In the 2nd Mar 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l A week of contrasts – Buses & Bibas.
l An innovative, less-invasive, Israeli device to minimize the chance of a stroke.
l Israel had a friendly visit by a Pakistani Moslem leader.
l See what Israel uses to prevent wildfires.
l An Israeli startup is vastly extending the life of electric car batteries.
l Fiji promises to be the next country to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
· Click here to see the 23rd Feb newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, with another excellent intro, and Joan Swirsky (email her to get daily news). 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 honey and the sting. Naomi Shemer’s song “Al Kol Eleh” (for all these) sums up last week and a half. First, two miracles saved hundreds of Israelis from five bus bombs – an alert passenger, and terrorists set the timers wrongly. A week later, thousands took to the streets to honor the Bibas family (Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir).
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/02/21/2-israelis-arrested-for-aiding-in-bus-bombings/
https://www.jns.org/israeli-commuter-who-averted-bus-bombing-i-was-a-messenger-of-god/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/404389
All restrictions lifted. (TY WIN) The IDF Home Front Command has lifted all remaining restrictions on communities along Israel’s northern border, initially imposed due to hostilities with Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah. It allows displaced residents to return home on 2nd Mar.
https://www.jns.org/israel-lifts-all-restrictions-on-northern-border-communities/
National service for over-50s. The “Shnat Sherut 50 Plus” initiative brings the vast expertise and experience of seasoned professionals to the Israeli communities that need it most. The service mobilizes adults aged 50 and above for a year of service, volunteering in education, healthcare, social services etc. In Israel, 50 is the new 20!
https://www.timesofisrael.com/kickin-it-old-school-retirees-rediscover-youth-with-national-service-year-for-over-50s/ https://elul.org.il/en/shnat-sherut-50-plus/
Supporting youth at risk. The Jewish Agency’s Youth Futures program has been providing intensive holistic support for Israeli children and families at risk for nearly 20 years. Now it has vastly expanded its role to help some 5,000 families a week, (Jews, Arabs, Druze etc.) who have been adversely impacted by the war.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-841966
Testing tech in battlefield conditions. Small, innovative Israeli companies have proven vital on the battlefield, deploying rapid solutions to avoid the need for years-long product testing. This article features Xtend (drones and anti-drone systems) and Thirdeye Systems (electro optics and analytics). https://thirdeye-systems.com/
Educational tourism. Following Oct. 7 2023, World Mizrachi has brought thousands of visitors to the affected regions in an effort they called “community educational tourism.” Participants obtain a firsthand understanding of the bravery and heroism of Israel’s soldiers and civilians, and the need for rebuilding in the south.
https://www.jns.org/wire/community-educational-tourism-program-to-support-israels-north/
Gaza border town alcohol producers. The blue agave that Gaza border farmers are growing in Kibbutz Alumim will be used to make the best Tequila in the Middle East (not surprising!). Meanwhile Kibbutz Be’eri is growing barley for malting in Europe and then returning to Israel for whisky production for sale in 2028.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-840534
US charity founder is making Aliyah. (TY Yanky) Yocheved Ruttenberg, co-founder of NGO Sword of Iron – Israel Volunteer Opportunities (see here previously) has grown the group from zero to 40,000+ in 15 months. She is now preparing to move permanently from Texas to Tel Aviv.
https://danielgordis.substack.com/p/sword-of-iron-israel-volunteer-opportunities
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Unblocking the carotid arteries. Israel’s Pylon Medical has developed a first-of-its-kind system for treating carotid artery disease, one of the leading risk factors for stroke. Pylon’s new “specialty kit” includes a balloon catheter, an artery closure device, and an aspiration system that removes plaque in clogged neck blood vessels.
https://www.israel21c.org/treating-clogged-arteries-will-soon-be-safer-and-faster/
https://www.pylonmedical.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4__4da9UWE
Brain on a chip is a game-changer. Israel’s Itay & Beyond is developing a medicine discovery and AI-based testing platform for psychiatric and neurological disorders. They generated stem cells from autistic individuals, grow brain cells on a chip, connect to a computer, teach it to play games and analyze changes from medicines.
https://itayandbeyond.com/ https://itayandbeyond.com/Itay&Beyond-Video-Pitch-New-compressed.mp4
Rapid protection against viruses. Researchers at Israel’s Technion Institute have discovered a unique genetic mechanism that provides cells with rapid protection against viruses. Normally, molecules NORAD and STAT3 control the immune system. On virus attack, the cells eat NORAD, and STAT3 unleashes an immune response.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/blog/article/viruses-and-the-human-cell-the-evolutionary-arms-race/
Breakthrough tool for gene mutation research. Tel Aviv University scientists have developed an innovative biosensor imaging tool for measuring the gene PTEN, whose mutations are linked to cancer and autism. It should help develop personalized treatments and aid early disease detection and more effective therapies.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/health-and-medicine/tau-researchers-on-brink-of-unlocking-gene-linked-to-cancer-and-autism/2025/02/25/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-025-02610-9
AI is your doctor’s best friend. Israel’s Lavaa Health’s platform can identify disease and hard-to-diagnose illnesses at the earliest stage, allowing doctors to quickly draw up efficient treatment plans. It uses AI to connect a person’s medical data with its own massive database and identify hard-to-diagnose or rare illnesses.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-ai-tech-that-can-spot-serious-illness-before-the-doctor/
Revolutionizing group therapy with VR & AI. (TY Sharon) One of the Israeli startups presenting at the Conference of Presidents’ “Resilience Panel” was neao - a pioneering Virtual Reality platform for remote group therapy. It features anonymity (with avatars), wider access and accessibility, and tailored environments.
https://neao.io/ https://www.meta.com/experiences/neao-group-therapy/8222701291141191/
No-mask solution for sleep apnea. (TY Sharon) Another Israeli startup presenting at the Conference of Presidents’ “Resilience Panel” was appscent medical. Its SCENTIFIC® device is the world’s first non-intrusive, contactless, drug-free home use solution for the potentially dangerous sleep apnea condition.
https://www.appscent.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV61Vnt3fx4
3 new medical schools. (TY WIN) Israel needs 2,000 new doctors every year but only gets 1,200. So it is opening three new medical schools, The private Reichman University in Herzliya (88 graduates) opened on 2nd Feb. Two others, at Haifa University (66) and Weizmann Institute of Science (40), are to open in Oct.
https://tps.co.il/articles/israel-launches-three-new-medical-schools-to-address-shortage-of-doctors/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Transforming pain into smiles. (TY Yanky) 700+ people came together in Eilat for the winter camp of Simcha Layeled (Joy for the child – see here previously). Some 400 physically disabled children rode in jeep safaris, enjoyed water sports in the Red Sea, and participated in the first fully accessible nature hike.
https://www.simchalayeled.org.il/Homepage
Breaking down stereotypes. Tamer Masudin, a Muslim Arab from Israel, broke down classic stereotypes and tropes about the country, describing how united the nation and land are.
What’s army life like in the haredi brigade? (TY Nevet) Haredi recruits in the IDF’s new Hashmonaim Brigade share their experiences of training, spiritual growth and adjusting to military life. Despite initial challenges, many are committed to serving and see it as a meaningful way to contribute to Israel's security.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hkzqmytt1x
Pakistan’s Sufi leader visited Israel. (TY Hazel) Peer Syed Mudassir Nazar Shah, chairman of the global Sufi Council, visited Israel for the first time. He said “People lost half their families, and they are still able to hold on to hope – it’s eye-opening.” At least 140 million Pakistani Muslims follow Sufism.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-842034
Israeli scientist at Moroccan conference. Dr. Doron Markel, chief scientist of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund represented KKL-JNF at a conference on water, energy, food and ecology in Rabat. He presented the Ma’ale Gilboa agrivoltaic project, which uses land for solar energy production and agriculture.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-scientist-attends-moroccan-environmental-conference/
Azerbaijani books support Israel. New Azerbaijani textbooks attribute the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s roots to Arab rejection of the 1947 U.N. Partition Plan. Azerbaijan is also the first Muslim-majority country to define antisemitism in its textbooks, offering positive portrayals of both Jews and Israel.
https://www.jns.org/azerbaijani-textbooks-show-increasing-support-for-israel-and-respect-for-jews/
Transforming lives in Africa. Another great video from Israeli NGO Innovation: Africa. The Story of Nakiru Theresa from Karamoja, Uganda. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHrkpht7TTs
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The next chip is for Intel. Intel’s newest microprocessor - the Falcon Shores AI processor, developed using technology from Israeli company Habana Labs - will be repurposed as an internal test platform. It will be part of the development of the Jaguar Shores chip – Intel’s comprehensive AI solution for data centers.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1anubrdke
Israeli is Intel Corp number three. (TY Nevet) Intel Israel co-CEO Karin Eibschitz-Segal has been appointed Intel Corp's interim head of Intel's data center and artificial intelligence (DCAI), the third most important position at the US chipmaker. She will manage 10,000 employees globally, including several hundred in Israel.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-intel-israel-ceo-named-interim-head-of-dcai-1001501835
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/hjvccadyjl
Are you on a winner? Israel’s Canotera AI analyzes the details of a legal case to predict the outcome and the likely value of any damages awarded. It can be used by plaintiffs, defendants, lawyers, and insurance companies. Its first client is a New York insurance company.
https://www.israel21c.org/ai-software-predicts-if-a-legal-case-a-winner-or-no-hoper/ https://canotera.com/
Go for solar. Israel’s Energy Ministry has launched a campaign to get solar panels onto 15 percent of Israel’s residential roofs by 2030. It offered incentives such as varied tariff options, shortened payback periods, tax incentives, and fast-track connection to the grid. It wants 100,000 more solar roofs by the end of the decade.
Fighting fires with fauna. Israel’s KKL-JNF Grazing Unit deploys thousands of animals (sheep, goats, and antelopes) for anti-wildfire vegetation management, removing combustible foliage to create fire buffer lines. The IDF’s Nature Defense Team manages hundreds of animals at bases to protect ammunition stockpiles.
https://www.israel21c.org/is-the-future-of-firefighting-four-legged/
Tech tours for new immigrants. The Tel Aviv and Jerusalem municipalities have partnered with Tech It Forward (see here previously) to offer free behind-the-scenes tours of the hi-tech sector to help them get a foot in the door. It is provided to college graduates (aged 22-35) on the 5-month residential Ulpan Etzion program.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-842866
https://www.jewishagency.org/ulpan-etzion/
Israel’s future depends on engineers. This ILTV video features Israel’s Afeka College (see here previously). As Israel faces a growing demand for engineers, Afeka Academic College is transforming education to build the next generation of high-tech leaders. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nK6j3YsRZ4
https://mailchi.mp/iltv.tv/afeka-code
Israel’s F35i Adir. (TY Yanky) Israel’s F-35I Lightning II Adir (“the mighty one”) is more than just another F-35 - it is a customized powerhouse tailored for the Israeli Air Force. It features enhanced command and control systems, a unique electronic warfare suite, and Israeli-made weapons integration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k55T5EUVh9c
AI on the battlefield. IDF Spokesperson (Res.) Don Spielman interviews Israeli AI pioneer Dr Eli David who explains how the AI war is heating up across the world and changing the battlefield. They discuss how Israel and the US will utilize AI development to keep ahead of tyrannical regimes across the globe.
https://www.jns.org/ai-on-the-battlefield-video-interview/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f99m1ZtCYIw
Where are we? (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Edgybees (see here previously) has patented a huge leap in geospatial analysis. Artificial Neural Networks identify and tag dynamic objects in real-time video images. This method vastly improves mapping accuracy, especially in situations where GPS is unavailable or unreliable.
Exposing hype about DeepSeek. Israel’s Cyabra (see here previously) found that some of the recent hype about DeepSeek, China’s AI sensation, was driven by fake accounts, indicating a coordinated disinformation campaign. Cyabra also exposed problems with the German election.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/companies/cyabra
https://time.news/german-election-2023-fake-accounts-bots-on-social-media/
More European research grants. Two researchers from Israel’s Technion have received €150,000 European Research Council (ERC) "Proof of Concept" grants (see here previously). Prof. Lior Gepstein’s for innovative treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF); and Prof. Yoav Schechner’s for a camera calibration system.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Israel wows buyers at UAE defense show. (TY UWI) Israeli defense manufacturers received a warm welcome at the 2025 International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defense and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX), a four-day event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-defense-manufacturers-wow-buyers-at-abu-dhabi-show/
Ignite fires are deeper. Intel-backed Ignite Deep Tech (see here previously) is launching new acceleration programs to support deep technology startups at various stages of development.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjczrgs51g
From small shop to online retail giant. This article contains the “rags to riches” story of Israeli online retailer KSP, now valued at $650 million.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/qd4l1vwpg https://ksp.co.il/web/
A new city for construction workers. At the 2025 National Economics Conference in Eilat, PMO Director-General Yossi Sheli emphasized the importance of solving housing issues for foreign workers. He proposed an to establish a residential city near Modi'in that could accommodate approximately 30,000 workers.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/real-estate/article-840929
Speeding the development of Mazda Avs. Israel’s Foretellix (see here previously) has partnered US-based MathWorks to help Japan’s Mazda Car Corporation develop the next generation of its Autonomous Vehicles. Mazda uses the integrated solution to test & validate its autonomous systems in a virtual environment.
Non-bank credit for hi-tech companies. Israeli venture capital fund Firstime is launching a new non-bank credit operation for high-tech companies. Firstime Credit uses a project financing model more common in large infrastructure projects such as solar installations or power plants. It offers a funding alternative for startups.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkffpyh9yx https://www.firstime.vc/credit/
Transforming electric vehicles. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Carrar (see here previously) won a $4.6M grant from the Israel Innovation Authority. Carrar is raising more funds and doubling its workforce to create its first plant near Sderot to produce EV battery packs. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-carrar-to-raise-18m-for-ev-battery-production-line-around-sderot-frontline/
Startup investment – to 2nd Mar 25: Quantum Machines raised $170 million; Vayu raised $7 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
An insider’s guide to Pardes Hanna. The Israeli city of Pardes Hanna-Karkur is undergoing gentrification. Proud resident Zachy Hennessey recommends local sites to visit include the Wadi, Blue Bus (for hummus), the Artist Stables, Sabba Yosi’s Farmer’s Market, Café Noyland, and Tzomet Karkur.
https://www.israel21c.org/an-insiders-guide-to-the-hidden-gems-of-pardes-hanna/
Can’t stop the birds. Despite the major turmoil caused by the war, migrating birds are relatively unflappable. Key areas in Israel are being built up, restored, enlarged and/or rewilded such as the Kebara swamplands and the Kfar Ruppin birding park and wetland reserve, so that migrating birds have a place to stop and refuel.
https://www.israel21c.org/7-reasons-to-start-birdwatching-this-spring-in-israel/
Revolutionizing tennis training. Israel’s Baseline Vision is transforming net sports, starting with tennis, by redefining how players, coaches, and academies approach training and competition. Its functions include performance tracking and accurate line calling, Baseline’s camera is installed on the net, and records all events.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-840925 https://www.baselinevision.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4GSUJK1djk
THE JEWISH STATE
Aliyah fast-track for professional licenses. The Israeli government has approved a reform to fast-track professional licenses for those moving to Israel. It will allow license holders to begin applying for their Israeli license before making Aliyah. New Olim currently have to wait for approval 6-12 months after arrival in Israel.
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-842391
Fund for the Jewish Future. Philanthropist and co-founder of Birthright Israel, Charles Bronfman, has made a legacy commitment of $25 million to support the Birthright Israel “Fund for the Jewish Future,” to ensure that transformative programs connecting young adults to their Jewish identity and Israel continue for generations.
$700,000 Or HaChaim letter. (TY JNS) An 18th-century manuscript by the Or HaChaim (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar c1696-1743) was sold for $700,000 (2.5 million shekels) at auction in Jerusalem. The Or HaChaim was a a leading advocate for Jewish immigration to the land of Israel and left Morocco to settle in Jerusalem.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/01/23/letter-by-prominent-rabbi-fetches-700000-at-auction/
Nothing stops the Presidents. (TY Sharon) The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organization has been held in Israel for 70 years - during wartimes and COVID-19. At the Tuesday event were the Prime Minister, ex-President Ruvi Rivlin, & the family of Avera Mengistu, released after a decade in Gaza.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/02/23/nothing-keeps-the-conference-of-presidents-from-jerusalem-streets/
Watch kindergarten kids say IDF prayer. (TY Yanky) I don’t usually share Instagram videos, but this one is superb. As a platoon of IDF soldiers passed by these pre-school children during their tour of the Knesset, the kids recited the prayer for the success of the IDF by heart. The soldiers were delighted. Am Yisrael Chai!
https://www.instagram.com/thirdsideofthestory/reel/DGd7SMsy1Hv/
Fiji to open embassy in Jerusalem. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka has announced that the South Pacific nation of Fiji is set to open an embassy in Jerusalem later this year. “We are absolutely excited about coming to Jerusalem, and we most definitely will be there this year,” said Mr Gavoka.
https://israfan.com/p/fiji-jerusalem-embassy-2025
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/
