In the 7th Sep 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
l So many volunteer groups are helping to rebuild after 7 Oct 2023.
l Israeli doctors removed a brain tumor via the eye socket.
l “Miracle delivery” bears fruit after 24 years.
l The first Ethiopian immigrant to attain full Israeli professorship.
l Two more Israeli “out of this world” space achievements.
l Israel continues to build for the future.
l Israel beat France and Belgium to advance to the EuroBasket final 16.
l See the wealth of ancient Jewish treasures unearthed in the Land of Israel.
· Click here to see the 31st Aug 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.
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POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Rebuilding the Kibbutz. 50 young educators from the Hashomer HaTzair Labor Zionist youth movement have relocated to Kibbutz Nir Oz (see here previously) that was devastated by Hamas terrorists on 7 Oct 2023. Kibbutz chairman Tzvika Tesler said a prayer at a ceremony marking the start of the rebuilding process.
https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/kibbutz-nir-oz-the-hardest-hit-community-in-the-10-7-attacks-welcomes-50-new-idealistic-residents-as-it-looks-to-rebuild/ https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/414164
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rwqZ_uBUmI
German volunteers restore Metula guest house. A group of German volunteers, including descendants of Nazi families, went to Metula, a northern Israeli town damaged by war. Their goal: to help rebuild homes and support recovery efforts. Their message: “We came to fix, not to forget.”
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-german-volunteers-help-restore-northern-israel-community/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4KPxwGGlFo
Parents volunteer to see their lone soldier children. 77 Parents of lone soldiers from the US, Russia and Argentina arrived as an organized group on the Birthright Israel volunteer program to see their children and assist the Jewish state. They had an emotional reunion on Aug 7 at the IDF base in Glilot Junction.
https://www.jns.org/parents-of-lone-soldiers-visit-in-volunteer-cohort-via-birthright-israel/
German Christians support Israel. To show faith and solidarity, young German Christians defied fear and public opinion to come to Israel and support the Jewish state. They sang in Hebrew, prayed at the Western Wall, and witnessed both the beauty and heartbreak of a nation under fire.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-young-german-christians-visit-israel-to-show-support/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_1N1fEhQ50
More students than before the war. (TY Sam K) 23,700 students have returned to school in the Gaza envelope – an increase of approximately 2,000 since 7 Oct 2023. https://ground.news/article/back-to-school-data-in-the-envelope-number-of-students-returning-increased-by-2-000
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Brain stem tumor removed through eye socket. Surgeons at Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center performed Israel's first-ever minimally invasive brain surgery through the eye socket. Surgeons successfully removed a rare skull base tumor without the need to open the skull.
Groundbreaking bacteria research. Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists have developed a technique that distinguishes the precise subgroup of a bacteria strain that is causing infection. It explains why antibiotics and vaccines sometimes fail. The discovery can lead to more precise treatments.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/using-novel-method-to-compare-subgroups-israeli-researchers-unlock-bacterias-secrets/ https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00915-8
No wasted medical trials. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s QuantHealth.ai (see here previously) has successfully simulated 350+ clinical trials, with 90% predictive accuracy. Its 23 therapeutic areas, include oncology, immunology, cardio-metabolic diseases, and gastroenterology. It saved one top 10 customer $31.4 million.
Combating obesity. (TY WIN) The US FDA has approved generic liraglutide injection from Israel’s Teva. It copies Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Saxenda, which costs over $1,300 per month. Liraglutide mimics the body’s glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, suppressing appetite and triggering insulin release for up to 24 hours.
https://jewishbreakingnews.com/teva-wins-fda-approval-for-first-generic-weight-loss-drug/
Another award for OncoHost. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s OncoHost (see here previously) has been selected as the Top Precision Oncology Solution for 2025 by Life Sciences Review. OncoHost’s PROphet® predicts how a specific immunotherapy treatment will perform on a cancer patient, from a single blood sample.
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/oncohost-named-top-precision-oncology-solution-for-2025-302517239.html https://www.lifesciencesreview.com/oncohost
Prem baby returns to hospital. 24 years ago, Prof Simcha Yagel delivered premature baby Ruhama, weighing just 495 grams, at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital. Ruhama has just returned to the same hospital – to give birth to her first child – a boy. And Prof Yagel was present at that delivery too.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/414035
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
The first Ethiopian Israeli University Professor. (TY Yanky) Anbessa Teferra, an Ethiopian-born linguist, was the first Ethiopian immigrant to be appointed Associate Professor at any Israeli university, back in 2015 (see here). He now becomes Israel’s first Ethiopian immigrant to achieve a full professorship.
https://ethiodiasporahub.com/anbessa-teferra-first-ethiopian-immigrant-full-professor-in-israel/
Second unit for Haredi IAF technicians. (TY Yanky) The IDF has established a second Israeli Air Force technicians unit for male members of the ultra-Orthodox community (see here for first unit). They are now certified “level A” technicians for F-16 fighter jets, alongside preserving their religious lifestyle.
Israeli soccer stars honor Druze Majdal Shams children. (TY Hazel) The 12 Druze children murdered by Hezbollah in Majdal Shams (July 2024) were honored in an emotional exhibition match which brought together the families of the victims and the injured, alongside legendary players from Israel’s national team.
https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/majdal-shams-children-honoured-in-football-match-with-israeli-legends/
Official visit to Nigeria. Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel visited Nigeria for talks on strengthening bilateral relations. Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said “Nigeria and Israel share common values and challenges..” Haskel visited an Israeli innovation center in Abuja.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-deputy-fm-visits-nigeria-amid-diplomatic-push-in-africa/
Students from 24 US unis tour Israel. US students of the Hasbara Fellowships and IsraelAmbassadors.com delegation met politicians, visited the sites of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas massacre, met a former hostage and toured Israel’s northern borders for an on-the-ground understanding. They will be effective activists for Israel.
https://www.jns.org/u-s-students-tour-israel-to-fight-disinformation/
Friendship with India still flourishes. India celebrated its Independence Day on 15 Aug. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for congratulating the people of India on the country’s 78th Independence Day. Both Israel and India gained independence in 1948.
https://www.jns.org/may-india-israel-friendship-continue-to-flourish-pm-modi-says/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Ofek 19 launched. Israel launched the Ofek 19 satellite by a “Shavit” launcher from an undisclosed test site. Ofek 19 is a highly advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) observation satellite with enhanced capabilities.
IAI SMS Group led the project, with key support from Israel’s ELTA, Tomer, and Rafael.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-866136
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/414293
Advanced space camera launched. Israel’s Elbit Systems has successfully launched one of the world’s most advanced space cameras - its JUPITER space camera - aboard the National Advanced Optical System (NAOS) satellite. It supports observation and military operations, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-865439
Defending against hypersonic missiles. While Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is finalizing laser-based systems to intercept rockets, mortars, and UAVs, it is also working on its “SkySonic” project, designed to intercept hypersonic missiles. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/t4uymydsh
Drone protector is also anti-drone defender. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s ParaZero Technologies builds drone safety systems (see here previously) and also systems to combat hostile drones. Its DefendAir systems include advanced optical detection and tracking, plus interception drones and guns that shoot nets to immobilize drones.
https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/parazero-completes-field-trial-of-enhanced-drone-defense-system-93CH-4155206 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbYHq8h6YXE
The first Boeing 777 freighter conversion. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is the first company to convert a Boeing 777-300ER passenger jet into a freighter. The 777-300ERSF can carry 100 tons of cargo. Its size, efficiency, and reduced operating costs positions it as a potential game-changer in the freight market.
See it, build it. The patented technology from Israel’s LightYX analyzes building construction plans in real time, reducing errors and boosting productivity. It aims to eliminate one of the industry’s most persistent inefficiencies: human error during on-site layout work. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hklfk2e9lx
Been scammed? Israeli startup can help. (TY Atid-EDI) Many people who fall victim to online scams are left feeling helpless. Israel’s Online Justice offers a video chat option where clients can speak directly with experienced specialists, ask questions in real time, and understand the steps involved in recovering stolen funds.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/17/3117163/0/en/Online-Justice-Launches-Video-Consultancy-to-Support-Fund-Recovery-for-Scam-Victims.html https://www.onlinejustice.com/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Doubling the size of Yokneam. Israel is investing some NIS 1.8 billion to build 6,000 new housing units and upgrade infrastructure in the Northern city of Yokneam. It will enable the population of Yokneam (home of many hi-tech companies) to double from about 25,000 to 50,000 residents.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/real-estate/article-865462
Building for hundreds of new students. Five nine-story buildings are being built in Israel’s Kfar Saba that will provide 369 apartments for students. The NIS 730 million Joy Living dormitory complex will have a dedicated room on each floor for communal use, such as shared workspaces, a yoga room, daycare, and more.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/real-estate/article-865130
Transforming the Arava. KKL-JNF has approved a historic plan to expand its development efforts from the Arava to the Golan Heights, with a focus on the Jordan Valley. NIS 18 million will be invested each year over the next five years for residential development, agricultural training and essential infrastructure.
https://www.jns.org/kkl-jnf-approves-five-year-plan-for-jordan-valley/
Deep into the infrared. Israel’s SCD Semiconductor (see here previously), manufacturer of infrared sensors and detectors, has signed a multi-year strategic (“Blue & White”) contract with the Israel Defense Ministry. The NIS 380 million program will enable Israel to build next-generation sensors across the full infrared spectrum.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rybq11bq9gg
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/414197
Successful Olim. Some examples of thriving Jerusalem food businesses started by new Israeli immigrants include Infused JLM, Power CoffeeWorks, and Crave (Kosher gourmet street food). But you need to bring fresh ideas, culinary creativity, and cultural richness.
Support for US Army. Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks’s subsidiary Gilat DataPath has been awarded a $7 million+ contract to deliver global field and support services to the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Command, Control and Communications Networks. The program could extend to five years and $70 million.
Going beyond. (TY OurCrowd) The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Israel’s Flytrex (see here previously) for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations (see here previously). Flytrex can now expand drone delivery to the USA’s 37 largest metro areas, with some 100 million+ residents.
Taking vegan salmon to the Next Level. (TY OurCrowd) The new All American Vegan menu offered by Next Level’s Veggie Grill features Oshi’s Pan Seared vegetarian salmon (see here previously). It is Oshi’s first rollout at a national chain.
Another lottery millionaire. Following last week’s consecutive multi-million shekel wins by two Israeli women, a father of four from southern Israel in his fifties won the Israeli National Lottery first prize of 10 million shekels in a drawing at the end of August. He had just completed 300 days of IDF reserve duty.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/414214
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 7th Sep 25: Israel’s Hold Me is to acquire New York's Synthetic Darwin, an AI research and development studio pioneering the next generation of self-evolving, autonomous AI agents – the DarwinsLab. Israeli-founded (US-based) Varonis acquired California’s SlashNext for $150 million. Israel’s Cato Networks has acquired Israel’s Aim Security for $350 million.
Startup investment – to 7th Sep 25: Seemplicity raised $50 million; Utila raised $22 million; LightYX raised $11 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
On all of these. (TY Yanky) The manuscript of the original lyrics to “Al Kol Eleh” (On All of These), one of Naomi Shemer’s most enduring songs, was gifted last week by her family to the National Library of Israel. It is often sung to emphasize that we should be strong enough to endure bad events as well as enjoy the good ones.
https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-864745 https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/music/musicians/naomi-shemer
Ancient Samaritan estate unearthed. (TY UWI) Archaeologists uncovered a 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate in Kafr Qasim, featuring ornate mosaics, olive presses, and a purification bath that reveal both the prosperity and resilience of the community from the Roman to Byzantine periods.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-1600-year-old-samaritan-estate-unearthed-in-central-israel/
Honey badger on display. A rare honey badger was captured on video for the first time on Mount Dov in the Hermon region, using a thermal imaging camera. It confronted and chased off another animal, probably a jackal, without fear. IDF soldiers nearby were impressed by how it stood up to its much larger enemy!
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/413885
Tel Aviv White Night returns. After being canceled in 2024 due to budget constraints and postponed from its original June 2025 date because of security concerns, Tel Aviv's beloved White Night festival made its highly anticipated return on 28th Aug. It transforms Israel's cultural capital into an all-night arts playground.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-865610
Young Strong Lungs. (TY Sharon Altshul) Sara Elijah’s first full solo release, “Young Strong Lungs” is an album of emotion translated into art. Sara’s parents founded Shalva, Israel’s groundbreaking initiative for individuals with disabilities. Her transition from the Shalva Band to solo artist is well worth listening to.
https://www.jns.org/sara-elijah-samuels-breathes-new-life-into-israeli-pop/
TJ Leaf finally comes home. After years of speculation, Israeli-born NBA forward TJ Leaf has fulfilled his lifelong dream of joining Maccabi Tel Aviv. 10 years ago, Leaf led Israel’s Under-18 national team to a silver medal in the Division B European Championship, where he was also named Most Valuable Player.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-865311
EuroBasket victories. Israel beat Iceland 83-71 in Katowice, Poland, to open its 2025 EuroBasket campaign. Then, after a narrow loss to Poland, Israel beat France 82-69. Finally, they beat Belgium 92-89 to advance to the last 16 for the first time in a decade. Watch the pre-tournament concert to see what inspired them.
https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-eurobasket-2025/teams/israel
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-865683 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/414300
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/q8njNnen3pU (must see!)
Jumping for joy. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Daniel Bluman riding Corbie V.V. won the $340,000 CSI5* Major League Show Jumping Kubota Grand Prix of Toronto. His team Maccabi United also won $50,000 and is now top of the Season 5 league. Maccabi United also won the $312,500 Cabana Coast Team event the previous day.
https://www.worldofshowjumping.com/All-other-events/Daniel-Bluman-and-Corbie-VV-unbeatable-in-CSI5-Kubota-Grand-Prix-at-MLSJ-Toronto.html https://www.worldofshowjumping.com/All-other-events/Maccabi-United-make-their-mark-on-MLSJ-Toronto.html
Israelis take revenge on Celtic. (TY Hazel) In the UEFA Champions League soccer qualifying play-off, two Israelis, Ofri Arad and Dan Glazer helped Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty beat Scotland’s Celtic FC. Glazer scored a penalty. Last year Israeli winger Liel Abada left the club after suffering prolonged abuse from Celtic fans.
https://www.skysports.com/football/kairat-almaty-vs-celtic/live/547567
THE JEWISH STATE
Freedom and unity. (TY Avi Abelow) The light of Israel is contrasted with the dark ideology of its enemies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7-SDpkzFog
Hope and Love. (TY Sharon) Israeli children in Jerusalem began their school year to the sight of a positive message at the entrance of their school buildings. We all hope that this will be “a year of hope and love”.
https://rjstreets.com/2025/08/31/how-to-mark-end-of-summer-holidays-in-jerusalem/
A 2,000-year-old receipt. In excavations carried out in the City of David, within the Jerusalem Walls National Park, a small fragment of a stone tablet has been discovered, bearing an inscription naming “Shimon” and some financial information. The fragment has been dated to between 100 BCE and 100 CE.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-israeli-archaeologists-discover-2000-year-old-hebrew-inscription-in-city-of-david/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBaFDeP1NjY
4,000-year-old Wix. (TY WIN) Sorry, wrong spelling. Israeli archaeologists in Yehud uncovered 4,000-year-old textile lamp wicks preserved inside Bronze Age oil lamps, offering new insights into burial ceremonies and early recycling practices in ancient Israel. The fossilized wicks were originally made out of recycled linen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq20w5yP-hA
See Israel’s ancient treasures. (TY WIN & All Israel News) The Israel Antiquities Authority’s new center (see here and here previously) showcases 600,000 coins, ancient scrolls, and biblical artifacts. Evidence of millennia of historical and cultural legacy connecting the Jewish people to their homeland. Tours available.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TgfohGel3Y https://www.iaa.org.il/en/page/Beit-Harshut
https://www.iaa.org.il/en/page/news-index https://www.iaa.org.il/en/page/touriaa
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/
