One of the best places for female entrepreneurs; Israeli property prices stabilize; Ethiopian-Israeli MK lights candle in London’s Trafalgar Square; and much more!

by Michael Ordman

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Breakthrough in the fight to cure Lupus

Researchers at Israel’s Ben Gurion University and the US NIH have identified a trigger for the autoimmune disease Lupus. They have also developed what the media is calling a “miracle” molecule, that blocks the trigger in Lupus and other diseases, e.g. Alzheimer’s and IBD.
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Ben-Gurion-University-develops-miracle-molecule-for-fighting-Lupus-612163 https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/Fight-lupus.aspx

Reversing the aging of the brain

Researchers from Israel’s Ben-Gurion University and the University of California have discovered that a small molecule called IPW is able to heal a damaged Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). It can also alleviate the inflammation that leads to Alzheimer’s and other age-related diseases.
https://www.jns.org/new-drug-diagnostic-techniques-slow-and-even-reverse-cognitive-decline-from-aging/
https://stm.sciencemag.org/content/11/521/eaaw8283

Stopping cancer in its tracks

Israel’s Metabomed is developing treatments using small molecules that target and inhibit metabolic enzymes vital for cancer cells’ survival. It currently has four pipeline programs. Metabomed has just raised a further $12.5 million of funds to help it prepare for clinical trials.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3776158,00.html
https://www.metabomed.com/our-pipeline/

Developing AI for spinal surgery

Israeli intelligent scan analysis startup Zebra Medical (see here) is partnering with Johnson & Johnson subsidiary DePuy Synthes to jointly develop artificial intelligence technologies for spine and other orthopedic surgeries.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3776155,00.html

Israel’s first live multi-organ donor

Rabbi Elad Gadot recently donated one of his kidneys to a total stranger for whom he was a rare match. Years ago, Rabbi Gadot donated a liver lobe to his son Eliyahu (now in the IDF) who needed a liver transplant. Coincidentally, the kidney recipient’s name was also Eliyahu.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israels-first-multi-organ-donor-is-a-rabbi-father-of-11-and-idf-veteran/

Prescription checking software can save the US a fortune

As reported previously (see here), Israel’s MedAware prevents prescription errors and saves lives. Now a 5-year Harvard study shows it would have cut $800 million a year from US Health costs. 70% of the errors detected would not have been found otherwise.
https://www.jpost.com/HEALTH-SCIENCE/Harvard-Israels-MedAware-can-save-US-health-system-800m-a-year-611478

Melting the fat

As reported (here) previously, the synthetic injectable molecule from Israeli startup Raziel Therapeutics melts fat cells. RZL-12 converts white adipose tissue (WAT) into brown adipose tissue (BAT) after a single injection into subcutaneous fat. Raziel has just raised another $22 million of funds.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3776138,00.html
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/raziel-therapeutics

Predicting the response to cancer treatment

Israel’s Oncohost is developing cutting-edge technology to characterize, analyze and predict patient response to cancer therapy. This enables personalized treatment strategies with improved outcomes & reduced side effects. http://oncohost.com/
https://www.jpost.com/Jpost-Tech/Hillels-Tech-Corner-Cancer-treatment-personalized-610032

Pain monitoring for dementia patients

The NOL pain monitoring technology from Israel’s Medasense (see here) helps clinicians treat non-communicating patients. The Israel Innovation Authority has just given Medasense a grant to test NOL at the Dorot Rehabilitation and Geriatric Medical Center in Netanya.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/medasense-pain-index-solution-treatment-121400637.html

Walmart.com launches Israeli digital diabetes program

Walmart consumers can now purchase online the MyDario complete digital solution from Israel’s DarioHealth. It is designed for diabetics to manage their diabetes, hypertension, nutrition and exercise.
https://hitconsultant.net/2019/12/03/dariohealth-launches-digital-diabetes-program-on-walmart-com/

ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL

One of the best places for female entrepreneurs

In a recent Mastercard report, Israel was ranked the 4th best country for women entrepreneurs. Israel was narrowly behind the USA, New Zealand and Canada.
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/20/mastercard-the-best-countries-in-the-world-to-be-a-woman-entrepreneur.html

Southern coexistence

Israel’s Southern district is often under fire from Gaza terrorists, but is also flourishing, developing and refusing to abandon its natural coexistence and hope for peace. Thousands of Gazans work there daily. Read this article to see how Bedouin-Arab-Israeli citizens also live and study there.
https://layoftheland.online/2019/11/25/israel-and-the-southern-coexistence/

Eleven US Secretaries of State visit Israel

A bipartisan delegation of 11 Secretaries of State from across the U.S. has been visiting Israel with the American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Project Inter¬change. The program features cybersecurity policies and practices they relate to business, elections and data management.
https://www.nass.org/node/1768

New ambassadors to Israel

Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin received diplomatic credentials from the new ambassadors to the State of Israel from Austria, Cambodia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Angola.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/273354

Prince Charles to visit Israel

Charles Prince of Wales will attend the World Holocaust Forum on 23 Jan 2020. He will participate in the Yad Vashem ceremony commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. It will be the first time that he has undertaken a program of engagements in Israel.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/273342

60 years of International development

MASHAV – Israel’s International Development Agency – has helped train 300,000 participants from 140 countries since 1958. It has set up 50 training centers around the globe and has 35 ongoing partnerships with international organizations.
https://haifadiarist.blogspot.com/2019/12/60-years-international-development.html

Jewish and Israel Studies Institute in China

Shandong University and Tel Aviv University have inaugurated a Joint Institute for Jewish and Israeli Studies in Jinan, the capital of China’s Shandong province. The institute will facilitate student exchange, joint scientific research, conferences, and cultural and artistic activities.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3774904,00.html

Israeli orchestra performs in Morocco

The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra of Ashdod delivered a stunning performance at the Andalussyat Festival of traditional Moroccan music in Casablanca. The orchestra was also warmly welcomed in the Moroccan city and praised for its performance.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/show-goes-on-with-israeli-orchestra-under-bds-threat-in-morocco/

Albania’s PM thanks Israel

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed the work of Israeli engineers who are helping reconstruct and inspect buildings in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake. “They are from Israel and they are No. 1,” Rama said to a resident who was told it was safe to enter his apartment building.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/albania-hails-israeli-engineers-helping-rebuild-after-devastating-quake/

How Israel foiled ISIS terror attack in Australia

The IDF’s Military Intelligence Unit 8200 helped thwart an attempt by ISIS to blow up an Etihad Airways plane flying from Sydney to Abu Dhabi. Their information helped the Australian authorities arrest the terrorists who have just been given long jail sentences.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-how-israel-stopped-isis-meat-grinder-bombers-in-australia/

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Breakthrough of the year

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem won Science Magazine’s People’s Choice for 2019 Breakthrough of the Year. HUJ researchers captivated the science world with their reconstruction from bone DNA of a Denisovan, a mysterious human-like species that disappeared 100,000 years ago.
https://www.israel21c.org/sole-israeli-finalist-wins-science-breakthrough-of-2019/

Seven new joint US-Israel cleantech projects

The Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial R&D (BIRD) Foundation will invest $6.4 million in seven clean energy R&D projects. The Israeli companies involved are Chakratec (energy storage), Exency (energy from waste), Elbit Systems, EcoPlant, Eta-Bar, Netafim and Ramot.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-israel-fund-to-invest-6-4-million-in-7-joint-clean-energy-rd-projects/

Sixth desalination plant approved

Israel’s National Infrastructure Committee green-lighted construction of a desalination plant in the Western Galilee – Israel’s sixth. It will provide 200 million cubic meters of water annually and save the cost of building infrastructure to move water from the South over the Carmel Ridge.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/panel-approves-sixth-desalination-plant-to-sate-western-galilee/

UK-Israel university partners for AI and cybersecurity

Israel’s Ben-Gurion University and the UK’s University of Bristol have signed an agreement to collaborate on cyber security and Artificial Intelligence research. It formalizes their many ongoing ad-hoc research projects and exchange opportunities.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/bgu_bristol.aspx
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2019/december/ben-gurion-mou.html

Removing dust from solar panels

Ben Gurion University researchers have greatly reduced the amount of dust on solar panels, significantly increasing their efficiency. Inspired by the lotus leaf, which remains dust free due to its nanotextured surface, they etched nanowires onto the panels and applied a hydrophobic coating.
https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/pages/news/dust_nanowires.aspx

Elbit launches nanosatellite

Israel’s Elbit Systems’ NANOVA nanosatellite was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Southern India. NANOVA was developed as part of the BIRD foundation initiative and is planned to be a part of a nanosatellite constellation for commercial purposes.
https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-launches-to-space-a-nanosatellite-for-commercial-communication-applications/

Augmented Reality for on-line courses

Israel’s Actiview.io develops augmented reality (AR) software for human resources – mostly games and assignments to assess potential employees. Now Actiview’s AR software has been integrated into the training courses and classrooms of French graduate business school INSEAD.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3775055,00.html
https://www.actiview.io/

Vegan meat wins award in London

Three Israeli food-tech initiatives were among 15 startups to pitch groundbreaking, sustainable solutions for the food and agriculture industry at FoodBytes by Rabobank in London. Redefine Meat won the People’s Choice Award, one of the three top prizes.
https://www.israel21c.org/israels-redefine-meat-wins-award-at-foodbytes-in-london/

Israeli wheat exhibit wins award in Tokyo

An Israeli installation titled “Goren” won the “Big Emotions” award – as part of the Jerusalem Design Week delegation at Design Art Tokyo 2019. A cloud of wheat rises into the shape of a chandelier, symbolizing extinct varieties of wheat that Israel is restoring.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-wheat-exhibit-stirs-up-big-emotions-in-tokyo/

Musical subtitle system reaches London

As reported previously (Aug 2018) the GalaPro app from Israel’s GalaPrompter delivers multilingual real-time subtitles (and more) of Broadway shows to your smartphone in the theatre. This accessibility service is now available at the School of Rock musical in Drury Lane, London.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3775395,00.html https://www.galapro.com/
https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/galapro-app-bringing-theatre/amp/

Electric road for Germany

As reported (here) previously, Israel’s ElectReon develops a real-time wireless electrification system for roads, to reduce dependence on fuel and charging stations. It has now partnered with German energy company EnBW which will implement the technology initially on two roads in Germany.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3775418,00.html https://www.electreon.com/

9000-year-old sea wall to prevent rising sea level

An international team of underwater archaeologists has uncovered the oldest known manmade seawall off the coast of Haifa. They have concluded that it was built at Tel Hreiz to keep out rising water from melting glaciers. Eventually, Tel Hreiz was submerged and abandoned.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/scientists-find-9000-year-old-seawall-built-to-stave-off-rising-sea-levels/
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Unique-7000-year-old-wall-against-sea-level-rise-uncovered-in-Israel-611329

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Israeli property prices stabilize

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, Israeli property prices rose between January and August 2019 by an average of only 2% and new properties fell by 4.8%. Prices also fell in 2018, following an 80% rise over the previous decade. 2019 construction starts (52,000) was on target.
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Netanyahu-hails-tremendous-achievement-as-property-prices-stabilize-611006

New Russian airline lands in Tel Aviv

Russian airline Azimuth only began operations in 2017. Already it has begun a direct service to Tel Aviv from the West Russian city of Rostov. It also intends to inaugurate two new routes between Ben Gurion Airport and southwestern Russian cities Krasnodar and Mineralnye Vody in 2020.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3774954,00.html

Five more startups for Caesarea incubator

Israeli investment fund Nielsen Innovate launched its incubator in 2012 and by 2015 has 10 startups in Caesarea (see here). It now has 33 Israeli companies in its portfolio and is investing $5 million to bring another five into the incubator.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3774972,00.html https://nif.vc/the-program/

Swiss investment on the way

Tel-Aviv based Crescendo Venture Partners is setting up a new VC fund of $80 to $100 million to invest in early-stage hi-tech Israeli startups that can transform traditional areas (education, agriculture, construction, healthcare etc.). Swiss-based Crescendo Group manages over $3 billion globally.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-vc-fund-plans-to-bring-tech-to-traditional-professions/

US cybersecurity firm to open in Israel

As reported (here) previously, Israel’s Indegy protects the systems of vital infrastructure companies. Nasdaq-listed cybersecurity giant Tenable Holdings has just acquired Indegy for $78 million in cash and will set up a development center in Israel following the deal.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3775021,00.html

Half a billion users

Israeli-founded urban mobility company Moovit (see here) now has over half a billion users of its popular public transportation application in 3,000 cities, 94 countries and 45 languages. It helps transits and commutes thanks to partnerships with major multinationals including Uber, Microsoft, and Waze.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/hitting-half-a-billion-users-moovits-mobility-empire-wraps-up-record-year/

Turning stale bread into beer

Elchanan Bread Bakery in Kibbutz Mishmarot turns leftover baked goods into bread pudding and granola. It also donates stale bread to nearby kibbutzim for animal feed. In its latest process it mixes excess sourdough bread with malt and hot water to make a red ale with an alcohol content of 5%.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3776048,00.html

CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT

Tel Aviv is one of the best cities to visit

Forbes magazine lists Tel Aviv among its 20 best cities in the world to visit in 2020. It highlights White City Center museum, opened for the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus architecture movement. Tel Aviv is home to more than 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings – the most in the world.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2019/12/13/forbes-travel-guide-20-top-destinations-for-2020/#57e273273df2

International TV Series of the Decade

The NY Times has named Israeli TV series “Prisoners of War” the Top International TV series of the Decade. The Keshet network series was remade in the US as Homeland in 2011. Screenwriter, director and producer Gideon Raft also produced The Spy and Red Sea Diving Resort.
https://www.jpost.com/J-Spot/New-York-Times-names-Israeli-show-top-international-TV-series-of-decade-611679

IDF amputee is World marathon champion

Eitan Hermon, 45, lost his leg while a reservist in the Second Lebanon War. He was determined to not only walk again, but also to run marathons. After over 35 marathons, Hermon set a world record at the Vienna Marathon and was top in his category at the New York marathon.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/idf-veteran-who-lost-a-leg-wins-international-marathons/

Israel to host E-Sports World Championships

The International Electronic-Sports Federation (IESF) has announced that Israel will, for the first time, host the E-Sports World Championships in Nov 2020 in Eilat. It is the world’s largest and most prestigious gaming event, with over 500 players from 60 countries.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israel-to-host-e-sports-world-championships-in-2020-for-first-time/

THE JEWISH STATE

Ethiopian-Israeli MK lights candle in London’s Trafalgar Square

Member of Knesset Pnina Tamano-Shata lit a candle at a Chanukah ceremony in London’s Trafalgar Square. She said, “Hanukkah symbolizes …. the ability to change our world for the better together.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/273517

French immigrants bake the best donuts

The recent wave of new Israeli citizens from France has made a huge difference to the quality of Israel’s Chanukah donuts (sufganiyot).
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Fried-and-flavorful-from-France-611404

Haredi IDF unit celebrates 20 years

Hundreds of ultra-religious IDF soldiers have just participated in the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Haredi combat units. They include “Netzach Yehuda” (Kfir brigade) “Tomer” platoon (Givati ) “Chetz” platoon (Paratroopers) plus “Defenders of the Negev” platoon (Air Force).
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/273504

Connecting young Diaspora Jews to Israel

As reported previously (see here) Israeli non-profit Ayalim builds student villages to increase the Jewish presence in the Negev and Galilee, plus help those living in the social periphery. It is now using “social impact investing”, to enlarge some of its 22 villages and build new ones.
https://worldisraelnews.com/zionist-impact-investing-ngo-entices-socially-conscious-jews-to-buy-into-herzls-vision/ https://www.ayalim.org.il/en/

Inspiring Israelis of the decade

The reason for Israel’s incredible transformation over the last 10 years is its people – too many to mention here. 14 individuals, though, are highlighted in this article as being particularly inspiring. They include my own favorites, Navonel Glick (IsraAID) and Sivan Ya’ari (Innovation: Africa).
https://www.fromthegrapevine.com/lifestyle/most-inspiring-israelis-we-met-decade-2010-2019

Taxi driver finds and returns $60,000

An Israeli taxi driver was surprised to find a bag containing $60,000 in the back seat of his cab. He located the owner – an elderly woman he took to Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital, who needed the money for medical treatments. “I am a man of faith,” the taxi driver said. “The money isn’t mine”.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/272973

Israelis are forever young

Yosef Eshed, a 102-year-old Israeli who fought alongside Orde Wingate, can now register for kindergarten. Eshed was one of 20 Israelis over a century old to receive a kindergarten enrollment letter recently. Apparently, a computer glitch dropped the first digit of their age.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/273357

Never give up hope

Some real-life “miraculous” stories of cancer patients whose lives were saved by stem cell transplants, thanks to the bone marrow database, managed by Israel’s Ezer Mizion.
http://www.ezermizion.org/blog/never-give-up-hope/ http://www.ezermizion.org/blog/flying-high-2/
http://www.ezermizion.org/blog/old-at-23/

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