In the 12th Jan 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Massive increase in Israel’s PR budget.
l Life-saving Israeli treatments for the brain, heart, and traumatic stress.
l Golan Druze rush to become Israeli citizens.
l Two innovative Israeli laser systems perform valuable non-military functions.
l Israeli sustainable device for keeping farm produce fresh is so cool.
l A dozen Israeli companies doubled their US market value in 2024.
l Light one candle for Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary, who “Puffed” magic songs.
· Click here to see the 5th Jan newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (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 25,800 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
800 French teenagers volunteer. A delegation of some 800 French teenagers traveled to Israel, thanks to the Jewish Agency’s Israel Experience program and Mosaic United’s Shalom Corps. They have been packing food packages for the poor, helping MDA and Yad Sarah, volunteering at IDF bases and working in agriculture.
https://www.jns.org/800-french-teens-in-israel-to-volunteer-bolster-ties-with-europe/
NFL Legends love Israel. (TY UWI) NFL legends Nick Lowery (ex-Chiefs & Jets) and Tony Richardson (Cowboys, Chiefs, Vikings & Jets) touched down in Israel last week on a solidarity visit. After meeting hostage families, Lowery told President Herzog, “We’re here to say we love and support you - no matter what.”
https://www.jns.org/we-love-and-support-you-nfl-legends-pay-solidarity-visit-to-israel/
600 international students at BGU. Despite the war, 600 students from 64 countries have come to Israel to study at Ben-Gurion University. BGU's International Academic Affairs Office offers personalized support for students worldwide, from visa assistance to organizing social activities.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-836625
Surge in Haredi recruits. (TY UWI) The IDF reported that 338 Haredim enlisted in the past week - 211 as combat soldiers, and 127 as combat supporters. The IDF also successfully inducted the inaugural cohort of the “Hashmonayim” (Hasmonean) Brigade, plus a second Haredi cohort for the Border Guard.
https://tps.co.il/articles/israeli-army-reports-surge-in-haredi-soldiers-338-recruited-in-past-week/
$100 million recovery. Itamar Ben Hemo, co-founder of Israel’s Rivery (see here previously) was serving in the reserves in Gaza when he was shot in the chest by Hamas terrorists. He was rushed to hospital in 45 minutes where despite almost dying, he recovered and eventually sold his company to Boomi (US) for $100 million.
THAAD intercepts Houthi missile. U.S.-supplied THAAD air defense system successfully intercepted its first ballistic missile, launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen. “18 years waiting for this” says one of the American soldiers operating the system. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/401411
Semiconductor giant bets on Israel. Great article detailing how computer giant Applied Materials has been investing in its Israeli R&D center, despite the war. Having 15% (300) of its workforce in the IDF, it brought back retirees, rented a hotel for displaced families and gave financial and psychological help to employees.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/y4hfl2v34
$150 million for PR. In the new budget, Israel’s Foreign Ministry will receive an extra $150 million for public diplomacy - more than 20 times that typically allotted in past years. One focus will be US college campuses, in cooperation with US Jewish groups and the Diaspora Affairs Ministry.
Gaza desalination plant restarts. (TY Yanky) I don’t know why this has not been widely reported (oh yes I do!). The Deir el-Balah desalination plant in central Gaza has resumed operations. Since being reconnected to Israel’s electricity grid last month, the plant has produced thousands of cubic meters of drinkable water per day.
https://www.voanews.com/a/desalination-plant-quietly-resumes-operations-in-gaza/7914345.html
Galilee forests will regenerate. 20,000+ dunams of Galilee forest have been consumed by fires ignited by Hezbollah rocket strikes and interceptor fragments. But KKL-JNF’s chief forester Gilad Ostrovsky is sure that once burnt trees have been removed, the forest will regenerate naturally. Just as Israelis will return to the North.
https://www.jns.org/restoring-the-galilee-forest-a-five-year-journey-of-renewal-and-hope/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Treating cerebral aneurysms. Israel’s EndoStream Medical, which has just been acquired by Japan’s Kaneka, specializes in developing an innovative implant for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. EndoStream’s “Nautilus” has been used in hundreds of patients globally to block blood flow to the aneurysm.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkdyeeaikg https://endostream.com/
https://vimeo.com/727320916 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16800-brain-aneurysm
Microsensors for the heart. (TY TPS & WIN) Israel’s Microtech (part of Medinol – see here previously) has begun human clinical trials of their microsensor platform, to measure atrial pressures, vital for the treatment of heart failure. The tiny device is implanted and uses ultrasound to communicate, reducing hospitalizations.
https://medinol.com/news/microtech-announces-first-human-case-of-implantable-microsensor-for-heart-failure-2/ https://medinol.com/microtech-2/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_QxgazSF_U
HBOT for PTSD. At the Shamir Medical Center, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) - breathing pure oxygen in pressurized chambers - is proving to be a game-changer for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sufferers, with 70% reporting lasting relief. See here previously.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZYhLJfeCWU
How bacteria resistance can be neutralized. A study by Tel Aviv University reveals how plasmids - small circular DNA fragments - neutralize bacterial defense mechanisms. It opens a door to combating antibiotic resistance. Plasmids could also break down pollutants, fix carbon dioxide, and improve gut bacteria.
https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/news/foreign_dna/news/sbcr https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07994-w
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07994-w
Milk fat is good for you. Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Israel’s Agriculture Research Organization have discovered that the fat globules in milk deliver beneficial pro-biotic bacteria and prevent the formation of harmful bacteria. The finding can lead to better infant milk and healthy milk products.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-research-reveals-new-possibilities-for-custom-dairy-products-to-boost-gut-health/ https://en.huji.ac.il/news/small-milk-fat-globules-promote-good-bacteria-study-reveals
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996924007506
Miracles at Schneider. In 2024, Israel’s Schneider Children's Medical Center treated 55,000 children in its Emergency Rooms; 1,500 in intensive care; 874 babies in neonatal intensive care; six children received a new heart; 39 had organ transplants; 60 had cochlear implants; plus 3,000+ dialysis and 270,000+ outpatient visits.
https://www.fos.org.il/en/donate (Israelis) https://chaischneider.org/donate/ (USA)
https://system.smartgiving.org.uk/charities/8530/make-donation (UK)
Distinguished investigator. Ben Gurion University Prof Assaf Zaritsky has been honored with a 2024 Allen Distinguished Investigator Award. It includes $1.5 million for a project exploring how cellular structures called organelles form dynamic networks during the process of stem cell differentiation into neurons.
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/zaritsky-allen-distinguished-investigators-award/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Race for inclusion. 400+ North American young Jewish leaders participated in ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran’s third “Race for Inclusion,” a celebration of ability at every level. Gap-year and college students were joined at the Negev village finish line by ADI patients, and raised more than $23,000 for post-trauma treatments.
https://www.jns.org/wire/adis-third-race-for-inclusion-ignites-hope-in-the-negev/
Cognitive potential for individuals with Down syndrome. A new study by Israeli researchers found that adults with Down Syndrome demonstrated higher cognitive performance compared to adolescents in many areas. It suggests the continued potential for learning and development into the mid-40s.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/400992
The most accessible website. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Wix.com earned the 2024 Web Almanac report’s “Most Accessible Website Platform CMS” and “Best SEO Performer”. It noted Wix's strong performance in key accessibility metrics compared to industry peers. Accessibility features include tools, templates and presets.
Druze support for Israel. (TY UWI) Afef Abed, a member of Israel’s Druze minority, officially took the Knesset seat vacated by Likud MK Yoav Gallant. He is the first Druze MK in the current government’s coalition. Meanwhile, the numbers of Golan Druze applying for Israeli citizenship has soared.
https://www.jns.org/afef-abed-takes-gallants-knesset-seat-becoming-first-druze-coalition-mk/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/taboo-no-more-one-in-five-golan-druze-now-holds-israeli-citizenship/
Reducing the number of animal road deaths. Thousands of wild animals are accidentally killed on roads in Israel each year. The organization Safe Wildlife Crossings aims to restore wildlife populations by improving the connectivity for wildlife to traverse between habitats and reducing roadkill.
https://www.ynetnews.com/environment/article/rkkpwdpsyl
https://www.safewildlifecrossings.com/en
Former UK defense chief praises Israel. Former UK Chief of the Defence Staff, General (Retd.) Sir Nicholas Patrick Carter, said that Western armies learned a lot from Israel, especially in 1967 and 1973. It was very important that UK and Israeli militaries work together and train together.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-weve-all-gained-from-israels-experience-1001497981
Training campus student leaders. Some 40 pro-Israel student leaders from 30 North American universities arrived recently in the Jewish state as part of an initiative sponsored by Hasbara Fellowships with IsraelAmbassadors.com. They gained tools and inspiration, to educate, combat hate and safeguard students.
https://www.jns.org/student-leaders-arrive-in-israel-to-participate-in-campus-advocacy-training/
1,500-year-old monastery discovered. A 1,500-year-old Byzantine monastery is being unearthed near Kiryat Gat in southern Israel. It features a unique mosaic with a Greek inscription from Deuteronomy 28:6, Findings include a sophisticated winepress, coins, marble, metal and glass vessels, and a great quantity of imported ware.
https://worldisraelnews.com/ancient-monastery-uncovered-in-southern-israel/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRKBQhVVytM
Lost and found. A 10-year-old Israeli boy out on a school trip in Jerusalem unearthed a cross medallion between 100 and 200 years old. He found it in the city’s southwestern Ein Karem neighborhood, a venue venerated by Christians as the birthplace of John the Baptist. It was crafted using a micro-mosaic technique.
https://www.jns.org/10-year-old-boy-finds-century-old-cross-medallion-in-jerusalem/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umJvjEjHh8k
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Lasers for communication. An open-space laser communication system for the high-speed transfer of data won first place at Jerusalem College of Technology’s ninth annual “Great Minds Hackathon,”. It can solve situations such as massive events like music festivals, where cellular towers are overwhelmed by user demand.
https://www.jns.org/wire/open-space-laser-communication-system-wins-top-prize-at-tech-hackathon/
Lasers for farms. KKL-JNF Jewish National Fund is developing the world’s first laser-based “chaser” to keep tens of thousands of migrating gray cranes from decimating farmers’ fields. A camera and AI detects the birds and a laser beam “chases” the cranes away without harming them. It aims to be ready for Oct 2025’s migration.
Smart hoses to scare the birds. Our feathered friends are also a nuisance around fish ponds and solar farms. Israel’s Nobify has created an advanced array of sensors linked to a network of hoses suspended over fish farms and floating solar panels arrays. An AI-powered detection platform detects birds and activates the nearest hoses.
https://www.israel21c.org/can-smart-hoses-save-fish-farms-from-feathered-foes/ https://www.nobify.ai/
Protecting biodiversity. KKL-JNF has launched a conservation operation to save rare plants at risk due to urban expansion near Israel’s Kiryat Gat Forest. Seeds and bulbs will be replanted and monitored in the protected environment of nearby Plugot Forest, which is a safe distance from future development.
https://www.israel21c.org/endangered-israeli-plants-find-new-home-in-urgent-rescue-op/
AI in the IDF. The Israeli Defense Ministry has announced a new AI and Autonomy Administration, tasked with leading the research, development and acquisition of artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities for all branches of the IDF. It will unite stakeholders from academia, the IDF, startups and the defense industry.
https://www.jns.org/israels-new-ai-initiative-is-set-to-enhance-its-military-edge/
TV reporter uses AI to speak. Israeli Channel 12’s Moshe Nussbaum has ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) which distorts his natural voice. But using AI technology and an avatar (digital twin) he could make a comeback. For some strange reason Channel 12 wouldn’t name the system, but readers may guess it is Israel’s D-ID (see here).
https://apnews.com/article/israel-news-ai-voice-technology-text-speech-als-9a207784f0fe0287a25aa80256c50102 https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Jan/08/israeli-tv-reporter-regains-his-ability-to-speak-with-the-help-of-ai
Automating engineering design. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s bananaz brings AI to R&D design, with tools for engineering teams to eliminate inefficiencies of traditional design workflows and save time and money across the production process. It automates processes such as design validation, change tracking, and error detection.
https://www.bananaz.ai/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bk9x8thx1x
Max Planck Society opens Jerusalem office. (TY Atid-EDI) The Max Planck Society’s new office in Jerusalem aims to strengthen scientific partnerships between Israel and Germany. It will serve as a crucial hub for maintaining and expanding connections between the Max Planck Society (see here) and Israeli researchers.
https://www.mpg.de/23817894/max-planck-society-opens-office-in-israel
The first off-grid apartment. (TY Hazel) A Tel Aviv apartment building is Israel’s first to use a solar battery and hybrid converter to sell energy to the grid and run shared building facilities in power outages. It is part of “Sun for Everyone” - a joint project of the Israeli Energy Forum, KKL-JNF and Israel’s Energy Ministry.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-tel-aviv-apartment-building-turns-to-solar-energy-storage-for-emergency-use/ https://sunforeveryone.org/
Flame retardant technology breakthrough. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL – see here previously) has launched VeriQuel R100, an innovative, phosphorus-based flame retardant designed for insulation products, such as those used for over 70% of commercial roofs. It is more sustainable than traditional retardants.
Cool solution to fresh produce. Israel’s Natural Offset Farming (NOF – see here previously) has developed a device to cool all fruits and vegetables immediately after harvesting, killing pathogens and increasing shelf life. The NOF Cooling device is small, portable, and doesn’t rely on electricity.
https://www.israel21c.org/farms-cut-food-loss-with-innovative-cooling-device/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Inflation rate falls. Israel’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.4% in Nov, more than analysts expected. Israel’s annual inflation rate for the 12 months to Nov fell to 3.4% from 3.5% in Oct. mostly due to decreases in the price of fresh fruit and vegetables. Meanwhile, Israel’s reserves of foreign currency rose by over $1 billion.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-november-cpi-fell-further-than-expected-1001496854
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-forex-reserves-back-on-the-rise-1001496316
Foreign investors bet strong on Israeli tech. OurCrowd founder and CEO Jon Medved gave an upbeat assessment on how foreign markets are reacting to Israel’s ongoing war and the impending change of American leadership. He expected Israel to outperform its global peers in cybersecurity and defense technology.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjq1etdl1e
Israeli stars on Wall Street. (TY Nevet) 12 Israeli companies, or companies with a connection to Israel, rose by more than 100% on the Nasdaq index during 2024. They include Eco Wave Power (+1,050%), Allot (187%), Hippo (175%), Beamr Imaging (154%), TAT (149%), Lemonade (143%), Teva, and NovoCure.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-834747
Eilat to Athens flights to resume. From Feb 7, Israeli airline Israir is to operate twice-weekly direct flights between Athens and Israel’s Ramon airport, 11 miles north of Eilat. It is expected to add additional routes to Europe, taking tourists straight to the Red Sea resort city without flying via Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport.
https://www.jns.org/international-flights-from-israels-ramon-airport-to-restart-next-month/
Autonomous buses in South Korea. Israel’s Foresight (see here previously) is to develop advanced 3D perception solutions for South Korea’s Bumhan Motors to build semi- and fully autonomous electric buses. They will be required to operate in various conditions, including harsh weather and poor lighting.
Nvidia partners Arbe Robotics. Israel’s Arbe Robotics (see here previously) has announced that it will integrate its ultra-high-definition perception radar with Nvidia's DRIVE AGX platform, a high-performance AI computing system for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. Arbe’s share price rose significantly.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bylieuf8yx
Exits, mergers & acquisitions – to 12/1/25: Israeli private equity firm Adam Partners is to buy Israeli drip irrigation company Metzerplas . It will pay NIS 206 million for 75% of Metzerplas. Israel’s Lusha is acquiring Israeli behavioral intelligence platform developer Novacy for an estimated several million dollars. Japan’s Kaneka has acquired Israel’s Endostream Medical for an estimated $100 million.
Startup investment – to 12/1/25: PrettyDamnQuick raised $25 million; Jones Agency raised $15 million; Fermata raised $10 million; bananaz raised $5.3 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Hula Valley nature reserve re-opens. Detailed report about the re-opening of the Hula Valley nature reserve (see here previously). https://www.jns.org/hula-valley-nature-reserve-reopens-to-visitors-after-wartime-closure/
Avdija soars in Portland. Israeli NBA basketball player Deni Avdija (24) is experiencing a career surge in the Pacific Northwest after being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was a finalist for December Player of the Month in the Western Conference, averaging 16.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-nba-sensation-deni-avdijas-career-soars-in-portland/
Israeli helps Vermont win first championship. (TY Nevet) Israel’s Yaniv Bazini scored 14 goals for the University of Vermont’s Division I soccer team this season, making him one of the top scorers in the entire country and propelling Vermont to its first championship. He clutched an Israeli flag as he lifted up the trophy.
THE JEWISH STATE
Device helps amputees put on tefillin. (TY Ron M) ALYN Hospital and Sheba Medical Center have developed a device enabling amputees to put on tefillin independently. It is already helping injured soldiers, restoring dignity and accessibility. “It gave me back my independence,” said one user.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1gevz7ujg
From Jerusalem to Japan. Israel’s Foreign Ministry is to fly a stone from the Western Wall to the upcoming 2025 World Expo to be held in Osaka (Apr to Oct). Israel Antiques Authority representatives will assist with its (temporary) removal. Five years ago a stone from the Kotel was transported to a US exposition.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-836770
New beginnings on Jerusalem streets. (TY Sharon) Israel’s capital city was full of Chanukah, construction and color, to welcome 2025. Thanks, Sharon, for including a link to VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/01/05/january-2025-hanukkah-and-new-beginnings-in-jerusalem/
Don’t let the light go out. Peter Yarrow, the Jewish member of the 60’s folk group Peter, Paul & Mary, passed away last week at the age of 86. Remember “If I had a hammer”, “Where have all the flowers gone?” and “Puff the magic dragon”? Peter’s “Light one candle” recalls the Maccabees Chanukah fight to preserve Judaism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1cRXgDFiSs https://www.peteryarrow.net/bio (see awards)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu_rItLPTXc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z15pxWUXvLY
How to help Israel. Here are some sites where newsletter readers can donate to Israeli organizations that provide vital help to Israelis at this difficult time. Many thanks to those who have already contributed and to those who are helping by donating their own valuable time and resources.
Friends of the IDF (US donors): https://www.fidf.org/
or IDF Soldiers Fund in Israel: https://www.ufis.org.il/en/donation-en/ (select the English speakers’ option)
American Friends of Magen David Adom (US donors): https://afmda.org/
or Magen David Adom (Israel): https://www.mdais.org/en/donation
Zaka (US donors): https://donate.zakatelaviv.org/give/525578/ or (Israeli donors): https://charidy.com/zaka
or (Canadian donors): https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bellevue-foundation/
United Hatzalah: https://israelrescue.org/campaign/israel-at-war-2/ or Canada https://www.uhcanada.org/
Donate a medic bag, save a life https://israelrescue.org/campaign/medicbag/
Leket Food Israel: https://www.leket.org/en/
JNF USA - https://my.jnf.org/gaza-emergency/Donate or Canada https://jnf.ca/
Orthodox Union - https://www.charidy.com/ouisraelcrisis
Schneider Children’s Hospital: https://www.fos.org.il/en/donate (Israelis)
https://system.smartgiving.org.uk/charities/8530/make-donation (UK)
https://chaischneider.org/donate/ (USA)
Rambam Medical Center (Haifa) https://aforam.org/ways-to-give/ (US)
https://www.rambam.org.il/en/support_rambam/donate_now/ (Rest of the World)
Hadassah Hospital Israel: https://www.hadassah.org/
Laniado Hospital (Netanya) https://my.israelgives.org/en/fundme/EmergencyLaniado
Buy Israel Bonds to support the Jewish State. (TY Larry B)
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/state-of-israel-bonds
USA - https://www.israelbonds.com/
Europe - https://israelbondsintl.com/
Canada - https://www.israelbonds.ca/
