POSITIVE NEWS FROM ISRAEL FROM MICHAEL ORDMAN
I learned a new word this week. It is “blatherskite”. It is a word of contempt, originating in the 17th century, describing a person who prattles empty talk and nonsense. It is a perfect description of the finger pointing of so called journalists who vent bias and libel and disinformation when reporting on Israel’s present war.
The best antidote to the blatherskites is Michael Ordman’s weekly postings about the real and amazing Israel and its contributions even during wartime. rsk
www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com
POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
After 6 surgeries IDF soldier’s eyesight is restored. (TY WIN) IDF soldier Dor lost his eyesight in the war in Gaza. But thanks to Israeli medical technology and six eye surgeries, he can now see again. “I am born again” he says in Hebrew at the end of the video. Many tears were shed at his final eye test.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-israeli-doctors-restore-eyesight-to-wounded-idf-soldier/amp/
Wounded IDF soldier holds newborn daughter. Omer was seriously injured in the Gaza war, when an explosive device was detonated. He was evacuated to hospital, to be treated and rehabilitated just as his wife gave birth to their firstborn daughter. Their private victory gave Omer strength to recover and return to his unit.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/387797
You don’t need to be a spokesperson to speak up for Israel. Eylon Levy has been an excellent spokesperson for Israel since Oct 7. He has now established a Civilian Public Diplomacy initiative called “the New Israeli Discourse”. It includes his State of the Nation podcast. https://www.stateofanationpodcast.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypEyo4XWc-8 (About his initiative)
https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/124800/about (to support him)
https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-stunning-rise-curious-suspension-and-insistent-return-of-israels-star-spokesman/
The Diaspora donates. Israel’s Diaspora Ministry reports that world Jewry has donated NIS 5 billion to Israel since Oct 7. Also, some 60,000 volunteers came to Israel. https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-794568
Supporting and investing in Israel. Since Oct 7, Israel Bonds has raised more than $1.5 billion worldwide. This article explains why this is so important, why it’s a win-win activity, and how you can be a part of it.
https://www.jns.org/forever-changed-after-a-trip-to-israel/
70% of Gaza periphery residents return home. Nearly six months after Oct 7, most evacuees from the Gaza periphery have made the decision to return to their homes. The towns located between 4 and 7 km from the Strip (including the city of Sderot) have seen the return of 75% of residents.
https://www.jns.org/70-of-gaza-periphery-residents-return-home/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Stem cell injections benefit MS sufferers. (TY Nevet) A study of 23 progressive multiple sclerosis patients at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem highlighted significant beneficial effects of repeated stem cell injections. They improved neurological function, cognition, and quality of life with no adverse effects.
https://www.hadassah.org/story/research-at-hadassah-shows-promising-results-for-patients-with-progressive-ms
Possible therapy for bone cancer. (TY Nevet) Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered in the laboratory that two existing medicines can be used to enhance treatments against bone cancer. It is important as bone cancer is often the result of metastasis (spreading) in breast cancer patients.
https://tps.co.il/articles/cocktail-of-repurposed-drugs-offers-hope-to-breast-cancer-patients/
https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/article-abstract/doi/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-23-0762/734997/
3rd clinical trial for gastro leakage sensor. The xBar sensor from Israel’s Exero Medical (see here previously) is about to begin a Phase 3 pivotal clinical trial in the USA and Israel. The device aims to immediately detect post-operative leakage following gastro surgery, which is fatal in 40% of affected cases.
https://nocamels.com/2024/04/life-saving-sensor-monitors-dangerous-fallout-of-stomach-surgery/
Live greener, live longer. What seems to be an obvious statement has been proved in a study by Tel Aviv University researchers. They examined over 3,000 heart bypass patients and found that patients who live in a “greener” environment are at a lower risk of mortality than those who live in a “non-green” environment.
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-794536
https://www.aftau.org/news_item/heart-patients-live-longer-in-a-greener-environment-tau-study-finds/
https://journals.lww.com/epidem/abstract/2024/01000/residential_greenness_and_long_term_mortality.6.aspx
Video game app to combat chronic pain. The pain-relieving video games from Israel’s TrainPain (see here previously) are now available to download on iPhone and Android phones. You also need to order (fees required) the haptic pod and cables. Available in the US only.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/new-video-game-aims-to-train-the-mind-to-stop-sensing-chronic-pain/
https://www.trainpain.com/
Using AI to find cures for diseases. (TY Nevet) An interesting article explaining how Israel’s CytoReason (see here previously) is using AI and big data from the medical companies themselves to help reduce the cost and time required to bring a new remedy to market.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/using-ai-made-models-to-find-cures-for-disease/
400 French doctors & dentists seeking to make Aliyah. The first European MedEx event took place in Paris, gathering more than 400 doctors and dentists from France and Belgium. At MedEx, potential immigrant medics can convert licenses and engage directly with representatives from Israeli healthcare institutions.
https://www.jns.org/more-than-400-doctors-and-dentists-attend-aliyah-fair-in-paris/
Global Change-maker. (TY Nevet) The prestigious Nature magazine named Israeli Tal Patalon, outgoing head of the KSM research and innovation center of Maccabi Healthcare Services, as one of the world’s change-makers in medical research. Her team’s COVID-19 research changed vaccination policies in the United States.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00754-w
https://www.ksminnovation.com/member/dr-tal-patalon/
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-784798
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Children with trauma can make a wish. The NGO Make-A-Wish Israel (see here previously) has granted more than 5,500 life-changing wishes for sick children in Israel (one-third for Arabs). It is now to help children traumatized by Oct 7 events. Philanthropist Sylvan Adams has just been named its global goodwill ambassador.
https://www.jns.org/sylvan-adams-named-goodwill-ambassador-for-make-a-wish-israel/
Double amputee joins twin sister in IDF. (TY Nevet) Due to a premature birth, Emanuel suffered cerebral damage and the eventual amputation of both legs when she was one year old. But she was determined to join the IDF, like her twin sister Maayan. Now, thanks to Special in Uniform, she serves at a Home Front base.
https://tps.co.il/articles/double-amputee-joins-israel-army-fulfilling-dream-alongside-twin-sister/
Yale faculty members amazed in Israel. 25 Yale University faculty members, including at least 4 professors, visited Ben Gurion Uni, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv Uni, the Technion and Weizmann Institute. They were astounded to see Arab and Jewish students learning together during the war and global hostility.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/yale-academics-astounded-by-trip-to-israel/
Call for co-existence. 20 prominent leaders from across the religious spectrum in Haifa have issued a statement calling for cooperation between their religions and recognizing a deep commitment to the State of Israel and its laws. The 20 include men, women, Jews (Orthodox, Chabad and Reform) Muslims, Christians, and Druze.
https://www.jns.org/wire/israeli-faith-leaders-issue-unprecedented-call-for-coexistence/
Peace in Jerusalem. So far, Friday prayers during Ramadan at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque have been attended each week without incident by tens of thousands of Muslims. Meanwhile, thousands of Christian Arabs converged on Israel’s capital to celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
https://www.jns.org/ramadan-prayers-at-temple-mount-so-far-pass-without-major-incident/
Israel-UAE relations – no news is good news. Don’t be fooled by the media blackout: business between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, bolstered initially by the Abraham Accords in 2020, has been thriving despite Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas and intense scrutiny from the rest of the world.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/b1tliil1a
Richie Torres gets it! Israel needs more friends like the South Bronx Congressman Richie Torres. Democrat, progressive, Hispanic, gay, and proud to stand up for Israel. See the Youtube interview with Eylon Levy.
https://www.jns.org/im-an-accidental-advocate-for-israel-ritchie-torres-says-on-visit-to-jewish-state/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-improbable-friend-for-true-progressives-israel-is-an-exemplar-says-ritchie-torres/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm8L2-EVqFs https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritchie_Torres
Providing water to 64,000 in Kenya. In the past year, IsraAID has drilled or rehabilitated 17 boreholes in the county, restoring access to safe water for more than 64,000 Kenyans.
https://www.jns.org/wire/israaid-hands-over-new-boreholes-to-local-community-in-kenya/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Vegetables from a vending machine. Israel’s replantin’ is developing a specialized vending machine that grows a variety of high-quality, nutritious leafy greens inside it, and in less time than it takes in a field. Each plant starts as a seed inside a coffee-capsule-sized pod, which provides all the nutrients it needs to grow.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/get-your-greens-from-a-vending-machine-that-grows-the-veg-inside/
https://replantin.com/
Realtime maps save lives. The IDF’s Hunter system, developed during the current war, detects threats in real time and sends signals to soldiers. The software allows soldiers to see drone launches, rocket launches and terrorist activities as they happen – sensing a missile attack before conventional technology picks up on it.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-map-technology-saves-lives-on-the-battlefield/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF-fNSF564c
Drone startups partner to make sky safer. The Goshawk anti-drone UAV from Israel’s Robotican (see here previously) is to carry the advanced Halo system from Israel’s Elsight (see here previously) to boost the Goshawk’s success rate in catching rogue unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and avoiding breakdowns.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/drone-startups-team-up-to-boost-destroyer-of-enemy-craft/
https://www.elsight.com/
Shhh! It’s the Oron spy plane. The Israel Aerospace Industries-developed, US-manufactured Oren is Israel’s new and advanced intelligence aircraft. The 1-billion-dollar plane has already logged hundreds of operational flight hours, totaling close to 100 missions. It possesses multiple sensors and operates at over 40,000 feet.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjmtfxgkc
Protecting planes from cyber-attack. Latest article on Israel’s Cyviation (see here previously), developing security technology that protects commercial and private aircraft from cyber-attacks. Its 4 layers comprise “SkyRay” for vulnerability scanning; training for pilots; event management and real-time detection devices.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/air-safety-startup-protects-planes-from-cyber-attacks/
https://cyviation.aero/cyviation-announces-strategic-partnership/
Liquid AI – the thinking car. Israel’s Autobrains (see here previously) has unveiled Liquid AI – a paradigm shift in autonomous driving and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Like the human brain, it adapts dynamically, activating only AI modules specific to the driving context and thus reducing power consumption.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/autobrains-liquid-ai-enables-true-automotive-intelligence
Fully autonomous defense vehicles. Israel’s Elbit (see here previously) is to deploy the 3D image processing software from Israel’s Foresight (see here previously) in the fully autonomous defense vehicles of one of Elbit’s leading defense customers. https://ir.foresightauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Elbit-first-commercial-deployment-020424-ENHE-accessible.pdf
Rewarding good drivers. Israel’s Letstop has developed an app that incentivizes good driving of any vehicle. If the phone has not been used for texting etc., during the journey, the driver earns credits which can be converted into cash or vouchers for a range of stores and eateries; or in-app purchases at various businesses.
https://nocamels.com/2024/04/new-app-rewards-users-for-staying-off-the-phone-while-driving/
https://www.letstop.io/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Hi-tech is thriving. Despite 15% of employees in the IDF reserves, plus air travel restrictions, most Israeli startups continue to thrive. Startup Nation Central reports that 220 investments since Oct 7 raised some $3.1billion. March’s $822m exceeded Jan + Feb. Plus, 20 new Israeli venture capital funds raised $1.7bn.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sylbipl1r
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sjnc5awka
Fast innovative companies. US magazine Fast Company recognized four Israeli startups in its annual list of the world’s most innovative companies. Vis.ai was ranked 43rd of the top 50, for “harnessing AI to expedite lifesaving diagnoses”. Highlighted in specific sectors were Papaya Global, UVeye, and GreyMatters Health.
https://www.fastcompany.com/91033263/viz-ai-most-innovative-companies-2024
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/meet-the-israeli-firms-on-prestigious-list-of-worlds-top-innovators/
Tel Aviv Sparks. (TY Jacob, David, and Jason) The Tel Aviv Sparks Innovation Summit & Expo (Apr 8 -12) features the latest Israeli startups, organizations, and company exhibitors showcasing their cutting-edge products and solutions. Plus (at the summit) key presentations and discussions that shape the future.
https://www.tlvsparks.com/
European VC fund to invest in Israel. (TY Yanky) New Europe-based venture capital fund Vinthera is to invest tens of millions of dollars in Israeli funds and startups in growth stages. Past investments by the team in Israel include Grove Ventures, Angular Ventures, Oryzn Capital, and the cloud data storage company Firebolt.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sy8mf9eha
Innovation winner. Israel’s Kaltura (see here previously) has won an Innovation in Business award at the 2024 MarTech Awards for its video event platform. The award recognizes outstanding creative products, solutions, and services in the fields of marketing, advertising, and sales technology.
https://nocamels.com/category/news-briefs/#post-127709
See it now on Amazon Connect. Israel’s TechSee (see here previously) is now working with Amazon Web Service’s (AWS) new and improved Amazon Connect Agent Workspace. TechSee’s computer vision AI empowers AWS digital channels to see the physical world and offer AR-guided automated technical support.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/techsee-brings-computer-vision-ai-and-augmented-reality-service-automation-to-amazon-connect
Israeli security for Daimler trucks. Israel’s C2A Security is to supply its EVSec cybersecurity platform to Daimler Trucks. C2A’s CEO said it was “one of the most significant product security deals that was done in the industry”. Also, in 2023 C2A sold its platform to BMW Group, Marelli, NTT Data, Siemens, and Valeo.
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/israeli-firm-c2a-supply-cybersecurity-platform-daimler-trucks-2024-03-28/ https://www.ourcrowd.com/companies/c2a-security
More vegan milk from mushrooms. Israel’s ImaginDairy (see here previously) has partnered with one of America’s biggest biotech companies, Ginkgo Bioworks, to scale up production of ImaginDairy’s no-cow “dairy” proteins. Ginkgo’s AI capabilities will be used to create biological systems that reduce production costs.
https://nocamels.com/2024/03/israeli-us-companies-unite-to-make-more-milk-from-mushrooms/
New fungicide for Europe. Israel’s Adama (see here previously) has launched a new early-stage multi-crop cereal fungicide in Europe. Forapro protects crops such as wheat and barley from common fungal diseases including Powdery Mildew, Septoria, and Yellow Rust. It is highly absorbent, fast-acting, and cost-effective.
https://nocamels.com/category/news-briefs/#post-127690
Startup investment – to 7/4/24: Hailo raised $120 million; Lumana raised $24 million; Nucleai raised $14 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Look what we found when we had a clear-out. When the National Library of Israel (NLI) moved to its new building, it discovered priceless artifacts that had been languishing in boxes in the basement of the old library building for decades. The Seattle-based Samis Foundation has given $1 million to catalog and digitize them.
https://www.jns.org/seattle-grant-brings-sephardi-treasures-to-light-in-jlems-national-library/
https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/judaism/jewish-history/spain-jews-expulsion#archives
Boutique hotel joins elite club. Jaffa’s Drisco boutique hotel, and its onsite (non-kosher) top Middle East restaurant, George & John, are the first Israeli establishments to be admitted to the Relais & Châteaux association. The Drisco once hosted Mark Twain, fell into disrepair, now refurbished in the American Colony.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-hotel-and-eatery-make-history-by-joining-elite-relais-club/
See the parade. (TY Sharon) The photos of Jerusalem’s Purim Parade by the Real Jerusalem Streets are far more interesting than those published here last week. The costumes of many of the spectators also deserve much praise. https://rjstreets.com/2024/03/31/favorite-purim-photos-in-jerusalem-and-more/
Matisyahu ascends to new heights. Rap singer Matisyahu uplifted the spirits of the crowd at Jerusalem’s Zappa at the Lab. The eclectic musician entertained his secular and religious fans for two hours with his 20 years of hits. From his recent “Ascent” memorial to the Supernova victims, to his 2009 hit “One Day”.
https://www.jns.org/matisyahu-ascends-to-new-heights-in-jerusalem-performance/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jpQvARYDHg
THE JEWISH STATE
Preparing for Pesach (Passover). Jacob Richman has updated his websites of useful material for the upcoming Jewish festival of Passover. Just one seder in Israel, of course. https://jr.co.il/links/#hebrew-songs-passover
https://jr.co.il/hotsites/passover.htm https://jr.co.il/humor/passover.htm https://jewish-trivia.com/ https://jr.co.il/videos/passover-videos.htm https://jewish-clipart.com/
Fate or providence? A scroll, dubbed the “Horoscope” scroll unearthed in the Judean Desert reveals the beliefs of a secretive sect that lived thousands of years ago. In reversed Hebrew writing, Greek, Aramaic, ancient Hebrew, and cipher symbols, it claims that your birth date determines personality and physical appearance.
https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-791339
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. (TY Larry B)
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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