POSITIVE NEWS FROM ISRAEL FROM MICHAEL ORDMAN
www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com
Here are some statistics to think about:
According to most recent estimates, the population of Australia in 2025 is projected to be around 26.9 million people.
In January 2025, Israel’s population reached 10 million people. Israel’s population is projected to continue to grow, with a fertility rate that is higher than most Western nations.
And, thanks to the diligent research of Michael Ordman, here is a list of the outsize contributions of Israel to global health and a better future. It speaks for itself. Israel is an amazing nation.
“Isaiah 49:6–7: “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” rsk
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Standing together. Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Congress, met with IDF soldier Ari Spitz. Rep Mast lost his legs in Afghanistan; Ari lost his in Gaza; both have prosthetic legs. Rep Mast said, “As the only member to serve with both the US Army and the IDF, I will always stand with Israel.”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/403476
Released hostages plant trees at hospital. (TY UWI) A few days before Tu Bishvat (New Year for Trees) the five IDF female lookouts, who returned from Hamas captivity, planted olive trees at the entrance to Beilinson Hospital on the day they were discharged. The olive tree symbolizes stability, continuity, and resilience.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/403461
Five lookouts ask to return to IDF service. Less than two weeks after their release from Hamas captivity, former hostages Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Agam Berger, Daniella Gilboa and Karina Ariev have asked to return to the army. The army responded that they needed more time to recover and that it was too soon.
https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/freed-israeli-hostages-ask-to-return-to-idf-service-rdh8vmxn
Trains resume to Sderot. (TY Yanky) The Sderot-Ashkelon train line resumed operations for the first time since Oct 7 2023. The IDF has prepared for the line to reopen by deploying new technologies, physical defenses and surveillance capabilities costing NIS 40 million.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/sderot-ashkelon-train-line-resumes-operations-for-first-time-since-october-7-attack/
LEGO man is still building. (TY Sam Kramer) For the last 14 years, the “The Lego Man” Maor Cohen (see here previously) has brought over 10,000 Lego sets to children with cancer. Since Oct. 7 he has taken on a new role: bringing Lego to injured Israeli soldiers. And now, for returned hostages, including the Thai captives.
https://jewishjournal.com/community/376281/the-lego-man-maor-cohen-brings-lego-to-injured-israeli-soldiers-an-interview/ https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/403992
From farms to frontlines. On the Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) alternative winter break trip to Israel, 30 US students brought joy to kids at youth centers, worked on farms, raised funds for ADI Negev in their “Run for Inclusion”, and connected to the land and its people. www.jnf.org/volunteeril
https://www.jns.org/wire/from-farms-to-frontlines-students-bring-hope-to-israel-post-oct-7/
Avi and Eden are engaged. (TY Yanky) During her national service, Eden was assigned to “OneFamily – overcoming terror together,” and worked at Loewenstein rehab hospital. She met Avi, a critically injured Golani Brigade commander. A friendship flourished between them – and now they are getting married.
https://simchaspot.com/blog/2025/02/03/engagement-of-avi-and-eden-israel/
Stock options for reservist employees. Israel’s HiBob (see here previously) is showing its appreciation to its employees, granting 1,800 options to every employee who served more than 30 days of IDF reserve duty during the Swords of Iron War. HiBob’s CEO highlighted military service as “a cornerstone of Israel’s strength.”
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rkaehmmyyx
Returning home. (TY TPS) Israel’s Ministry of Social Affairs has unveiled a structured support plan for the tens of thousands of northern residents returning to their homes from Mar 1. Social workers and therapists have been provided with guidelines; families should visit their homes in stages to plan repairs and redecoration.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/a-roadmap-to-resilience-helping-northern-israelis-return-home-after-war/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
From collapse to pacemaker in 5 hours. By now you probably know about my personal experience of Israel’s terrific emergency medical service. If interested in the full details, I’ve written it up. More important, though, are the links to the sites of the wonderful Laniado and United Hatzalah. Please support them.
https://netanyareflections.blogspot.com/2025/02/from-collapse-to-pacemaker-in-5-hours.html
https://laniadosupporters.org.il/laniado-applies-advanced-idf-methods/ https://laniadosupporters.org.il/
https://israelrescue.org/stories/a-lifesaving-injection/ https://israelrescue.org/donate/
Bacteriophage can save lives. Sigal Vorzhev, a researcher at the Israeli Phage Therapy Center at the Hebrew University and Hadassah, has discovered a phage (a kind of virus) that kills deadly resistant bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae. She has named the phage “KpRaz1” after her life partner MSG Raz Abulafia who fell in Gaza.
https://www.afhu.org/2025/02/12/hebrew-university-researchers-name-newly-discovered-phages-in-honor-of-fallen-soldiers-and-civilians/
Unlocking the secrets of cancer. (TY Ron M) Tel Aviv University Professor Uri Ben-David shares insights regarding cancer biology and treatment strategies, including precision medicine. His specialty is aneuploidy, the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in cancer cells (see here previously).
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-841686
Doubling the IVF success rate. (TY Ron M) Tel Aviv University scientists have greatly increased the success rate of IVF from 34% to 65% by a precise and advanced method for selecting the highest-quality sperm cells. Their innovative imaging system analyzes internal sperm morphology, motility, and DNA fragmentation.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-841730
Don’t worry, be happy. Yuval Kutz is founder and President of Israel’s online Happiness Studies Academy, which uses scientific research to educate leaders about how to find and share happiness. Kurtz says, “Research shows you will be more productive, more resilient, more efficient, and that you’ll live longer” if you’re happy.
https://www.israel21c.org/if-you-want-to-be-happy-get-ready-for-some-hard-work/
https://www.happinessstudies.academy/abouthsa/ https://vimeo.com/414706530
What’s good about fat? (TY TPS) Scientists at Israel’s Ben Gurion University have identified new types of fat cells in the body and described their purpose – e.g. to control appetite. Their research findings, part of the international Human Cell Atlas project, could pave the way for personalized medicine in obesity.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-researchers-discover-new-fat-cell-types-that-could-transform-obesity-treatment/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-024-02048-3
Volunteers to the rescue. (TY Gabrielle) This article gives a comprehensive insight into Israel’s largest volunteer organization – Yad Sarah (see here previously). The range of medical and social services that Yad Sarah provides is truly amazing, including to help rehabilitate wounded IDF soldiers.
https://israeldreams.com/2025/01/12/finallyan-uplifting-story/ https://friendsofyadsarah.org/donate-now
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
When someone collapses in France. Newsletter subscriber and Israel21c editor Nicky Blackburn saw my news of Israel’s amazing emergency medical service. She sent me a link to this article from 2016 when her husband and an Arab Israeli nurse were the only people who went to the aid of a heart attack victim in Paris.
https://www.israel21c.org/an-unexpected-tale-of-unity-and-hope-on-independence-day/
Hispanic Christian leaders visit Israel. A delegation of 30 prominent Hispanic-Evangelical Christian leaders has just completed a 10-day mission to Israel with Eagles’ Wings, aimed at strengthening Christian support for the Jewish state. It was one of the largest faith-based Hispanic delegations to Israel in recent years.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry7x00mlcje
Israel repairs Thai’s teeth. Hamas terrorists hit one of the five Thai hostages with a weapon and broke his teeth. On his release from captivity he underwent rehabilitation at the Shamir Medical Center in Be’er Yaakov.
Israel will continue to finance his dental treatment in Thailand and pay all five a NIS 9,000 per month stipend.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-841941
Grants for released Thai hostages. The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) presented the five released Thai hostages with 4,000 shekel (38,000 baht or $1,120) debit cards that can be used anywhere in the world. Also warm clothing, as most of their personal possessions had been destroyed or stolen by Hamas.
https://www.jns.org/wire/ifcj-distributes-grants-to-released-thai-hostages/
A diamond in the rough? An Israeli delegation, including members of the Israel Diamond Exchange, participated in the inaugural International Diamond and Gem Conference (Jan. 29-31) held in Qatar. The event aimed to develop new ideas, due to changes in the supply chain and consumer preferences.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-team-attends-diamond-conference-in-qatar/
Training US security in mass casualty events. (TY Nevet) ZAKA, the Israeli volunteer emergency response organization, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the US National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) to train US law enforcement agencies in the respectful handling of victims of terrorism and mass casualty events.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-840926
US honors Iron Dome developer. Israel’s Daniel Gold, the original head of Israel’s Iron Dome development project, has been elected to the US National Academy of Engineering, part of the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine – one of the highest professional accolades for an engineer.
https://www.jns.org/iron-dome-developer-elected-to-national-academy-of-engineering/
Vote for Israel. Laura B suggests that readers could boost the winning chances of Israeli destinations, hotels, companies, etc. by voting for them in the Travel & Leisure 2025 World’s Best Awards.
https://wba.m-rr.com/home
IDF helps save LA from wildfires. During the US nighttime, a hi-tech unit of IDF’s Home Front Command analyzed California wildfire data and prepared detailed operational assessments for the next day’s firefighting. They consolidated all information including detailed mapping of fire zones, key sites, and power infrastructure.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/02/02/how-the-idf-helped-save-la-from-wildfires/
Less corruption here; not so elsewhere. Israel improved in the latest annual Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International. It rose to 30th out of 180 countries surveyed. 47 countries fell to their worst ranking since the index began in 2012, including the USA, France, Germany and Canada.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-improves-slightly-in-corruption-survey-as-many-nations-get-worst-scores-in-years/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Powering drones. Israel’s Lowental Hybrid specializes in advanced hybrid propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones. Its hybrid propulsion systems combine electric and fuel-based technologies, increasing flight times by up to fivefold while maintaining the quiet operation of electric power.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1r11xz0okx https://www.lowental-hybrid.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfxSuWDo0zA
Atomic memory material. Tel Aviv University scientists have reconfigured the atomic layers of graphite to simulate the “on, off” switching inside computer memory storage chips. It could revolutionize computer microprocessor design. https://english.tau.ac.il/research/novel-materials-layers
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42254-024-00781-6
AI-generated training videos in seconds. Israel’s Guidde (see here previously) has developed a generative AI platform that enables any employee to create video-based training and documentation for any software or process in seconds. Ideal for customer tutorials.
https://www.guidde.com/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/skufisq9jg
Israeli app helped get out the voters. In a Democratic Party primary last year, George Latimer, a pro-Israel centrist, defeated Jamaal Bowman, a harsh critic of Israel. Jewish volunteers used the Israeli app UpVote to rally Jewish voters and get them to the ballet box. Latimer won by 12,000, aided by 14,000 “motivated” Jews.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-app-helps-us-jewish-groups-get-out-the-vote-for-key-campaigns/
https://up-vote.org/
Beverages from microprotein. Israel’s Brevel Ltd has partnered Israel’s Central Bottling Company to develop beverages and dairy alternatives containing Brevel’s high-value microalgae protein and oils. Brevel combines light with sugar fermentation in bioreactors to produce nutrient-rich microalgae in large quantities.
https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/central-bottling-company-coca-cola-israel-dairy-brevel-microalgae-protein/
Injection molded artificial meat. (TY Nevet) Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s bioengineers have developed meat substitutes that mimic the intricate architecture of muscle and fat produced using injection molding, a high-capacity manufacturing process borrowed from the polymer industry.
https://www.afhu.org/2025/01/16/meat-created-by-israeli-and-palestinian-engineers-at-hebrew-university-using-injection-molding-and-metamaterials/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54939-y
Over 132 billion gallons of water saved. The 2024 Sustainable Practices Report from Israel’s Phytech (see here previously) states that Phytech’s technology enabled farmers globally to save over 132 billion gallons of water in 2024. It is equivalent to the annual water consumption of more than 3.1 million U.S. households.
https://igrownews.com/phytech-latest-news/ https://www.phytech.com/2024-sustainability-report
The long and winding road of a Nobel Prize winner. A fascinating account of the career of Michael Levitt who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2013. His journey via South Africa to the UK, to Israel’s Weizmann Institute and beyond. He was helped by Francis Crick who won a Nobel for DNA, thanks to Max Perutz, a Jew.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/p7xfegt84
Why bacteria (must) survive. Technion scientists have discovered how bacteria have evolved resistance to viruses (phages) in the oceans. Lower levels of transfer RNA generate higher resistance. It is a critical issue as bacteria are crucial for atmospheric oxygen production and are at the base of the oceanic food chain.
https://www.the-microbiologist.com/news/study-uncovers-previously-unknown-bacterial-mode-of-resistance-against-viruses/4867.article https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-024-01877-6
Insects – the unsung heroes of nature. Ben Gurion University Professor Michal Segoli reveals the vital role of insects – how each species is indispensable. She explains how parasitoid wasps keep pest populations under control. Without them, certain insect species could wreak havoc on agriculture and natural ecosystems.
https://www.jpost.com/environment-and-climate-change/article-840102
Environmental-friendly pesticides. Israel’s IBI Ag has developed technology to produce effective crop protection solutions with a low ecological footprint. Its single-domain antibodies target a protein unique to each pest, thus ensuring no harm to farm workers, consumers or the environment.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjpsrgy5yl https://www.ibi-ag.com/
4 ERC research grants. Four Israeli researchers received European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept grants. Three at Hebrew U are preventing rust on metal; losing weight, but not muscle; and monitoring medication in mice. And a Bar-Ilan Uni researcher is preserving fertility in boys undergoing chemotherapy.
https://www.israel21c.org/four-israeli-scientists-get-major-european-funding/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Global trade corridor. (TY UWI) During a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, President Donald Trump announced a major trade corridor connecting India, Israel, Italy and the United States. The project aims to reshape global trade with huge investments in ports, railways and undersea cables.
https://www.jns.org/trump-unveils-historic-trade-corridor-linking-india-israel-italy-us/
Israel’s largest delegation to India. (TPS) Led by Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, Israel’s largest business delegation of its kind (over 100 companies) travelled to India. Barket said, “The combination of Israeli innovation and the vast Indian market constitutes a tremendous growth engine for the Israeli economy.”
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israels-biggest-business-delegation-heads-to-india-to-strengthen-trade-and-innovation/
Azerbaijan buys into Israeli gas field. Azerbaijan State Oil Company (SOCAR) is acquiring a 10% stake in Israel’s offshore Tamar natural gas reservoir from Union Energy, owned by Israeli businessman Aaron Frenkel. The stake was worth around half a billion dollars when Union Energy bought it in 2022.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/azerbaijans-state-oil-company-to-buy-10-stake-in-israels-tamar-gas-field/
Adopt an olive tree. “My Tree in Israel.” connects global Israel supporters with Israeli farmers, allowing them to adopt olive trees and grapevines. In return, supporters receive six bottles of exclusive olive oil and wine delivered to their doorstep. Trees have also been adopted by VIPs, synagogues and in honor of fallen soldiers.
https://www.jns.org/fruit-of-the-field-adopting-olive-trees-in-israel/
https://www.mytree.org.il/who-are-we
Morocco selects Elbit. Morocco has switched to Israel’s Elbit Systems as its main defense partner, signing a contract to purchase 36 Atmos 2000 self-propelled artillery systems. It follows repeated technical failures in the Caesar artillery systems, which Morocco ordered from France’s KNDS that were partially delivered in 2022.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-841321
App to calculate profit from solar roofs. Israel’s Energy Ministry has launched an interactive website to give everyone the potential to generate solar energy on every roof, park, parking lot, sports ground and cemetery in Israel. It calculates the profitability of installing solar panels, channeling the electricity into the national grid.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-website-shows-potential-profitability-of-solar-panels-on-every-israeli-roof/
https://www.govmap.gov.il/sites/energy/energy.html?x=219642&y=631535&z=8
Partnering for security. Israeli companies Check Point and Wiz have signed a strategic partnership agreement to offer the industry’s most comprehensive cloud security solutions. It combines Wiz’s cloud security expertise with Check Point’s extensive customer base and a strong reputation.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-check-point-and-wiz-partner-to-merge-cyber-tech/
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyxs3aotyg
Billion-dollar revenues. Two Israeli companies, Pagaya and CyberArk have each reported the key milestone of $1 billion dollars of annual revenue. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkk7fikq1g
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sks4avofkg
Exits, acquisitions & mergers – to 23rd Feb 25: Israel’s CyberArk acquired Boston’s Zilla for at least $165 million. Israel’s HiBob acquired US-based Mosaic for $35 million. US private equity firm Riverwood Capital has acquired Israeli AI pricing company Quicklizard for NIS 186 million.
Startup investment – to 23rd Feb 25: Dream Security raised $100 million (new Unicorn) Augury raised $75 million; Blockaid raised $50 million; Voyantis raised $41 million; Guidde raised $15 million; IBI Ag raised $6.1 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Green tours of National Library. To celebrate the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat, the National Library of Israel conducted four sustainability tours (in Hebrew) all week of the museum’s “green” design. Highlights included the Rock Store’s 270,000 stones that store cool air at night, and the museum’s Mediterranean gardens.
https://www.jns.org/national-library-of-israel-offers-green-tours-for-holiday-of-tu-bshevat/
2,500-year-old burial site discovered. The Israel Antiquities Authority has uncovered an ancient tomb in Southern Israel containing merchant caravan wares and dozens of human burials. Jewelry, arrowheads, incense burner, all are dated to between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE. Attacks on traders would have been common.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/403432
Women’s ice hockey winners. In a dramatic 3-2 overtime win against Estonia, Israel’s women’s national ice hockey team secured a medal at the IIHF World Championships in Sarajevo. “This is a huge step forward for women’s hockey in Israel,” said head coach Melissa Wronzberg. Hear the National Anthem.
https://thej.ca/2025/02/17/history-on-ice-israeli-womens-hockey-team-claims-gold-in-thrilling-overtime-victory/ https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-842836
THE JEWISH STATE
Argentine President wins “Genesis Prize”. For the first time in its history, the prestigious Genesis Prize often called the “Jewish Nobel” has been awarded to a non-Jew. Argentine President Javier Milei received the 2024 honor in recognition of his strong support for Israel and his deep personal connection to Judaism.
https://israfan.com/p/genesis-prize-milei-israel
Fellowship strengthens US students’ Israel bond. The Israel on Campus Coalition’s Geller International Fellowship gives US students confidence to advocate for Israel. The six-month program included a 10-day trip9 to Israel and the UAE to experience the budding Emirati-Israeli relationship under the Abraham Accords.
https://www.jns.org/pro-israel-fellowship-helps-us-students-be-confident-advocates/
https://israelcc.org/geller-fellowship/
Tree planting helps rehabilitate the north. On the Jewish festival of Tu B’Shevat (New Year for Trees) Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) held a tree-planting ceremony in Biriya Forest. It also marked KKL-JNF’s ongoing commitment to rehabilitating Israel’s northern forests.
https://www.jns.org/wire/tree-planting-in-biriya-forest-helps-restore-northern-israels-green-landscape/
Released hostages recite Hagomel prayer. (TY Yanky) On the Shabbat following release from captivity, Agam Berger, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, Liri Albag, and Daniela Gilboa, attended morning prayers where they recited the traditional “Hagomel” blessing, which gives thanks for surviving a life-threatening ordeal.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/freed-hostage-daniella-gilboa-i-prayed-for-my-comrades-for-30-minutes-before-being-kidnapped/
Freed hostage puts on tefillin for first time. Ex-hostage Alexandre ‘Sasha’ Troufanov celebrated his release by donning tefillin (phylacteries worn during prayers) for the first time in his life. Helped by Rabbi Berel Lazar of Moscow, he then recited the “Shema Yisrael” prayer. His mother had urged Israelis to light Shabbat candles.
https://worldisraelnews.com/freed-hostage-puts-on-tefillin-for-the-first-time/
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