Good News Israel Archive from the week of May 24, 2015: Emergency beepers to protect lonely and elderly; Dionne Warwick melts hearts in Tel Aviv and much more.
By: Michael Ordman
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Heart surgery saves baby from East Timor
Surgeons from Israeli charity Save A Child’s Heart (SACH) successfully operated to repair the congenital heart defect in baby Lisa from East Timor. The Southeast Asia country is the 50th country to send its patients to Israel. SACH doctors have saved over 3,500 children’s lives.
http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/71579-150518-a-baby-from-east-timor-an-ethiopian-doctor-and-an-israeli-charity-come-together
How ALEH Negev was founded
I visited the special facilities for the disabled at ALEH Negev in Oct 2012. This new video features Maj Gen Doron Almog, who gave up his army career to found the village.
Sensors for Japanese hospital beds
Israel’s EarlySense makes sensors that detect when patients are at risk of falling from beds or chairs. EarlySense has just announced a strategic cooperation agreement with Japanese giant Mitsui that will help launch the distribution of EarlySense products in Japan.
http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-earlysense-teams-with-japans-mitsui-1001028418
Advancing cancer detection
Israeli biotech Rosetta Genomics boosted its molecular diagnostics capability by purchasing PersonalizeDx in the United States. Rosetta also received US patent protection for its cancer tests.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150414005159/en/Rosetta-Genomics-Completes-Acquisition-PersonalizeDx#.VVzo8VIpqSp http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150513005723/en/Rosetta-Genomics-Receives-Additional-U.S.-Patent-Protection#.VVzpr1IpqSp
Never too late
65 year-old Chaya Sarah Shahar of Bnei Brak gave birth to her first child, after 46 years of marriage. The healthy baby boy was born at a Kfar Saba hospital. Last year, a 61 year-old woman gave birth to her first child in Jerusalem. Chaya is the second oldest woman in the world to give birth.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/195589#.VV2XeFIpqSp
ReWalk makes paraplegics healthier
Israel’s ReWalk exoskeleton not only enables paraplegics to walk upright, it also improves their overall fitness. It allows users to exercise, use the toilet, boost their self-image and improve their mental health.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/rewalks-benefits-go-beyond-ambulation-company-says/
Revolutionizing pain management
Israel’s MedaSense Biometrics won the WOW Competition (medical device category) for the most innovative startup at the IATA Biomed exhibition in May. MedaSense’s pain monitor uses a finger sensor to record vital signs and a unique algorithm to measure pain mathematically.
http://www.medasense.com/may-2015/
http://nocamels.com/2015/05/medasenses-pain-assessment-monitor/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeQ7KNWKzWQ
How the lymphatic system forms
The origin of the body’s lymphatic system is key to understanding the immune system and the treatment of cancer. Scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute and at the Technion have discovered the source and have generated lymphatic cells in the laboratory.
http://www.israel21c.org/news/worlds-first-israeli-scientists-grow-lymphatic-cells-in-the-lab/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
ESRA’s project for ex-Ethiopians in Netanya
Here is what the English Speaking Residents Association is doing to help the 30,000 plus Ethiopian community in my home city of Netanya.
Bring your baby to lectures
When a student’s baby started crying in one of the Organizational Behavior lectures of Professor Sydney Engelberg, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem professor picked up the baby, calmed it down and continued the lecture whilst holding the baby. The photo has gone viral on facebook.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelzarrell/professor-teaches-life-lessons
Emergency beepers to protect lonely and elderly
Israel’s Yad Sarah organization has distributed emergency beepers to 20,000 people who live alone. Users can contact Yad Sarah, a doctor, police, an ambulance, relatives and others at any time using a button on a bracelet.
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Emergency-beepers-available-from-Yad-Sarah-to-protect-lonely-and-aged-403619
A minister for minorities
Only Israel would consider pensioners, students, minorities and women important enough to have a ministry set-up for them. http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Gila-Gamliel-appointed-Minister-of-Pensioners-students-young-people-and-gender-equality-403128
Syrians treated in Israel
Two wounded Syrians were treated at the Baruch Padeh Medical Center in Poriya near Tiberias overnight on Wednesday. One of the injured, a 17-year-old, was treated for shrapnel wounds. And a miracle – CNN praises Israel’s treatment of wounded Syrians (although the sound quality is poor).
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Two-Syrians-evacuated-to-Israeli-hospital-403603
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-its-a-miracle-cnn-praises-israel/
Israel’s humanity in Nepal
Please read this article, from Dr Giora Weiser who was part of the Israeli medical delegation and field hospital in Nepal. He saw devastation and trauma on a scale that he had never witnessed before, but saved many lives. Dr. Weiser would like you to tell this to Kenneth Roth of Human Rights Watch.
http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Israels-humanity-in-Nepal-403270
Treating water in Colombia
Israel’s RWL Water has built a major water treatment facility in Colombia. RWL treats the 86,000 cubic meters of water a day produced during extraction of oil in Campo Rubiales, so that it reaches a level suitable for irrigation.
http://israelnewtech.com/2015/05/rwl-water-announces-completion-of-major-water-treatment-facility-in-colombia/
What Miami learned from Israel
A group of leaders in Miami’s budding start-up community recently visited Israel. Their experiences taught them (a) have a can-do attitude; (b) get institutional support; (c) build a network; (d) embrace failure; (e) play the long game; (f) find strength in diversity (g) open doors.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/article21241524.html
Hadera twins with El Pasa
The mayors of El Paso, in Texas USA and Hadera Israel have signed a sister-city agreement. It will allow Israeli investors to come to El Paso and El Paso-area business operators to go to Hadera to find business opportunities. It also will allow for student and cultural exchanges.
http://www.elpasotimes.com/business/ci_28156539/el-paso-and-hadera-israel-become-sister-cities
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
More medals at Asian Physics Olympiad
Israeli high-school students set new records at the Asian Physics Olympiad, held in China. Competing against 23 countries, they won two silver and four bronze medals. Overall, Israel came in eighth place.
http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Health-and-Science/Israel-takes-8th-place-at-Asian-Physics-Olympiad-in-China-402972
Helping Alibaba beat counterfeiters
Israeli startup Visualead has developed decorative Dotless Visual (QR) Codes for online retailing giant Alibaba, which wants to prevent counterfeit goods from being traded through its site. The codes are also attractive to encourage potential customers to scan them.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-start-up-helps-chinese-retail-giant-beat-counterfeiters/
http://techcrunch.com/2015/05/18/dotless-qr-codes/
Mapping the genome of the trout
Israel’s NRGene has mapped the genome of the Rainbow Trout, using its DeNovoMAGIC big data genome assembly tool. The US Dept. of Agriculture initiated the task as an essential part of its breeding program for healthy, protein-rich fish. Other critical species will now be mapped.
http://nrgene.com/media-events/
Israel is milking it
A good summary of Israel’s leading position in the dairy technology industry. It includes Israel’s AKOL, which runs a database that monitors the output, health, genetics and fertility of every cow in Israel. It is now partnering with Microsoft to bring the technology to the developing world. AKOL’s sensors can also be placed on trees, vines or in the soil to help farmers be more productive.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/19/israel-dairy-idUSL5N0Y44V820150519
http://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-big-data-teaches-farmers-a-cup-of-joe-means-better-crops/
When to turn off cellular base stations
Israel’s eVolution Networks’ Smart Energy Solution (SES) examines cell phone usage rates, locations, energy costs etc. to activate and deactivate base stations as needed. It is saving Telefonica up to 35% of its energy costs. Warren Buffet has now decided to invest in eVolution.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/power-investor-warren-buffett-backs-israeli-power-saver-tech/
Picture these dishes
“Foodography“, a joint photography project between Israel’s Catit Restaurant and Carmel Winery, has commissioned a line of dishes specifically designed by Israeli ceramic artist Adi Nissani to hold a smartphone at the best angle in which to capture the best picture of the meal.
http://laughingsquid.com/israeli-restaurant-winery-partners-to-create-smartphone-friendly-dishware-to-encourage-posting-meals-to-instagram/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
State of Economy improves
Israel’s Composite State of the Economy Index for April 2015 increased by 0.2 percent, driven mainly by increases in industrial production and trade revenue.
http://www.boi.org.il/en/NewsAndPublications/PressReleases/Pages/21-05-2015-CompositeIndex.aspx
Ex-Intel executive forms Israeli VC firm
Intel Corp’s former chief product officer, Dadi Perlmutter, has co-founded the venture capital company Eucalyptus Growth Capital, which aims to raise $300 million (£191.4 million) to invest in Israeli companies seeking listings.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/05/12/uk-israel-venture-investment-idUKKBN0NX1M220150512
Joint Israel-Ontario research earned $1 billion
Israel and Ontario have just extended their 10-year research & development collaboration program by another 5 years. Prior investment of $18 million generated $1 billion in earnings to the companies emerging from the program. And another $6 million has just gone in.
http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Israel-and-Ontario-extend-joint-R-and-D-program-402764
http://news.nocamels.com/2015/05/21/ontario-invests-6m-in-joint-research-projects/
Rent your apartment using Israeli technology
The modern way to rent your house or apartment is with Airbnb. But it can be stressful, time-consuming and possibly costly. Israel’s Guesty provides your prospective and actual guests with fast responses to their seemingly endless questions.
http://www.israel21c.org/headlines/the-israeli-technology-behind-airbnbs-most-efficient-hosts/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM_Py1zbsXY
EMC expands Haifa R&D center
IT giant EMC is to hire 50 more employees at its Haifa research and development center. EMC has thousands of Israeli employees: in Petach Tikvah, Galil Yam, Herzliya, Haifa and Beer Sheva. EMC came to Israel in 1996. In 2012 it bought Israel’s XtremIO for over $400 million.
http://news.nocamels.com/2015/05/12/emc-to-expand-haifa-office/
http://israel.emc.com/corporate/coe/about/news/index.htm
What to do with those foreign coins
When you land at Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Tbilisi, Milan or Manila, look out for the big yellow (Israeli) TravelersBox machines. Deposit your spare foreign coins and notes and convert them into digital currency. Coming soon to Brazil and (of course) Tel Aviv.
http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-converting-foreign-coins-into-digital-currency-1001029139
http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-tax-refund-giant-global-blue-invests-in-start-up-travelersbox-1001035550
Saudi airplane lands at Ben Gurion
On 5th May, a leasing company took an off-duty Saudi Arabian Airbus A330-300 to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport for servicing by Israel Aerospace’s Bedek, one of the world’s leading aircraft maintenance companies. The Saudi owners were not pleased when they found out.
http://www.jpost.com/Blogs/Prayer-and-Growth/Proof-that-anyone-can-benefit-from-Israeli-innovation-403389
http://www.timesofisrael.com/saudi-airline-pulls-contract-after-plane-taken-to-israel/
A fruitful time for Frutarom
Israel’s Frutarom latest record quarterly results consolidate its position as one of the world’s largest companies in the field of flavors and specialty ingredients. It also has acquired its fourth and fifth acquisitions of the year – India’s Sonarome and Canada’s BSA.
http://ir.frutarom.com/mobile.view?c=185607&v=203&d=1&id=2047922
http://www.israel21c.org/news/frutarom-acquires-bsa-for-35-million/
http://ir.frutarom.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=185607&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2051383
Baidu makes its 3rd Israeli investment
Chinese Internet giant Baidu has invested millions in Israel’s Taboola – famous for its “you may also be interested in” online advertisements that tempt users to visit other sites. Baidu has previously invested in Israel’s Tonara and Pixellot, and China is Israel’s number one investor.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/baidu-to-invest-millions-in-taboolas-you-may-also-like-tech/
Connecticut seeks Israeli companies
Connecticut has hired Chaim Oren of the Oren Group to convince Israeli companies to relocate to the US. Oren’s focus will be on businesses involved in aeronautics, bioscience, advanced manufacturing, green technologies, insurance and digital media.
http://www.theday.com/article/20150517/BIZ02/150519365
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Germany funds Tel Aviv Bauhaus restoration
Germany is to donate 2.5 million Euros for the preservation and restoration of Tel Aviv’s famous “white city” – a UNESCO World Heritage site. The buildings, built in the German Bauhaus style, were designed mostly by German Jews who fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
http://5tjt.com/germany-donates-funds-to-restore-tel-avivs-bauhaus-style-buildings/
Israel Day in Central Park
The annual Israel Day free concert takes place on May 31 in Central Park New York. It will feature British rocker Alex Clare, Israel’s Gad Elbaz, Lipa Schmeltzer, Mati Shrika, Avraham Rosenblum and the Shloime Dachs Orchestra and Singers.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/doctor-central-park-israel-day-concert-save-lives-article-1.2230416
Backstreet boys came back
The Backstreet boys cancelled their planned Israel concert last summer due to the fighting in Gaza, but made good on their promise to return. They performed three shows at the Ra’anana Amphitheatre. All 20,000 tickets for each concert were sold out.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4659324,00.html
Dionne Warwick melts hearts in Tel Aviv
Over 5,000 fans were wooed and soothed by renowned Dionne Warwick’s singular performance at the Menorah Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv on 19th May, which left the audience with goose bumps. And she did “Say a little prayer for you”.
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/Concert-Review-Dionne-Warwick-403691
Britpop group Suede
Another musical icon is coming to Israel: English alternative rock band Suede, which will perform at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv on July 30. This will be the group’s fifth performance in Israel; their last performance in the country was in 2011.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4655645,00.html
TV rots your brain, but…
After Israeli executive Sarit Fishbaine watched a TV medical soap, she decided to get a second opinion about a lump she was worried about. The decision saved her life. Coincidentally, Sarit is the daughter of Professor Sidney Engelberg – who appears in another article in this newsletter.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/greys-anatomy-saves-womans-life/
THE JEWISH STATE
Celebrating Jerusalem Day
The Western Wall (Kotel) was full of worshippers for a festive prayer service to honor Jerusalem Day. It was attended by several Chief Rabbis and featured singer Yitzhak Meir. Thousands of revelers later danced at the Kotel, celebrating the re-unification of the city in the 1967 Six Day War. And (TY Michelle) Jerusalem’s emergence as a Tech Hub has made the city into a link between history and destiny.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/195500#.VVnG_FIpqSo
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/195523#.VV7gm1IpqSo
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/246468
Israel’s first ultra-orthodox tech incubator
Yitzik Crombie and Racheli Ganot have launched a first of its kind tech incubator as part of their Haredi Hi-Tech Forum. The incubator specifically targets the Haredi community – much of which lives below the poverty line – and its goal is to bring the high-tech to Bnei Brak.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/15/israel-orthodox-startup_n_7277596.html
Limmud brings Torah to Tel Aviv
For the first time, the global Jewish learning movement Limmud reached the White City. The two-day event provided the normally secular city of Tel Aviv with 130 sessions, 120 presenters and seven musical performances.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/at-tel-avivs-first-limmud-participants-confront-israels-raucous-politics/
http://www.jpost.com/Metro/Jewish-learning-takes-Tel-Aviv-403613
What’s happening on Shavuot
Israel is the ultimate place to celebrate Shavuot. Next year why not stay on a Moshav where you can enjoy folk dancing, horse prancing, kite flying, a cow beauty pageant and the food! Also on Voice of Israel you can learn why Shavuot is a night of revelation.
http://igoogledisrael.com/2012/05/the-ultimate-place-to-be-for-shavuot-in-israel-a-moshav-or-kibbutz/
http://www.jewishpress.com/tv/radio/a-night-of-revelation-and-the-musical-spirit-of-israel/2015/05/22/
President’s Chief of Staff is mother of eleven
Rivka Ravitz, 39, is Israeli President Reuven Rivlin’s Chief of Staff and has been Reuven’s aid for 16 years. She holds degrees in Computer Science and Politics and a PhD in Public Policy. She also challenges stereotypes, as she is an ultra-orthodox Jew and a mother of eleven children.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/young-ultra-orthodox-mother-of-11-is-the-power-behind-israels-president-rivlin/
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