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by: Michael Ordman
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Fallen soldier saves five lives
The family of fallen IDF soldier Sivan Weil donated his organs. His heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas saved five seriously ill patients at Israel’s Sheba, Hadassah, and Beilinson Medical Centers. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-794971
https://www.timesofi srael.com/liveblog_entry/parents-of-soldier-killed-in-gaza-say-organs-donated/
Protection at sea
For the first time, Israel deployed the C-Dome naval point defense system on a recently commissioned Sa’ar 6-class corvette to intercept an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that had entered its airspace near the southern city of Eilat. Here is an article about the event and the timely implemented new system.
https://www.jns.org/in-first-israels-ship-mounted-iron-dome-downs-target-near-eilat/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b10lmpmga
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-enemy-drone-shot-down-by-ship-mounted-interceptor/ (see video)
Rebuilding the South
Israel’s Ben Gurion University has launched “Way Forward” – a campaign to raise $1 billion for rebuilding the Negev region devastated on Oct 7. It will fund capital projects ($500 million), student aid ($250 million), and research excellence ($250 million). Philanthropists have already donated $380 million.
https://www.jns.org/ben-gurion-university-launches-1-billion-campaign-to-rebuild-south/
How life can change
Danielle graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Music. She started a bureaucratic job with the UK Government. Then she went to The UK Limmud Conference, and now she is executive director of Israel’s Volcani International Partnerships, repairing devastated farms in southern Israel.
https://www.israel21c.org/danielle-abraham-fixing-the-farms-that-hamas-ruined-and-fighting-global-hunger/
A positive BBC interview of 3 Israeli students!
Has the perpetually anti-Israel BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen finally seen the light? There was little to complain about his five-minute interview of three students from Israel’s Ben Gurion University who fought against Hamas in Gaza. Apart from some unsympathetic questions.
https://americansforbgu.org/bbc-student-reservist-interview/
Why Israelis are happy despite the war
Historian Gil Troy wrote in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal that the essence of Israeli happiness lies not in the absence of conflict, but in the deep social cohesion, enduring family ties, and a rich tapestry of tradition and history that bind its people, especially evident after Oct 7.
https://israfan.com/2024/04/11/unity-amid-adversity-the-secret-to-israels-remarkable-happiness/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
A nano-polymer to deliver chemo
Researchers at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have developed a nanometer size polymer containing a peptide for delivering chemotherapy. In lab tests, it was over 50% successful in destroying resistant liver metastases (secondary cancer) materialized from colorectal cancer.
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-and-articles/new-nanomedicine-succeeded-in-treating-metastatic-colon-cancer/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1748013224000379
The arms race in the gut
Ben Gurion University scientists have just published the results of their work reported here in 2019. In trying to develop a biologic remedy to reduce the methane produced by cows, they have uncovered a war in the intestines between good and bad bacteria and a probiotic toxin that tries to mediate.
https://www.jpost.com/science/article-795199
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-023-01521-9
Fast-tracking cure for hospital infections
The US FDA has granted Fast-Track Designation to the groundbreaking antimicrobial peptide OMN6 from Israel’s Omnix Medical (see here previously). OMN6 is commencing a Phase II trial in patients with two deadly hospital-acquired pneumonias – HABP and VABP.
https://omnixmedical.com/2024/02/20/omnix-medical-granted-fast-track-designation-by-u-s-fda-for-its-next-generation-anti-infective-omn6/
Confirming Deep TMS treats depression
Israel’s BrainsWay’s has published another positive study of 247 depression patients receiving its Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment. 60% went into remission and 80% had a positive response. The results confirmed a 2023 study of 1,350 patients.
https://www.brainsway.com/news_events/brainsway-announces-positive-results-in-late-life-depression-post-marketing-analysis/
Improving mental health in the Police force
Israel’s XRHealth (see here previously) is to deploy its VR/AR solution in a specially equipped “quiet room” at every police station throughout Israel. It aims to promote mental health resilience, decrease stress, anxiety, and aggression, and improve performance.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/xrhealth-awarded-contract-israeli-police-120000609.html
Israelis are living longer
The number of Israelis aged 75 and over is growing by about 9,000 individuals per year. Life expectancy in Israel is 85 years for women and 82 years for men and continues to increase. Currently some 346,000 people receive elderly care benefits (e.g. home caregiver) as compared to about 180,000 in 2018.
https://www.jns.org/researchers-call-to-reform-long-term-care-as-israelis-live-longer/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Dates for break-fast
Muslims on their way to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem at sunset at the conclusion of the fast on the last Friday of Ramadan, were greeted by a Jewish family handing out dates. Sky News Arabia made this clip public, and the tweet has been viewed over half a million times.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-israelis-give-dates-to-muslims-as-they-arrive-at-al-aqsa-mosque-to-pray/
https://twitter.com/skynewsarabia/status/1776313903632597267
Gazan children in Israeli hospitals
Many patients at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center and hospitals in Jerusalem are children from Gaza. They, and their families, have been allowed to remain in Israel during the war. One mother gave birth at Sheba and the baby provided bone marrow to cure its leukemia-suffering sibling.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/rkmstigx0
Healthcare cooperation agreement with Greece
Israel and Greece have signed a five-year agreement to cooperate on various aspects of healthcare. It covers emergency preparedness, mental health, stem cell therapy and genetics, nursing, health insurance, diseases, organ donations & transplants, and much more.
https://tps.co.il/articles/israel-greece-sign-healthcare-cooperation-agreement/
Aid to Taiwan
Israel’s SmartAID has sent members to join its local team in Taiwan to provide power and communications following the 3rd of April’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake. It is helping restore vital electricity, phone, and internet connections. See here and here for previous Israeli aid for Taiwan.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-aid-group-mobilizes-in-taiwan-after-fatal-earthquake/
An honor for Douglas
It seems that author and journalist Douglas Murray has appeared on every major TV channel in the world since Oct 7. He is such a great speaker on behalf of Israel, so it is fitting that he received a special award from Israeli President Isaac Herzog for his efforts to support Israel during war against Hamas.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/388242
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Can science save the planet?
In an enlightening pre-Earth Day webinar, Technion scientists will share their insights and research on sustainable development, renewable energy solutions, sustainable material innovations, and eco-friendly alternatives for chemical processes. Apr 17 (9am PT, noon ET, 5pm BST, 7pm Israel).
https://ats.org/events/technion-earth-day-webinar/
Climatetech incubator
Israeli VC Climate First invests in exceptional early stage climate tech startups across Europe and Israel. Its latest (Israeli) group pitched recently in the UK. SoCold, Carbon Blue, Chiral Energies, Climate Crop, First Airborne, Nitrofix, RepAir Carbon Capture, Xfloat, and Polymertal.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hynarh11kc
https://chiral.energy/
https://climate-crop.com/
Other new Israeli climatetech startups
Israeli VC Climate First’s original group includes Israeli startups not previously reported here. They are Gigaton (algae to remove CO2), Hydro X (safe Hydrogen storage), Momentick (greenhouse gas monitoring), and Nakai Robotics (autonomous cleaning of ship hulls).
https://climatelaunchpad.org/finalists/gigaton/
https://www.momentick.com/
https://www.nakairobotics.com/
Revolutionary new digital printing
Israel’s Velox has created a paradigm shift in the digital printing industry related to rigid packaging. Velox’s technology offers high-speed, direct-to-surface decoration of cylindrical containers such as beverage cans. One environmental benefit is that it will allow aluminum cans to be recycled.
https://velox-digital.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djRrAj60f6o
AI to decipher ancient texts
Engineering students at Israel’s Ben-Gurion University are employing Mask Language Modeling to read and translate damaged, centuries-old Hebrew & Aramaic inscriptions. The AI technique enables damaged content to be reconstructed more efficiently. See findings of their Embible model.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-university-uses-ai-to-decipher-ancient-hebrew-aramaic-texts/
https://cris.bgu.ac.il/en/publications/embible-reconstruction-of-ancient-hebrew-and-aramaic-texts-using-
https://aclanthology.org/2024.findings-eacl.56/
Intelligent advertising
Israeli dynamic advertising startup Clinch, has won an Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award from the Business Intelligence Group, for the most innovative applications of Generative AI. Clinch created and markets the award-winning Flight Control campaign activation platform.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/clinch-wins-2024-artificial-intelligence-excellence-award
https://clinch.co/
https://clinch.co/2024-artificial-intelligence-excellence-award/
https://clinch.co/clinch-named-best-marketing-automation-platform-2022/
An app for parents of ADHD children
Several apps (e.g. here) diagnose or treat children with ADHD, but nothing helped their parents. Now Israel’s Pery gives those parents an AI ally. The app tracks achievements, connects with doctors and teachers, and provides personalized science-backed strategies and expert advice.
https://www.israel21c.org/pery-offering-the-parents-of-adhd-kids-new-ai-support/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Help for war-affected startups
Another social impact fund has been established to assist startups struggling for cash because of the war. A joint venture between the Southern Israel Bridging Fund (SIBF), the Rashi Foundation, and ICA in Israel, will invest $4m in startups developing tech that benefits society.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-social-impact-fund-to-invest-in-war-affected-young-israeli-startups/
Texas loves Israelis
Israelis received a warm welcome at the annual SXSW (South by Southwest) festival in Austin Texas hosting a combination of movies, music, and business expo. Israeli startups included RetiSpec (see here previously), and Yofi which distinguishes genuine customers from bots and malicious abusers.
https://www.israel21c.org/texas-festival-sxsw-welcomes-israel-and-its-startups/
https://www.yofi.ai/
A springboard for 2024?
Two finance industry leaders are positive about Israel’s hi-tech prospects. Firstly, from Dell Technologies Capital, and secondly from lool Ventures.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sygtwyelc
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkny4ncy0
Azerbaijan promotes tourism to Israelis
Last year, Azerbaijan made history by becoming the first Shi’ite Muslim country to open an embassy in Israel. Azerbaijan Airlines operates 9 weekly direct flights from Baku to Tel Aviv. Azerbaijan was one of 12 countries represented at the Tel Aviv Tourism Exhibition (Apr 3-4).
https://www.jns.org/azerbaijan-pushes-for-increased-israeli-tourism/
Airlines resume flights
Montreal-based Air Canada is restarting flights to Tel Aviv. It initially will have four nonstop return flights a week from Toronto, and then in May, replace one with a nonstop return flight from Montreal. Ryanair resumes flights to Israel on Jun 2, the day after Ben Gurion Airport Terminal 1 re-opens.
https://www.jns.org/air-canada-to-restart-flights-to-israel-starting-april-9/
Sun shines on solar energy acquisition
Israel’s SolarEdge has acquired Israel’s Wevo Energy. Wevo manages and optimizes EV charging sites with large quantities of EV chargers such as apartment buildings, workplace car parks and public charging locations across North America, Europe and the Middle East.
https://wevo.energy/media/solaredge-acquires-wevo/
8 multi-million-dollar orders
In the last two weeks, Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks has won eight orders for its technology worth nearly $50 million. They include from the US Department of Defense, the US Army, and an order for a public WiFi service that will give Internet access to thousands of people in rural Latin America.
https://www.gilat.com/pressreleases/gilat-received-approximately-5-million-for-providing-services-to-a-leading-latam-service-provider/
https://www.gilat.com/news-resources/press-releases/
A personal concierge service for new Olim
The startup Belong is a paid concierge service to help new Israeli immigrants assimilate. It acts as a private social service, supplementing the free services of the Jewish Agency and Nefesh b’Nefesh. Belong also plans to carry out an active campaign promoting Aliyah around the world.
https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-795044
Other Aliyah concierge services
These are just a few of several other free, “for profit”, or sponsored services to help new Olim. Check their fees with them and / or their commission arrangements.
https://aliyahadvisors.com/ (UK – previously promoted here)
https://aliyup.co.il/
https://www.unlimitedvips.com/concierge/?lang=en
Cyber exits hits record $7 billion
The total value of the exits of only 24 Israeli cyber companies in 2023 reached $7.1 billion – compared to $2.45 billion from 35 companies in 2022. There are 522 active cyber companies in Israel. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjjzbryl0
Exits, takeovers and mergers – to 14/4/24:
Israel’s SolarEdge has acquired Israel’s Wevo Energy. Israel’s Nayax (global payments) has taken over Israel’s Roseman (fuel station & EV management systems). Israel’s Hub Cyber Security has acquired Israel’s Qpoint Technologies (IT solutions).
Startup investment – to 14/4/24: Cyera raised $300 million (new Unicorn); Guesty raised $130 million; Velox-digital raised $38 million; PVML raised $8 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Orfeo ed Euridice
The Tel Aviv Opera stages a mesmerizing rendition of “Orfeo ed Euridice,” on Apr 16 (eve) and Apr 19 (matinee). See events calendar for other performances including for children during Passover.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/orfeo-ed-euridice/
https://www.israel-opera.co.il/eng/?CategoryID=1283&ArticleID=6691
https://www.israel-opera.co.il/eng/
Music from the Movies
The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra has many upcoming concerts. E.g., on Apr 16 an evening of well-loved tunes from movies such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, A Fistful of Dollars, Shaft, A Clockwork Orange, The Wizard of Oz and a medley from the James Bond films.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/music-from-the-movies/
https://www.jso.co.il/en/concert/music-from-the-movies/
Art on the street
Enjoy an exhibition of street art at the Berlin in Florentin, until Apr 17 (5pm – 10pm). Also book for behind-the-scenes street art & graffiti insider walks in Tel Aviv, led by the artists themselves. And on Apr 15, you can do your own painting at ESRA’s Paint Night event – 7pm at Tel Aviv Art Studio.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/street-art-partner-the-exhibition/
https://streetartpartner.com/pages/tours
https://streetartpartner.com/
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/paint-night-at-tel-aviv-art-studio/
Jerusalem houses are open again
The Open House Jerusalem festival that was postponed from Oct, is now back on. 152 locations will open their doors to the public, including historical sites, private houses, bridges, & hospitals. Also, a theater, where the architects who participated in building the sites will interact with visitors.
https://www.jns.org/architecture-enthusiasts-make-their-way-to-the-capital-for-the-jerusalem-open-house-festival/
Tel Aviv Wine Festival
For the 6th year in a row, in honor of the Pesach holiday, the Tel Aviv Wine Festival will feature 45 vineyards, a DJ and performances, and more! Thursday, April 18 from 18:00.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/tel-aviv-wine-festival/
Tel Aviv Papaya Night Run
Tel Aviv Papaya Night Run (Apr 17) supports the communities of Otef Israel, IDF soldiers, and all Security and Rescue Forces. Register to run or just go to watch.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/tel-aviv-papaya-night-run/
https://www.tlvnightrun.co.il/MenuDefault_en.aspx?Id=8904
Boxing for Blue & White
Israel’s Nili Block (see here previously) just won her seventh martial arts World title (61kg Muay Thai and Kickboxing) in Paris. She entered the ring to the music “Am Yisrael Chai”. She took the gold medal, draped in the Israeli flag as images of the hostages held by Hamas flashed behind her.
https://www.israel21c.org/nili-block-israel-martial-arts-champion-wins-7th-world-title/
https://www.iskaworldhq.com/kickboxing-champions/
https://www.instagram.com/niliblock/reel/C1JDQGcp6Jb/
Publicity on the podium
Israeli racing driver, Ariel Elkin, won 3rd place in the USF Formula 4 Championship in USA. When he got to the podium the commentator told him to put down his helmet and lift up his trophy, but he refused & instead he lifted his helmet covered with the photos of the hostages held by Hamas.
https://vinnews.com/2024/04/09/watch-israeli-race-car-driver-proudly-displays-helmet-with-pictures-of-hostages/
Other sporting victories
Rhythmic gymnast Daniela Munits won a gold medal with her routine with the ball at the World Cup in Greece. Shelly Bobritsky and Ariel Nassee won a gold medal at the Artistic Swimming World Cup in Beijing.
https://www.worldaquatics.com/news/3958111/china-seals-6-golds-3-silvers-in-world-aquatics-artistic-swimming-world-cup-2024-in-beijing
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=953088646405234&set=a.225139202533519
THE JEWISH STATE
Egyptian tour of the Israel Museum
A captivating sTOURytelling and educational experience for adults in Jerusalem’s Israel Museum. Explore ancient and modern history, stories, artifacts, and concepts, and add another dimension to Pesach. Apr 24, 12:30pm – 2:30pm. See also site for free virtual tours and lectures.
https://www.nbn.org.il/events/egyptian-pesach-tour-of-the-israel-museum-adults/
https://www.museumtours.co.il/virtualtours
Christian support for Israelis
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is distributing over NIS 18 million to support 100,000 needy Israelis over Passover. It will focus on war-impacted families, especially the bereaved, families of hostages, wounded soldiers, and evacuees. IFCJ has already distributed NIS 25 million.
https://www.jns.org/christian-zionists-to-help-100000-israelis-for-passover/
“Garden of Eden” opens
Ubeidiya Jordan Valley national park has three features. First, a prehistoric site. Then adjacent, is Tel Ubeidiya where an inscription of the time of Pharaoh Merneptah (c.1210 BCE) was found mentioning Israel. And finally, Moshav Menahemia, an early Zionist village, was established here in 1901.
https://www.jns.org/israel-opens-prehistoric-garden-of-eden-to-public/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-795359
Ancient ivory jar reveals local trade & skills
Israeli archaeologists uncovered a 6,000-year-old “amphoriskos” (small oil jar with two handles). Made from an elephant tusk, it is the first of its kind to be found in the region, highlighting its skillful manufacture, plus its trade route location – Horbat Raqiq near Beer-Sheva.
https://tps.co.il/articles/6000-year-old-ivory-jar-opens-window-into-holy-land-trade-networks/
https://www.jns.org/researchers-restore-6000-year-old-ivory-vessel-from-southern-israel/
A 6-legged gazelle
Some very unusual animals have appeared in Israel recently. Red Heffers, and now this.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/six-legged-gazelle-born-with-rare-genetic-defect-spotted-in-israels-south/
Police clown reduces tension at protests
“Hashoteret Az-Oolay” (Policewoman Then-Maybe) has been a regular fixture at Israeli street demonstrations for the last three or so years. In her big shoes, old-fashioned police uniform and red nose, she aims to connect with all the different kinds of communities in Jerusalem.
https://www.israel21c.org/meet-the-clown-handing-out-love-at-israeli-street-protests/
Two Jewish Presidents complete Torah scroll
Israel’s President Herzog and Ukraine’s President Zelensky both wrote a letter in a new Torah scroll for Kyiv’s Great Synagogue, dedicated to peace and unity. Other writers include Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Ukrainian soldiers, relatives of Israeli hostages and bereaved families.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-795481
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.
Friends of the IDF (US donors): https://www.fidf.org/
or 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/
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
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
And many more charities here:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/where-people-abroad-can-donate-to-israels-hospitals-troops-survivors-and-more/ https://chesedtoday.com/campaigns/soldiers/ (Warm winter clothes for Israeli soldiers)
Buy Israel Bonds to support the Jewish State.
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/state-of-israel-bonds
USA – https://www.israelbonds.com/
Europe – https://israelbondsintl.com/
Canada – https://www.israelbonds.ca/
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