In the 27th July 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Israel protects the Syrian Druze from genocide.
l Read the truth about Israeli humanitarian aid.
l New Israeli vaccine is even more effective against deadly bacteria.
l Israelis are combating drought in Ukraine and Uganda.
l Israel’s most advanced communications satellite has been launched.
l Huge investment in Israeli startups.
l There’s no stopping Israel’s national airline.
l Israelis win wheelchair tennis at Wimbledon and world poker tournament.
l Russian Jewish convert enlists in IDF unit for the ultra-orthodox.
· Click here to see the 13th July 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 (over 26,900 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name, and the subject “Subscribe”) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Israel shields Syrian Druze. (TY Honest Reporting) The IDF has been busy protecting Druze families in Syria from genocidal attacks by Syrian militia. The Israeli Air Force destroyed weapons on route to be deployed against the Druze. It also warned the Syrian Government by attacking the regime’s military HQ in Damascus.
https://www.jns.org/after-damascus-strikes-idf-chief-vows-to-shield-syrian-druze/
https://www.jns.org/herzog-meets-druze-leader-after-massacre-in-syrias-sweida-region/
Arrow 3 – the star of the Iran war. (TY WIN & allIsraelnews) As Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles toward Israel, the operators of the Arrow missile defense system stood as the last line of defense. Each night, under immense pressure, they intercepted deadly threats aimed at civilian areas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwuJzkNpuI8
Operation Rising Lion - Moments of Heroism from the Field. One personal story of heroism by a United Hatzalah EMT, during the Am Kalavi 12-day war with Iran. And another video showing many other examples.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q1BRM1cd8I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz4smzN3iLg
To Life. 20 months after his grandfather was murdered by Hamas on Oct 7 2023, Gal Pauker is expanding his grandfather’s work, transforming Pauker Winery into a commercial venture. He is helped by other Israeli boutique winemakers, and some 1,000 bottles of wine stored in the kibbutz’s underground bomb shelter.
$1 million to Bat Yam residents. US charity La’Aretz Foundation has donated $2,500 directly to each of the 500 families impacted in the Bat Yam missile attack by Iran. Some 2,000 people have moved into hotels, temporary apartments, or with family, while their homes are repaired.
Gal Gadot meets female ex-hostages. Israeli superstar actress Gal Gadot met Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Moran Stella Yanai and Ilana Gritzewsky - five survivors of Hamas captivity in Gaza. Gadot told them, “You’re going on with your lives and fighting for others. You are strength. You are inspiration.”
https://www.jns.org/gal-gadot-meets-hostage-survivors-you-are-strength-and-inspiration/
Mother of murdered hostage enlists in the IDF. Einav Danino, whose son Ori was murdered in captivity by Hamas, has enlisted in the IDF, completed basic training and joined a special unit for Orthodox Jewish women. So has Michal Berkovich, widow of Eyal who fell in combat in Gaza.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/ultra-orthodox-mother-of-murdered-hostage-enlists-in-idf/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/410965
Mayor of Nice replaces flag with hostage photos. (TY Yanky) Mayor Christian Estrosi of Nice displayed Israeli flags on the Town Hall to support Israel but was told by an administrative court that he could only display French flags. So he replaced the Israeli flags with images of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Campaign to support ex-hostage raises NIS 3 million. A crowdfunding campaign for former hostage Ofer Calderon raised over NIS 3 million in just one day. He has been left without a home or any means of earning a living due to psychological trauma and because his carpentry shop, built with his own hands, was destroyed.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/friends-of-abandoned-ex-hostage-ofer-calderon-raise-nis-3-million-in-a-day-to-help-him-rebuild-life/ https://yad.reachhands.com/oferpf
87 million meals distributed. The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) delivered some 1.5 million meals on July 8, making a total of 66 million meals distributed. By July 22 it was 87 million meals in total (2 million a day). See GHF website below for true details and ignore false UN & biased media reports.
https://www.jns.org/ghf-updates-total-distributed-meals-to-66m-decries-false-media-reports/
https://worldisraelnews.com/idf-no-famine-in-gaza-as-950-un-aid-trucks-sit-idle-due-to-bureaucracy-not-israeli-policy/ https://ghf.org/ghf-operational-update-tuesday-july-8-2025/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
ZAKA to open resilience centers. Israeli NGO ZAKA, plans to open resilience centers around Israel. They will provide healing therapies to first responders as well as cater to Israelis who are struggling with mental health. ZAKA’s 3,000 volunteers provide the most holy of services - recovering bodies at scenes of tragedies.
https://www.jns.org/zaka-set-to-open-resilience-centers-in-israel/
Born from grief, built for life. After his brother was murdered by Hamas on Oct 7, Omri Stav, CEO of Israel’s Era, is transforming fertility care. Era provides clarity, guidance, and support for the 1in 6 people struggling with fertility. Era is developing an AI-driven system to optimize time to pregnancy for parents and clinics.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjd6arllgx https://eraborn.co/
Home ultrasound for fetal monitoring. Israel’s IMMA Health has developed a patient-operated robotic ultrasound device, It pushes fertility care into the digital era by making IVF smarter, more scalable, and more humane. It should give women more control over their care and help fertility centers operate more efficiently.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1fm1ooixg https://www.imma.health/
mRNA vaccine upgraded. Tel Aviv University and Israel Institute for Biological Research scientists have enhanced their 2023 creation (see here) of the world’s first mRNA-based vaccine against bubonic plague which is spread through the skin (flea bites). The new vaccine protects against pneumonic plague (spread via the air).
https://english.tau.ac.il/research/mrna-vaccine-stops-deadly-plague
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202501286
Boosting the metabolism. More information about the GlP-1 Edge treatment from Israel’s Lembas (see here previously). https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-startup-develops-a-pill-to-boost-the-metabolism/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Druze and Jews together in good times and bad. (TY Sharon) Sharon reminds us of previous joint events with Israeli Druze. And recently, Milhem Asaad was awarded the “Presidential Medal for Civil Valor” having saved Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam. See also photos of Independence Day and Jerusalem Marathon.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/07/20/israelis-and-druze-coming-together-in-good-times-and-bad/
Israelis replant Catholic vineyard. The monks at the French abbey in Israel’s Judean Foothills, lost their vineyards and olive trees in the Spring wildfires, started by Arab arson. Israeli volunteers have begun replanting vines and revitalizing the olive trees. https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-catholic-monks-vineyard-was-burned-in-wildfires-israelis-dig-in-to-help-replant/
Christians unite for Israel. Christians United for Israel, with over 10 million members, held its annual conference in Washington. Speakers told the audience that we’re living in a time of revealed miracles. Who could have predicted Israel would neutralize Hamas, incapacitate Hezbollah and broke the yoke of Iran.
Clean water for Ukraine. Israel has approved a new humanitarian aid package for Ukraine. It includes water systems, each with the capacity to provide clean drinking water to tens of thousands of people. Eastern Ukraine no longer has functioning water infrastructure, as a result of more than three years of Russian bombardment.
Dancing for change (and clean water). This isn’t just a dance. It’s a celebration of survival. In partnership with the world-famous Ghetto Kids, Israel’s Innovation Africa shares the transformation of Karamoja - a village in Uganda - that has clean water for the first time. No more long walks. No more sickness from dirty water.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OKT3zSv78A
Taiwan donates to new medical center. Taiwan’s representative in Israel, Abby Ya-Ping Lee, has presented a significant financial donation to the Nanasi Medical Center, currently under construction in Sha’ar Binyamin. It is the first time a foreign country has donated to the development of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/411231
https://www.jns.org/taiwan-donates-to-new-medical-center-in-samarias-binyamin/
“Brazil-Israel Friendship Day”. Brazil’s Federal Senate has passed a law establishing on Apr 12 as “Brazil–Israel Friendship Day”. It signals growing pushback against President Lula da Silva’s increasingly hostile stance toward Jerusalem. Apr 12 is the anniversary of Brazil’s opening of its embassy in Israel in 1951.
Israel climbs up the passport rankings. The Israeli passport has risen one place to 18th in the latest Henley & Partners Global passport index based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Israelis can now travel visa-free, or obtain visa-on-arrival access, to 168 destinations. (See here previously)
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/412064
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
“Gateway to the Future”. Baltimore’s Haron Dahan Foundation has donated $20 million to Israel’s Bar-Ilan University. It will expand the Dahan Youth Program, which currently provides or improves STEM education for 8,000+ children across Israel. Its two tracks support both under-resourced schools and also gifted students.
https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/haron-dahan-foundation-donates-20-million-to-bar-ilan-university-to-boost-stem-for-israeli-teens/ https://www.jewishtimes.com/baltimore-based-haron-dahan-foundation-donates-20-million-to-bar-ilan-university/
AI tools for schools. Israel has launched a NIS 10 million first-of-its-kind project to allow tech companies to develop, test and deploy personalized AI-powered learning tools directly in Israeli schools. Part of Israel’s National Artificial Intelligence Program, it seeks to promote student-centered tech in overcrowded classrooms.
https://www.jns.org/israel-launches-first-of-its-kind-ai-sandbox-for-public-education/
AI goes underground. (TY Hazel) The AI-powered underground intelligence platform from Israel’s Exodigo (see here previously) is becoming a potential game-changer for defense technology. Its multi-sensing technology with cloud-based AI, produces high-fidelity 3D underground maps without physical intrusion.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-861333
Israeli world record cow. (TY Hazel) “Kharta”, a cow from Kibbutz Sa’ad in Southern Israel produced 18,208 liters of milk in a year and holds the world record for milk production. Israeli cows (see here previously) average nearly 14,000 liters of milk a year, far ahead of Denmark and Estonia.
https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-860783
Israel’s most advanced satellite. (TY Hazel) Israel’s most advanced communications satellite, Dror-1 made by Israel Aerospace Industries, was successfully launched into space from Cape Canaveral, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It is set to serve Israel’s communication needs for the next 15 years. Plus detailed articles about it.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-most-advanced-communications-satellite-successfully-launched-by-spacex/ https://www.jns.org/dror-1-satellite-signals-shift-toward-home-cooking-in-israels-space-strategy/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/ad0ms8vww
Decades of technology tested. From drones to missile defense, Israel’s multi-domain military capabilities reshaped the battlefield against growing threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-12-day-war-with-iran-was-a-test-of-technological-dominance/
https://ats.org/our-impact/the-breakthrough-technology-that-blocked-irans-assault-on-israel/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=556UbLBjbPw
Farming sushi-quality fish without the sea. (TY I24 News) Israeli startup Pure Blue Fish in Binyamina (see here previously) uses cutting-edge technology to provide clean, yellowtail and red rum fish direct to sushi bars. It uses tap water plus a unique continuous pump system, recycling and cleaning the water of impurities.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-israeli-startup-grows-ocean-quality-fish-without-the-ocean/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDizQZ4gkAs
Combating harmful algal blooms globally. Israel’s BlueGreen Water Technologies has partnered with Winrock International to combat harmful algal blooms (HABs) across the globe. It combines advanced technology, comprehensive stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainable water management strategies.
An app to blast out pro-Israel content. The mobile app Emissary, and its AI tool AskEmissary have been designed to give a voice to Israel supporters who wish to spread the truth about Israel and Judaism on social media. https://www.jns.org/app-aims-to-be-one-stop-shop-for-curating-blasting-out-pro-israel-jewish-content-online/ https://www.emissary4all.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQm1aPDDteM
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
$9.3 billion raised. Despite the ongoing war, investments in Israeli startups has hit three-year high - $9.3 billion for the first half of 2025. There were 365 funding rounds in the first six months of the year, up 54 percent from the $6 billion secured during the second half of 2024.
Spain relies on Israeli tech. Despite Madrid's public commitment to halt military technology purchases from Israel, the Spanish government authorizes the acquisition of 11,000 tactical radio communication systems from Israel’s Elbit Systems, with an initial funding of 350 million euros. 1,500 units have already been delivered.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/08/despite-boycott-threats-spain-buys-israeli-tech/
Drone delivery in North Texas. (TY OurCrowd) US DoorDash and Israel’s Flytrex (see here previously) have launched their drone delivery service in Dallas-Fort Worth. Meanwhile, customers in North Texas can download the Flytrex app and order from some three dozen restaurants.
https://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/north-texas-could-see-widespread-drone-food-delivery-by-end-of-2024-20211064 https://about.doordash.com/en-us/news/doordash-flytrex-launch-drone-delivery
New Israeli factory to produce eVTOLs. Israel’s Air EV (see here previously) has unveiled its new 32,000 sq ft production facility to accelerate eVTOL deliveries. The new 32,000 sq. ft. site can manufacture up to six electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) simultaneously.
El Al to increase US routes. El Al has announced it will be enhancing and adding new routes to the USA this winter. There will be 27 weekly flights to and from New York, six weekly flights to and from Florida, six weekly flights to and from Los Angeles and three flights per week to and from Boston.
https://www.jns.org/el-al-announces-expanded-flights-into-four-american-markets/
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 27th July 25: AT&T bought a $650 million stake in Israel’s DriveNets. Israel’s Top Systems acquired Israel’s Nipendo for $2 million in Feb 2024. US WeSure is merging with Israel’s Hourly.io.
Startup investment – to 27th July 25: Island.io raised $250 million (value $4.8 billion); Aidoc raised $150 million; Xtend raised $100 million; Exodigo raised $96 million; April raised $38 million; Heka raised $14 million; Octup raised $12 million; Daylight Security raised $7 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
First female concertmaster for IPO. The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) has appointed the Jerusalem-born violinist Nitzan Bartana as its incoming and first female concertmaster. Currently second concertmaster with the Sinfonieorchester Basel, Bartana has also played with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra since 2008.
https://theviolinchannel.com/israel-philharmonic-orchestra-hires-new-concertmaster/
Ozzy’s love for Judaism & Israel. Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osborne, who recently passed away at the age of 76, played two packed-out concerts in Israel, in 2010 and 2018. He, and his Jewish wife Sharon, visited key religious and historical sites including Yad Vashem. He recently condemned the BBC’s anti-Israel bias.
Flamingos vacation in Israel. This summer in the Upper Galilee brought an unexpected surprise: flocks of pink flamingos have arrived from Iran and Turkey and chosen to remain at KKL-JNF’s Hula Lake, even during the hottest days of summer. For the first time, the flamingos have skipped their usual migration north.
https://www.kkl-jnf.org/about-kkl-jnf/green-israel-news/green-israel-news-2025/July15_item1.aspx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=911bshoon6w
Keep cool in Jerusalem. (TY Yanky) The City of Jerusalem’s ice-skating rink is back at The First Station. You can now bring all the family to cool off from the blazing summer sun. It’s one of the most advanced ice skating facilities in Israel, using real ice, with an area of about 1000 sq meters. Open (not Shabbat) until Oct 22, 2025.
https://www.funinjerusalem.com/events/ice-skating/
Israeli wins Wimbledon. (TY Hazel) For the first time, Israel’s Guy Sasson with Netherland’s Niels Vink won the Wimbledon quad (wheelchair) doubles tournament, adding to their success at the French Open in June. Sasson said “As the lion roars and as the young lion rises. The people of Israel live.” (Num 23 v24 Am Kalavi)
Israeli American wins world poker championship. History was made at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), as Israeli-American Michael Mizrachi clinched the world championship title and walked away with a staggering $10 million prize. The son of an Israeli father, Mizrachi proudly displayed a tattoo of the Israeli flag on his arm.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/17/israeli-american-wins-world-poker-championship/
Norway plays Israel’s National Anthem. Israel’s Blessing Akwasi Afrifah won the 200-meters gold at the 2025 U-23 European Athletics Championships in Bergen, Norway. He was defending the title he won in 2024.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/411968
THE JEWISH STATE
Evangelical Christians sponsor French Aliyah flight. A group of 60 French Jewish immigrants arrived in Israel on a flight sponsored by a Jerusalem-based evangelical Christian organization. Peter Fast, International CEO of Bridges for Peace, said, “This is more than just a flight, it’s prophecy in motion.”
https://www.jns.org/christian-group-sponsors-french-aliyah-flight/
UJIA: Israel tours WILL go ahead. The UK’s largest Israel charity, UJIA, has announced that 800 teenagers can now look forward to their summer educational trip to Israel. The youth movements include BBYO, Bnei Akiva, Ezra, FZY, Habonim Dror, JLGB, LJY-Netzer, Noam, RSY-Netzer, Sinai Youth and Tribe.
https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/ujia-israel-tours-will-go-ahead/?utm_source=cio
UK Sephardi chief to make Aliyah. Rabbi Joseph Dweck is Senior Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community – the oldest Jewish community in the UK. After 12 years, he is moving to Jerusalem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFPwOkhcxPk
Russian convert joins Haredi combat unit. Joseph, a Russian-born convert, father, and new immigrant, has enlisted in the IDF’s Hashmonaim Brigade for Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox men wishing to serve while upholding their religious observance. Joseph reveals what it's like to defend Israel as a religious soldier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L31B9UyI4SY
250713
In the 13th July 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Astounding resilience of released hostages.
l Despite missile damage, Weizmann scientists publish vital research study.
l Peace-loving Muslim leaders make solidarity trip to Israel.
l Israeli startup developed a drone detection system on the battlefield.
l More Israeli military defense for Europe.
l The Jewish State knows when (and to whom) to give gratitude.
· Click here to see the 29th Jun newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, (TY Peloni) 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 26,800 articles).
· If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name, and the subject “Subscribe”) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
100 babies born at missile-damaged Soroka. (TY I24 News) Beer Sheba's Soroka hospital opened up maternity wards in bomb shelters to deal with the threat of rockets. Despite suffering an Iranian missile hit, Israeli women gave birth to 100 babies in the hospital during the 12 days of Operation Rising Lion.
Aid for Iranian missile victims. (TY eJP) Israeli non-profit Ogen (see here previously) has launched a NIS 30 million emergency aid program “Israel’s Financial First Responders,” to support small businesses and families impacted by Iran’s missile attacks on Israel during “Operation Rising Lion.” JNF-USA has also rallied to help.
https://www.jns.org/wire/ogen-launches-30m-relief-fund-for-families-businesses-hit-by-iran-missiles/
More support here. Colel Chabad, with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) and the Hatzinor Fund, are giving debit cards worth 3,000 shekels to Israeli families left homeless after missile attacks. The JDC (Joint) have also been deploying emergency aid and services to support vulnerable populations.
https://www.jns.org/wire/with-homes-destroyed-in-iran-attack-thousands-of-israeli-families-get-immediate-support/ https://www.jns.org/wire/in-wake-of-iran-attacks-jdc-assists-vulnerable-populations-and-devastated-communities/
International support. Foreign aid for Israeli victims has come from Taiwan, which donated $160,000 to the ZAKA emergency response organization. Meanwhile, the Jewish community of Foshan China is donating building materials. Their city is one of the largest suppliers of construction services in the world.
$30 million for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The U.S. State Department will provide $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The GHF has replaced the United Nations in delivering humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians and avoiding Hamas looters. GHF has delivered many millions of meals since its launch.
https://www.jns.org/state-dept-announces-30m-in-funding-for-gaza-humanitarian-foundation/
Ex-hostage completes IDF service. Karina Ariev, held by Hamas for over a year, has officially completed her service in Israel’s Defense Forces. All of Israel has recognized her courage for both the bravery she displayed during her captivity, and for her decision to return and honor her fallen comrades by completing her duty.
https://israfan.com/p/karina-ariev-idf-service-after-captivity
Ex-hostage gives support to missile victims. Former hostage Yelena Troufanov, spends her days gathering clothing and other supplies for those who have been injured or lost their homes and possessions during Iran’s missile attacks. So many items were donated from Israelis, which “reflects the spirit of our people,” she said.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/released-hostage-helps-victims-of-irans-missile-attacks/
Bar-Ilan graduation ceremony in Gaza. Ohad couldn’t attend his medical graduation ceremony at Bar-Ilan University as he was in the IDF serving in Gaza. So the university brought the graduation ceremony to him. He put a hat and gown over his IDF uniform and recited the doctor's oath (Hippocratic Oath) to his fellow soldiers.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xTmRQezOlJw
Unsung heroes. Israeli reservists comprised the bulk of the troops largely responsible for Israel’s successes during the long multi-front war. They are all IDF veterans who completed their full service and then entered civilian life as students, members of the work force, spouses, and parents. Now they are on the front line.
Married couple flew sorties against Iran. (TY Yanky) Combat navigators, identified only as “Yud” and “Bet” both attacked Iran during the 12-day war. “Yud” is the first female deputy commander of a fighter squadron. Husband “Bet,” commands an air squadron and will soon command a fighter squadron. They have 2 children.
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
ChatGPT saves Israeli teen. (TY UWI) A 16-year-old girl from northern Israel turned to ChatGPT for advice upon discovering a mysterious lump in her abdomen. After a series of follow-up questions, the AI chatbot recommended blood tests and an ultrasound. Subsequent surgery removed a large mass from her pancreas.
https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/israeli-teen-chatgpt-saves-life
Weizmann test for blood cancer. Days after their labs were devastated by an Iranian missile, researchers at Weizmann Institute published findings that could lead to a blood test for detecting a person’s risk of developing leukemia. The test might also replace the invasive diagnostic procedure of bone marrow sampling.
https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/life-sciences/new-blood-test-may-detect-leukemia-risk-and-replace-bone-marrow-sampling https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03716-5
Metal-free implants. Israel’s OSSIO recently expanded its best-in-class soft-tissue fixation portfolio with the launch of OSSIOfiber® 2.5mm Suture Anchors, which promise to improve several surgical procedures, including Brostrom repair for lateral ankle instability.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EENti_UKas
Researching treatment for a very rare condition. A rare mutation in the GRIN2D gene causes seizures in only 40 people worldwide. Yet Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a mouse model to replicate the condition, allowing scientists to work towards pharmacological and gene-based therapeutic strategies.
https://en-med.tau.ac.il/GRIN2D-news
Partnering to cure cancer. Georgetown University in the US is home to the federally-designated Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Its joint initiative with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is expected to accelerate progress toward more effective cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
US Ambassador donates blood. United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife, Janet, donated blood following a visit to Magen David Adom’s (MDA) National Headquarters in Ramla. On his tour he saw MDA’s advanced in-house-developed technologies and met with emergency teams.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/ambassador-huckabee-donates-blood-to-lifesaving-israeli-blood-bank/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Bikers ride for Israel. The Rolling Thunder of South Florida motorcycle riders' club organized a ride by some 250 motorcycle enthusiasts in support of Israel, the IDF and Northern Israel communities. They rode 250 miles, from Tel Aviv to the Lebanese border and back. It was their seventh solidarity ride.
https://www.jns.org/250-motorcyclists-ride-250-miles-to-show-support-for-israel/
£1 million for youth village. Israeli NGO Migdal Ohr (see here previously) has raised over £1 million to build emergency dormitories and bomb shelters for at-risk boys at Zoharim Youth Village in central Israel.
https://migdalohr.org.uk/migdal-ohrs-global-36-campaign-raises-over-1-million/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjIwamklAww https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3gArGNcaps&t=41s
Combating hatred on campus. (TY Myer) Israel is privileged to have young people like Rachel Ruben standing up against anti-Israel bullies at US universities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQdE_MFVeUw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwAsuovdfag
Muslim leaders who support peace. A group of brave Islamic religious leaders from France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy and Britain visited Israel on a trip organized by the European Leadership Network (ELNET – see here previously). They met President Herzog, visited Yad Vashem and even sang Israel’s National Anthem.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/group-of-europe-based-imams-visits-israel-bearing-message-of-peace/
6 countries join Israel Allies Foundation. The Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) has expanded its international network by launching six new pro-Israel parliamentary caucuses across Africa. The new groups were established on July 7 in Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Seychelles, Gabon, and Guinea-Conakry.
https://israfan.com/p/israel-allies-foundation-africa-caucuses
Israeli rescued in the Himalayas. After disappearing for nine days seemingly without a trace, American-Israeli hiker Samuel was rescued by the inhabitants of a remote village. He got lost and fell off the edge of Mount Triund, sustaining multiple fractures, and was forced to live on insects, berries, and grass.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/american-israeli-stranded-on-the-himalayas-rescued-by-villagers/
Israel to open embassy in Estonia. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has just completed a three-day tour of the Baltic states. It culminated with his announcing that Jerusalem plans to open its first embassy in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn. https://www.jns.org/israel-to-open-embassy-in-estonia/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Energy & AI agreement with USA. The USA and Israel signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing a powerful new alliance in the fields of artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure. It aims to fortify national energy grids and drive energy innovation across both countries.
https://israfan.com/p/israel-us-energy-ai-agreement-2025
Israel’s Energy Tech map. Startup Nation Central has released a map showing 165 of the 350+ Israeli startups addressing some of the world’s most significant energy challenges. These include reducing carbon emissions, storing clean energy, and enhancing electricity efficiency. The 165 startups raised over $400 million in 2024.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israel-unveils-2025-energy-tech-map-featuring-startups-tackling-climate-and-power-challenges/ https://startupnationcentral.org/hub/blog/energy-tech/
A map of Israeli quantum computing. Earth & Beyond Ventures, with Deloitte Catalyst, have identified nine main Israeli quantum computing startups that have collectively raised about $650 million to date, including $300+ million in 2025 alone. With 15 more Israeli quantum startups, Israel punches above its quantum weight.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyqbeowsge
UAV detection system built on the frontline. Israel’s SkyHoop was created on the battlefield by 36-year-old IDF reservist Zach Bergerson, to alerts troops to incoming aerial threats using mobile phone technology. It has already begun pilot programs in Ukraine and is in talks for a trial with the U.S. Defense Department.
https://israfan.com/p/israeli-defense-tech-growth-2025
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/skyhoop
Multilingual AI is Wonderful. Israeli startup Wonderful has developed a system of AI agents that manage voice, chat, and email interactions for call centers in non-English-speaking countries. Already in use at Israeli organizations Bezeq and Maccabi Health Services, it autonomously handles many customer-response tasks.
https://www.wonderful.ai/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/skluyjmblg
Pre-biotics from carobs. Israel’s CarobWay (see here previously) is launching its carob-derived prebiotic fiber, CarobBiome™. It aims to meet the needs of consumers seeking effective gut and metabolic health benefits. It contains naturally occurring polyphenols, to nourish the gut microbiota, with less bloating.
https://www.foodbev.com/news/carobway-unveils-innovative-carob-derived-prebiotic-fibre
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Romania buys Israeli defense systems. The Romanian Ministry of Defense has selected Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems as the winner of the 1.9 billion EUR tender for its short range air defense systems.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/30/romania-picks-israeli-rafael-for-air-defense-deal/
Foreign airlines return to Israel. Emirati carrier Flydubai, resumed flying to Israel one day after the ceasefire with Iran began. Israeli-owned TUS Airways, the Greek airline Blue Bird Airways and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad began flights one day later, with China’s Hainan close behind. United, Wizz and Lufthansa restart soon.
https://www.jns.org/foreign-carriers-led-by-flydubai-start-returning-to-israel/
https://worldisraelnews.com/united-airlines-returns-to-israel-ahead-of-schedule/
https://worldisraelnews.com/european-aviation-authority-lifts-all-flight-restrictions-on-israel/
Amazon returns to Israel. Online retail giant Amazon.com has fully resumed operations in Israel, lifting a suspension on shipments to addresses in the Jewish state imposed during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel. It has also resumed its free shipping deal for orders totaling over $49 with qualifying items.
https://worldisraelnews.com/amazon-lifts-restrictions-on-shipments-to-israel/
Israel’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Startup Nation Central reports that the 500+ Israeli cybersecurity startups last year raised $3.8 billion - double the funding raised in the sector in 2023. It amounts to 40% of the funds raised by US cybersecurity companies – very commendable.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjupzmarel
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/reports/cyber-spotlight-2025?group=comms
The benefits of international industrial cooperation. (TY Peloni) A report by the Industrial Cooperation Authority (ICA) shows Israel's economy generates $6 billion annually in actual procurement from its expanding network of industrial cooperation agreements with global partners and supports 1,100+ local businesses.
https://israfan.com/p/israel-industrial-cooperation-boost-2025
More money to invest in Israel. Venture capital fund Red Dot Capital Partners (see here previously) has extended its third flagship fund, securing total commitments of $320 million for investing in early-stage Israeli startups. Investors include from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyji2gyblg
EU approves Israeli low-sugar juice. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s BlueTree Technologies received regulatory clearance to market its sugar-reduction system for fruit juices across the EU without prior approval. The filtration-based technology does not fall under the EU’s “novel food” classification.
https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2025/06/23/sugar-reduction-by-bluetree-comes-to-europe/
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 13th July 25: Israel’s Cyera has acquired Israel’s Otterize for tens of millions of dollars. Apple has acquired Israel’s TrueMeeting (previously named CommonGround AI).
Startup investment – to 13th July 25: Cato Networks raised $359 million; Wonderful AI raised $34 million; Qedma raised $26 million; aiOla raised $25 million; Imagene AI raised $23 million; Restore Medical raised $23 million; Nominal.so has raised $20 million; Ryft raised $8 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
1,600-year-old Byzantine mosaic unveiled. (TY Yanky) Originally discovered in 1990 near Kibbutz Urim, close to the Gaza Strip, the Be’er Shema (Birsama) mosaic is now permanently displayed at the Merhavim Regional Council HQ in the Negev. It contains 55 detailed medallions of mythological subjects.
https://archaeologymag.com/2025/05/1600-year-old-byzantine-mosaic-unveiled-in-negev/
1900-year-old lion heads. (TY TPS) A set of rare and intricately designed bronze discs shaped like lion heads has been uncovered in central Israel. The 1,900-year-old artifacts are believed to have once adorned the carrying handles of a wooden coffin that has not survived. Lions symbolize strength, protection, and nobility.
THE JEWISH STATE
He couldn’t save the patient but he helped the mourners. United Hatzalah EMS Elhanan performed CPR in the intense heat of a Beit Shemesh house. Although the patient passed away, Elhanan returned to the shiva house the next day and installed two air-conditioners, free of charge. At least the mourners could breathe.
https://www.shemesh.co.il/en/highlights/pure-kindness-from-a-united-hatzalah-volunteer
Hat’s off to Rabbi Herzog. Winner’s of Jerusalem is auctioning the iconic top hat worn by Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac HaLevi Herzog, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel. Bids are expected to start at $800. Rabbi Herzog was Chief Rabbi until 1959 and recovered Jewish children hidden by Christians from the Nazis.
Rare Ethiopian biblical manuscripts uncovered. (TY TPS) Researchers in Israel have uncovered two handwritten biblical manuscripts from the 15th century that belonged to Israel’s Ethiopian Jewish community - the oldest known sacred texts of their kind. They comprise the Five Books of Moses, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth.
Birthright Israel returns. Birthright Israel plans to resume summer programs just two weeks after Birthright evacuated some 2,800 participants from Israel during the war with Iran. “… now we’re opening the gates to Israel once again,” stated Gidi Mark, CEO of the group, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
https://www.jns.org/birthright-israel-to-resume-trips-after-evacuating-participants-during-war/
Saying thanks. Following the US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, some senior Israeli Rabbis instructed their communities to replace the daily Tachanun prayer with Mizmor Letodah - the prayer for thanks. On Rosh Chodesh Tammuz many Israeli communities recited full Hallel rather than the usual half Hallel.
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-858539
