In the 1st Jun 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l The IDF is using powerful lasers to successfully destroy hostile drones.
l Israel surgeons used an artificial heart for the first time, to save a patient’s life.
l Israeli medics have now treated over 500 Syrians in Syria.
l More examples of Israeli technology benefiting the USA and globally.
l Israel’s wealth fund investments achieved huge returns.
l Many 13th century literary treasures have returned to Jerusalem.
l Israel celebrated Jerusalem Day in the heart of its re-unified capital city.
· Click here to see the 25th May newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, (TY Peloni) IsraPundit, (TY Aviva) United With Israel, 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.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
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POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
The first lasers to combat drones. During the Swords of Iron War, the IDF successfully intercepted dozens of drones using new laser interception systems operated by air defense personnel. Israel is the first country in the world to field high-powered, operational laser systems at scale. Rafael’s Iron Beam should be ready end-2025.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkq073ezge#google_vignette
https://ats.org/ats-news/rafael-gears-up-for-iron-beam-launch/
Israel invention saves wounded Israeli. Surgeons at Hadassah Medical Center saved a young Israeli whose heart artery was torn by terrorist shrapnel. The surgeons used Israel’s unique HemaShock tourniquet (see here previously) to squeeze his blood just to his vital organs. His heart restarted while surgeons repaired the artery.
https://www.israel21c.org/a-simple-lifesaver-for-hemorrhagic-shock-or-cardiac-arrest/
The first Hassidic pre-army academy. Netzah Yehuda, the organization behind the founding of the Haredi Nahal unit, is set to launch a unique pre-military program designed for Chabad Hasidim. The new initiative will combine Torah study and Hasidic philosophy with preparation for meaningful military service.
IDF officer has Bar Mitzvah in Gaza. Reservists of the Israel Defense Forces’ 8110th “Yoav” Infantry Battalion recently celebrated the bar mitzvah of their commander in Rafah, Gaza. The commander, who had got engaged a few days earlier, had never celebrated his bar mitzvah, so his troops decided to surprise him.
https://www.jns.org/idf-officer-marks-bar-mitzvah-in-rafah-synagogue/
Over 1100 new immigrants enlisted. (TY Yanky) During the 2025 Spring recruitment, 1113 new immigrants enlisted in the IDF. It compares to 883 in Spring 2024 and 799 in 2023. Most of the recruits came from the US, Russia and Ethiopia. Over 700 lone soldiers joined the IDF this year – most of them new immigrants.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/they-came-to-serve-the-lone-soldiers-defending-israel-after-oct-7/
Finland buys Israeli tank protection. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Trophy’s active armored defense system has saved the lives of many Israeli soldiers during the war. Finland's majority government-owned Patria group will now integrate it onto its vehicles to protect them from anti-tank missiles, UAVs, and other threats.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-finland-to-buy-rafaels-trophy-defense-system-1001510475
Expanding defense tech production. Israeli defense giant Elbit Systems has raised $512 million on Nasdaq to help expand its production of military systems. On 31st March, Elbit had a record $23.1 billion backlog of orders. The new cash will be used to establish more infrastructure and invest more in R&D.
Collapsible drone. (TY Yanky) Flying Production, a subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems, has begun serial production of its new X-Intra combat drone that can carry loads up to 30kg. Stored disassembled, it fits into a padded bag that one soldier can carry, and can be deployed and operational within just two minutes.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/ubpzksl3m https://flying-production.com/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
First Israeli artificial heart implantation. A medical team at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center saved the life of a 63-year-old Israeli man with the first-ever implantation in Israel of an artificial heart. The man’s heart was replaced with a unique artificial organ made of titanium, animal-derived tissues and advanced sensors.
https://www.jns.org/medical-breakthrough-in-israel-artificial-heart-implanted-at-hadassah-ein-kerem/
Teen MDA trainee saves father’s life. 15-year-old Lana, from Tel Aviv, used skills from her MDA youth training to identify a life-threatening condition in her father’s brain and urged immediate hospital care. Doctors diagnosed and treated a severe bacterial infection in his brain and said that Lana’s actions had saved his life.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/408721
Lone soldier saves Massachusetts doctor. Maya Ben Yitzhak, a lone IDF soldier from Chicago, saved the life of a 64-year-old Massachusetts doctor after she donated her bone marrow through Ezer Mizion. Dr. Rothenberg has been battling multiple forms of cancer since she was first diagnosed with the disease in 2014.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-855688
ECG AI for doctors. Using AI to interpret ECG readings saves time and can find things the doctor might miss. But it’s hard to stop false positives. Scientists at Israel’s Technion have developed a new AI interpretability tool, designed for photographed ECG images, that explains to the doctors the “alerts” and what can be ignored.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-ai-doctor-language-tool-ecg.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-025-01467-8
300+ at Medex France. More than 300 doctors and medical students from France, Belgium, and Switzerland attended the MedEx conference in Paris. Since the start of 2024, approximately 650 doctors have made Aliyah, with an additional 130 already arriving in 2025.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-855474
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Women in philanthropy. Jewish National Fund-USA’s Sapphire Society empowers women to uplift each other. An example is Rivka Kahn, an oncology researcher helping improve cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa. She writes, “When women lead in philanthropy, we do not just contribute - we change the world.”
https://www.jnf.org/jnf-blog/post/blog/the-power-of-women-in-philanthropy--strength-in-unity
18 American Zionist women. The Zionist women’s organization Hadassah includes in its list of “18 American Zionist women you should know” Anila Ali, president of the American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council. Also Emmy award-winning actress Patricia Heaton, founder of October 7 Coalition.
https://www.jns.org/hadassah-celebrates-women-reshaping-what-it-means-to-be-zionist/
https://october7coalition.com/
RiseApp. Israel’s Reichman University is building RiseApp - a one-stop-platform of personalized, high-quality Jewish content and events to empower and unite the global Jewish community. It will provide podcasts, videos, and images tailored to personal interests, plus connections to local events and Jewish businesses.
https://www.runi.ac.il/en/students/extracurricular/riseapp/
IDF treats 500+ Syrians at field clinic. ISF troops have been operating a mobile forward facility for triage and treatment of the wounded in the area of Hader in southern Syria. The facility is intended to provide medical care and support to the Syrian-Druze population in the area. Over 500 Syrian civilians have been treated at the clinic.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/409105 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaxp8yJB8ks
Flying alongside Morocco. (TY Yanky) An IDF delegation has traveled to Morocco to take part in “"African Lion," - the largest military exercise of its kind on the African continent. It is jointly led by the US and the Moroccan Armed Forces and comprises military units from 20 countries, including several Arab nations.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/408288
Austria’s parliamentary allies. The Austrian Parliament has launched its Israel Allies Caucus, supporting Israel through shared Judeo-Christian values and democratic principles. The Israel Allies Foundation network comprises over 1,500 legislators from the parliaments of 52 countries, including 22 in Europe.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/408750
South African PA visits Israel. The PA here is the South African Patriotic Alliance party. A22-member delegation visited Israel recently, expressing steadfast support for the Jewish state and opposing the ruling ANC’s pro-Hamas stance. Councilor Theo Doyle said 80% of South Africa are Christians who support Israel.
https://www.jns.org/south-african-patriotic-alliance-delegation-visits-israel/
Opening the door to Positive News. (TY Yanky) OpenDor Media, whose digital platforms educate tens of millions of people about Israel, Judaism, and the Jewish people, is acquiring Israel21c, the nonprofit website focused on positive stories about Israel. It will also expand the ISRAEL21c Digital Ambassadors program.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Precision spraying for US growers. Israel’s Fieldin (see here previously) has partnered with Nordson’s Arag to boost adoption rates of precision spraying (currently 10%) amongst US-based permanent crop growers. In the parts of Australia where Fieldin operates, 90% of farmers have adopted data-driven precision spraying.
More solar energy for Indiana. Doral Energy (Doral Group Renewable Energy Resources) construction of two large solar energy projects in the state of Indiana. The agreement, worth $1.3 billion, is with a group of institutions that includes major banks HSBC, Santander, and KeyBank.
Technological partnership with South Korea. (TY OurCrowd) OurCrowd’s Ely Razin writes that the Israel-South Korea defense partnership encompasses joint ventures, co-production, collaborative R&D, innovation funding mechanisms and funds such as the Trepont Fund launched by OurCrowd and Korean NH Ventures.
From the Negev to the world. Israel’s Negev is becoming a global center for innovation in agriculture, water technology, and renewable energy. Institutions supported by JNF-USA lead sustainable development, building a flourishing ecosystem that will support Israel’s growth, resilience, and bring huge benefits to the entire planet.
Israeli defense tech in Japan. An Israeli delegation of 20 companies took part in the biennial international DSEI defense exhibition in Japan. They include Orbit Technologies, Xtend, Steadicopter, MagnaBSP, Resight, Next-Dim, and Sealartec, This year's exhibition is double the size of the 2023 event.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-defense-industry-targets-japan-1001511040
https://www.next-dim.com/ https://magnabsp.com/
Israel’s first commercial electric boat. Israel’s Francis Eco Sailing has launched the Corazine, Israel’s first-ever commercial electric boat, on the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret). The 55-passenger, silent, zero-emissions, high performance vessel is named after the ancient village of Corazine (Chorazin) on the lake’s northern shores.
Slashing autonomous car development time. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Foretellix has significantly expanded its Foretify platform, enabling autonomous vehicle developers “to slash development time in half and save hundreds of millions of dollars”. https://www.foretellix.com/foretify-platform/#main
AI to make human decisions. A new startup AA-I Technologies, founded by Mobileye founder Prof. Amnon Shashua, has raised $20-30 million to transform AI into AEI (Artificial Expert Intelligence). It aims to develop reasoning models (intelligent digital agents) that will make decisions and perform processes like human experts.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-shashuas-artificial-expert-intelligence-co-aa-i-completes-seed-round-1001510682 https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/aa-i
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Good return from Wealth fund. (TY Yanky) The Citizens of Israel Fund (Israel’s sovereign wealth fund) manages some $2 billion of state revenues from the levies on the profits of Israel's natural resources, to be used for social, economic, and educational purposes. In 2024, the fund’s return on investments was a healthy 11.5%.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-sovereign-wealth-fund-earned-handsome-returns-in-2024-1001506557
https://govextra.gov.il/mof/israelcitizensfoundation-en/home/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aeAY_FLVRQ
Joint economic council with NYC. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Israel’s Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat are to create the New York City-Israel Economic Council. It aims to “strengthen economic ties and promote innovation between the two governments. It will create jobs and bring Israeli startups to NYC.
https://www.jns.org/nyc-israel-agree-to-create-joint-economic-council/
Air France resumes Israel flights. Air France has restarted its Tel Aviv - Paris route. It will operate seven weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Paris. Israeli travelers can connect via Paris to more than 300 destinations worldwide - one of the largest such networks available to Israelis, to reach cities in Europe and North America.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-air-france-to-resume-tel-aviv-paris-flights-1001511407
Hainan Airlines returns to Israel. (TY Yanky) I was one of the first passengers to fly from Tel Aviv to Shanghai on Hainan Airlines in 2018 when my daughter was working in China. It is great to read that the airline is resuming the service in Dec after an 18-month hiatus.
https://www.hainanairlines.com/IL/GB/TelAvivToShanghai
Massive new Tel Aviv HQ for Check Point. Israeli cybersecurity giant Check Point is building a 100,000 square meters Tel Aviv campus with 6,000 workstations. It is also hiring 500 employees to power its new AI research hub. It signals Check Point’s growth ambitions and commitment to Israel’s high-tech ecosystem.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b11oln7zgl
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hkcc880011xe
400+ Haredim work for IAI. The number of Haredi employees working for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has risen steadily to over 400. IAI attributes the increase (48 in 2024) to recruitment activities, partnerships with Haredi organizations, an accommodating work environment and more.
Vegan salmon available on-line. (TY OurCrowd) US customers can now order online the plant-based salmon from Israel’s Oshi and have it delivered straight to their door. https://oshi.fish/
1,000+ Israeli startups poised to launch. Analysis firm Dealigence, in collaboration with Google for Startups, has revealed that there are currently 1,054 entrepreneurs operating in stealth mode in Israel. This high volume of companies quietly building systems, indicates a 30% surge in future early-stage funding rounds.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/skkoaczzgl
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 1st Jun 25: US Tenable has acquired Israel’s Apex Security for $105+ million; Israel’s Wix has acquired Israeli text-to-video startup Hour One. Israel’s Check Point has acquired Israeli cybersecurity startup Veriti, in a deal estimated to be worth over $100 million.
Startup investment – to 1st Jun 25: Empathy raised $72 million; Tenzai raised $32 million; Sweep.io raised $22.5 million; Sequence (getsequence.io) raised $7.5 million; Traceloop raised $6.1 million; OncoHost awarded €2.5 Million from EIC Transition Programme;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Events & celebrations in Jerusalem. (TY Sharon) The week before Jerusalem Day was packed with events. The World Jewish Congress in Jerusalem for the first time in 19 years. The Codices of Damascus – 12 ancient illuminated Bibles at the National Library. And Yakir Yerushalayim awards to 12 Jerusalem seniors.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/05/25/see-this-week-in-jerusalem-faith-memory-and-celebrations/
Medieval manuscript returns to Jerusalem. The illustrated Shem Tov Bible, a.k.a. Sefer HaYashar, was written in 1312 in Spain by Rabbi Shem Tov ben Abraham Ibn Gaon. Ibn Gaon took it to Jerusalem and it was sold overseas several times after Ibn Gaon’s death. It is now back in Jerusalem at Israel’s National Library.
https://www.jns.org/shem-tov-bible-returns-to-jerusalem-for-public-display/
One of the most impressive mosaics. The colorful 1,600-year-old Be’er Shema mosaic includes 55 medallions decorated with scenes of hunting, animals and everyday life. Discovered in a monastery 35 years ago near the border with Gaza it recently underwent conservation, is now on display in the Merhavim Regional Council HQ.
https://www.jns.org/top-israeli-mosaic-goes-on-display-in-the-negev-desert/
New visitors center for biblical blue dye. A visitors center telling the story of the mystery of the biblical blue dye (tekhelet) is being launched at the end of May. It will be located at Ptil Tekhelet’s factory, located a 20-minute drive east of Jerusalem in the Judean Desert. The snails to make the dye are now imported from Europe.
https://www.jns.org/the-search-for-the-biblical-blue-dye-is-told-in-a-new-visitors-center/
Tel Aviv’s beautiful beaches. For the 13th consecutive year, all 13 beaches in Tel Aviv were recently honored with the annual Blue Flag Award. It ensures that they meet a host of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility standards. The city has also banned disposable plastic bags and utensils on its beaches.
https://www.israel21c.org/tel-avivs-13-beaches-honored-with-2025-blue-flag-award/
In search of the perfect cheesecake in Jerusalem. Celebrity chef and cookbook author Jamie Geller set out on a quest to find the best cheesecake in Israel’s capital city. Cheesecake is the delicacy that most Jews enjoy especially on the Jewish festival of Shavuot (Pentacost), as well as at any other time of the year!
https://www.jns.org/jamie-gellers-quest-for-jerusalems-perfect-cheesecake/
Israeli helps USA win World Hockey Championship. Israel’s Ze’ev Buium (see here previously) helped Team USA to win the Ice Hockey World Championships for the first time since 1933. Buium impressed throughout the tournament, recording two assists and a critical goal in the 5–2 quarterfinal win over Finland.
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/sktduiqzee
THE JEWISH STATE
Israeli baker recreates the Showbread. Eliezer Meir Seidel, an expert baker and owner of the Showbread Institute in the Samaria community of Karnei Shomron, is proud that he has perfected the recipe for the special 12 loaves of “wonder bread” that were displayed continually in the Temple 2000 -3000 years ago.
https://www.jns.org/wonder-bread-karnei-shomron-baker-produces-12-loaves-of-showbread/
20,000 summer Birthright participants. Birthright Israel has launched its summer session, welcoming the first groups of U.S. participants to Israel. Running from mid-May through Sept, the program expects to bring more than 20,000 young Jewish adults from across the United States, Canada, and 30 additional countries.
https://www.jns.org/wire/birthright-kicks-off-summer-season-welcoming-more-than-20000-participants/
Bringing Israel to European teens. NGOs Mosaic United and RootOne have partnered to take thousands of Jewish teens from Israel this summer to Hungary, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Spain and France. In each locale, the students will study issues related to local Jewish history and strengthen the spirit of solidarity with Israel.
https://www.jns.org/if-they-cant-come-to-israel-well-bring-israel-to-them/
Living the dream. The Flag March on Jerusalem Day 2025 is a festive procession from the City Center to the Western Wall to mark the 58th anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem. As Avi Abelow describes it, “Jerusalem – we are living the dream of our ancestors.” See the giant Israeli flag unfurled in the Kotel Plaza.
https://www.jerusalem.muni.il/en/experience/allevents/rikuddgalim25/
https://pulseofisrael.com/2025/05/27/jerusalem-day/ https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skkwx0efee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYpJDdaGmHY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U8sUtshO0o
Jewish, Zionist studies to be core curriculum. Finally, we may one day see all Israeli children growing up knowing their historical connection to the Land. Reforms placing Jewish and Zionist studies at the heart of the core curriculum in all publicly-funded state schools will start in 2026.
250525
In the 25th May 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Israeli medics have boosted skills and treatments in the war.
l A UK surgeon’s legacy is the saving of 132,000 Israeli lives.
l See the IDF save abused animals and protect Gazan children.
l The US military hugely benefits from Israeli technology.
l Israel has nearly a thousand active climate tech startups.
l Israel’s Yuval Raphael won the public vote in the Eurovision final.
l Read how an Indian and a Chinese man joined the Tribe.
· Click here to see the 18th May newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, (TY Peloni) IsraPundit, (TY Aviva) United With Israel, 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.
· Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
· Click here to keyword SEARCH almost any topic in the IsraelActive archives (nearly 26,700 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
Saving lives on the battlefield. A tragic fact of war is the number of casualties. But even here, Israel is setting global standards. We already know about the record low ratio of civilian to combatant ratios. But the IDF Medical Corps is also achieving the world’s fastest casualty evacuation times, saving hundreds of lives.
https://www.jns.org/idf-sets-global-standard-in-combat-casualty-evacuations/
Israeli hospitals innovate to rehabilitate. (TY Hazel) One of Israel’s major achievements post 7 Oct 2023 has been how Israeli hospitals have developed protocols for treating the 139 returning hostages from Gaza. They had to cater for children who had suffered abuse and adults suffering severe psychological and physical injuries.
Movie about female tank brigade heroines. (TY Yanky) On 7 Oct 2023, Israel’s first all-female tank unit (see here previously) pitted their three armored vehicles against hundreds of Hamas terrorists in a battle lasting over 17 hours. The story of these fearless female soldiers is now to be featured in a new movie, entitled “Tankistas”.
https://deadline.com/2025/05/swell-ariel-or-october-7-film-tank-unit-tankistas-1236388126/
Honoring Oct 7 victims at the highest level. Minyan Everest, a group of Jewish climbers, pray and unfurl a banner of 7th Oct 2023 victims’ names at the top of the highest mountains. On one climb their sherpa guides told them that Hamas had murdered 10 of their fellow Nepalese in the attack. Their names were on the banner.
https://www.jns.org/french-jewish-mountaineers-bring-solidarity-to-new-heights/
One in five combat soldiers is a woman. The IDF has reported that women now account for 20% of troops serving in both active and reserve combat units. It highlighted efforts to integrate women into additional roles and units. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryk15009xeg
Wounded Fauda star performs at airport. Israeli singer-songwriter and Fauda actor Idan Amedi was filmed giving an impromptu performance at Miami airport. He was about to fly to New York on his first US tour since being wounded in battle in Gaza. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/408305
New El Al plane named “Acheinu”. El Al’s 17th Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” has not been named after an Israeli city, rather “Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael”, meaning “Our brothers, the entire House of Israel.” It is from the morning prayer, asking G-d to protect and have mercy on Jews in captivity and bring them home in peace.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/408633
German TV features Herzog hospital Jerusalem. (TY Yanky) The German news network RTL featured how Herzog Medical Center in Jerusalem has helped Israelis cope with trauma during the war. The RTL Foundation also made a significant donation to the hospital. Turn on captions and auto-translate into English.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsqOXgttsVY
Israeli Arabs reject Hamas. After Oct 7, Israel’s 2-million-strong Arab minority didn’t riot, wave Hamas flags or cheer. Arab medics treated the wounded. Arab mayors calmed tensions. Arabs donated blood, delivered aid and helped evacuate families. Arab enlistment in the IDF grew. Israeli Arabs stood with Israel.
https://nypost.com/2025/05/15/opinion/arab-israelis-stand-with-their-country-reject-hamas-hate/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Deciphering the Microbiome. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Alphabiome uses AI and and analytics to identify previously uncharacterized microbial DNA patterns that are scattered across different chromosomes, microbes, and biological kingdoms in the human microbiome. It could lead to new therapies for huge numbers of diseases.
https://www.alphabiome.ai/ https://vimeo.com/1069105976
Allergy-blocking nasal spray is safe. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Polyrizon (see here previously) announced the successful preliminary safety study for a formulation of its PL-14 Allergy Blocker, marking a significant advancement in the product’s development path. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/polyrizon-ltd-announces-successful-preliminary-safety-study-pl-14-allergy-blocker
AstraZeneca R&D center in Tel Aviv. (TY Atid-EDI) UK giant AstraZeneca is teaming up with Tel Aviv University and the Meuhedet and Leumit health funds to launch “Beam” - Illuminating Healthcare Through Data Center. Anonymized data will help AstraZeneca understand disease mechanisms and more.
An Israeli health outpost in Boston. Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel, has announced that it will open its first U.S.-based health-care startup accelerator in Massachusetts in 2026. It will join existing hubs in London, Berlin, Singapore, Melbourne and New Zealand as part of Sheba’s ARC innovation network,
https://www.jns.org/sheba-medical-center-to-open-outpost-in-boston/
Cancer charity expands to USA. 17 years after its founding, Israeli non-profit Jeremy’s Circle (see here previously) connects 1,100 families across Israel. Its aim is the same - give children suffering cancer the tools to process, connect, and thrive. It has teamed up with Lev Echad and is now bringing its programs to the USA.
https://www.jns.org/jeremys-circle-helping-youth-with-cancer-expands-to-us/
132,000 lives saved. (TY Yanky) Norman Rosenbaum (see here previously), a retired surgeon and newsletter subscriber living in North London, passed away aged 90. Over two decades, he crowdfunded 16 ambulances for Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom, which helped save some 132,000 lives and deliver 997 babies.
https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/ambulance-hero-norman-rosenbaum-dies-at-90/
$10 billion for nursing center. (TY Yanky) On International Nurses Day, the University of Haifa received $10 million from the Azrieli Foundation to establish the “Azrieli Advanced Nursing Center” (ADVANCE). This donation, one of the largest ever given to an academic institution in Israel for the field of nursing.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Empowering women in the Negev. (TY Yanky) Women’s empowerment program Kumi (Rise), has helped 300+ women from the western Negev region gain confidence, entrepreneurial skills and funding. Sessions include effective communication, team building, leadership, crisis management, networking and much more.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-western-negev-budding-female-entrepreneurs-rebuild-their-communities-and-themselves/ https://www.kumi-sherise.com/en
A Muslim Israeli-Arab speaks. Marwan Jaber tells of what life is like for an Israeli Arab teenager in Israel. Signposts in Hebrew and Arabic; schools that accept Arabs and Jews; hospitals where Arabs and Jews are treated side by side; religious sites where Arabs, Jews, and Christians can pray according to their beliefs.
Safe in Israel. A Bahraini Moslem woman visited the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Hear what she says.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDLNd1TVVDo
Israel rescues abused animals from PA zoo. An Israeli delegation of IDF soldiers, park officials, and wildlife experts raided an illegal zoo in the Palestinian Authority, rescuing dozens of endangered animals kept in brutal conditions - many of them beaten, abused, and visibly distressed.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-israel-launches-massive-raid-to-rescue-abused-animals-from-palestinian-authority/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sakxc4mU4QI
Protecting Gaza children from Hamas. Very short, but important video to promote.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-idf-soldiers-protect-scared-palestinian-children/
Interfaith dialog in Berlin in Arabic. A landmark interfaith dialogue featuring religious leaders from Israel, across the Middle East, and North Africa took place in Berlin - exclusively in Arabic. The event was led by NGO Sharaka (see here previously) in cooperation with the Abraham Accords Institute.
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-854139#google_vignette
Nas honored by BGU. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev presented an honorary doctoral degree to social-media star Nuseir Yassin (better known as “Nas Daily” see here previously). It recognizes his commitment to promoting tolerance and coexistence as well as to building bridges between people everywhere.
More night vision goggles for US troops. The American subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems has received a $112 million order from the US Marine Corps Systems Command for Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG) systems. This is in addition to previous US Army orders reported here previously.
https://www.jns.org/us-marines-order-112-million-in-night-vision-goggles-from-elbit/
Israel Day Parade. On Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, over 40,000 marchers united in the Israel Day Parade to celebrate Israel’s rich heritage, honor its resilience, and demand the return of the hostages.
https://www.jns.org/people-of-israel-arent-alone-thousands-march-in-israel-parade-in-nyc/
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-israel-day-parade-begins-in-new-york-city/
Saving the monk seal. Israeli and Cypriot researchers have teamed up to create an extreme cave makeover for rare monk seals. The project aims to provide safe and dry breeding places in northern Israel for the endangered marine mammals, of which only 600-700 remain in the world. (See articles about Maya & Yulia previously)
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Israeli tech improves the US military. (TY Atid-EDI) Many Israeli developments also help the US military. Emergency bandage, armored bulldozers, Trophy active protection, countering IEDs, K9 dogs, anti-tunnels, precision missiles, F-35 add-ons, anti-drone systems, AI armored vehicles, cybersecurity, and much more.
https://www.inss.org.il/publication/usa-army-idf/
Take control of your data. (TY OurCrowd) Israeli-founded Velotix has developed an AI-powered data security and governance platform that automates data access control. Its clients include AIG, London Stock Exchange, Deutsche Bank, and Bank of Singapore. Based in the USA with R&D operations in Israel.
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/velotix-unveils-velotix-one-from-data-chaos-to-clarity-302350192.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsxxuAM6Vl8 https://www.velotix.ai/
https://www.velotix.ai/velotix-one/
Augmented Reality for Windows. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Sightful (see here previously) has launched Spacetop for Windows, a software-only version of its Augmented Reality (AR) laptop solution.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hy6gyyb1xl
Modernizing Japanese networks. Japan’s giant telecoms provider KDDI Corporation, has partnered with Israel’s DriveNets (see here previously) to accelerate the deployment of open network architecture across its national infrastructure. KDDI will install DriveNets’ Network Cloud software in its backbone core routers.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1aeriywxe
Defense tech startup launched. Israeli startup Line 5 has emerged from stealth, raising $20 million, the largest seed funding in the defense tech sector so far this year. The company is named after the bus route where one of the co-founders’ friends was murdered. It is anticipated that Line 5’s new technology will be devastating.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjxgxgizex
Automating what finance teams shouldn’t do manually. Israel’s Celery uses AI to spot problems in seconds that used to take finance teams vast amounts of time – and may never have spotted. Duplicate entries, fraud, compliance breaches – all now a thing of the past. Celery is already used by dozens of US healthcare providers.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Stepping on the gas. Since Israel began profiting from gas production, it has collected almost $8 billion in revenues, with little effort. Annual revenues are expected to double from $1.3 billion in 2024 to $2.6 billion in the next few years. The gas companies made around $700 million in profit last year, but had to do all the work.
https://www.jns.org/stepping-on-the-gas-israeli-natural-gas-revenue-set-to-surpass-2b-annually/
Israel’s resilient climate tech. The 2024-2025 Climate Tech Status Report from Israel’s Innovation Authority and its subsidiary, PLANETech, reports that Israel’s climate tech ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable resilience, sustained growth and strong international trust. The 946 active companies include 49 new in 2024.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-climate-sector-shows-remarkable-resilience-report-finds/
US VC backs Israeli hi-tech startups. New York-based venture firm Insight Partners has invested $5.8 billion in the Israeli tech ecosystem over the past two decades. It has backed over 125 Israeli startups, including Wiz and Monday.com. In the last two years Insight has done 15 AI-related investment deals in Israel.
Delta is back. Delta Air Lines is resuming daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Tel Aviv, becoming the first U.S. carrier to restart after the Houthi attack on Ben Gurion airport. Delta said that all flights to Israel were fully booked through next week due to strong demand.
https://www.jns.org/delta-resuming-flights-to-israel/
More defense technology for Europe. (TY Yanky) Israel’s Elbit Systems has been awarded a $100 million contract to deliver its UT30 MK2 unmanned turret systems to General Dynamics European Land Systems. They will then be integrated into the ASCOD armored fighting vehicles for a European NATO member.
Spatial hearing AI for LG. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Kardome (see here previously) has partnered with LG Electronics to integrate Kardome's Spatial Hearing AI into LG's next-generation smart devices. Kardome’s highly accurate voice-activated user interfaces will first be built into LG's line of smart TVs.
https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/251553
Protecting financial institutions from fraud. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s BioCatch (see here previously) has partnered with Alloy.com to help protect Alloy’s 700 top financial and fintech customers from fraud attacks.
https://idtechwire.com/biocatch-and-alloy-partner-to-boost-digital-banking-security-with-biometrics/
Modernizing San Marino’s oldest bank. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s HUB Cyber Security (see here previously) has won a 20 million Euros contract to modernize the oldest bank in San Marino - Cassa di Risparmio della Repubblica di San Marino. HUB will fully overhaul the bank’s core, mobile and online banking platforms.
The most valuable property sold in Israel. A mansion in Caesarea has been sold for $22 million – the highest real-estate deal of 2025 in Israel thus far. The anonymous buyer is a resident of the United States.
https://www.jns.org/the-mar-a-lago-of-israel-sold-via-instagram-for-a-record-price/
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 25th May 25: Israel’s Sapiens International has acquired London’s AdvantageGo. US Fortinet has acquired Israeli SaaS security startup Suridata.
Startup investment – to 25th May 25:.AI21 Labs is raising $300 million; PhaseV raised $50 million; Line 5 raised $20 million; Rhino Federated Computing raised $15 million; Alphabiome raised $8 million; Celery raised $6.25 million (total $9 million);
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
The art of the brew. The Malka Brewery in the Western Galilee is one of Israel’s many successful craft beer breweries. At Kibbutz Yehi’am everything was produced naturally; herbs, fruit and clean water from the nearby Ga’aton Springs. In 2018, production moved to a state-of-the-art brewery in the Tefen industrial zone.
https://www.jns.org/the-art-of-the-brew/
Huge win for Yuval at Eurovision. Israel’s Yuval Raphael won the global public vote at the Eurovision Song Contest to earn overall second place after the judges only placed her 14th. The truth-loving majority certainly made their voices heard. Thankfully, by coming second, Israel does not have to host the 2026 event.
https://worldisraelnews.com/israels-yuval-raphael-scores-2nd-at-eurovision-despite-backlash/
First rookie on Indy 500 pole is Israeli-born. Israeli-born Robert Shwartzman the first rookie in more than 40 years to secure the top starting position at the iconic Indy 500 race. Shwartzman, who drives for Prema Racing, posted a four-lap average of 232.790 mph. “I’m proud to represent Israel”, he said.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-born-rookie-robert-shwartzman-takes-indy-500-pole/
THE JEWISH STATE
From Cochin to Jerusalem. Shmuel Ranganathan’s journey to Judaism began on Jew Street, Cochin, India. Then in Montreal friends invited him to Bar Mitzvah celebrations and Shabbat dinners. He converted in 1983 and made Aliyah. He returned to Canada, but retired to Israel and saw his grandson Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel.
Secret Chinese Jew goes public. (TY UWI) When Cormac Lee was growing up in China, his mother revealed his family had Jewish roots and practices. His journey took him to ranches in Washington State, Seatle, and then to Israeli yeshiva. He formally converted with the name Uriah, but is known as the Asian Kosher Cowboy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eYokFlwKi8
Rings around Jerusalem. Archaeologists have unearthed in Jerusalem another 2,300-year-old gold ring, probably belonging to a child (see here previously). There was a Hellenistic period custom in which betrothed women buried childhood objects as a symbol of the transition from childhood to adulthood.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/408723
Preparing for Jerusalem Day. Jacob Richman has updated his Jerusalem pages in time for Jerusalem Day on Sunday evening / Monday. https://jr.co.il/hotsites/jerusalem.htm
250518
In the 18th May 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Israel celebrates the return of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander.
l Two innovative Israeli medical devices are approved for international use.
l Israel supports Druze minorities in Israel and Syria.
l Israel is to establish the first-ever Smart Materials Institute.
l Foreign investment in Israeli companies is at a a five-year high.
l Jerusalem’s Israel Museum celebrates its 60th year.
l Houthi missiles didn’t stop Israelis from celebrating Lag B’Omer.
· Click here to see the 11th May newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit, (TY Aviva) United With Israel, 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
Father and son serve together. Reserve Major Professor Nahum Nesher (63) and his son, Koren, have clocked 250 cumulative days of reserve duty in the Hermon outposts. Nahum returns to Syria having been brutally treated as a PoW in 1984. Koren survived a car accident after mandatory IDF service, but he still re-enlisted.
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/sj5s7zkxlx
Paralyzed soldier walks again. (TY OurCrowd) An IDF soldier who was paralyzed after being wounded in Gaza is walking again with the help of ReWalk, the exoskeleton developed by Israel’s Lifeward (formerly ReWalk – see here previously).
Edan returns. In a moment of profound relief and national significance, Edan Alexander an Israeli-American IDF soldier was freed after 584 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza. His return marks the first release of a male IDF soldier kidnapped on Oct 7 2023, and the last known living American hostage held by the terror group.
Olympic committee honors fallen hero. (TY Yanky) On Memorial Day, Israel’s Olympic Committee changed its official logo to incorporate the handwriting of IDF Captain Eden Nimri, a professional swimmer. She fell while battling Hamas fighters at the Nahal Oz IDF base on 7 Oct 2023, allowing 11 female soldiers to escape.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-851893
NIS 3 billion in benefits for IDF reservists. Israel has approved a benefits package totaling 3 billion shekels (some $800 million) for active IDF reservists. It includes tax credits, employer grants, subsidized housing, welfare expenses, support for small businesses, plus priority access to civil service jobs and other services.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-govt-approves-800m-in-benefits-for-idf-reservists/
Technion awarded Shield of Appreciation. On 28 May, Israel’s Technion Institute will receive the Defense Minister’s Shield for 2025 in recognition of its outstanding support for military reservists. The Shield is granted to organizations and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to reservists.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/blog/article/defense-ministers-shield-to-be-awarded-to-the-technion/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp6BRPPaVyo
More than a bakery. Another tale of resilience as the Tosha Bakery between Acre and Rosh Hanikra in Israel’s far north had to close due to Hezbollah rockets. The owners opened a pastry stand in Nahariya until they could return to Tosha, clean up and repair their equipment and recover. With help from JNF-USA.
https://www.jnf.org/jnf-blog/post/blog/tosha-bakery---the-bread--the-heart--and-the-war
Sheba’s mental health spin-off. Israeli startup Mentaily, founded in response to the aftermath of Oct 7 2023, has taken on the LIV AI mental health platform developed by Sheba Medical Center (see here previously). LIV simulates clinical psychiatric assessment, addressing the acute lack of mental health professionals and services.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rk40xhk11xg
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Defective heart gene. (TY Rhoda) Researchers at Israel’s Clalit Research Institute & Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson) have discovered that the gene TRIM63 is a major genetic driver and risk factor for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the world’s most common hereditary heart disease. Screening could save many lives.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-852473
Partner for Parkinson’s blood test. (TY Atid-EDI) The previous article (see here) about a new rapid simple blood test for Parkinson’s Disease didn’t mention that the Hebrew University of Jerusalem had jointly developed the test with Israel’s ATED Therapeutics - a finalist in Fast Company’s 2024 World Changing Ideas.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250326481006/en/ATED-Therapeutics-Ltd.-New-Rapid-Simple-Blood-Test-for-Parkinsons-Disease-Developed https://www.atedtherapeutics.org/
Tomographic 3D imaging. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Nanox (see here previously) has received US-FDA general use approval for the Nanox.ARC X, its new multi-source digital tomosynthesis system. Its sliced 3D views include the musculoskeletal system, and pulmonary, intra-abdominal and paranasal sinus indications.
European approval for glaucoma treatment. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Sanoculis has received the CE Mark for its MINT (Minimally Invasive Nasal Trabeculostomy) product for the treatment of adult patients undergoing glaucoma angle surgery. (See MINT and MIMS on Sanoculis website)
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/sanoculis-receives-ce-mark-for-mint-product-for-the-treatment-of-glaucoma-302431454.html https://sanoculis.com/
It’s all in the mind. Neuroscientists at Israel’s Technion Institute have discovered that neural networks in the brain transition from a "beginner" to an "expert" structure when learning a new skill (e.g. playing sport). The process depends on the local release of dopamine in the motor cortex.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/blog/article/technion-neuroscientists-uncover-the-key-role-of-dopamine-in-learning-new-motor-skills/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55317-4
Israel's first medical drone. (TY UWI) A drone stationed on the roof of the Bezio Medical Center is the pilot phase of Israel’s medical drones project. Dubbed “Ziv Eye” it will transport equipment, samples and blood donations between the separate campuses of the Ziv Medical Center, close to the border of Syria and Lebanon.
https://tps.co.il/articles/drones-set-to-enhance-efficiency-of-israels-medical-industry/
Something for expectant mothers to chew on. Israel’s TopGum (see here previously) has launched OMG3! -its new prenatal product which delivers all the crucial nutrients for expectant mothers in a natural fruity chewable. The “all-in-one” gummy houses essential omega-3 fatty acids as the principal ingredient.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Women in tech. Hilla Bakshi, founder of Israel’s 24,000-strong community “HaMeetupistiot” explains her mission to close the gender gap in tech by building a global network where women show up, speak up and lift each other higher. (See also Baot, featured here previously and Women in Tech Israel – see link below).
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/bjn3n00gzel#autoplay https://hameetupistiot.com/
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/program_page/baot https://women-in-tech.org/il/
Druze tech innovation center opens. Israel’s Druze community has Druze High-Tech Empowerment Center (DTEC) in the Druze village of Usfiya. It will cater for for young men and women from Druze and Jewish society, generating a new entrepreneurial community, with support from the leading players in Israeli high-tech.
https://www.jns.org/israels-druze-community-opens-technological-innovation-center/
Defending Syria’s Druze as the world looks away. Simple, concise video from Honest Reporting Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpx4ZDtuhos
Syrian girl speech restored. (TY Ron M) Doctors at Israel ‘s Ziv Medical Center saved the life of a 6-year-old Syrian child suffering from critical head injuries that Syrian doctors couldn’t treat. She can now speak and smile and move her limbs. She will undergo a further operation to cover her missing skull. (See also here)
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/skzuvigzlg
30 under 30. Forbes has selected 30 Israelis under 30 whom it believes will be the technology and business stars of the future. Four of them are graduates of Israel’s Technion, including 26-year-old Dean Leitersdorf who has founded Descart.ai (see here previously), which is already halfway to becoming a financial “unicorn”.
Giant Israeli flag greets incoming flights. A massive Israeli flag, measuring almost 40 x 30 feet flies from a 98-foot-high pole near the village of Ateret in the Binyamin region of Samaria. It will be visible to passengers on flights arriving on the eastern landing path into Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion International Airport.
https://www.jns.org/giant-israeli-flag-in-samaria-greets-incoming-flights/
Connecting black American students with Israel. The National Black Empowerment Council have signed an agreement with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion University to establish new exchange programs and other ventures with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. (see here previously)
https://jewishinsider.com/2025/04/national-black-empowerment-council-students-israel-universities/
2025 World Expo. Almost 270,000 people have visited the Israeli Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Japan in the last month. In the Israeli pavilion is a stone, part of a tower built by the Hasmoneans in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago (see here previously). At a National Day ceremony, the Israeli anthem was played in the central hall.
https://www.jns.org/saar-at-osaka-expo-our-participation-proves-our-resilience/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Grants for 8 sustainability projects. Eight inter-university research centers led by Israel’s Technion Institute have been awarded government grants in the fields of sustainability and climate. They include two researching alternative fuels, two relating to food, and two researching water systems and quality.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/blog/article/eight-technion-led-research-centers-awarded-pbc-grants/
Smart Materials Institute. A transformative gift from the Adelson Family Foundation will establish Bar-Ilan University’s Adelson Institute for Smart Materials. This first-of-its-kind research center will bring researchers and tech developers in AI, medicine, engineering, chemistry etc., together to create revolutionary new products.
Biotechnology Olympiad. Five top Israeli students competed in the final of the 8th Biotechnology Olympiad hosted by Israel’s Technion. The winner was Alice Sibak from Amal Bet High School in Petah Tikva. She has researched mutant Alpha-1-Antitrypsin proteins - a deficiency that COPD patients suffer from.
Even smaller chips. Scientists at Israel’s Technion have discovered a form of quantum entanglement in the total angular momentum of photons confined in nanoscale structures. This discovery could play a key role in the future miniaturization of quantum communication and computing components.
https://phys.org/news/2025-04-quantum-entanglement.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08761-1
Israeli defense tech showcased in Athens. The Israel Defense Ministry led a showcase of defense innovation at DEFEA 2025 in Athens. 25 top Israeli companies presented advanced technologies, from autonomous drones to secure battlefield communications, and flexible solar-powered energy systems.
https://www.jns.org/israel-showcases-cutting-edge-defense-tech-at-defea-2025-in-athens/
Communications for European satellite. Israel’s Ramon.Space has won a 3-year, $70 million contract to supply satellite communication systems to European satellite giant Eutelsat OneWeb. Ramon.Space allows data collected by the satellite to be processed onboard, dramatically improving efficiency and speed.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1l2wrbbll
Digitizing Jewish newspapers. (TY Sharon) Global scholars, librarians, journalists, and cultural leaders attended Jerusalem’s JPRESS Conference to celebrate 20 years of the Historical Jewish Press (HJP) project. So far it has digitized 500+ Jewish newspapers and periodicals in 26 languages, some going back centuries.
https://www.jns.org/global-conference-celebrates-historical-jewish-press-project/
https://www.nli.org.il/en/visit/seminars/conferences/jpress
Can we talk to the animals? The Coller Dolittle prize is a multi-year challenge with an annual prize of $100,000, recognizing significant scientific research that supports the aim of interspecies communication. The 2025 finalists are Germany (nightingales), France (cuttlefish), USA (dolphins), and Israel (marmoset monkeys).
https://coller-dolittle-24.sites.tau.ac.il/
Building Israel’s AI supercomputer. Phase II of Israel's National Artificial Intelligence Program is to build a new National AI Supercomputer. At a cost of half a billion shekels, Israeli-founded Nebius, with R&D in Tel Aviv, has committed to delivering computing power of 16,000 petaflops, 9 times the current world leader.
https://www.jns.org/nebius-to-build-jewish-states-national-ai-supercomputer/ https://nebius.com/
https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/top-most-powerful-supercomputers
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Foreign investors love TASE companies. (TY Atid-EDI) Foreign investment in Israeli companies on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) has hit a five-year high. It includes nearly NIS 4 billion in March and NIS 800 million in just three days in April. Recent IDF success in the war is seen as the main impetus for investors.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-foreign-investment-on-tase-hits-five-year-high-1001507677
$2.8 billion gas deals. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Kesem Energy has signed a $2 billion agreement with Energean to receive natural gas for 17 years from the Karish-Tanin gas fields and a $700-800 million agreement with the Tamar partners until 2035. The gas will fuel a power plant to be built near the Kesem junction on highway 6.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-kesem-energy-signs-gas-deals-worth-28b-1001507818
Arkia expands New York service. Israeli airline Arkia has taken up the opportunity left by the suspension of US carriers’ services to Israel. Israel's second-largest carrier will now offer five weekly non-stop flights to New York’s JFK International Airport, as well as adding “low-price” business class tickets on some of its flights.
https://www.jns.org/arkia-expands-new-york-service-amid-flight-cancellations-by-us-carriers/
Shuk Olim. Nefesh B’Nefesh partnered with Azrieli Tel Aviv and the Tel Aviv Municipality to host over 50 immigrant-run businesses at the first Tel Aviv “Shuk Olim”. The open-market event connected locals, tourists and fellow immigrants, to celebrate the creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Olim community.
https://www.jns.org/immigrant-run-businesses-showcased-at-tel-avivs-shuk-olim/
Oddity is now worth $3 billion+. Israeli-founded Oddity (see here previously), with its Israeli R&D center has soared in value since its IPO on Nasdaq. CEO Oren Holtzman’s decision to launch into the cosmetics web-based business market was certainly astute. Oddity still has 20 physical stores – all of them in Israel.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1xs6az11ge
43 companies at Technion job fair. The demand for the skills of Israeli graduates can be seen in the companies that set out their stalls at the Technion Institute’s Spring job fair. Though some will be attracted by NVIDIA, Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Intel, many others will start their own companies.
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 18th May 25: IBM’s Red Hat has acquired Israeli AI startup Jounce IO for $20 million; Israel’s Orca Security has acquired Israel’s Opus Security for tens of millions of dollars.
Startup investment – to 18th May 25: eToro raised $300 million or maybe $620 million (IPO); Fortissimo invested $120 million in Stratasys; Classiq raised $110 million; Kela Technologies raised $60 million; Somite AI raised $47.5 million; Oramed invested $36.9 million in Alpha Tau; Mentaily raised $3 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
60th anniversary of the Israel Museum. Jerusalem’s Israel Museum is celebrating its 60th birthday with eight new exhibits. They include “A Live Conservation Lab”, “Discover the Collections” display, “Israeli Art: The Swing of the Pendulum”, and 60 Years of Exhibition Catalogues. The museum had 855,157 visitors in 2024.
https://www.jns.org/eight-new-exhibits-mark-israel-museums-60th-anniversary/
Back to “normal” on Jerusalem’s streets. (TY Sharon) Yes, we’re in the middle of a war; Spring has turned into Summer; a new US Ambassador is welcomed; but other events will take place as normal. Education Week, Jerusalem International Writers Festival and Book Forum, National Library Conference, Declaration Day, etc.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/05/11/watch-as-jerusalem-streets-fill-with-flags-festivals-and-flowers/
Israel’s butterflies. Spring is when millions of butterflies take to Israel’s skies and flora. This article features nine of the colorful varieties that call Israel home.
https://www.israel21c.org/9-must-see-butterflies-that-call-israel-home/
Six of the best for Ishay. Israeli singing star Ishay Ribo shared news of his son's birth. "With the help of G-d, this morning a son was born to us, sweeter than honey," he wrote. "He is our sixth child, thank G-d." Ishay added: "All the credit goes to my amazing wife, Yael. I am so grateful for you. Thank you, G-d."
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/408412
What will the “New Day” bring? Yuval Raphael magically performed Israel’s entry “New Day Will Rise” in the semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest and advanced to the final round to compete against 25 other countries. At the time of writing, the competition result is not known.
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/r1wlwc7zxg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1J7nJXLKAg
US lacrosse champion joins Team Israel. (TY JNS) St Louis lacrosse star Yael Sabin ranks 8th among all metro-area high school lacrosse players in goals. After graduating this spring, Sabin will travel to Ashkelon, Israel, to play lacrosse for Team Israel during her gap year with Young Judea. She will also work with MDA.
https://stljewishlight.org/top-story/yael-sabin-to-join-team-israel/
THE JEWISH STATE
Restoring the Little Western Wall. Israel has begun renovation and maintenance work at the Little Western Wall, a lesser-known section of the Western Wall located in the (sensitive) Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. The section of Herodian-era wall is just 190 yards north of the main plaza, adjacent to the Iron Gate.
https://www.jns.org/israel-begins-renovation-work-at-little-western-wall/
Declaration Day. The Israel Forever Foundation hosted a gala celebration at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem on Declaration Day, May 14, the 77th anniversary of Israel’s establishment. 18 foreign ambassadors were joined by dozens of Jewish organizational leaders, Israel activists, journalists and social media influencers.
https://www.jns.org/standing-up-for-israel-is-standing-up-for-the-future-of-mankind/
Lag B’Omer. In advance of his appearance at Tzfat’s Lag B’Omer festival, popular rapper Nissim Black implored world Jewry to spread more light as the most powerful way forward to vanquish its enemies. Meanwhile, thousands celebrated Lag B’Omer in Meron, northern Israel.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/408434
One of the best. Ted Belman, editor of IsraPundit, has passed away at the age of 87. His relentless activism on behalf of the Jewish State will be sorely missed. Thankfully Peloni is continuing his legacy as the new editor.
https://www.israpundit.org/ted-belman-has-passed-away-baruch-dayan-haemet/
https://www.israpundit.org/ted-belman-a-life-of-courage/
The miracle of Israel's rebirth. We are the people of Israel – a people of hope. An inspirational hi-tech video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbaqWxH_S88
250511
In the 11th May 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Israel is protecting Syrian Druze from massacre and treating their wounded.
l Israeli scientists have developed a treatment to stop massive blood loss.
l A huge private donation will help create Israeli doctors.
l Ecuador has opened a diplomatic office in Jerusalem.
l Israelis young and old win top international Mathematics prizes.
l Lower debt and higher investment in Israel’s economy.
l Israeli’s winning goal sends UK soccer fans wild.
l Leading Israeli team forfeits top robotic prize rather than desecrate the Sabbath.
· Click here to see the 4th May newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours (great intro), (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit, 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
IDF soldier’s Righteous great-grandparents. Noah’s great-grandparents hid a Jewish woman in their attic in the Netherlands during WWII. Her great-grandmother’s brother hid a Jewish couple and their three children, earning recognition as “Righteous of the Nations”. Today, Noah is proud to serve as a soldier in the IDF.
Saving the Syrian Druze. The Ziv Medical Center in Safed has admitted 32 injured Druze, victims of fighting in Syria during the past week. They include two pregnant women. The IDF has also has established a forward mobile medical triage facility near the Syrian village of Hader and is also protecting the Druze from massacres.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/levant-turkey/artc-32-syrian-druze-so-far-treated-in-israeli-hospital https://www.jns.org/idf-sets-up-field-triage-facility-for-syrian-druze-civilians/
https://www.jns.org/idf-strikes-in-syria-amid-violence-against-druze-community/
A French exoskeleton in Israel. An IDF soldier, severely wounded in Gaza, took his first steps in recovery at Sheba Medical Center. Sheba is one of the few places in the world that offers the Atalante X robotic exoskeleton developed by the French-American company Wandercraft.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/severely-injured-idf-soldier-walks-again-thanks-to-robotic-exoskeleton/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_xnLd4yqDg
Chai. In celebration of Israel’s 77th Independence Day, internationally acclaimed singer Netta Barzilai has partnered with the Jewish Agency for Israel to release a new rendition of the iconic Israeli anthem “Chai.” The 1983 Eurovision Song has been reimagined to reflect Israel’s resilience in the face of current challenges.
https://www.jns.org/netta-barzilai-teams-up-with-jewish-agency-to-drop-independence-day-tune/
Look! How marvelous our people are. (TY Ted Belman & Rhoda) Great article by Arlene Kushner highlighting Israeli resilience. https://arlenefromisrael.info/look-how-marvelous-our-people-are/
Chance Gaza border encounter leads to new VC. “Only in Israel” story where a meeting between two IDF reservists resulted in the founding of Venture Capital organization TBC VC that has raised $35 million in three months for investment in Israeli startups. It will also donate money to non-profit Gav Lalohem to help others.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/35-million-vc-fund-launches-thanks-to-reservists-chance-encounter-on-the-gaza-border/ https://www.gavla.org.il/gav-lalohem-ngo-2024/
Help support therapy for Israeli soldiers. Beit Binyamin, near the spiritual town of Tzfat, is a therapeutic respite center for IDF soldiers and their families, displaced families and struggling spouses and parents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysXhDvC7PpA https://causematch.com/beitbinyamin25/igno/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEKpADkRdfV/?igsh=a3pucm90NW91dGd1 https://beitbinyamin.org/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Successful life-support treatment. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Inspira Technologies (see here previously) used its INSPIRA ART100 system at Westchester Medical Center, New York to circulate and oxygenate a patient’s blood. It marked the first real-world implementation of Inspira's innovative life-support technology.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/inspira-technologies-announces-successful-treatment-123000786.html
Safer cardiac treatment. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s CardioVia has just received U.S. FDA clearance for its ViaOne system. It provides safe (no needle) access to the pericardium – the thin sac protecting the heart where new minimally invasive treatments are having much success over conventional, risky, heart surgery.
Breakthrough treatment for massive blood loss. (TY Ron M) Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the IDF's Medical Corps have discovered a peptide to activate Protein Kinase C-epsilon (PKC-ε) and significantly improve survival rates of patients (including wounded soldiers) who suffer massive blood loss.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/bkler7vgxg
Monitoring vital signs from a distance. During the Covid-19 epidemic, Professor Yonina Eldar of Israel’s Weizmann Institute led the development of radar technology to remotely check health. Her lab has unveiled BRAHMS, the Bio-Radar Health Monitoring System which uses AI to analyze subtle chest movements.
https://www.israel21c.org/noncontact-radar-unit-monitors-patients-vitals-remotely/
Live long and prosper. Researchers from Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have analyzed the differences in protein sequences across mammals with varying lifespans. They discovered that long-lived whales and humans have specific post-translational modifications (PTMs) that may protect against age-related diseases (e.g. cancer).
https://www.newswise.com/articles/new-research-reveals-nature-s-secret-to-healthy-longevity
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58762-x.epdf
How bacteria take control of infected cell. Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered that the protein CsrA in bacteria creates a “control center” inside a cell that manages the activation of disease-causing genes. Future treatments that disable the control center should stop infections before they take hold.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58829-9#Sec2
$125 million donation to Tel Aviv University. Blackstone Investment firm president Jonathan Gray and his wife Mindy are donating $125 million to Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Medicine - the largest donation in the university's history - to increase the number of doctors in Israel. The faculty will now bear the couple's name.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/blackstone-president-to-donate-125-million-to-tel-aviv-universitys-medical-school-nyt/ https://israfan.com/p/blackstone-gray-donation-tel-aviv-university
Celebrating Life. US ambassador Mike Huckabee received a United Hatzalah Defender of Israel Award at a special celebration for the Israel's emergency response organization at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem. He recounted the time when a UH responder saved the life of one of the delegates of a mission he was leading.
https://www.jns.org/huckabee-united-hatzalah-is-an-organization-worth-celebrating/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
It’s raining toys. (TY Sam Kramer) Fans of top Israeli basketball team Hapoel Jerusalem turned their team’s court into a sea of stuffed animals during a “Doll Toss” event. These toys will soon bring joy to children in hospitals, shelters, and schools across Jerusalem.
From Ethiopia to Jerusalem. (TY Israpundit) To mark the forthcoming Jerusalem Day, this article celebrates those Ethiopians (now Israelis) who could only dream of reaching Jerusalem, until rescued by Israel.
https://jewishwebsite.com/featured/yom-yerushalayim-from-ethiopia-to-jerusalem/106044/
First Ireland, now Spain. Following the revelation (see here previously) of Ireland’s broken promise not to buy arms from Israel, now Spain has been caught out with a similar promise. The Spanish government has in fact granted 46 contracts worth over 1.2 billion Euros with Israeli defense firms since 7 Oct 2023.
Drones for Germany. Israel’s UVision (see here previously) and Israel Aerospace Industries have partnered German companies to produce loitering drones for the German army. UVision and Rheinmetall are to produce the Hero series of drones. IAI and MBDA are to promote the Harop drone.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-firms-to-supply-german-military-with-armed-drones/
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-firms-to-arm-germany-with-suicide-drones-1001508356
Capital events. (TY Sharon) The first JNS International Policy summit had an impressive line-up of speakers. Other events included Yom HaZikaron, International Bible Quiz, and Independence Day President’s reception.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/05/04/in-jerusalem-new-conference-annual-memorial-and-independence-day/
Ecuador opens diplomatic tech office in Jerusalem. President Isaac Herzog welcomed Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa to Jerusalem - the South American leader’s first official visit to Israel. He also opened Ecuador’s Innovation Research and Development Center in Jerusalem, with diplomatic status.
https://www.jns.org/ecuador-opens-diplomatic-tech-office-in-jerusalem/
How to boycott Israel. Some 14 years ago I wrote a series of blogs about all the vital products and services you must avoid if you want to completely boycott Israel (see Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and (TY Phillip P) consolidated). Now here is a recent, more up-to-date, more extensive “15-steps” article by Joshua Hoffman.
https://www.futureofjewish.com/p/how-to-boycott-israel-a-guide
10 Israeli inventions that are changing the world. Readers of this newsletter will already know these. PillCam, flexible solar panels, desert hydroponics, eco-friendly packaging, ReWalk exoskeleton, Watergen water from air, emergency bandage, AI medical imaging, lab-grown meat, and space technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaNFak3fbis
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
The most AI skills in the world. In the LinkedIn AI Talent Index, Israel has the highest proportions of workers with AI-related skills (1.98%). Israel is first in education, financial services, manufacturing, and technology, information & media. Israel’s women score 2.95% - nearly three times the average of the 87 countries listed.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-tops-list-of-countries-with-highest-self-reported-ai-skills/
Prestigious scientists. The three young Israeli scientists awarded 2025 Bavatnik awards (and $100,000 each) are Weizmann’s Yonatan Steizer (epigenetics), BGU’s Benjamin Palmer (organic biomineralization), and Hebrew University’s Chaim Garfinkel (weather forecasting).
$3 million Math Breakthrough Prize. (TY Yanky) Israeli-American mathematician Dennis Gaitsgory has been awarded the $3 million 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics for his role in the proof of the geometric Langlands conjecture - often called a "grand unified theory of mathematics."
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-850057
Two golds at girls Euro Math Olympiad. (TY Nevet) The Israeli team won two gold medals and two honorable mentions at the 2025 European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) in Pristina, Kosovo. Gold medalists Neta Ilani and Olga Basov were 5th and 11th overall of the 219 participants representing 56 countries.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-851094
Let’s hear it for Israeli technology. Israel’s Bettear (see here previously) is a leader in assistive listening and audio streaming. Its system is available in concert halls, museums, theaters, cultural centers, university campuses and senior residences in 60 countries. 4,000 venues and institutions use it in Israel alone.
https://www.israel21c.org/assistive-listening-updated-for-the-digital-age/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw_xjOpM9M8
Painting by robot. (TY Atid-EDI) The EG7 robot produced by Israel’s Okibo autonomously finishes dry walls – sanding and spray-painting, guided by Okibo’s patented AI-guided 3D scanning and real-time modeling algorithm. No preparations, measurement tools, or special marking. Okibo has just launched its US HQ.
https://okibo.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fv9hggiy_M
Eliminating construction delays. More information about Israel’s Buildots (see here previously) which says it can cut construction project delays by 50% and reduce timelines by an average of three months. Buildots works with 50+ construction firms globally. One of its case studies is UK Royal Bournemouth’s hospital project.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sm24gdi85
https://pages.buildots.com/hubfs/Bournemouth%20Hospital-case%20study-9.pdf?hsLang=en
Use Israeli AI to create mobile games. Israel’s Sett offers a suite of tools that automates the creation of ads and content for mobile games. But unlike traditional AI content generators, Sett’s platform learns from live campaign data, competitor behavior, and consumer interaction patterns to generate content that performs well.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hkeiua00geg https://www.sett.ai/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
National debt reduces. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel's fiscal deficit narrowed in the twelve months to the end of March 2025, for the sixth consecutive month, to 5.2% of GDP, or NIS 105.5 billion. Israel had a fiscal surplus of NIS 3.7 billion in Q1 2025, compared with a fiscal deficit of NIS 26.4 billion in Q1/24.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-fiscal-deficit-continued-to-narrow-in-march-1001507309
$1 billion raised in March. (TY Atid-EDI) Israeli startups raised over $1 billion in March 2025 – more than 20% higher than in March 2024. Total raised in Quarter 1, 2025 was $2.1 billion, 24% higher than Q1 24.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-startups-raised-over-1b-in-march-1001506631
“Win-Win” investment. (TY UWI) The rebranding of US aid to Israel as “Investment” is gathering steam (see here previously). MK Amit Halevi is spearheading the initiative to phase out a longstanding U.S. foreign aid model for a new framework based on joint investments, innovation and equal partnership.
https://tps.co.il/articles/israel-moving-to-replace-u-s-aid-with-win-win-investment-model/
Bonus for first Israeli passengers to Tirana. Sundor Airlines, a subsidiary of El Al, inaugurated its new direct route from Tel Aviv to Tirana, the capital of Albania, with a ceremonial flight. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the inaugural passengers with a festive dinner at the presidential palace.
https://passport.news/article/483
Supporting criminal rehabilitation in the US. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s SuperCom (see here previously) has won recent contracts in Arizona, and Utah, making eight US States in total. It also has signed a new Electronic Monitoring contract with a government agency in Kentucky to expand its business in that State.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/supercom-secures-new-electronic-monitoring-contract-in-utah-expanding-us-presence-into-8th-new-state-in-less-than-a-year-302441245.html https://www.supercom.com/pr
$49 million of hi-tech orders. (TY Atid-EDI) In under three weeks, Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks has won orders worth nearly $50 million. They include a $23 million five-year contract to supply Satellite Transportable Terminal (STT) units worldwide in support of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customers.
https://www.gilat.com/pressreleases/gilat-awarded-up-to-23-million-multi-year-contract-to-service-satellite-transportable-terminal-units-for-us-dod-customers/ https://www.gilat.com/pressreleases/gilat-receives-over-11-million-defense-contract-from-a-leading-uav-company/ https://www.gilat.com/pressreleases/gilat-receives-over-15-million-in-orders-from-leading-satellite-operators/
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 11th May 25: Elastic has acquired Israel’s Keep (AIOps). Israeli-founded UK-based Tripledot Studios has acquired the mobile games studio portfolio of US-based AppLovin for around $800 million.
Startup investment – to 11th May 25: Orca AI raised $72.5 million; Ox Security raised $60 million; Onebeat raised $15 million; Sett.ai raised $15 million; LeakZon raised $5 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
The longest scenic route in Judea & Samaria. Israel recently inaugurated the Gvaot Forest Scenic Route (Derech Nof Gvaot) in Gush Etzion. The 4.3 mile trail, Judea and Samaria’s longest scenic route to date, “offers breathtaking views, forest serenity, and the options of hiking, cycling, or driving”.
https://www.jns.org/israel-opens-longest-scenic-route-in-judea-and-samaria/
Wonder Woman at 40. Few Hollywood actresses can be like Gal Gadot. She can identify a weapon from any distance, lift a car in one scene, close multi-million dollar real estate deals, and still be home in time for dinner with her four daughters and husband. Her films have grossed over $2 billion. She is Israel’s No. 1 ambassador.
https://www.jns.org/gal-gadot-turns-40-a-look-at-her-life/
Chess Champion. Israel’s Noam Sasson, an 11-and-a-half-year-old chess prodigy, won two medals at the World Youth Chess Championship in Rhodes. Competing in the 10-12 age category, Sasson earned world runner-up titles in both rapid and blitz chess. https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/r1cf3wzkxx
Israeli scores goal to win UK soccer championship. Israeli soccer international Manor Solomon fired Leeds United to the English Championship title with a stoppage-time winner in a 2–1 victory over Plymouth Argyle. Just watch the video of Solomon’s superb goal and the celebrations of him and the Leeds fans.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-soccer-star-strikes-to-seal-crown-for-englands-leeds-united/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnMUIGplzRg
London Marathon runners for hostages. (TY Hazel) During the annual London Marathon, 59 runners donned yellow hats and pinned photographs of the 59 remaining Gaza hostages to their shirts, taking the 26.2-mile run as an opportunity to spread awareness about their plight after 570 days in captivity.
THE JEWISH STATE
Only in Israel. (Yanky) Yanky Fachler writes that he sat in the Yael Synagogue (Emek Refaim) in Jerusalem next to a Nobel prizewinner, a former Israeli ambassador, and an Israel Prize laureate. The Torah scroll had been rescued by Yanky’s great uncle Gershon in Berlin on the morning after Kristallnacht in 1938.
https://www.yael.org.il/2019/02/ (click on link and see last paragraph on page 1)
US Ambassador’s mezuzah. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee affixed a mezuzah to the entrance of his Jerusalem office. The mezuzah holds a profound connection to Israel’s biblical past. crafted from stones taken from Mount Ebal, the site traditionally identified as Joshua’s Altar.
https://israfan.com/p/huckabee-mezuzah-joshuas-altar
US Ambassador prays at ancient Shilo. US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee continued his post-appointment tour with a visit to ancient Shiloh, the historic site of the Jewish Tabernacle. He recited Hannah’s prayer that celebrated the birth of the prophet Samuel. He also prayed personally for the release of the hostages.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-ambassador-huckabee-recites-prayer-upon-visiting-ancient-shiloh/
Biblical archaeology is being covered up. (TY WIN) In Judea & Samaria, archaeologists have uncovered much Biblical evidence. E.g. Sebastia National Park, Sartaba (Alexandrium); Shiloh; Herodion; and Joshua’s altar. International academics blacklist these archaeologists, and their findings need to be publicized.
More important than winning. The Trigon team from Modiin’s AMIT religious public high school withdrew from the final day of the FIRST robotics competition in Houston, Texas rather than compete on Shabbat. They were 15th overall of the 600 competitors. Seven other Israeli teams were finalists in their specific categories.
Israel’s Jews. On Israel’s Independence Day, of Israel’s 10.1 million residents, the Jewish State’s Jewish population was roughly 7.7 million, comprising around 45% of world Jewry. 80% of Jewish Israelis are “sabras” – born in Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-population-tops-10-million-for-1st-time/
250504
In the 4th May 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l See the remarkable resilience of war-wounded Israelis.
l Israeli fraud detection techniques exposed the proteins responsible for many diseases.
l Israeli neonatologists are saving the lives of babies in Ghana.
l Israel is the first country to provide an AI tutor to every 16-year-old student.
l An Israeli physical security system will be protecting the Netherlands.
l Israelis won multiple gold medals in four different sports.
l Israelis celebrated Independence Day despite massive (arson) fires.
· Click here to see the 27th Apr newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours (another great intro), (TY Aviva) United With Israel, (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit, 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.
· 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 26,400 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 doctor returns to work. Seven months after being severely injured in a Gaza helicopter crash and undergoing intense rehab, senior pediatrician Dr. Eyal Hayman has returned to work at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406627 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/396323
After 16 years, wounded soldier returns to IDF. Aharon Karov, the most critically-injured soldier in Operation Cast Lead 16 years ago, has re-enlisted in the IDF as part of a team creating the Disabled Soldiers Department. Following Oct 7 2023 he helped create the "Continuing Life" initiative, to support the injured.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407428
Overcoming the odds at his wedding. Ziv, a 30-year-old Israeli engineer, overcame a Hezbollah missile attack that cost him his arm and spinal cord damage, defying odds to walk down the aisle and marry his bride Nitzan after intensive rehab.
“Operation Hug” resumes. Operation Hug (see here previously) has restarted thanks to Nefesh b’Nefesh, JNF-USA and Friends of the IDF. It brings to Israel parents of lone IDF soldiers, to be reunited with their loved ones. The initiative aims to offer soldiers the unmatched strength and comfort of a long-awaited embrace.
https://www.jns.org/operation-hug-resumes-reuniting-lone-soldiers-with-their-parents/ https://hug.nbn.org.il/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-851890
Young resilience awards. 26 children and teens, age 6 – 18) have received “Resilience Award for Children and Youth” for their actions promoting strength, persistence and determination during the Swords of Iron war. Half will also receive a personal scholarship. Three youth groups were also recognized.
https://www.jns.org/wire/resilience-award-bestowed-to-young-people-for-contributions-during-the-war/
Robotic bulldozers deployed in Gaza. The IDF has begun limited deployment in Gaza of the Robdozer - the robotic version of Caterpillar’s D9 bulldozer. These are used to clear roads and buildings of Hamas booby traps, plus to build defensive barriers around temporary IDF camps.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-new-unmanned-bulldozers-changing-the-paradigm-of-war-in-gaza/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Identifying key proteins. Ben-Gurion University researchers have developed WGAND - an AI algorithm that can detect "anomalous" proteins that are associated with tissue-specific diseases. It involves "anomalous" behavior analysis, similar to methods that identify fraudulent financial transactions or suspicious user activity.
https://academic.oup.com/gigascience/article/doi/10.1093/gigascience/giaf034/8106436
Defibrillators installed on 150 trains. Magen David Adom and Israel Railways are installing defibrillators, for the first time, on more than 150 Israeli passenger trains to save lives in the event of cardiac issues. They have already equipped defibrillators at all 67 active Israeli train stations.
https://www.jns.org/magen-david-adom-and-israel-railways-install-defibrillators-on-150-trains/
Eye doctor saves heart patient on flight from Tbilisi. Dr Eyal Aloni, head of ophthalmology at Israel’s Barzilai Medical Center, saved a young man with a medical history of heart disease, who collapsed during a flight from Tbilisi, Georgia to Israel. He used medications that he carried, plus oxygen supplied by the crew.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407449
Ex-supermodel is now a paramedic. Israeli ex-supermodel Michaela Bercu featured here previously when she founded the app Tribu, which connects volunteering needs with those who wish to help. She recently completed the Magen David Adom paramedic course, and works two 8-hour shifts a week as a medical orderly.
https://www.israel21c.org/ex-supermodel-reinvents-herself-as-volunteer-paramedic/
Chewable gummy synbiotics. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s TopGum (see here previously) has launched no-added sugar, synbiotic” Gummiotics” in two natural flavors: orange and strawberry. They comprise probiotics and postbiotics, bound together in a natural, prebiotic fiber-based matrix, to provide gut-health benefits.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
IDF cosmetic updates. The IDF is revising long standing grooming and uniform standards. All soldiers will be permitted to grow neatly maintained beards, regardless of religious affiliation and female soldiers can use a wider variety of nail polish colors. The new Chief of Staff wishes to support a more inclusive environment.
https://www.jns.org/idf-to-overhaul-grooming-and-uniform-rules-in-modernization-push/
Huge shopping mall opens in Ramallah. (TY Hazel) The grand opening of the Icon Mall in the Palestinian Authority city of Ramallah was accompanied by music, mixed dancing, and fireworks. The mall is the largest in the PA-controlled region and even has a rooftop swimming pool.
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/hjds5xe1xe https://iconmall.ps/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy262y3ot6g
Augmenting the Abraham Accords. Azerbaijan could be the next Muslim country to join the Abrahan Accords. Its international stature is increasing, as is its ties with Israel. After 7 Oct 2023, citizens gathered around the Israeli Embassy in Baku, expressing support and sympathy with flowers and memorial candles.
https://www.jns.org/azerbaijan-augmenting-the-abraham-accords/
Saving babies in Ghana. (TY Hazel) An Israeli team from “Neonatologists for Africa” is training Ghanaian health care workers in modern neonatal resuscitation amid harsh conditions. It aims to reduce Ghana’s infant mortality rate of 59 per 1,000 births (5.6 in the US; 2.7 in Israel).
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/by6y3h11yle
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
An AI tutor for every 16-year-old. Israel is the world’s first country to give every K-12 student access to a private AI tutor. Israel’s eSelf (personalized AI agents) has partnered the Center for Educational Technology (see here previously). Harvard University (surprisingly?) is providing academic guidance.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1tkoce1gg https://www.eself.ai/ https://cet.ac.il/?lang=en
Vegan smoked salmon. Israel’s SimpliiGood by AlgaeCore Technologies (see here previously) is starting commercial production of its 100% plant-based smoked salmon analog composed of highly nutritious spirulina microalgae. It is the result of dual intellectually-protected technologies – decolorization and texturizing.
https://asiafoodjournal.com/a-new-wave-spirulina-smoked-salmon-goes-commercial/
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Xim91NqB3wPbr8EqNW-1dolRKBMZg7go
Early cherries. (TY TPS) Researchers from Israel’s Miguel and Volcani Institutes have advanced the flowering and ripening of the Royal Dawn cherry variety by about a month, to benefit Israeli cherry growers. They used temperature-controlled root containers to simulate and monitor different seasonal conditions.
https://worldisraelnews.com/israeli-researchers-harness-warm-winters-to-transform-cherry-farming/
Intelligent business management. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Similarweb (see here previously) has launched its App Intelligence solution, marking a significant advancement in unified digital analytics. It combines web and mobile app data, providing businesses with a holistic view of digital performance and user engagement.
Israeli deep tech startups to be Ignited. 10 Israeli startups were chosen (from 258 applicants) for the first cohort of the Ignite DeepTech, accelerator (see here previously). They are DYM Sense, MNDL Bio, SkyPulse Technologies, Twine Security, Jazz, Huskeys, Impala.ai, DataFlint, Troup AI, and Particle Lab.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkfyr8o1le https://www.dymsense.com/
https://www.skypulse-tec.com/ https://www.twinesecurity.com/ https://www.dataflint.io/ https://troup-ai.com/
Making aviation safer. Israel’s Odysight (see here previously) is working to reduce airplane accidents and make aviation generally safer. Its AI-based visual sensing technology monitors the conditions and critical safety components of hard-to-reach environments, such as planes, for the early detection of potential malfunctions.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-startup-promising-to-make-our-airplanes-safer/
Keeping electrons spinning. (TY WIN) Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists have discovered that low magnetic fields can maintain the spin of electrons used by quantum computers. When they encounter certain light, electrons often stop spinning, which would cause these computers to lose valuable data.
A smart view of the field. Israel’s Phytech has launched AI Advisor, its AI-powered irrigation advisor trained on real in-field data from Phytech’s IoT (Internet of Things) network of tree, fruit, soil, and climate sensors. Its advanced AI-driven irrigation solution is like having a super-agronomic intelligence and an army of advisors.
77 years of military innovation. For 77 years, Israel’s defense industry and military prowess have expanded and adapted to the times, leading the world in many technologies, and developing the systems to defend the nation against all enemies. https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-israels-defense-ministry-releases-independence-day-message-77-years-of-innovation/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Exporting fruit and veg to Azerbaijan. (TY TPS) For the first time, in 33 years of diplomatic ties, Israel will export fresh agricultural produce (mangoes, avocados, and peppers) to Azerbaijan. It opens a new door for Israeli agriculture on the Modern Silk Road and could expand to other countries along the route.
https://worldisraelnews.com/israel-launches-first-agricultural-shipments-to-azerbaijan/
Jerusalem rising. Jerusalem is on the brink of a dramatic transformation. Developers are racing to reshape the city with hundreds of new towers, light rail lines, and mixed-use districts. From urban renewal to skyline redefinition, the future of Jerusalem is unfolding - faster than most imagined.
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/s1owjl4cyx
Launching Israeli startups in the US. (TY Atid-EDI) California-based Mercurius Media Capital (MMC) has launched Mercurius Bridge in Israel, empowering local startups and growth-stage companies with established product-market fit to expand into the U.S.
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/israeli-startups-gain-strategic-us-market-entry-through-new-initiative-from-mercurius-media-capital-302403453.html https://www.mmc.us/mercuriusbridge/
Israel & Florida – a sunny relationship. The two sunshine states enjoy an extremely beneficial mutual business relationship. A study by the United States-Israel Business Alliance indicates that Florida hosts 429 Israeli-founded companies, employing some 8,200 people, which earned over $7 billion in 2024 - and growing.
https://www.jns.org/florida-and-israel-just-scratching-the-surface-in-economic-cooperation/
Cooling SoftBank’s servers. Japanese banking giant SoftBank has teamed up with Israel’s ZutaCore (see here previously) to use its synthetic fluid cooling solution to prevent the bank’s servers from overheating.
Netherlands approves Israeli security screening system. (TY OurCrowd) The Automated Prohibited Items Detection System) from Israel’s SeeTrue (see here previously) has been approved by Netherlands' National Coordinator for Security and Counter-Terrorism for use with the Analogic ConneCT.
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 4th May 25: Israel’s Upwind has acquired Israel’s Nyx Security for an estimated $8-10 million;
Startup investment – to 4th May 25: Lightrun raised $70 million; Miggo Security raised $17 million; LayerX raised $11 million; Hopper Security raised $7.6 million; Bagel AI raised $5.5 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
The great outdoors. During Passover, 1.5 million Israelis visited parks and forests managed by KKL-JNF. The Re’im Recreation Area, which features the Nova music festival memorial, attracted more than 7,000 visitors daily. https://www.jns.org/wire/1-5-million-israelis-visited-forests-during-passover-despite-security-tensions/
No camels please. A wild dromedary trotted through Rosh HaAyin’s industrial park in central Israel, evading municipal veterinarians’ attempts to capture the animal. The camel calmly walked down the roads, as motorists drove around the animal and stunned pedestrians stared. It then returned to the Arab city of Kfar Kassem.
https://worldisraelnews.com/wild-camel-sparks-chaos-in-central-israel-city-evades-capture/
Israeli elected to international soccer committee. Israel Football Association Chairman Moshe “Shino” Zuares was elected to the UEFA Executive Committee, the top governing body of European soccer.
https://www.jns.org/israels-moshe-zuares-elected-to-top-uefa-committee/
European medals for marathon runners. (TY Hazel) Israel’s marathon runners won a historic four medals in the European Athletics Championships in Brussels. The men’s team won gold, while the women’s team won a silver medal.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-marathon-runners-win-four-medals-at-european-championships/
Gold for Israeli fencers; Swiss are poor losers. The Israeli U23 team (ranked 7th) won the Gold medal at the European fencing championships, decisively beating hosts Estonia, second-seed Sweden, Italy, and then Switzerland in the final. As Hatikvah was played, the Swiss team refused to acknowledge the Israeli victory.
https://worldisraelnews.com/swiss-fencers-turn-backs-on-israeli-team-after-championship-defeat/
World championship windsurfing gold. Israeli windsurfer Tamar Steinberg won the gold medal in the women’s iQFoil at the World Cup in Hyeres, France. Israel’s Sharon Kantor won bronze in the same event. It was Tamar’s second gold medal in a row, having won first place in Cadiz, Spain, last month.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-windsurfer-tamar-steinberg-wins-gold-at-world-championship/
Acrobatic performance for Israeli gymnasts. Israel's national acrobatic gymnastics team delivered a standout performance at the 2025 European Championships in Luxembourg, winning two gold medals and two silver. The senior men’s team won the all-around title; and the mixed pairs (Refaeli and Fridman) won the combined.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-850788
The first Israeli in the NHL. Zeev Buium took the ice yesterday for the Minnesota Wild, becoming the first NHL player born to Israeli parents to feature in a National (Ice) Hockey League game. Zeev’s older brother Shai plays in the AHL. https://forward.com/news/sports/713896/zeev-buium-jewish-hockey-debut/
THE JEWISH STATE
Former hostage puts on Tefillin at kidnap site. Eliya Cohen, who was freed from Hamas captivity earlier this year, returned to the roadside bomb shelter where he was abducted on Oct 7 2023, wrapping tefillin and reciting the Shema prayer at the very spot he was taken.
Sounding the Shofar before entering Gaza. The newly formed IDF Hashmonaim Brigade of Haredi soldiers has embarked on their first-ever mission into Gaza. Before going in, they recited prayers and blew the Shofar just as the Children of Israel did prior to Biblical battles. https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-newly-created-ultra-orthodox-brigade-sounds-shofar-before-first-ever-mission-to-gaza/
73 fun facts about Israel. To celebrate Israel’s birthday, Israel21c publicizes 73 weird, wacky and remarkable things about this tiny country in the Middle East you may not know, unless you’ve studied all these newsletters.
https://www.israel21c.org/73-fun-facts-about-israel/
It’s Judea and Samaria. Arkansas is the first US State to ban the Jordan-invented term “West Bank” when referring to the territory recaptured by Israel during the 1967 six-day war. Judea and Samaria are its Biblical names – Judea being the area south of Jerusalem, and Samaria the area to its north.
https://www.jns.org/arkansas-becomes-first-state-to-ban-agencies-from-saying-west-bank/
123 Bar Mitzvot for orphans at the Kotel. Thanks to Colel Chabad, 123 boys who had lost at least one parent came to the Western Wall to celebrate their 13th birthday (Bar Mitzvah). each one was danced to the Kotel, made the blessing on the Torah, and received tefillin and new clothing. Afterwards all enjoyed a banquet.
https://www.jns.org/wire/123-orphan-boys-celebrate-their-bar-mitzvah-at-the-western-wall/
Kosher Nosher. (TY Yanky) Burger King falsely advertised its Hod Hasharon branch as kosher. An Israeli court’s “sentence” was to order the restaurant chain to distribute $128,000 in meal vouchers to religious and non-religious IDF combat soldiers. The vouchers will be redeemable only at the chain’s kosher branches.
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/h1dgcywc1x
It’s all happening in Jerusalem. (TY Sharon) So many events after Pesach in Israel’s capital, including Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day), albeit rehearsals and rescheduled events. New Ambassadors presenting credentials to President Herzog included from the USA, India, and Philippines.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/04/28/seven-new-ambassadors-to-israel-before-holocaust-remembrance-day/
Yom Ha’Atzmaut / Israel Independence Day. Many celebratory events went ahead despite the fires. Here are links to some of them.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/freed-hostage-agam-berger-opens-israels-77th-independence-day-with-powerful-violin-tribute/ https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-ben-shapiro-lights-torch-in-honor-of-israel-a-land-of-heroes-and-dreamers/ https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-idf-soldiers-stationed-in-rafah-thank-god-for-the-miracle-of-the-jewish-state/ https://unitedwithisrael.org/happy-independence-day/
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-live-israel-independence-day-torch-lighting-ceremony/
https://www.jns.org/israel-celebrates-77th-independence-day-in-shadow-of-wildfires/
250427
In the 27th Apr 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Bereaved Israeli family has joyful reunion with pet dog.
l UK journalist praises emergency treatment from Israeli medical system.
l Israeli Arabs educate Londoners about the war.
l Israeli scientists work at the speed of light.
l Israel gives good investment returns for American aid.
l Sporting success for Israelis at gymnastics, soccer, and basketball.
l Blessings of peace proclaimed at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
· Click here to see the 6th Apr newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours (please read her intro), (TY Aviva) United With Israel, (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit, 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
Cutting-edge leg surgery from US to Israel. (TY Sam Kramer) Israeli surgeons at Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center used a US technique for the first time in Israel, to fix a titanium screw to the bone of a wounded IDF soldier. The technique, called osseointegration, significantly reduces pain and friction from a prosthetic leg.
https://www.ynet.co.il/health/article/bkg58dstke (Hebrew article)
Rush to join Gaza border Kibbutz. (TY Yanky) The residents of Kibbutz Kerem Shalom on the Gaza border defended valiantly against Hamas terrorists on Oct 7 2023. Its religious / secular mix attracted 20 new prospective families to their recent open day. https://www.timesofisrael.com/open-day-at-religious-secular-kibbutz-on-gaza-border-draws-20-families-wanting-to-join/
Therapy dogs for IDF veterans with PTSD. As part of a new FIDF initiative together with the Ministry of Defense, IDF veterans suffering trauma such as PTSD receive a specially trained therapy dog. They are able to sense when the individual begins to suffer panic attacks or nightmares, and calm them down. Please donate.
https://www.fidf.org/news/therapy-dogs-for-veterans-with-ptsd-2/ (includes link to US donation site)
https://www.ufis.org.il/en/donation-en/ (Israelis - select the English speakers’ option)
Rehabilitation center opens in Haifa. Sheba Medical Center has successfully replicated its Tel Hashomer “Returning to Life” rehabilitation center (see here previously) at Haifa’s Beit Halochem. Therapy includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) plus therapy dogs, physical training, and community integration.
https://sheba-global.com/sheba-and-fidf-open-mental-health-center-in-haifa/
https://zdvo.org/beit-halochem-haifa/
Good news from JNS. Ruthie Bloom and Mark Regev dedicate their weekly program during Pesach / Passover to giving positive news. The baby boom, the high happiness level, the economy, innovation driving hi-tech acquisitions, strong family values, deep community bonds, and patriotic youth, leading to resilience in a war.
https://www.jns.org/whats-behind-israels-baby-boom/
Family dog returned from Gaza. A reservist soldier found a frightened dog among the ruins in Rafah. Its electronic chip identified it as Billie, a 3-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that was kidnapped on 7 Oct 2023 from Kibbutz Nir Oz. It was treated and then returned to the surviving members of the Dancyg members.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406892 https://www.jns.org/idf-rescues-dog-taken-to-gaza-on-oct-7/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/dog-abducted-from-murdered-hostages-family-found-by-troops-in-gaza/
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-dog-stolen-on-oct-7th-returned-to-owner-after-18-months/ (see video)
Battlefield Chatbot. As you may have guessed, Israel is using AI to help conduct military operations during the war. It allows commanders to ask intelligence questions and get vital answers fast. Aaron Cohen tells more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO5-ACBBwVs
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Good results of IceCure’s kidney cancer solution. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s IceCure (see here previously) is already saving many lives by destroying tumors using cryoablation (freezing). Its most recent ICESECRET study on 114 kidney cancer patients with small renal masses (SRM) showed an 88.7% non-reoccurrence rate.
Blood test for early detection of Parkinson’s. A team led by Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers has developed the first ever blood test capable of detecting Parkinson’s disease, even before symptoms emerge. The test identifies transfer RNA fragments unique to the neurodegenerative disease.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-025-00851-z
Brain cancer treatment trial. The radiation treatment from Israel’s Alpha Tau (see here previously) has been used to treat skin cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer. It now has had US FDA approval to initiate a trial for patients with recurrent glioblastoma (brain cancer).
Complex facial surgery for Guatemalan baby. Santiago, a baby from Guatemala born with a cleft lip and palate (and other problems), successfully underwent complex corrective surgery at Israel’s Schneider Children's Medical Center. The parents knew in advance of Santiago’s condition and arranged to have their baby in Israel.
https://www.schneider.org.il/?CategoryID=1011&ArticleID=5708
Praise for Israel’s world-class healthcare. UK Telegraph journalist Isabel Oakeshott accidentally went over the handlebars of her e-scooter in Tel Aviv. But she was over the moon about her treatment at the state of the art Sylvan Adams Emergency Hospital (see here previously) at Tel Aviv’s Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/2608c1a7006e27ba
Israel’s first psycho-trauma dog unit. Israeli medical emergency NGO United Hatzalah has just completed training it Psycho-trauma Canine Unit. Its 10 special dogs provide support until the ambulance arrives. Leading Israeli pet supply chain, Speedog, will donate a portion of sales proceeds, plus essential equipment and food.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/health-and-medicine/pet-supply-chain-speedog-united-hatzalah-partner-to-support-psychotrauma-k-9-unit/2025/01/23/ https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-848142
If you’re sick, see a computer. A new study from Tel Aviv University found that diagnoses and treatment recommendations given by AI were more accurate than those of physicians. Of 461 online patient visits, AI was rated as good in 77% of cases but only 67% by doctors. Bad AI ratings were 2.8%; Bad doctors were at 4.6%.
https://www.aftau.org/news_item/ai-diagnoses/ https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-24-03283
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Israeli Arabs go underground in London. Yoseph Haddad led a delegation of Israeli Muslims, Christians and Druze to London to confront increasing delegitimization of Israel in the UK. His video shows them on the London Underground (metro / tube) giving passengers an alternative view of the Jewish state.
https://www.jns.org/yoseph-haddad-speaks-up-for-gaza-hostages-on-london-underground/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukafOUDWgw0
A Guatemalan in Jerusalem. Ava Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso is very positive about her two years as the Guatemalan ambassador to Israel. she feels right at home in the Jewish state, and expresses her admiration for Israelis, citing Guatemala’s historic relationship with the Jewish state, as well as her evangelical Christian faith.
https://www.jns.org/guatemalan-ambassador-to-israel-gets-more-than-she-bargained-for-and-thats-fine/
Berlin to twin with Tel Aviv. The mayors of Berlin and Tel Aviv-Jaffa have announced the establishment of a new Twin Cities partnership. It marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel. Tel Aviv is twinned with 35 foreign cities including five in Germany - Cologne, Freiburg, Frankfurt, Essen, and Bonn.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406526 http://en.sistercity.info/sister-cities/Tel%20Aviv.html
Ties with Malawi. Israel has signed a bilateral agreement to bring in laborers from Malawi to Israel in sectors such as agriculture and caregiving. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said, “Malawi is a true friend of Israel”. “Malawi has stood with us both at the U.N. and with steadfast vocal public support.”
https://www.jns.org/as-part-of-bilateral-labor-agreement-israel-furthers-ties-with-malawi/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Predicting lightning-induced fires. Scientists at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have developed an AI-based model that can predict where and when lightning strikes are most likely to cause wildfires. It analyzes high-resolution historical satellite data, weather patterns, vegetation, and topography, achieving over 90% accuracy.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/new-israeli-system-predicts-lightning-strikes-and-tackles-wildfires/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-92171-w https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-024-01556-2
Light-speed processing. Researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have developed a dual-laser technique that manipulates electrons and then tracks the effect in attoseconds (one quintillionth of a second). It opens up the possibility of computer processors capable of operating at light speed.
https://israfan.com/p/israeli-laser-light-speed-processors
https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/space-physics/matter-crossroads
Top Greentech companies. Many Israeli startups appear in the Time and Statista’s World's Top GreenTech Companies of 2025. I spotted Ormat, Redefine Meat, TIPA, Beewise, Aleph Farms, CropX, H2Pro, Addionics, Exodigo, and StoreDot, but there could be others.
https://time.com/collection/worlds-top-greentech-companies-of-2025/
Agrotech conference in the North. “Bringing Good News to the North” is the excellent title of the Sunnyside Migal Annual Conference for Agriculture of the Future. 400+ farmers, agrotech innovators, and more, gathered to exhibit agriculture and food production technology, and to plan the future of agriculture in the Galilee.
https://www.jns.org/sunnyside-conference-bringing-good-news-to-the-north/
Saving the soybean. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Agmatix (see here previously) has partnered with agriculture solutions giant BASF to develop a digital solution for detecting and predicting the presence of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) - the most devastating pest to soybean crop yields in the U.S.
https://www.basf.com/us/en/media/news-releases/2025/03/P-US-25-07?ref=karanmaindan.com
US reinforces Israel’s defense systems. The US has transferred a second THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System) anti-missile defense battery to Israel (see here previously). It has also reportedly provided additional Patriot anti-missile defense systems.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-said-to-transfer-2nd-thaad-missile-battery-to-israel-as-iran-nuclear-tensions-rise/ https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s1brdqkr1l
Taking border security to the next level. Israel’s RT Aerostat Systems (see here previously) is showcasing its innovative mobile advanced aerostat (air balloon) platforms to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other security agencies at the Border Security Expo in Phoenix. They are designed for extreme weather conditions.
Green technology for New York. (TY Atid-EDI) The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Israel’s Phinergy (see here previously) were awarded a $1.5 million U.S. grant from US-Israel BIRD Foundation (see here previously) to demonstrate a clean alternative to emergency generators based on aluminum-air technology.
Radio headset plus health monitor. Israel’s Silynxcom (see here previously) has added vital life signs monitoring to its ruggedized communication headsets. They provide crucial health insights and two-way real-time alerts in combat or high-risk environments, alerting command centers, even when the user is incapacitated.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/silynxcom-advances-revolutionary-ear-communication-130600578.html
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
2025 growth to exceed global average. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) expects Israel’s economy to rebound this year. Assuming fighting in Gaza and Lebanon will ease, the OECD forecasts that Israel’s economy will grow at a rate of 3.4 percent in 2025 and 5.5% in 2026,
Resilience & adaptability. (TY Yanky) The 2024/5 Israel Life Sciences and Health-Tech Industry Report published by the Israel Advanced Technology Industries Association (IATI) and Israel’s Innovation Authority, predicts a rosy future for Israel’s life sciences. 92% registered in Israel; 25% increase in investment.
It’s not aid, it’s investment. Another article that confirms that the US doesn’t give Israel aid; it makes an high-return investment. Israel returns billions of dollars more than cost, in jobs and benefits to US security & defense industries. Plus Israel fights US’s enemies (Iran, Hamas,& Hezbollah) without needing US boots on the ground.
https://www.jns.org/america-makes-high-returns-on-investment-when-it-comes-to-israel-military-aid/
Quebec opens Israel office. (TY Atid-EDI) Québec has opened its first representative office in the Middle East. Trade between Québec and Israel is valued at $525 million annually. The bureau will also focus on education. Québec is sponsoring an international diplomacy course in French at Netanya Academic College.
https://thecjn.ca/news/quebec-representative-office/
El Al resumes flights to Eilat. After a 12-year break, El Al Airlines is returning to Israel’s southern skies with the relaunch of its domestic route from Ben-Gurion Airport to Ramon Airport near Eilat. Starting next month, El Al will operate two weekly flights between the central hub and the Red Sea resort city.
https://israfan.com/p/elal-resumes-ben-gurion-eilat-flights
British Airways resumes Israel flights. British Airways has resumed flights to Israel, becoming the latest major carrier to renew services suspended due to the Israel-Hamas war. The move came the week before the busy Passover and Easter travel season, when flights to Israel are heavily booked.
https://www.jns.org/british-airways-resumes-israel-flights/
$54 million in fraud prevented. Israel’s BioCatch (see here previously) protected customers of Alkami Digital Banking Platform (e.g. Gate City Bank) by stopping more than $54 million in fraudulent transactions in 2024. BioCatch's Account Takeover Protection analyzes digital behaviors in real time to highlight attempted fraud.
Inspecting rental cars. Car rental giant Hertz has partnered with Israeli startup UVeye (see here previously) to deploy AI-powered vehicle inspection systems across major US locations. The move marks one of the largest rollouts of automated inspection technology in the car rental industry to date.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1gwjltcjl
IAI is worth billions. (TY Atid-EDI) The 2024 financial results for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) were phenomenal. Revenue up 14% to over $6 billion; net profit up 55% to nearly half a billion dollars; and a pipeline of orders of $25 billion. https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-iai-profit-jumps-55-1001504732
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 27th Apr 25: Israel’s CloudShare was acquired by US-based Bow River Capital for $60 – 80 million. Israeli cybersecurity Torq acquired stealth Israeli AI startup Revrod for over $20 million; Israel’s Similarweb acquired Switzerland’s 42matters (in 2024).
Startup investment – to 27th Apr 25: Healthee raised $50 million; Sentra raised $50 million; BRIA.ai raised $40 million; Cynomi raised $37 million; Groundcover raised $35 million; Anecdotes raises another $30 million; Reco.ai raised $25 million; Tapcheck raised $25 million; Bliss Aesthetics raised $17.5 million; Pillar Security raised $9 million; Terra Security raised $8 million; Brandlight raises $5.75 million; AutonomyAI raised $4 million; Cyvore Security raised $2.5 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Moss Haggadah at National Library. A unique Haggadah crafted by American-Israeli artist David Moss four decades ago joins the National Library of Israel’s collection and was on display for Passover. It includes a page of portraits and mirrors that allows the reader to see themselves as having been liberated from slavery.
GCI to open on 7th May. JNF-USA’s Galilee Culinary Institute (see here previously) is due to be opened on May 7 by Israeli-born, French-educated chef Lior Lev Sercarz. It will bring its new unique program to the upper Galilee and not only to change the landscape of the food industry, but bring life to the food basket of Israel.
https://forward.com/food/386180/israeli-who-spices-up-new-york-kitchens-will-open-unique-cooking-school-in/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q48TS-CAyP0 https://www.galileeculinaryinstitute.com/
The world’s only known black flamingo visits Israel. (TY WIN & AllIsraelNews) As millions of birds migrate this season, one is capturing hearts around the globe - the only known black flamingo in the world! It stopped in Eilat, Israel, on its way to Europe, thrilling birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4nhWnQQggc
40,000 run in the holy city. 40,000 runners in the 14th International Jerusalem “Winner” Marathon included elite athletes, IDF soldiers, families, blind & partially-sighted. At the start, ex-hostage Karina Ariev asked them to “dedicate this run to the memory of our heroes who sacrificed their lives so that we could stand here today.”
https://www.jns.org/2025-jerusalem-marathon-events-see-40000-run-in-the-holy-city/
https://israfan.com/p/blind-sighted-runners-jerusalem-marathon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-oc8gzIgUU (United Hatzalah video)
4 gold medals at acrobatic gymnastics. (TY Nevet) On the fourth and final day of the 13th European Age Group Competitions in Acrobatic Gymnastics, seven finals were contested. Israel had a fabulous day, earning a grand total of 4 European titles and 2 silver medals.
Hapoel wins EuroCup. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv captured the EuroCup championship earning promotion to the 2025–26 EuroLeague. Hapoel beat Gran Canaria, becoming only the second Israeli club ever to lift the EuroCup trophy, joining Hapoel Jerusalem, which won it in 2004.
https://www.jns.org/hapoel-tel-aviv-clinches-first-eurocup-title/
More Israelis in the NBA draft. In the 2025 - 26 season, at least two more Israelis will join Deni Avdija in the National Basketball Association (NBA) league. They are 19-year-old guard Ben Saraf, who grew up in Moshav Gan Yoshia and 21-year-old 7-foot Danny Wolf, born in Glencoe, Illinois – an Israeli U21 star in 2023.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/8fbs7ekw3
THE JEWISH STATE
Biblical-era dye factory found. Researchers have discovered the tools proving that the blue (tchelet) and purple (argaman) dyes were produced in industrial quantities in the Land of Israel in biblical times. They have documented how the material was produced for hundreds of years at Tel Shiqmona on Israel’s Carmel Coast.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/made-from-snails-and-fit-for-kings-first-biblical-era-dye-factory-found-on-israels-coast/ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0321082.g012
https://unitedwithisrael.org/ancient-tools-reveal-economic-power-behind-biblical-israel/
The logo for Israel’s 77th Independence Day. The official logo for the torch-lighting ceremony at the 77th anniversary of the State of Israel reflects the theme "Bridges of Hope", and the connections within Israeli society. The Magen David (Star of David) is fused with the number 77 in yellow, as a tribute to the hostages.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/406519
Solomon’s pools opened during Pesach. Three reservoirs that brought water to Jerusalem during the Second Second Temple period were opened to the public during Passover for the first time since 1995 when they were transferred to the control of the Palestinian Authority. (See Ecclesiastes 2:6 for King Solomon’s connection).
https://www.jns.org/solomons-pools-open-to-public-over-passover-in-first-since-oslo-accords/
Matzah baking therapy for special children. (TY TPS) At the Aleh Center in Bnei Brak, children with severe disabilities receive therapy from their involvement in Pesach preparations. Matzah-making enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory processing. It also deepens their connection to their Jewish heritage.
Ex-hostages receive priestly blessing at the Kotel. This Passover’s traditional priestly blessing ceremony at the Western Wall had special significance. The thousands of participants included ex-hostages, families of those still held captive, and wounded IDF soldiers. One of the priests was ex-hostage Eliya Cohen.
https://www.jns.org/former-hostages-gather-at-western-wall-for-priestly-blessing/
A message of peace from the US. The newly appointed US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, placed a note from US President Donald Trump in the Western Wall. It said “For Peace in Israel”. The Ambassador said, “Trump told me to pray for the hostages’ return.” https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/407018
Yom HaShoah in Israel. Watch as all traffic stops when the 2-min siren sounds. Also ex-hostage Agam Berger plays her 130-year-old violin with bereaved Oct 7 survivor Daniel Weiss at Auschwitz. WWII survivors light memorial torches at Yad Vashem. And the great-granddaughter of Righteous Gentiles is now an IDF soldier.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-israel-comes-to-standstill-as-siren-marks-yom-hashoah-holocaust-remembrance-day/ https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-oct-7th-orphan-released-hostage-perform-in-march-of-the-living-at-auschwitz/ https://israfan.com/p/yad-vashem-holocaust-remembrance-2025
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In the 6th Apr 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Unbelievable courage and resilience of Israeli Oct 7 survivors.
l Five major Israeli advances in the detection and treatment of cancer.
l The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews also helps Israeli Muslims.
l Many large Israeli companies are switching to green energy.
l Israel has received billions of shekels from its natural gas windfall.
l Jerusalem opens the new Museum of Tolerance.
l An auction of rare 1948 “Independence Day” edition Passover Haggadot.
· Click here to see the 30th Mar newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours with another excellent intro, (TY Aviva) United With Israel, (TY Ted Belman) IsraPundit, 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.
· 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 26,400 articles).
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POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Woman of Courage. One of the seven International Women of Courage 2025 awarded by the US State Department was Israel’s Amit Sousanna. Amit uses her voice to courageously advocate for survivors by using her own lived example to describe the trauma she suffered as a hostage of the October 7th attack.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-former-hostage-amit-soussana-receives-us-state-departments-international-woman-of-courage-award/ https://www.state.gov/2025-international-women-of-courage-award/#amit-soussana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPFKZG_J9YI
Gadi returns to Turner stadium. This scene was too emotional not to include in this newsletter. Ex-hostage Gadi Moses was welcomed back to Turner stadium, the home of his favorite soccer club Beersheva. Also read his latest interview. https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-released-hostage-gadi-moses-honored-at-soccer-game/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-847026
Shot in the back but recovered. Female IDF soldier Stav Bachar survived Oct 2023 despite Hamas terrorists shooting her in the back, abdomen, and pelvis, and leaving her for dead. If you can access X, see her now.
https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/s3ckd9 https://x.com/VividProwess/status/1906534415582339547
The most wounded soldier forges on. On Oct 7 2023, Alon Kaminer’s life changed forever when a premature explosion in combat left him clinically dead and with devastating injuries. He lost his leg, right arm, left hand, and an eye. He was clinically dead but he survived, and with unshakable courage and resilience, he fights on.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-the-most-wounded-idf-soldier-forges-on/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L49-PUlreA
Battlefield lessons save civilian lives. Israeli hospitals, such as Laniado in Netanya, have been applying many of the advanced methods developed by the IDF during the war. Whole blood is given to wounded soldiers before evacuation, and this technique is now used in Laniado if patients have insufficient platelets for surgery.
https://laniadosupporters.org.il/laniado-applies-advanced-idf-methods/
Donor’s lungs blew the shofar at his memorial. Last year, Kfir Zar received a double lung transplant from fallen IDF soldier Dor Zimel (see here previously). At the memorial to Dor, Kfir used Dor’s lungs to blow a shofar for him. https://inspirationfromzion.com/2025/03/31/how-do-we-heal-from-the-trauma-of-this-war/
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/hknxtehzc
$1.3 billion for rebuilding Gaza envelope. Israel’s Knesset has approved a comprehensive recovery plan aimed at rebuilding communities located within 7 km. (4.3 miles) of the Gaza border that were severely impacted by the Hamas attack of Oct. 7, 2023.
https://www.jns.org/knesset-approves-1-3b-recovery-plan-for-gaza-border-communities/
From evacuation to action. (TY Mara) Students from JNF-USA-supported Kiryat Shmona University have returned to clean up the battered city. And young educators from JNF-USA’s network of organizations including MAKOM (see here previously) have relocated to Israel’s North and South to revive the communities.
https://www.jnf.org/jnf-blog/post/blog/be-inspired--jewish-national-fund-usa-is-bringing-young-people-back-to-the-north-and-south https://www.jnf.org/ways-to-help/support-israel
Volunteering led to romance. Rebecca Starr and Benjamin (Benji) Katz are among countless Diaspora Jews who immediately volunteered to join the war effort in Israel after Oct 7 2023. They met at the NGO Pitchon-Lev, which is providing aid to IDF soldiers and Oct 7 survivors. Rebecca and Benji are to be married in July.
https://www.jns.org/a-love-story-born-from-the-tragic-day-of-oct-7/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Good progress on pancreatic cancer treatment. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Silexion Therapeutics reported that its SIL-204 pancreatic cancer treatment effectively reduces primary tumor growth and secondary cancer spread. Silexion 's first generation LODER treatment already had good results in Phase 2 trials on “simple” cancers.
https://silexion.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/silexion-therapeutics-announces-completion-of1.pdf
New way to treat resistant cancers. Israel’s MitoCarex Bio has developed its MITOLINE™ algorithm and other advanced computational capabilities to identify small molecules that can fight cancer. MitoCarex has just been acquired by Israel’s N2OFF (see here previously) which is also injecting $1 million of investment.
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/n2off-inc-enters-agreement-acquire-mitocarex-bio-ltd-expand-cancer-therapeutics-portfolio `https://mitocarexbio.com/
How cells respond to treatment. Researchers from Tel Aviv University have developed scNET that tracks gene expression at the single-cell level in response to various therapies. It has exciting implications for research into cancer treatments and their effect on the tumor, pro-cancer supporting cells, and anti-cancer immune cells.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-025-02627-0
What’s happening inside? Prof Hossam Haick of Israel’s Technion and his team have developed a new method for monitoring molecular processes deep within tissue. Their system uses chemical tomography to analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It can help early cancer detection in many organs of the body.
Real-time blood tests. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Inspira Technologies (see here previously) announced positive results from the clinical study at Sheba Hospital of its AI-powered HYLA blood sensor. Its real-time blood monitoring enables early diagnosis and personalized care without the need for intermittent blood draws.
Combatting gum disease and more. (TY Nevet) Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists have discovered how the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis causes periodontitis infection (gum disease). Preventing it binding to protein CD47 prevents periodontitis, and its correlation with cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.
https://www.afhu.org/2025/02/24/new-approach-to-suppress-oral-bacteria-that-cause-periodontal-and-other-disease-symptoms-discovered-by-hu-researchers/ https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2405534121
US approves rotator cuff repair system. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Arcuro Medical (see here previously) has received US FDA clearance for its SuperBall-RC system for use in rotator cuff (shoulder) repair procedures. Arcuro's SuperBall technology platform has now successfully been used in over 5,000 meniscus (knee) repairs.
From cultivated meat to muscle therapy. Israel’s Profuse (see here previously) which specializes in the laboratory cultivation of muscle tissue for non-animal meat, has launched a new technology and program for preventing and restoring muscle lost by the growing use of weight-loss treatments, aging, and cancer.
https://profuse-tech.com/drug-discovery/
Combining complementary and conventional medicine. Israel’s Treat Me (see here) has developed an AI-driven platform that allows practitioners to create tailor-made treatment plans that bridge Western medicine, complementary therapies (e.g. Chinese medicine, naturopathy, reflexology) and cutting-edge research.
https://www.israel21c.org/mom-turns-medical-nightmare-into-an-integrative-care-dream/ https://www.treatme.ltd/
Rehabilitation conference. (TY Yanky) Israel hosted the “Lifetime Partnership” International Rehabilitation Conference in Tel Aviv. It attracted medical and rehabilitation experts from militaries, defense ministries, and health departments in England, Thailand, Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Brazil and Canada.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
President hosts two autistic children. On World Autism Awareness Day, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog welcomed Alex an IDF reservist, his wife Julieta and his two autistic children Peer and Priel to his official residence in Jerusalem. The family was evacuated from Sderot and had to change special education programs.
https://www.jns.org/for-world-autism-awareness-day-herzog-hosts-idf-soldiers-family/
Caring for everyone. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews supports Israeli Holocaust survivors, funded an MRI machine for Yoseftal Medical Center in Eilat, and an armored ICU mobile vehicle for Judea and Samaria. It also provides food cards to Muslim IDF soldiers during Ramadan.
https://youtu.be/DFyT_dP2QPg?t=98 https://www.ifcj.org/who-we-are/programs/alleviating-poverty
https://www.ifcj.org/news/fellowship-blog/project-spotlight-mri-machine-for-yoseftal-medical-center
https://www.ifcj.org/news/fellowship-blog/project-spotlight-armored-icu-mobile-vehicles
As an Arab I'm so lucky to be born In Israel. Nice little video by Mansor Ashkar which sums it all up.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH3GZfWIWCd/?igsh=MWk0YWtkdGE4bmhweg%3D%3D
A new road for Palestinian Arabs. A new road is to be built in eastern Jerusalem to allow Palestinian Arabs to travel, without checkpoints, from az-Za’ayyem east of the Hebrew University’s campus on Mount Scopus, to the al-Eizariya village west of Ma’ale Adumim. The so-called Living Space Road will cost NIS 345 million.
https://www.jns.org/israel-to-build-new-road-for-palestinians-near-jerusalem/
Israel joins Qatar & UAE in air force drill. (TY Yanky) The Israeli Air Force took part in Greece’s annual multinational Iniochos 25 air drill. This year Qatar (widely thought to back Hamas) also participated with F15s. The UAE flew Mirage 2000 aircraft. Israel flew its Oron advanced intelligence-gathering jet,.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1w75f0061g https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bo3QovKJdg
Searching for survivors in Bangkok rubble. A team of IDF engineering and civil affairs officers has started sharing technological expertise with Thai authorities in their mission to rescue survivors of the earthquake that rocked Thailand and Myanmar. The IDF has equipment that can help locate 81 workers trapped under rubble.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-rescue-mission-lands-in-earthquake-struck-bangkok/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2JN6oyPhCU
One hundred years of the Hebrew U. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem marked its 100th anniversary by celebrating a century of groundbreaking research, academic excellence, and visionary leadership that helped shape the intellectual and scientific foundations of the State of Israel.
https://israfan.com/p/hebrew-university-jerusalem-centennial
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Aloe vera for enhancing cultured meat. (TY Nevet) Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Reichman University have proposed to use aloe vera to improve the sensory experience of eating plant-based meat substitutes. The process holds great potential for sustainable food production.
Major discovery impacts air quality and medicine. (TY TPS) A team in Sweden led by Hebrew University scientists have discovered a chemical process in nature that creates hydroxyl (OH) radicals at low temperatures. It has major implications for pollution control and human health (aging, cancer and immune response).
Saving the planet from plastic. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s PlasticBack is working with a USA-based recycling company to scale-up its technology, which converts hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable byproducts. It aims to to upcycle 100,000 tons of plastic waste by 2030, setting a new benchmark for sustainable plastic recycling.
A miniature nuclear reactor. Israel’s Megatron N.R.G. is developing a nuclear fusion energy reactor no bigger than a desktop computer. It says it has achieved ongoing fusion events in the lab by using micro-entities called stable plasmoids - tangled bundles of super-hot charged gas (plasma) held together by magnetic fields.
https://www.israel21c.org/building-a-nuclear-reactor-the-size-of-a-desktop-computer/
Multiple green energy projects. Israel’s Enlight Renewable Energy is to build a $1.1 billion 100MW per hour solar-power plant and data center in Ashalim, southern Israel. It has also signed contracts for NTA (Tel Aviv Metro), Big, SodaStream, Applied Materials, Amdocs and others, who will buy green electricity from Enlight.
Turning Haifa green. Haifa bay’s heavy industry is to be replaced with green spaces, housing and commercial areas. The key event will be the closure of the Bazan oil refineries, which is now scheduled for 2030. Haifa will remain home to the country’s largest cargo port, two smaller seaports, and a small airport.
Even more lifting power. Israel’s Heven Drones (see here previously) has increased the size of the loads they can carry. The hydrogen-powered Raider drones can carry up to 50 pounds and fly for up to 12 hours.
A quality code-generator. (TY Atid-EDI) Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being widely used to create computer code, but the code generated is often over-complex, full of bugs and security flawed. Israel’s Qodo (see here) sets a new standard for efficiency in code understanding, enabling AI systems to work with code at any scale.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qodo-achieves-best-code-embedding-performance-with-small-1-5-billion-parameter-model-302387275.html https://www.qodo.ai/
Storing data as DNA. Researchers at Israel’s Technion Institute have developed DNAformer – a technology for encoding, retrieving, and rapidly reading data stored in DNA molecules. DNA takes up 100 million times less space, lasts hundreds of millennia, saves energy and emissions, and is thousands of times faster to process.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/blog/article/dnaformer-where-nature-meets-ai/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-025-01003-z
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Huge income from natural gas. (TY Atid-EDI & TPS) Israel earned record revenues of NIS 2.37 billion from royalties on natural gas and minerals in 2024 - 8.2% more than in 2023. Israel has earned nearly NIS 30 billion from royalties and taxes on profits. The Sovereign Wealth Fund (or Citizens’ Fund) is worth nearly $2 billion.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-state-royalties-on-natural-resources-reach-new-peak-1001503817
https://worldisraelnews.com/israels-sovereign-wealth-fund-grows-to-2-billion-despite-war/
AI translating all TASE reports into English. (TY Atid-EDI) The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) has commissioned Israel’s TipRanks, to develop a AI-based system to translate listed company reports into English. It is part of the initiative to increase global investors' exposure to the 487 TASE-listed companies.
Delta resumes flights to Israel. Delta Air Lines has restarted daily flights from New York’s JFK airport to Tel Aviv, adding 2,000 weekly seats on the popular New York route. The move comes two weeks after chief rival United Airlines resumed its service to Tel Aviv, and ahead of the busy Passover and Easter travel season.
https://www.jns.org/delta-resumes-flights-to-israel/
More flights to Bucharest. (TY Yanky) Israeli airline El Al has signed a codeshare agreement with Romanian state-owned TAROM Airlines. The number of weekly flights on the Tel Aviv to Bucharest route will increase to 18, and the first flight under the new agreement was scheduled to begin on Apr 1.
https://www.jpost.com/consumerism/article-846698
New El Al route to Albania. El Al is launching direct, nonstop flights, 3 times a week, between Tel Aviv and Tirana, Albania, through its low-cost subsidiary, Sundor. Albania only has 60 Jewish citizens, but is building two Jewish museums, in Tirana and Vlora. Other sites include a Holocaust museum and Shimon Peres Square.
https://www.jta.org/2025/03/28/global/once-isolated-albania-hopes-for-israeli-tourist-boom-with-launch-of-el-al-direct-flights https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/rjsxvrou1e
Lemonade’s $1 billon of fizz. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Lemonade, the AI-powered digital insurance firm (see here previously) has passed $1 billion of In Force Premium (IFP). It marks a significant milestone for the company, achieved just 8.5 years after selling its first policy.
https://www.reinsurancene.ws/lemonade-passes-1bn-in-premiums/
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 6th Apr 25: Israel’s Nayax has acquired Brazil’s UPPay for $5 million. Israel’s N2OFF is acquiring Israel’s Mitocarex Bio from Israel’s SciSparc and others.
Startup investment – to 6th Apr 25: Grain raised $50 million; Unframe raised $50 million; Hi Auto raised $15 million; Linguana raised $8.5 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Site of Armageddon confirmed. Archaeologists have dated Egyptian pottery found at Megiddo in Northern Israel to the time of the Biblical battle where Egypt defeated the Judean King Josiah in 609 BCE. The battle was so vital that it was prophesized to become the site of Armageddon – the final battle at the end of days.
https://israfan.com/p/armageddon-battle-site-confirmed-megiddo
Pre-schooler finds 3,800 year-old amulet. (TY WIN) 3-year-old Ziv Nitzan was hiking with her family at Tel Azeka near Beit Shemesh in central Israel, when she unearthed a Canaanite scarab amulet dating back 3,800 years. Tel Azeka is where David fought Goliath, as described in the Book of Samuel I (17:1).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNTKmsqVcGw
Jerusalem Museum of Tolerance opens. The newly opened Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem resembles a bridge or a dove with outstretched wings, representing unity, dignity and respect among Jews and people of all faiths. The two temporary exhibitions are (a) on Oct 7 2023, and (b) “Documenting Israel: 75 Years of Vision.”
https://www.israel21c.org/israels-magnificent-new-museum-of-tolerance-is-a-study-in-just-that/
Superhero artist is Wonder Man. Marvel and DC comic book artist Michael Netzer is famous for drawing Batman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, etc. He has lived many lives – US-born to a Druze father and a secret Jewish mother, his journey included a Lebanese village, back to the USA, and Aliyah. An amazing story.
https://www.jns.org/michael-netzer-from-american-superheroes-to-israeli-spirituality/
THE JEWISH STATE
Border Police receive portable synagogue. An Israeli Border Police training base received a portable synagogue with prayer books and a new Torah, ensuring officers have access to worship wherever they serve.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-israeli-police-base-receives-portable-synagogue/
Canadian Jews strengthen Israeli education. (TY Yanky) With a fund to be administered by the JFC-UIA organization, a total of $20 million will be invested in educational development in northern Israel, with a special focus on the Galilee region. This includes transforming Tel-Hai College into a university.
3 MDA ambulances donated in memory of Dee family. An anonymous donor, through the Israeli Friends of MDA, has donated three ambulances in memory of Lucy, Maia, and Rina Dee, the wife and daughters of Rabbi Leo Dee who were murdered by terrorists on 7 Apr 2023. They will be used in Efrat, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
https://www.jns.org/three-mda-ambulances-donated-in-memory-of-dee-family/
The Ambassadors of Truth. (TY Sharon) Jerusalem’s conference “Ambassadors of Truth” was focused on combatting Antisemitism. The speakers were many of the leading international defenders of Israel and although others boycotted the conference, it was still a great success.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/03/30/see-the-faces-of-the-ambassadors-of-truth/
Cleaning the Kotel for Pesach. As every year, the Western Wall in Jerusalem is being cleared out of the tens of thousands of prayers that have been inserted between the stones over the past year. These notes will be buried alongside unwanted or damaged sacred writings according to Jewish customs.
https://www.jns.org/western-wall-prayer-notes-extracted-ahead-of-passover/
Rare Haggadot auctioned in Bnei Brak. The Brand auction house in Bnei Brak is auctioning a Jewish Brigade fighters’ Haggadah, and a Haganah Haggadah, both created for Passover 5708, weeks before Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948. Also a 1940 Kibbutz Shefayim Haggadah that refers to the Shoah.
https://www.jns.org/rare-haggadot-up-for-auction-in-bnei-brak/
