Israeli companies. The Israeli startups:- Purammon (hydrogen electrolysis & water purification), StemRad, Novelsat, and Mobility Insight.
https://www.jns.org/florida-israeli-space-tech-partnership-awards-2-million-to-fuel-progress/
Helping Japan cut greenhouse gas emissions. Japanese insurance giant Sompo and Israel’s Momentick (see here previously) will work to cut greenhouse gas emissions from Japanese energy production sources, rigs and gas pipelines. Momentick’s solution identifies and measures greenhouse gas emissions through satellite images.
Billion-dollar deal. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has announced an agreement worth $1 billion over five years with an unnamed third party. (Calcalist states that IAI will supply Morocco with an intelligence satellite.) The company expects completion of the deal by 2029.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-aerospace-industries-signs-1b-deal-1001483830
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1xry9qpr
Billion-shekel Netanya server farm. A new server farm costing NIS 1.1 billion is being constructed by NED, an Israeli-British partnership in the Poleg Industrial zone of Netanya, Israel. The server farm will extend over 13,500 square meters and is designed to connect to undersea cables that will land in Netanya.
Canada approves muscle toning system. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Sofwave Medical (see here previously) has received approval from Health Canada to commercialize Pure Impact™ utilizing PlyoPulse™ EMS (“Electric Muscle Stimulation”) technology in that region. The system already has US-FDA approval.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sofwave-medical-receives-marketing-clearance-123300406.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ouub8lH3J6o
Exits, takeovers & mergers – to 14/7/24: Israel’s 3D print company Nano Dimension has acquired US 3D print company Desktop Metal for $183 million.
Startup investment – to 14/7/24: K Health raised $50 million; Sola Security raised $28 million; Volumez raised another $20 million; Buildots raised $15 million; Nagish raised $16 million; Endoron Medical raised $10 million; Vee raised $7 million; Enso raised $6 million; Dono raised $3.7 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
See what’s emerged from the ground. The Israel Antiquities Authority is offering limited tours of its new National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, next to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. When complete, the 36,000 sqm campus will feature galleries, laboratories, display rooms and storage centers.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/iaa-offers-sneak-peek-tours-of-long-awaited-new-campus/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8lx1SzadUw (Hebrew video)
Israeli is world chess champion for the deaf. Rabbi Yehuda Greenfeld has won the title of World Champion for the Deaf in Belgrade. 38 participants from 20 different countries challenged for the title. Competing over 11 rounds, Rabbi Greenfeld secured an impressive nine points, finishing the tournament undefeated.
https://worldisraelnews.com/greenfelds-gambit-israeli-chess-master-wins-deaf-world-title/
Dutch soccer fans support Israel. (TY JNS) At Euro 2024, supporters of Holland were very supportive of the Jewish State when they learnt that they were being interviewed by an Israeli. The Netherlands had just beaten Turkey (Turkiye), to the dismay of the Turkish president Erdoğan who was at the match.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/07/dutch-dream-of-victory-over-england-in-euro-2024/
Cyclists accelerate. The Israel PremierTech cycling team had more successes in the 2024 Tour de France (see last week’s report here). Pascal Ackermann came 4th in Stage 8, and 3rd in Stage 10. Team member Derek Gee came third in Stage 9 and has moved up from 21st place overall to 9th of the 174 riders.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-team-scores-podiums-in-successive-tour-de-france-stages/
https://actualnewsmagazine.com/english/tour-de-france-israel-premier-tech-still-third/
THE JEWISH STATE
Returning more “lost” property. IDF soldiers have found menorahs, Seder plates, and even challah boards in their battles across the Gaza Strip. The items of Judaica had to have been stolen by Gazans either on Oct 7 or previously. The IDF has posted photos of the objects on Facebook and other media to locate their owners.
Preserving our heritage. Yad Vashem has inaugurated its Holocaust Heritage Campus, featuring the state-of-the-art Collections Repository. Stretching over 63,000 feet, the new center houses millions of documents, pictures, testimonies, and pieces of art collected by the museum since its founding.
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/skgh00t9vr
So much happens in Jerusalem. (TY Sharon) As you would expect of Israel’s capital, it is at the center of events in the Jewish State. The Pulse of Israel Conference; the launch of the Knesset–House Parliamentary Friendship Group; July 4th (Entebbe Day); reunions and school holiday events.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/07/07/whats-happening-on-the-jerusalem-streets/
Go fourth and multiply. (TY UWI) A 35-year-old Israeli mother of two gave birth to quadruplets at Israel’s Beilinson Medical Center. The two boys and two girls weighed between 2.95 to 3.57 pounds. Naturally conceived quads occur globally only once in every 720,000 births - in Israel an average of once in four years.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/07/quadruple-surprise-israeli-hospital-witnesses-rare-birth/
Huge increase in Aliyah. 2,000 new immigrants are arriving or have arrived on 14 summer Aliyah group flights from Jun to Sep 2024. Nearly 1,800 North Americans made Aliyah with Nefesh b’Nefesh since Oct 7 with over 10,000 new requests received – a huge 76% increase compared to the same period last year.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/392844
240707
In the 7th Jul 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
· Israeli doctors “think outside the box” to save lives.
· Good support for Israel from Germany, Taiwan, India and Argentina.
· Seven Israeli AI products that benefit society.
· Google has signed Israel’s largest office rental agreement.
· An Israeli dancing dog astounds the judges on America’s Got Talent.
· Click here to see the 30th Jun 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, and Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Also (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.
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POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Wounded ICU doctor vows to work again. Dr Yoav Bichovsky, of the intensive care unit at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, was wounded beyond recognition by Hamas in Gaza. He is now regaining his speech and motor skills at the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Center in Ra’anana and is resolved to return to treating patients.
Family reunions, in Gaza. Several videos are circulating showing brothers in the IDF meeting up unexpectedly in Gaza. Here is one where a father is reunited with his son.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-heartwarming-reunion-between-soldier-father-and-son-in-gaza/
Pittsburgh paramedic is back in Gaza. A video of Isaac Nadoff, a paramedic from Pittsburgh, is circulating currently where he explains his 2.5-week holiday in Israel on Oct 7 became 4.5 months including 50 days in Gaza. He returned to Pittsburgh for 3 months and now he’s “back in Israel for round two”. Kol Hakavod!
Donating shares to Oct 7 children. The fund, Valoo for the Kids, has so far raised around $20 million in stock donations to help support Israeli child victims of Oct 7. Founders, angel investors, and employees donate shares in tech companies. As the company’s value grows, so does the value of their donation.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/israels-tech-sector-donating-stock-to-support-child-victims-of-oct-7/
Outfitting IDF soldiers. (TY Yanky) Cousins Yael and Terri are known by IDF soldiers as “Terri’s Angels.” Since Oct 7 they have distributed hundreds of bags of gear to thousands of IDF reservists requesting gloves, tents, sleeping bags, scissors, medical kits, and more, supplied by donors and brought to Israel by volunteers.
https://forward.com/news/623425/israeli-soldiers-idf-supplies-donations/
Second Café Otef opens. Following the successful launch of Café Otef in Tel Aviv’s Sarona Market (see here previously), Cafe Otef – Re’im has opened in Tel Aviv’s Florentin neighborhood. It will sell Dvir Chocolates, the line of confections created by Re’im resident Dvir Karp, murdered on Oct 7.
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Removing shrapnel with a metal detector. Removing metal fragments from the neck and head is complex. At the Galilee Medical Center, they use a small metal detector, purchased on-line from AliExpress, to locate the exact position of bullets or fragments of shrapnel, which are then removed without damage to vital tissues.
https://www.israel21c.org/surgeon-uses-aliexpress-metal-detector-to-save-patient-lives/
Doctor saves life on the way to work. Dr. Amir Orlev, director of the cardiology department at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center, was on the way to work when he noticed a man lying on the side of the road. He diagnosed that he was suffering from a massive blood clot in the lung, catheterized him, and saved his life.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-807387
Laser treatment saves leg amputation. Doctors at Netanya’s Laniado Medical Center have for the first time in Israel used an AURYON laser device from Eximo Medical (see here previously) to remove an arterial blockage in a patient’s leg and avoid amputation. Israel’s Eximo was acquired by US-based AngioDynamics in 2019.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-806727
Faster, clearer CT bone scans. The Veriton SPECT/CT system from Israel’s Spectrum Dynamics performs a bone scan in 12 mins instead of the usual 45. Image quality is also far better, thanks to its camera with 12 heads, each with a novel digital radiation detector that gets near to the patient. Used at Schneider hospital and globally.
https://www.israel21c.org/faster-clearer-bone-scans-offer-game-changer-for-patients/
https://spectrum-dynamics.com/products/veriton-series/
https://spectrum-dynamics.com/news-events/press-news/
A hormone-free birth-control pill. Rachel Teitelbaum moved to Israel from the USA in 2003 and founded Hervana Bio in 2008. It has developed a safe contraceptive tablet containing the bacteria lactobacilli found in yoghurt but enhanced to produce antibodies that bind to sperm, removing them from the fertilization process.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-bacterial-birth-control-treatment-could-eclipse-the-pill/
76 new ambucycles. United Hatzalah has inaugurated 76 new ambucycles (emergency motorcycles) – one for each of modern Israel’s 76 years. The vehicles were paid for in a matching partnership with philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson and will be deployed all over Israel. Several were dedicated to the memory of fallen medics.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/392454
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
A combat unit for religious women. The IDF is creating a new all-female combat unit for religious women soldiers. The unit will be part of the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps and the women enrolled will receive spiritual support and guidance. Rabbi Ohad Teharlev, head of Midreshet Lindenbaum, will supervise the unit.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/trailblazing-all-female-idf-combat-unit-formed-for-religious-women/
A pro-Israel village in Norway. (TY UWI) Sokndal, Norway (not to be confused with Sogndal) is possibly the most pro-Israel village in the world. The residents, primarily Christian, express their solidarity with Israel through an array of flags and symbols, reflecting a profound bond rooted in faith and shared values.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBKhP97VTTY
Expanding gas exports. Israel’s influence in the oil & gas market is set to improve following the preliminary green light from Israel’s Energy Ministry to more than double exports of natural gas from the Leviathan field. Customers in Europe and the Far East prefer to import gas from Israel, rather than from Russia.
Germany’s new citizenship law. The country’s new citizenship law goes into effect, requiring those applying for a passport to affirm they believe that Israel has a right to exist. It is part of an overhaul to emphasize German values and protect Jewish life in the country.
https://www.jns.org/new-german-citizenship-law-mandates-support-of-israels-right-to-exist/
Taiwan steps up for Israel. (TY Rhoda) Since Oct 7, relations between Israel and Taiwan have been growing fonder and stronger. The Taipei government has donated many thousands of dollars to Israeli causes, condemned Hamas and declared solidarity with Israel. Officials have even picked fruit on Israeli farms.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/byr3znjuc https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/96e1t8055
Indians stand with Israel. (TY UWI) Israelis and other Jews enjoy traveling to India. Hindus and Jews are both ancient civilizations facing the threat of Islamic terrorism. Hear some Indians in Israel talk about common interests. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYPH-LnsXaQ
Argentinian ambassador is a Rabbi. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz welcomed Argentina’s incoming ambassador, Rabbi Shimon “Axel” Wahnish, to Jerusalem. He noted that under the leadership of Argentina’s President Javier Milei, the relationship between the two nations will reach new heights.
https://www.jns.org/katz-welcomes-incoming-argentinian-ambassador-to-jerusalem/
Israeli universities receive redirected $5 million donation. US donor David Magerman is giving $1 million to five Israeli institutions, including Israel’s Technion Institute, Bar-Ilan University, and the Jerusalem College of Technology. He halted his donations to the University of Pennsylvania due to its handling of antisemitism.
https://www.jns.org/american-donor-giving-5m-to-israeli-colleges-after-spurning-penn/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The best speech to text. Israel’s aiOla (see here previously) won the “Best Speech to Text Solution” award at the annual AI Breakthrough Awards. aiOla’s Natural Language Processing and Automatic Speech Recognition accurately interprets complex jargon, acronyms and accents in 100 languages, regardless of background noise.
https://nocamels.com/2024/06/voice-capture-startup-wins-best-speech-to-text-solution-award/
https://aiola.com/blog/ai-breakthrough-awards-program-winner/
https://aibreakthroughawards.com/2024-winners/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdB7QSm1C8o
Replacing the court stenographer. Israel’s Verbit (see here previously) provides automated captioning and transcription services to over 2,000 businesses worldwide. It is now launching Legal Real-Time, providing reliable real-time transcriptions for legal proceedings at a fraction of the cost of traditional stenography.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-ai-app-aims-to-replace-traditional-court-reporters/
A video-based lie-detector. Israel’s Revealense Technology has unveiled illuminator – an AI platform to identify the behavioral DNA of individuals using video analysis. It could transform decision-making processes for managers, investigators, psychologists, researchers, and more. Useful for recruitment, banking, doctors, etc.
AI to check AI fraud. Israel’s Corsound (a subsidiary of Israel’s Cortica – see here previously) has developed AI technology to detect a cloned voice – if a recording of your voice was digitally manipulated to impersonate you. It can also check that a voice matches a photo of the speaker. Voted FinovateEurope 2024’s Best of Show.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-new-fintech-that-knows-if-your-voice-matches-your-face/
https://www.corsound.ai/ https://finovate.com/videos/finovateeurope-2024-corsound-ai/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0-NQdoU01g
Detecting fakes from true content. Israel’s TrueMedia.org helps people discern real from fake content. TrueMedia has developed about 15 models to identify AI-created audio, video, and images, achieving around 90% accuracy. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/8rum93gp9 https://www.truemedia.org/
Using AI to monitor legal compliance. Israel’s Shield has developed a generative AI (GenAI) platform to help financial services companies maintain legal compliance and avoid issues such as misconduct and market manipulation by their employees. Shield analyzes communications from emails, messages and voice calls.
https://nocamels.com/2024/06/ai-monitoring-lets-financial-firms-stay-ethical-and-law-abiding/
AI to protect the vulnerable. Israel’s EyeKnow.AI has developed a safety platform with cameras and artificial intelligence to predict hazardous and violent incidents such as falls, slips and physical violence, in hospitals and care facilities. It can raise an alert before a situation spirals into a full crisis involving patients or staff.
https://nocamels.com/2024/06/ai-platform-stops-violence-against-the-vulnerable-before-it-begins/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAsLtPcvVfI
An AI matchmaker. Israel’s Heyoosh is the world’s first AI-based personal matchmaker. The founders’ main goal was to make the digital dating environment safer. Currently only available on iPhone, it allows users to get to know each other’s personalities, rather than appearance. Images are not shared and privacy is a priority.
https://www.israel21c.org/bye-bye-tinder-new-ai-app-aims-to-sweep-dating-off-its-feet/
https://www.heyoosh.com/ https://www.instagram.com/heyooshai/
Light years ahead of time. Israel’s CogniFiber is developing DeepLight photonic processors that utilize multi-core optical fibers to process data at the speed of light. It means processing speeds can increase up to 1,000 times, while using only 1% of the energy. https://www.cognifiber.com/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1r07pmvc
DeserTech Innovation Center. The DeserTech Innovation Center in Beer Sheva is part of the World Zionist Village, which aims to create a Living Lab for research, education and development of startups. It will be a hub for DeserTech, ClimaTech, AgTech, FoodTech, clean energy, conservation, and more.
https://zionistvillage.jnf.org/index.php/news-and-media/pioneering-desert-and-climate-technologies-from-the-negev-to-the-world/ https://en.desertech.org.il/ https://merage.org.il/desertech/
https://zionistvillage.jnf.org/index.php/news-and-media/living-lab/
A sustainable solution to weed control. One of the Israeli startups on show at Israel’s 2024 PlaneTech conference in Tel Aviv was AgriPass. Its (proof of concept) tool mimics a human laborer with modern tech. AI-powered sensors identify the weeds, map the terrain, and instruct the tilling heads to pull out the weeds.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/confab-shows-off-startups-from-ai-driven-weeders-and-tree-tubes-to-alternative-fats/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0ZP-QKewVo https://agripass.co/
Turning wastewater into protein. Although Israel’s Fabumin was included here previously I forgot to mention its sustainable benefit. Fabumin purifies the wastewater discharged from the vegetable processing industry, extracting the “mud” to make “aquafaba” – an egg substitute. Clean water and “no-chicken” eggs.
https://nocamels.com/2024/06/no-yolk-egg-alternative-made-from-aquafaba-tastes-like-real-thing/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFGoUBApbQY
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Best funding quarter in two years. Israeli startups raised $1.9 billion in funding in the second quarter of 2024 – its best quarter since Q4 2022. A further $1 billion was raised by Wiz – the highest raised in one round in Israeli history. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1fo1ac8r
$80 million Korean fund. (TY OurCrowd) The South Korean NHOC Global Open Innovation fund will invest in DeepTech (engineering and scientific innovation) startups in Israel & South Korea. It will be one of the largest international investment funds, aiming to invest $80 million in some 30 startups from both countries,
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/80m-israel-s-korea-fund-to-invest-in-deeptech-in-both-nations/
Israel’s largest rental deal. Google is to lease some 60,000 square meters in Tel Aviv's ToHa2 Tower at an annual rental of NIS 115 million. The tower is still under construction – due to be completed in early 2027. It will be the largest office rental deal in Israel’s history, both in terms of space and rental value.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1sjobdlc
3-week response. eHealth Ventures specializes in early-stage health tech startups. It operates a fast-track investment program that promises a response to all investment requests within three weeks. A positive response guarantees an investment of NIS 3 - 3.5 million within three months and acceptance into its incubator.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hj3mq1luc
Driving economic recovery in the North. Startup Nation Central is partnering with Tzafon Medical Center near Tiberias to help drive economic recovery in northern Israel. Startup Nation Central will help Tzafon train medical staff, create global partnerships, and connect to the local and global health tech innovation ecosystem.
Big demand for counter-drone defense. Israel’s D-Fend Solutions (see here previously) is expanding its US presence due to growing demand. D-Fend’s anti-drone systems have been installed worldwide by militaries, law enforcement and homeland security agencies, and even major international airports.
https://nocamels.com/2024/06/maker-of-counter-drone-tech-expands-in-us-due-to-demand/
Partnership to secure smart cars. Israel’s Argus (part of Germany’s Continental AG) has partnered with Microsoft to develop a next generation, end-to-end platform for automotive and mobility security. The Argus Vehicle Security Platform, plus Microsoft’s software and GenAI, secure software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
https://nocamels.com/2024/06/israeli-firm-microsoft-create-new-automotive-cybersecurity-platform/
https://argus-sec.com/company/newsroom/press-releases/argus-cyber-security-collaborates-with-microsoft-to-redefine-next-generation-automotive-security/ https://argus-sec.com/company/about/
Startup investment – to 7/7/24: Sendblocks raised $8.2 million; CogniFiber raised $5 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Cyber security and art exhibition. The exhibition "Protecting the World: Israeli CyberSecurity Technologies" at the CyberWeek conference in Tel Aviv, featured 25 Israeli cyber technologies, each represented by a rare lock, some are over 2,000 years old. Cyberweek was attended by 9,000 attendees from more than 80 countries.
https://www.gov.il/en/pages/cyber_exhibition https://cyberweektau.com/about/
Shira Haas wins at Monte Carlo festival. Israeli actress Shira Haas received the Jury Prize for her role in the TV drama “Night Therapy” at the 63rd Monte Carlo International Television Festival.
https://www.israel21c.org/actress-shira-haas-wins-monte-carlo-tv-festival-prize/
All on me. Israel’s 2018 Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai has released her debut Hebrew album “It’s All on Me”. The video features the title track – set in an Israeli outdoor market.
https://www.jns.org/eurovision-winner-netta-barzilai-drops-debut-hebrew-album/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBgr_FtXRxQ
Israeli dancing dog has got talent. (TY Nevet) Israeli dog trainer Roni Sagi and her dog Rhythm won a standing ovation for their two-minute dance routine on America’s Got Talent. Unbelievable! 1.1 million views.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-trainer-and-her-dancing-dog-wow-us-tv-talent-show/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeUzA5KvpnA
Signs of the times on Israel’s streets. (TY Sharon) There were many positive signs on the streets of Jerusalem last week. See Sharon’s photos of the parade lion, the welcome sign at Navon station, the new Nano Science building, new displays and events at the ANU, ads for summer events, graduations, weddings, and music.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/06/30/following-the-signs-of-the-times-on-jerusalem-streets/
Israeli hits home run in US debut. Israel’s Assaf Lowengart smacked a three-run home run in his first baseball match for New York Boulders at their home stadium. He helped his team to an 11-1 win against the New Jersey Jackals. After Oct 7, Assaf worked as a volunteer agricultural laborer on a kibbutz.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-born-baseball-star-shines-in-home-debut-for-new-york-boulders/
Israel at the Tour de France. The Israel PremierTech cycling team has made a reasonable start to the 2024 Tour de France race. Hugo Houle was ninth on Stage 2 and Pascal Ackermann sprinted to sixth on Stage 5. The IPT team is in 14th place overall. Derek Gee is the highest IPT individual at 21st of the 174 riders.
https://israelpremiertech.com/latest/
THE JEWISH STATE
Torah study in Gaza. An IDF unit in Gaza has completed the study of the Talmud tractate Bava Metzia during pauses in their battles with Hamas terrorists. These soldiers exemplify resilience and commitment to their faith during these tumultuous times.
How did Jews get to Ethiopia? There are some 15,000 Israelis of Ethiopian decent living in Beer Sheva, including Naftali Aklum, whose brother was key to the mass Ethiopian Aliya. Naftali relates two of the legends as to the Jewish origins of today’s Ethiopian Israelis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9wB-z1-ey8
Bob Marley’s grandson’s Bar Mitzvah. Reggae icon Bob Marley’s son Ziggy is married to an Israeli, Orly – of Jewish, Iranian descent. Ziggy posted a photo of himself with his son Abraham at “his celebration of becoming a man according to the ancient tradition he has reached that age of responsibility and change.”
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-808562
2,000 attend Birthright mega event. More than 2,000 participants on Birthright Israel programs gathered for the Mega Event at Mini Israel Park in Latrun – the highlight of the organization’s summer trips to Israel. Israel’s 2024 Eurovision singer Eden Golan and others gave performances in solidarity with the IDF.
https://www.jns.org/birthright-israel-mega-event-draws-2000-young-jews-from-around-world/
The secret to success in the IDF. IDF Brig Gen (res) Amir Avivi, founder of the IDSF (Israel’s Defense Security Forum) explains how he managed to motivate the 800 soldiers under his command. And the important message that this sends to all supporters of Israel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjTbYeNFjGY
