When the ventilator can be removed; JP Morgan expands operations in Israel; A mural of Jewish history; and much more!
by: Michael Ordman
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
New treatment for chronic kidney disease
Israel’s Curespec, founded by Israel’s Avner Spector, has developed Europe-approved Nephrospec. It uses an acoustic wave treatment called eHAT to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) by promoting new blood vessel formation and restoring damaged tissue function.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-746236
Detecting pressure injuries before they happen
Israel’s IR-Med has developed an AI device powered by infrared light spectroscopy that spots pressure injuries, bedsores, and ulcers at an early stage. The PressureSafe device noninvasively detects them, preventing infections and even saving lives.
https://www.israel21c.org/prevent-painful-bedsores-by-spotting-them-before-they-happen/
https://www.ir-medical.com/
https://www.ir-medical.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Pressuresafe-Long.mp4
Healing wounds in 30+ countries
Israels RedDress (see here previously) is saving lives with its ActiGraft bandage for chronic wounds in over 30 countries, including Brazil, Turkey, and France. In Israel, it is available to patients of Clalit – the country’s largest health maintenance organization.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/bandage-made-from-your-own-blood-treats-non-healing-wounds/
US approves synthetic eye tissue
The US FDA has approved a synthetic tissue substitute for the eye that will address the worldwide shortage of donors. The EverPatch from Israel’s CorNeat Vision (see here previously) is made of a polymer that stimulates the cells to accept it and reinforce the sclera (outer layer of the eyeball).
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/fda-okays-worlds-first-non-degradable-synthetic-eye-tissue/
No more peanut allergies
Researchers at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center and Volcani Institute have developed a powder made from unripe peanuts that weans children off peanut allergies. There are no allergenic proteins in unripe peanuts, and food made from their powder (cookies, pancakes etc.) will slowly desensitize the allergy.
https://worldisraelnews.com/no-more-epipens-israeli-breakthrough-will-make-nut-allergies-disappear/
https://www.shebaonline.org/oral-immunotherapy-decreases-allergic-reaction-to-peanuts-in-children-sheba-study-finds/
When melanoma becomes dangerous
A new study at Tel Aviv University and Israel’s Sheba Medical Center reveals how melanoma cancer cells metastasize. They change their environment to spread deeper into the skin and to other parts of the body. Research continues and could eventually lead to the development of a vaccine.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/discovery-on-how-skin-cancer-spreads-raises-hopes-of-vaccine/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022202X23018365
When the ventilator can be removed
Four women students at Ben-Gurion University won the 9th round of the “Students Leading Innovation in the Public Sector” competition initiated by Shoham hospital in Pardes Hanna-Karkur. Their Clarity decision-support model predicts if patients can be weaned off ventilator support.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-746001
https://americansforbgu.org/bgu-students-win-first-prize/
Better training for ADHD sufferers
Trainers at Tel Aviv University’s Constantiner School of Education have developed Computerized Progressive Attention Training (CPAT) that significantly improved the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms of many participating students.
https://www.israel21c.org/training-the-brains-attention-mechanisms-helps-in-adhd/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36794845/
Transforming hospital healthcare
Israel’s Sheba Medical Center has signed an agreement with Deloitte Consulting to transform the future of healthcare. Deloitte operates in 150 countries and aims to implement Sheba’s revolutionary ARC (Accelerate, Redesign, and Collaboration) platform worldwide.
https://www.israel21c.org/deloitte-and-israels-sheba-plan-global-healthcare-redesign/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Knesset launches “Waze for the Blind”
On Israel’s Blind Day (Jun 6) Israel’s Parliament (Knesset) launched a system to help the blind, visually impaired, and people with orientation difficulties navigate its premises. It uses the personalized audio guidance from Israel’s RightHear (see here previously).
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/israeli-parliament-launches-waze-for-the-blind-navigation/
Israel’s inclusive soccer team
Who were the Israeli scorers in the 3-2 victory against Brazil in the Quarter Final of the Under 20 World Soccer Cup? Arab Israeli Anan Khalaili from Haifa, Bedouin Arab Israeli Hamza Shibi, and Jewish Israeli Dor David Turgeman. The team returned to Israel wearing their bronze medals.
https://www.algemeiner.com/2023/06/12/we-are-a-success-israeli-arab-soccer-star-shines-in-israels-youth-world-cup-campaign/
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/s1k911moun
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/syxgtaiwn#autoplay
Award for Druze tech revolutionary
Israeli President Herzog presented one of the 2023 Volunteer Awards to Koftan Halabi, founder of DTEC – the Technological Institute for the Empowerment of the Druze Soldier. Halabi has led a technological revolution by helping young Druze to integrate into mainstream Israeli society.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/helping-youth-fighting-bds-druze-activist-honored-by-israeli-president-for-outstanding-volunteerism/
The smallest Koran
Amir Ohana is first Knesset speaker to make an official visit to the parliament of a Muslim country – Morocco. In honor of the historic occasion, he presented Moroccan Parliament President Rachid Talbi El Alami with a Quran (Koran) printed with Israeli nanotechnology – only 4.7 mm in size.
https://worldisraelnews.com/knesset-speaker-presents-morocco-with-worlds-smallest-koran-made-with-nanotech/
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkcvazyp2
https://unitedwithisrael.org/powerful-knesset-speaker-recites-jewish-blessing-in-moroccan-parliament/
JNF Denver conference
A reminder to register for the JNF Global Conference for Israel (Nov 30 – Dec 3) in Denver Colorado. A great opportunity to experience Israeli innovation up close and meet dozens of top Israeli personalities including President Herzog, UN rep Gilad Erdan, and JVP’s Erel Margalit.
https://www.jnf.org/global-conference-in-denver
Aid to Ukraine after dam burst
Israeli NGO IsraAID rushed essential aid to tens of thousands of Ukrainians left homeless after the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam and hydraulic power plant. IsraAID is providing urgent medical support, plus hygiene supplies, blankets, and medications. Israel has also given water and food.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-ngo-sends-aid-after-catastrophic-dam-explosion/
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-746032
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Tomorrow launches second satellite
Israeli-founded Tomorrow.io (previously named ClimaCell – see here) has launched its second satellite (R-2) on the SpaceX Transporter-8. It plans to complete a constellation of more than 20 climate satellites over the next two years. Its customers include Uber, Delta, and National Grid.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjl48qndn
Amdocs is powered by Israeli green energy
Israel’s Amdocs (see here previously) is to power its huge new Israeli office campus, with clean solar energy from Israel’s Enlight Renewable Energy (see here previously). Enlight has also begun testing the 39 turbines in its 207 MW Genesis Wind project in Israel’s Golan Heights.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/amdocs-powering-new-campus-with-israeli-green-energy/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/renewable-energy-company-starts-testing-first-of-39-wind-turbines-on-golan-heights/
Translating cuneiform at the push of a button
Israeli archaeologists and computer scientists have created an AI-powered neural translation program for 5,000-year-old Akkadian cuneiform. Tens of thousands of digitized cuneiform tablets, that never could be understood before, can now be translated into English instantaneously.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/groundbreaking-ai-project-translates-5000-year-old-cuneiform-at-push-of-a-button/
https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/5/pgad096/7147349?login=false
Quantum design for Rolls Royce engines
Israel’s Classiq has partnered with NVIDIA to design and simulate the world’s largest quantum computing circuit for Rolls-Royce engine design. The process uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which deals with complex numerical simulations of fluid and gas phenomena.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-quantum-software-aids-rolls-royce-jet-engine-design/
No texting while driving
Universal Trucks Israel has implemented Israel’s SaverOne system (see here previously) in over 100 of its Isuzu trucks. SaverOne’s Cabin Driver Distraction Prevention Solution (DDPS) saves lives by preventing accidents resulting from the use of mobile phones while driving.
https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/saverone-expands-relationship-with-isuzu-importer-to-israel-additional-40-installations-of-driver-distraction-prevention-solution-ordered-for-isuzu-trucks-301844216.html
No more queuing at the bar
Israel’s NINA gives the consumer control over the ordering and consumption of wines and spirits in a bar. It saves the time normally spent trying to catch the attention of a busy bartender. The technology comes in the form of a smart bottle cap, QR codes on tables and an app full of features.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/pay-as-you-pour-and-say-goodbye-to-queuing-at-the-bar/
https://www.drinknina.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QseoKxsuyU
The Einstein House Museum
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has launched the project to build the Einstein House Museum (see here previously). It will exhibit some of Einstein’s 82,000 authentic handwritten documents. Famous architect Daniel Libeskind spearheads the project. (2nd video TY Sharon)
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-746322
https://en.huji.ac.il/news/einstein-house-hebrew-university
The most advanced simulator
Ben Gurion University is training doctors, nurses, first responders, and soldiers using one of the world’s most advanced and realistic medical simulators. The smart silicon mannequins have simulated anatomies that respond in the same way as a live patient. They even speak!
Technology pioneers
Six previously reported Israeli companies were selected as 2023 World Economic Forum’s “Technology Pioneers” who are making progress in sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and inclusive healthcare. They are AIVF, Aporia, Electriq Global, OX Security, Tastewise and Wilco.
https://www.weforum.org/press/2023/06/world-economic-forum-announces-100-new-start-ups-joining-its-technology-pioneers-community-e6f22f01d7 The program shows pupils the world of cyber and gives them the tools to integrate into the high-tech industry.
The future is already here
The ORT Air and Space Technology High School in Ma’ale Adumim hosts the “Bridges” program class of IDF Intelligence Branch Unit 8200 and the IDF Personnel Branch Education Corps. It gives young students exposure to computers and cyber, and tools to integrate into Israel’s high-tech industry.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/23/6/21/297029/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Encouraging innovation in the periphery
A new Israeli initiative will allocate 15 million shekels over five years to each of five innovation centers in the country’s periphery to encourage entrepreneurship in agriculture, food, energy, and climate tech. Each center will promote local innovation, training and employment.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/israel-invests-nis-75m-to-establish-periphery-innovation-centers/
Israel invests in cultivating food
The Israel Innovation Authority has selected Israel’s YDLabs to establish microorganism fermentation labs for the Israeli food-tech industry. The IIA will also invest up to $14 million in fermentation infrastructure so that all Israeli companies can develop and manufacture their food-tech products.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjb7le2vh
Israeli pavilion at Paris Air Show
17 Israeli firms participated in the inauguration of the national pavilion at the 2023 Paris Air Show. 150,000 professionals and more than 2,500 companies are participating in this year’s event, showcasing cutting-edge technological solutions in the aerospace, civilian and defense sectors.
https://www.jns.org/startup-nation/israeli-defense/23/6/19/296333/
Intel to build a $25 billion Israeli factory
Global tech giant Intel is to establish a new factory in Israel in the city of Kiryat Gat with a huge investment of about 25 billion dollars. Intel is expected to recruit thousands of workers and make a major boost for Israel’s economy. Intel said Israel was crucial to its global success.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/intel-to-invest-unprecedented-25-billion-in-chip-manufacturing-plant-in-israel/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/372923
Power station sale to reduce prices
Eshkol Power ENergies has bought the 1,680-megawatt Eshkol natural gas power plant in Ashdod from public-owned Israel Electric for over NIS 12 billion. Part of the proceeds will be used to reduce electricity prices. It is the IEC’s 4th sale, to encourage competition in the energy sector.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-electric-sells-eshkol-power-plant-to-private-group-for-over-nis-12-billion/
As simple as ABC
Swiss-Israeli fintech Okoora has introduced its new AI-driven platform, Automatic Business Currency Management (ABCM) to simplify global payments, banking, and risk management. Okoora‘s 7,000+ business customers process low flat fee global payments in more than 100 currencies.
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-746813 https://okoora.com/
JP Morgan expands operations in Israel
JP Morgan, one of the world’s largest banks, is expanding its operations in Israel and entering the commercial banking sector for high-tech companies for the first time. It will focus on helping late-stage high-tech companies raise capital, increase liquidity, and manage payments.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/jpmorgan-expands-commercial-banking-business-to-israel-to-cater-to-tech-companies/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/skwawdtvh
An on-line Israeli shopping mall
Israelimall is a new online platform where small Israeli companies sell their products to the English-speaking community. Customers in the USA and Canada can buy Israeli products, and pay in dollars, with low shipping costs. From unique Judaica, natural cosmetics to new innovative products.
https://israelimall.com/
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 25/6/23:
Israel’s Stratasys is merging with US-based Desktop Metal in a deal valued at around $1.8 billion. Stratasys shareholders will hold 59% of the combined company.
Investment in Israeli startups to 25/6/23: Tomorrow.ai (previously ClimaCell) raised $87 million; N-Drip raised $44 million; NVision Imaging raised $30 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
And none shall make them afraid
Rick Richman’s new book tells how Zionism, supported by Americanism, created a modern miracle. Told through the little-known stories of eight individuals who collectively changed history. Herzl, Chaim Weizmann, Jabotinsky, Abba Eban, Brandeis, Golda Meir, Ben Hecht, and Ron Dermer.
https://www.amazon.com/None-Shall-Make-Them-Afraid/dp/B0C2WN3YPF/#customerReviews
Divine trees
The National Library of Israel is exhibiting its collection of 36 kabbalistic maps. The 17th century scrolls are arboreal (tree) diagrams of the Divine, their branches composed of images and words rooted in the fundamentals of Kabbalah, a strain of Jewish mysticism that began in the 12th century.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-national-library-unveils-collection-of-36-kabbalistic-tree-like-maps-of-god/
The Capital of Culture
Recent events on the real Jerusalem’s streets include breaking ground at the new Einstein House Museum (see also above), Museum of Tolerance opening, Hebrew Book Week (6,971 books published in Israel in 2022), and the 12th Temech (Haredi women’s business) conference.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/06/18/jerusalem-in-june-tourists-books-sports-and-much-more/
Tel Aviv’s 4th Vegan Fest
The world’s largest vegan festival, Vegan Fest, is taking place in Tel Aviv with over 100,000 participants. It features over 100 food stalls, lectures, health booths, activities for children, cooking workshops, and live performances. It even hosts a speed-dating event for vegans looking for love.
https://www.ynetnews.com/culture/article/rjci6gyon
Three more hours of Guns N’ Roses
Legendary hard rock band Guns N’ Roses performed in front of a sold-out crowd of 60,000 at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park. It was their fourth show in Israel over the past 20 years (see here previously). Police closed several roads in Tel Aviv due to congestion ahead of the concert.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/guns-n-roses-rocks-sold-out-crowd-of-60000-in-tel-aviv/
Christina and Bruno Israel concerts
Five-time Grammy-award-winning American pop singer Christina Aguilera will perform in Israel for the first time on Aug. 10 at Live Park in Rishon Letzion. Meanwhile, Bruno Mars has sold all 124,000 tickets for his Oct 4 and 7 shows at Yarkon Park and now may add a third date.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/music/23/6/15/295506/
Transforming tennis for Israeli children
Philanthropist Stuart Weitzman is making a transformative gift to develop new tennis and athletic facilities as part of the Israel Tennis & Education Centers in Jerusalem and Ramat Hasharon. The ITEC foundation supports children in underserved areas across Israel.
https://www.jns.org/wire/stuart-weitzman-makes-transformative-gift-to-israel-tennis-education-centers-foundation/23/6/13/294848/
Arab Israeli European beach soccer champions
Arab Israeli Kfar Qassem beach soccer club “Falfala” made history by winning the Euro Winners Cup 2023 in Portugal. They beat Italy’s Lenergy Pisa in the final thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout. Falfala has won Israel’s national league title five times between 2007 and 2019.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-beach-soccer-club-wins-european-championship-for-first-time/
THE JEWISH STATE
Webinar to help UK pre- & post- Olim
On Sun 16 July, 5pm UK time, UKAA is hosting two free online talks. The 1st on legal issues including property in Israel. The 2nd on why an Israel based wealth manager is better than a UK one. Register at the link below or email info@ukaliyahadvisors.com with full name and phone.
https://ukaliyahadvisors.com/event/16july2023/
On the beach
Wherever you walk in Israel you can discover history. An Israeli woman walking on the Palmachim beach in southern Israel found an ancient figurine of Hathor – an Egyptian goddess believed to be more than 3,000 years old. It had been washed up in recent stormy weather.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/palmachim-beachgoer-finds-3000-year-old-egyptian-goddess-figurine/
Route 60 – the Biblical highway
The 146-mile road from Beersheva to Nazareth is often in the news for all the wrong reasons. In this video, though, you can see its links to the history of the Jewish State. The “Way of the Patriarchs” includes Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Bet-El, Shiloh, Shechem, and more.
https://www.israelunwired.com/find-out-why-tourists-will-be-running-to-visit-this-israeli-highway/
A mural of Jewish history
Passengers arriving at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport will walk past a beautiful 50-meter mural depicting 4,000 years of Jewish history. The installation was arranged by ILAN – the Israel-Latin American Network, whose Founder and President Isaac Assa was interviewed on Arutz Sheva.
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/h1lxop6v3
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/373141
Volunteering at children’s home
Every year, Midreshet Torat Chessed welcomes 35 girls from around the world who help at the Emunah Bet Sabah Elazraki Children’s Home in Netanya. They become “older sisters” to 200 children at risk, aged 6-18, referred by the Ministry of Welfare.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/372647
1,300 dolls donated
Jerusalem residents Yair and Tali Eisenmann, founders of the Gilat Foundation, presented the gift of 1,300 to Israeli emergency NGO United Hatzalah (UH). They will be given to any traumatized young children at emergencies attended by UH medics.
https://www.jns.org/israel-news/dolls/23/6/16/295980/
100,000 sign up for Gift of Life
For nearly 20 years, Birthright Israel has partnered with the Gift of Life Marrow Registry. Participants of trips to Israel register to potentially help a blood cancer patient if they are a suitable match. Birthright recently hit a milestone: 100,000 who have offered to serve as donors.
https://www.jns.org/jns/birthright-israel/23/6/8/293862/
Majority of Israelis want to donate organs
A new study by Israel Transplant has found that the Israeli public’s stated willingness to donate organs has increased from 42% in 1999 to 60% today. Israelis are keen to save lives and believe that their loved one would “continue to live on” in someone else’s body.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-746687