The Value of Life

http://blogs.jpost.com/content/value-life

http://blogs.jpost.com/print/5567

My instinctive reaction to Monday’s tragic news was to not write a positive news blog this week.  But why let the terrorists win?  Dry Bones’ cartoon included the line “... we find joy in remembering their lives ...” and Israelis’ love for human life needs to be emphasized even more at this time.

There was positive news recently for three Israeli organizations producing devices to detect early-stage cancer.  First, Israeli biotech Nucleix raised more than $5 million to finance its diagnostic test for early detection of bladder cancer and possibly also colon, lung and prostate cancers.  Secondly, the NaNose cancer detector invented by Israel Technion Institute’s Dr Hossam Haick is now ready to be marketed and has been licensed to Boston’s Alpha Szenszor.  NaNose diagnoses early-stage malignant tumors by analyzing exhaled breath.  Finally, the numbers of tests performed by the MarginProbe breast cancer scanner, developed by Israel’s Dune Medical, have now passed the 1000 mark since the device was launched in 2013.  MarginProbe confirms that the entire malignant tumor has been removed, before the surgeon finishes the operation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALPeKkdtgPg

Haifa’s Technion Institute is also one of Israel’s centers for development of treatments to eradicate cancer altogether.  Technion researchers recently discovered that visible and UV light destroys cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy.  Almost simultaneously, a parallel group of Technion researchers teamed up with others at Germany’s Max Planck Institute to develop minute propellers, with the potential to deliver cancer-killing chemicals directly to tumors without harming healthy cells.

Israel’s cardiologists continue to save lives – and not just Jewish lives. Two Druse brothers from the village of Hurfeish contracted the same genetic disease that weakens the cardiac muscle.  Doctors at Israel’s Schneider Children’s Medical Center transplanted a new heart into Rani in 2011 and have just successfully completed another heart transplant for his brother Dani.  And since the time that Israel’s three teenagers were abducted, Israeli doctors at Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) have saved five Palestinian Arab children at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon.  Dr. Lior Sasson, SACH chief surgeon said, “children from both sides, shouldn’t be a part of the conflict.”

Israeli cardiovascular devices are an essential component of today’s life-saving medical technology.  Israel’s Itamar Medical manufactures the EndoPAT diagnostic device that measures how well your arteries are working.  Japan’s Nihon Kohden has just announced that it will market EndoPAT to 100,000 doctors in Japan as its flagship product for monitoring the heart and blood vessels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVADCRihl_0

It is also imperative to have a decent quality of life. Israel’s D-Pharm has obtained fast track status from the China's Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for its DP-VPA epilepsy treatment.  Israeli biotech Intec has announced that its Accordion Levodopa treatment for Parkinson’s disease has met all its safety trial endpoints so that Phase 3 trials on Parkinson’s sufferers can now commence.  Israel’s BrainStorm reported positive interim results of Phase IIa trials of its “NurOwn” stem cell ALS therapy. And two wound clinics at Israeli health organization Maccabi will treat patients with chronic leg ulcers using Vergenix gel developed by Israel’s CollPlant. Vergenix is based on CollPlant’s plant-based collagen.

Financial assistance and expert advice is available to Israeli start-ups if they are saving or improving lives.  Jerusalem NGO Pretense’s A3i (Accelerating Inclusion In Israel) is the world’s first support incubator, exclusively for startups developing products and services for people with special needs. A3i currently supports 13 Israeli companies. Philips and Teva’s new joint support incubator Inspire Healthcare Innovations Ltd will invest in start-ups developing treatments and medical devices.  US pharmaceutical giant Merck will work with Israeli companies on projects researching into life-saving medicines and will match Israel’s financial support to those companies.  Finally, Israel’s Trendlines received the “Best Incubator” award from Israel’s Office of the Chief Scientist. One of Trendlines supported companies, MitrAssist, received Best Start-Up of the Year for its device to treat faulty heart valves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_l7B2yMnA0

To conclude, here are two recent news items that should be an inspiration to everyone that loves life.  Two scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have been selected by the prestigious medical journal Cell for their “40 under 40” list of young world-leading scientists in their field. One of them, Jacob Hanna, is an Israeli-Arab.  His breakthroughs will advance the possibility of the future medical use of stem cells as “spare parts” for damaged cells and tissues.  Jacob comes from a family of doctors. His role model is his uncle Dr Nabil Hanna who developed Rituxan, the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Finally, it’s not the $25 million donation that Sheldon and Miriam Adelson donated to develop the medical school at Ariel University that attracted my attention.  It is the fact that the Adelsons were inspired to action after the abduction of the three Israeli teenagers.  As Sheldon poignantly stated, “the medical studies at Ariel University underscore humanity, the desire for life and the value of human life wherever they are.”

I wish the families of the three boys Long Life.

Michael Ordman writes a free weekly newsletter containing positive news stories about Israel.

www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com

For a free subscription, email a request to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com

A Question of Honor

http://blogs.jpost.com/content/question-honor

http://blogs.jpost.com/print/4953

Israel is full of citizens and organizations that deserve to receive an honor.  Not a political honor such as the Nobel Prize for peace given to an unrepentant terrorist leader, nor an award from the British Foreign Office for services that undermine the legitimacy of the Jewish State. Respect can only be given to those who enhance Israel in the eyes of the world.  Here are some of the most recent examples.

The medical profession is overflowing with worthy individuals who put Tikum Olam (repairing the world) far above financial recompense.  Kol Hakavod (all the glory) to the team of 20 Israeli doctors and medical staff from Save a Child's Heart (SACH) that has just flown to Tanzania to provide free heart surgeries.  And to the team of 11 cardiac surgeons and nurses from Israel’s Sheba Medical Center that performed 10 complex heart operations over 4 days in Nigeria.  SACH doctors can also take credit for restoring the sight of 10-month old baby Dennis from Romania who lost his vision shortly after birth.

The paramedics working for Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom deserve recognition for having saved countless lives during the life of the modern state.  MDA just unveiled their latest hi-tech mobile command vehicle designed to direct rescue operations on the most difficult terrain and during cellular network failure.  Another organization, Yad Sarah, employs the largest number of volunteers in Israel, providing services and equipment to help the elderly and disabled lead fuller, more comfortable lives.  One of Yad Sarah’s thousands of volunteers, Dr. Marjorie Kenyon, finally retired from serving the organization, in her 100th year.  Here are some of the innovative devices and gadgets that Yad Sarah is currently demonstrating to the public.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dy2TkrUSZg

It is a great honor to the Jewish State that so many of its scientists have developed apps and devices that can save lives.  Tel Aviv University researchers have just developed a website and smartphone app that sends your Genome (your individual Genetic DNA sequence map) for analysis.  You can then identify the most effective medications with the least side effects - or prior to pregnancy, you can use it to check for birth defect risks.  Another TA University graduate, Eugene Jorov, co-founded Seraphim Sense and developed the Angel sensor in honor of his father who died from a heart attack.  The Angel is a biofeedback wristband that monitors the motion, acceleration, skin temperature, blood oxygen saturation and heart rate of at-risk individuals and sends an alert if their medical condition changes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLChVKAxHO4

Foreign heads of state often treat the Jewish State with more respect than many of Israel’s own citizens.  In the past few weeks we have had been honored with the first ever visits from the sitting Prime Ministers of Malta and Papua New Guinea. Both arrived with large delegations and cooperation plans.  And President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit was the first time in the history of Nigeria that a sitting President went on pilgrimage to Israel.  He took the opportunity to sign a bilateral air services agreement between Nigeria and Israel.

Despite its flawed politics, the United Nations regularly turns to the Jewish State to solve issues of international concern.  The UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has granted ‘Special Consultative Status’ to 13 Israeli NGOs and is currently considering including a two more.  Similarly, all European Union political arguments were put aside in order to welcome Israeli scientists onto the Galileo project.  Israeli academics and companies have been given security clearance to work on the EU’s prestigious project to launch 30 satellites and become Europe’s alternative to the US GPS system. 

International stars from Rihanna to Tom Jones continue to honor Israel with their performances.  However, many pop fans will have missed that October 27 was the 30th anniversary of when Bob Dylan released his up-tempo Zionist anthem, the ironically-titled “Neighborhood Bully”.  Meanwhile brothers Arie and Gil Gat, explain that there is no conflict of honor between being devout Jews and covering rock hits on Israeli TV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwWFA04sqEo

Israel’s sporting heroes have certainly been awash with medals, including windsurfer Shahar Zubari who cruised to a gold medal at the Sailing World Cup in Qingdao, China.  Maayan Davidovich won bronze in the women’s division.  Israeli swimmer Amit Ivri even won medals at FINA World Cup events in Dubai (UAE) and Doha (Qatar) although Qatar dishonored itself by blanking out the Israeli flag on its TV broadcasts.

There is no greater honor than when people volunteer to serve their country, despite physical disabilities.  At the closing ceremony for their special basic training the 150 graduates of IDF’s Ofek course used the deaf sign language to accompany the Israeli National Anthem – “Hatikvah”. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZYApGbgGT4

Finally, for the first time in the history of the Israel Defense Forces, an officer from Israel’s Druse community is to serve as the chief of the elite IDF Golani Brigade. Colonel Ghassan Alian was previously deputy commander of the Golan Division.  He follows fellow Druse Imad Fares who was chief of the IDF Givati Brigade.

Let’s honor those that deserve honor.

Michael Ordman writes a free weekly newsletter containing Good News stories about Israel.

www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com

For a free subscription, email a request to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com

Israel Provides for Special Needs

Israel Provides for Special Needs

2/1/13

http://blogs.jpost.com/content/israel-provides-special-needs

As all the main political parties get stuck into their largely negative campaigns, it is important to remind readers of the great work that the Jewish State performs for all its citizens and for the world at large.  These recent examples feature both government and non-government activities.

New and veteran immigrant (olim) families, who have a special needs child or adult at home in Israel have been granted further access to a government and private sector outreach services.  As of last month, they will now receive increased rent subsidies.  And it has just been revealed that, thanks to the community outreach program of Iron Dome manufacturer Rafael Industries, three employees with mental disabilities have the vital job of manufacturing parts for the IDF’s crucial defense system.  Another current news article featured Leket Israel, an organization that supports Israel’s impoverished citizens by salvaging non-saleable crops from farmers and unused food from caterers and shipping them to 200 soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other institutions. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YphSmFUEKmI

Instead of maligning Israel’s ultra-orthodox citizens, take a look at how enlightened organizations behave.  The Sami Shamoon College of Engineering in Ashdod has launched a five-year degree program in civil and software engineering, which has been tailor-made for the lifestyle requirements of its 100 ultra-Orthodox participants – 70 men and 30 women.  In another sphere, one religious woman has proved that “in the IDF there is place for all parts of Israeli society. Tamar is an example of the equality between the sexes in Israel.”  So said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the Israel Air Force’s first religious woman navigator.  Tamar was one of four women to gain their wings at this year’s Israel Air Force Flight Academy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLLRKiAu59s&feature=player_embedded

A new program has been launched to encourage young members of Israel’s Druse community to stretch the limits of their potential to achieve scientific or technological success.  The Technion Sparks program enables 200 Israeli-Arab Druse high school students to take special science and technology courses at Israel’s Technion Institute.  The project is the brainchild of Brig.-Gen. Hasson Hasson – the first Druse to serve as a military aide to a President of the State.  And Israel’s Ethiopian immigrants and their veteran Israeli support teams have much to be proud of.  No other population group has risen so quickly to achieve such high university rates (42%).  Just think of where the community was before Operations Moses in 1984 and Solomon in 1991.

Israel’s most needy citizens, of course, are those requiring medical help.  The Israeli National Health Council has just approved a NIS 300 million increase in the budget for subsidized medicines, which will benefit an additional 300,000 Israelis.  The majority of the new money will be spent on preventative medicine and pre-natal testing.  Alongside this, the Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene has launched a program of specially adapted Mobile Training Units for agricultural workers nationwide.  Vans containing pullout touch-screen monitors and pick-of-the-crop courses in Hebrew and Arabic, deliver in-the-field courses on accident prevention.  See the larger MTUs in action in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pmvbF-yw3U

Israeli schoolchildren continually need encouragement, despite the massive improvement in their math skills over the last five years. For this purpose, Israeli company Slate Science is piloting its award-winning mathematics learning "Ten Fingers" program for tablets and smartphones at three Israeli schools, in three languages: Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svbfBvt3zQE

Israel is also addressing international needs.  Following a recent visit by a delegation from South Carolina, Israel’s NeuroQuest is to open a development center in Charleston for its work in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  Then to encourage research in India, the government of Israel is to give three-year scholarships grants to sixty-six post-doctoral Indian scholars to pursue research at top Israeli universities.  Israel is even working with the Greek government to help it out of its economic crisis. Top Greek officials have been visiting Israel and presenting opportunities to invest in and own Greek infrastructure.  Israeli companies now own several Greek hotels, the old Athens airport and one is in talks to buy Greece’s national oil company.  Other international projects include cleaning up sewage in Slovenia and Croatia and installing security systems in Spanish ports.

But we return to Israel for our final news item.  Fifty-three Jews from the Bnei Menashe community of northeastern India needed to return to their ancestral roots.  The Bnei Menashe trace their Jewish identity to a lost biblical tribe, exiled from the Jewish State over 2700 years ago.  'It's a dream. We've been waiting for this moment for hundreds of years,' said Ben Asher, 23, who arrived with his family.   

So whatever you’re after, look to the Jewish State.

Israel may have just what you need.

Michael Ordman writes a free weekly newsletter containing Good News stories about Israel.

www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com

For a free subscription, email a request to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.com