In the 24th Aug 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l Heartwarming Israeli recovery stories from the war in Gaza.
l Israeli breakthrough in spinal cord surgery.
l Israelis are restoring vines and olive trees at a monastery
l Israeli startup speeds up production of eco-friendly aviation fuel.
l Two Israeli women win the lottery on consecutive days.
l Israeli comedy about kidnapping is a (surprise?) hit with Israeli audiences.
l Israelis were dancing for joy (and medals) in Vietnam.
l More ancient Jewish history unearthed in Israel.
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POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Avi and Eden are married. IDF Commander Avi, shot in the head on Oct 7 2023, was rehabilitated at Raanana’s Lowenstein center where he met and got engaged to his nurse Eden (see here previously). They were recently married. See links here. And here. And note the multicultural Jewish wedding in Israel.
Idan Amedi’s reunion with medic who saved his life. Actor and singer Idan Amedi reunited with the doctor who saved his life after he was severely injured in Gaza. At his Jerusalem concert for thousands of fans, Amedi paused his performance, hugged Dr Tuvia Book, saying “I love you, “I will never be able to thank you enough.”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413376 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413495
Hearts go out to female soldiers. (TY Yanky) Lev LeChayalot (Heart for Female Soldiers) was started as a grassroots initiative to raise the spirits of thousands of courageous female IDF soldiers defending the country, providing them with the vital care they need to help them better able to serve their country.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-835281 https://chayalot.com/who-we-are/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-864530
Attack on Iran stopped its cyber-attacks against the UK. (TY OurCrowd) In May, Israel’s Cyabra (see here previously) uncovered an Iranian bot network attack intending to manipulate UK political sentiment and deepen domestic divisions. But for 16 days in June, after Israel began attacking Iran, the bots went silent.
Oct 8. Jewish-American filmmaker and author Wendy Sachs showed her documentary “October 8”, which tries to reclaim control of the narrative, at the Jerusalem Film Festival. According to her, the film seeks to explain “how we got to where we got,” and it’s intended for an international and not necessarily Jewish audience.
https://www.jns.org/hollywood-has-no-spine-jewish-director-fights-antisemitism/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
The first human spinal cord implant. Tel Aviv University and Israel’s Matricelf (see here previously) are to perform the world’s first surgery, where a personalized engineered human spinal cord will be implanted in a paralyzed patient. The procedure aims to enable the patient to rise from a wheelchair and walk again.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-864808 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UYHX2NNLRUg
Eliminating EoE. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a food allergy (milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, fish etc.,) disease that affects 1 in 2,500 people. Now a team of researchers from Tel Aviv University have found that blocking the protein TSLP might stop the disease from developing. It may also help understand other allergic disorders.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-food-allergy-disease-eoe-rises-israeli-team-says-blocking-a-protein-can-shut-it-down/ https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.02.25.640192v1
4th FDA clearance for AI blood analysis. Israel’s Scopio Labs (see here previously) has now received the fourth FDA clearance for its groundbreaking, full-field digital hematology imaging platform. The new Decision Support System significantly helps labs analyze blood smears for anomalies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9HqaBCg4Ac
Good Medicine. (TY Sharon) The Good Medicine experience at Jerusalem’s Friends of Zion, featured Chief Joseph and Dr. Laralyn RiverWind, founders of FireKeepers International, a Native American Zionist charity. They gave messages of support and the gift of healing, from one indigenous people to another.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/08/17/jerusalem-protests-beating-drums-but-more/
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/r9bg_iR3Pk0 https://www.firekeepersinternational.org/
https://www.firekeepersinternational.org/copy-of-projects
Therapeutic playroom in memory of Bibas family. Schneider Children’s Medical Center has inaugurated its first therapeutic playroom, dedicated to the memory of murdered hostages Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas. It offers hospitalized children a space for play, healing, and hope. It was created thanks to non-profit "Toys for Simcha."
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413450 https://israelactive.com/?s=%22Toys+for+Simcha%22
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
A model for Haredi integration. The Israel Sci-Tech School Network (ISTS – see here previously) is implementing a model of respecting tradition while preparing for the future. Some 1,000 Haredi students are enrolled in ISTS colleges. In cities like Tsfat, 65% of the students at one ISTS college are Haredi.
Streamlined visa application process for evangelical Christians. (TY Yanky) US Ambassador and Christian Zionist Mike Huckabee has successfully unblocked the bureaucratic delays that evangelical Christians recently experienced when applying for entry visas to Israel. A new streamlined and efficient process now operates.
https://il.usembassy.gov/statement-from-us-ambassador-to-israel/
Israelis help replant vines at monastery. (TY Yanky) The agricultural lands of the Trappist monks at the Latrun Monastery were badly burned in the recent wildfires (many caused by Arab arsonists). Now 80 Israeli volunteers (secular and religious Jews) are helping the monastery recover by planting new vines and olive trees.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-catholic-monks-vineyard-was-burned-in-wildfires-israelis-dig-in-to-help-replant/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebtdJF2q0OA
Saving endangered plant species. One of Israel’s rarest plants - the spear-leaved dogbane - is currently blooming in the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens after its extinction from the Negev Desert. Until it is returned to the Negev, visitors can admire the plant’s beauty at the “refuge” pond at the Botanical Gardens’ northern edge.
https://www.jns.org/breakthrough-in-israels-plant-conservation-efforts/
Searching for flood victims. Following the devastating floods that swept through Texas Hill Country in early July, the Israeli-based ZAKA volunteer emergency-response and disaster-victim recovery organization has deployed a specialized team to the state after a call for support from Texas authorities.
A side of Israel that rarely makes the news. Innovation Africa’s latest newsletter highlights a major area where Israelis benefits humanity.
https://us5.campaign-archive.com/?u=3f627acf2a45b98171765e2e2&id=9a9b213224
IDF saves lives across the world. (TY WIN) From earthquakes in Greece to tsunamis in Japan and terror attacks in Kenya, the IDF has carried out 37 humanitarian missions across 29 countries, proving that its mission extends far beyond defending Israel - it’s about saving lives worldwide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Df2hw0dkQ
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Joint US-Israel Quantum AI tech hub. Israel and the US are to create a joint science center for artificial intelligence and quantum innovation at an investment of $200 million. The center will serve as a hub to promote technology-driven cooperation and diplomacy with Gulf countries in AI and quantum science.
Open-access AI supercomputer. Israel’s largest server farm operator, SDS (Schonfeld Data Services) has completed the construction of a new NIS 1 billion supercomputer. SDS-AI will be the first supercomputer to be available to local AI startups and Israeli academic researchers.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hk3ibhgylx
Grain analysis in seconds. Israel’s SCIO (see here previously) has launched the Mini 2 - the 2nd generation of the world’s first pocket spectrometer. It analyses the content of corn (ear, shelled or sweet corn). It is vital for US agriculture ,to aid harvest, storage, and field management decisions. It also scans cheese.
https://www.scionir.com/sensors-network/scio-mini/
A better way to produce fuel. Israel’s NGV (see here previously) has developed an efficient method for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) without vast quantities of hydrogen gas. NAV uses a novel iron catalyst system (Fe-spinel) to produce higher volumes of suitable liquid hydrocarbons at a much lower cost.
https://www.safinvestor.com/opinion/147972/ngv/
Cooling AI data centers. Israel’s ZutaCore (see here previously) has partnered with global AI-as-a-Service platform, Iozera, to make data centers more sustainable for AI operations. ZutaCore's HyperCool® technology uses a direct-to-chip pool boiling system to efficiently remove heat from processors and away from servers.
Green buildings. Israel embraces sustainable construction with innovative materials, energy-efficient design and long-term savings - positioning green building as a key pillar of environmental responsibility and modern real estate strategy. Israel has adopted Standard 5281, which defines clear criteria for sustainable buildings.
https://www.ynetnews.com/real-estate/article/bkw5mdlygx
Taking X-ray security scanning to the next level. Israel’s SeeTrue (see here previously) is rolling out SeeTrue X-ray – the next generation of its real-time detection of prohibited items. It features real-time, high-accuracy detection; low false positives for faster passenger flow; and connectivity with all common scanners.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/seetrue-rolls-out-next-generation-ai-x-ray-screening-platform-advancing-security-screening-to-the-next-level https://seetrue.ai/xray/
An all-seeing eye. Israeli startup Scanary unveiled a groundbreaking technology for mass security screening, capable of processing up to 25,000 people per hour without physical contact or bottlenecks. The system detects hidden objects on individuals in motion across 200 square meters, identifying threats in under two seconds.
https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/r1ddukcilx https://scanary.ai/
Partnering for natural preservatives. Israel’s Novella Innovative Technology (see here previously) has partnered with Australia’s Metaphor Foods, to use Novella’s botanic AuraCell™ plant cell natural antioxidant and anti-microbial compounds for natural preservation in food applications.
Israel in space. Excellent history of Israeli achievements in the field of space and satellite technology.
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/israeli-space-research-and-development
The star that came back for more. Tel Aviv University researchers and an international team of scientists have documented the first known instance of a star surviving a destructive encounter with a supermassive black hole - not once but twice. https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-world-breakthrough-scientists-see-star-survive-encounter-with-a-black-hole/ https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ade155
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5-mqY0Y4oo
Combining security and aesthetics. Israel’s Zarta Studio is fielding requests from prospective clients across the country - that demand the firm’s specialty: building fortresses that look anything but. Its projects include designs in places hit hard by Oct 7 2023, including Sderot, Nahal Oz, Ein Hashlosha, and Yad Mordechai.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Fly direct to Vietnam. Israeli airline Arkia plans to launch direct flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport to Vietnam’s capital Hanoi early next year. It marks the first direct flight service between Tel Aviv and Hanoi.
The regional economic superpower. (TY Yanky) You may be able to read this article by Ruchir Sharma in the UK Financial Times in which says “The markets are signaling a clear winner in the Middle East. Israel’s stunning stock rally suggests the country is cementing its status as the regional economic superpower.”
Airlines return to Israel. Scandinavian airline SAS has announced that it will resume flights to Israel, nearly a decade after suspending operations in the country. Beginning in late October, the airline will operate three weekly flights between Copenhagen and Tel Aviv. Air Europa has resumed with six weekly flights to Madrid.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413670
Better than China and Turkey. (TY Yanky) Israel’s Elbit beat Turkey’s Roketsan and China's Norinco in a tender from Peru’s military for Elbit's PULS artillery system, in an initial contract worth about $60 million. Elbit is working with Peruvian company FA ME in final negotiations with Peru's Ministry of Defense.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-elbit-wins-peruvian-puls-artillery-system-tender-1001516935
Two new millionaires. It was a week of extraordinary luck for Mifal HaPais, Israel’s state-run lottery, as two women in their 50s walked away with massive wins in consecutive draws - one taking home NIS 8 million, and the other scoring NIS 6 million the very next day. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413636
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 24th Aug 25: Trivago acquired Israel’s Holisto for $40 million.
Startup investment – to 24th Aug 25: IVIX raised $60 million; Vendict raised $10 million; HyperAd raised $1 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Israeli movie sells a million Israeli tickets. (TY Yanky) Saving Shuli-San, the new Israeli comedy released in theaters on July 17, sold its one millionth ticket on Aug 11. One character, Batsheva, is played by Emma Medding, international model, daughter of a Japanese mother and an Australian father, who grew up in Israel.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-864258
Film Award winners. (TY Yanky) The 42nd Jerusalem Film Festival awarded Gal Gadot and US producer Lawrence Bender special awards of recognition. Gadot said, “I love my country, and I’m proud to be a part of it and to raise our voice for it.” Bender said, “Israel is where my soul is. each of us has to do our part.”
Silver medals. Israel’s Tamar Steinberg won the silver medal at the World Sailing Championship in Aarhus, Denmark. Israelis Daniela Peleg finished in fifth place and Sharon Kantor in sixth place. Israel’s Nadav Levi won the BC2 silver at the 2025 World Boccia European Championships in Zagreb for people with disabilities.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ttwaprn7q
https://www.sail-world.com/news/287971/iQFOiL-Worlds-in-Aarhus-overall
https://bocciamedals.com/events/event-268-zagreb-2025-world-boccia-european-championships/
https://worldboccia.io/event/268/category/3519
The jellyfish have gone. (TY Yanky) It is incredible, but after the end of the 3 weeks, terminating with the Fast of Av, nearly all the jellyfish (meduzot) vanish from Israel’s beaches. So come here to enjoy safe, refreshing bathing in the warm Mediterranean. https://www.meduzot.co.il/overview-map/
Rafi beats antisemite. (TY Yanky) Israeli MMA fighter Rafi Aronov - who bravely fought against Hamas terrorists on 7 Oct - secured a major victory in London against Brad Wheeler, a known antisemite and vocal hater of Israel. Rafi walked into the arena proudly carrying the Israeli flag and walked out with his head high.
https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/174309-rafi-aronov
Ofri knows where she is going. (TY Yanky) Israel’s Ofri Yaakobi won the U18 Orienteering Sprint race at the European Youth Championship in the Czech Republic in the relatively new sport of Sports Navigation.
https://oresults.eu/events/2209?class=Women+18
Israeli amputees don’t give up. Since the Israel Amputee Football team began operating in 2020, over 70 different players have participated in its activities. Currently, the national team roster includes over 20 active players who train and compete regularly. https://israelamputeefootball.com/en/about-us/
https://amputeefootball.eu/projects/nations-league-2/ https://israelamputeefootball.com/en/home/
Israelis are dancing again. (TY Yanky) Israelis Liana Odikadze and Alexei Korovchenko won the World Open (new series) Latin Adult section of the World Dance Championship in Vietnam. Yaniel Grinevich and Eden Gurfinkel won silver in the Open Youth standard and also bronze in the Open Latin Rising Stars category.
THE JEWISH STATE
2,200 year-old gold coin for Egyptian Queen unearthed. A gold coin minted for Queen Berenice II dating back about 2,200 years has been uncovered just outside the Old City of Jerusalem. The discovery sheds new light on the status of Jerusalem after the destruction of the first Jewish Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.
https://www.jns.org/rare-gold-coin-minted-for-egyptian-queen-unearthed-in-jerusalem/
Coin from Herod era unearthed. Lior Zavrag, a reservist officer in the Samaria Regional Brigade, discovered an ancient coin from the time of King Herod and more than 2,000 years old, in the Sebastia archaeological site. Field officials said, “through this very gate passed Omri, Herod and, of course, (prophets) Elijah and Elisha.”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413621
Rebuild, volunteer, and tour Israel. A reminder that Jewish National Fund-USA is currently organizing much-needed volunteer missions in Israel for variety of ages and groups, from teens to adults. JNF-USA Volunteer in Israel Missions are your opportunity to build Israel now and make a difference for the future.
Great-great-great-grandfather’s tefillin. At the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu of Safed conducted a tefillin-laying ceremony for his grandson, who is celebrating his bar mitzvah. The tefillin worn by the boy were preserved from the Holocaust, having originally belonged to Rabbi Eliyahu’s great-grandfather
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413461
225 new Olim. (TY WIN) On 20 Aug, Nefesh B'Nefesh's Aliyah flight landed at Ben Gurion Airport, bringing 225 new Olim from North America. There were 125 children, singles, families, and medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and therapists. 1,000 Olim in August - the largest month of Aliyah in two decades.
https://www.jns.org/good-news-doctors-professionals-youth-land-in-israel-on-nefesh-flight/ https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/artc-nefesh-b-nefesh-s-65th-charter-aliyah-flight-arrives-during-record-month-of-aliyah-in-two-decades https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413556
How to help Israel. Here are some sites where newsletter readers can donate to Israeli organizations that provide vital help to Israelis at this difficult time. Many thanks to those who have already contributed and to those who are helping by donating their own valuable time and resources.
IDF Soldiers Fund in Israel: https://www.ufis.org.il/en/donation-en/ (Select the English speakers’ option)
American Friends of Magen David Adom (US donors): https://afmda.org/
or Magen David Adom (Israel): https://www.mdais.org/en/donation
Zaka (US donors): https://donate.zakatelaviv.org/give/525578/ or (Israeli donors): https://charidy.com/zaka
or (Canadian donors): https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bellevue-foundation/
United Hatzalah: https://israelrescue.org/campaign/israel-at-war-2/ or Canada https://www.uhcanada.org/
Donate a medic bag, save a life https://israelrescue.org/campaign/medicbag/
Leket Food Israel: https://www.leket.org/en/
JNF USA - https://my.jnf.org/gaza-emergency/Donate or Canada https://jnf.ca/
Orthodox Union - https://www.charidy.com/ouisraelcrisis
Help rebuild Soroka: https://www.soroka.org/
And Weizmann: https://weizmann-usa.org/
Schneider Children’s Hospital: https://www.fos.org.il/en/donate (Israelis)
https://system.smartgiving.org.uk/charities/8530/make-donation (UK)
https://chaischneider.org/donate/ (USA)
Rambam Medical Center (Haifa) https://aforam.org/ways-to-give/ (US)
https://www.rambam.org.il/en/support_rambam/donate_now/ (Rest of the World)
Hadassah Hospital Israel: https://www.hadassah.org/
Laniado Hospital (Netanya) https://my.israelgives.org/en/fundme/EmergencyLaniado
Buy Israel Bonds to support the Jewish State. (TY Larry B)
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/state-of-israel-bonds
USA - https://www.israelbonds.com/
Europe - https://israelbondsintl.com/
Canada - https://www.israelbonds.ca/
