Future proof is when something has been designed to anticipate and minimize the effects of unwanted future events. This could apply to so many Israeli achievements and even to its current war against terrorism.
This week’s positive Israel newsletter includes Israeli medical innovations that promise a better future for those with dementia, autism, PTSD, tumors and the war-wounded. It includes a healthier future environment from Israeli innovations that cut pollution, save energy, feed humanity, and cool the planet.
But the story of the week must be the incredible events that resulted in the rescue of Israeli hostages and secured their future.
The photo (TY Sharon) is a tribute outside the Jerusalem home of a fallen IDF soldier. It recognizes the immense contribution that this hero made towards creating a better future. The Hebrew translates as “Our story will have a happy ending”. And we hope to see proof of that in the very near future.
In the 18th Feb 24 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
- IDF special forces rescue two Israeli hostages in Gaza.
- Israeli surgeons removed a massive tumor from a young child.
- An Israeli climate project aims to build a sunshade in outer space.
- Israel’s world-class universities generate billion-dollar companies.
- An Israeli produced opera about Herzl has received international acclaim.
- You can now study Torah on El Al’s in-flight entertainment.
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POSITIVE NEWS DURING A WAR
Dramatic rescue of two Israeli hostages. (TY WIN) All of Israel celebrated the news that IDF special forces had rescued two Israeli-Argentinian hostages in a daring overnight operation in Rafah. The President of Argentina had just completed his historic visit to Israel and was also delighted with the outcome.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/
Rescue app saves lives. The app Digital 101 is one of the technical innovations that has vastly improved survival rates of wounded IDF personnel during the current war. The app, developed by Israel’s K Health (see here previously) and two army reservists, transfers medical data about the wounded from battlefield to hospital.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Critical gear for female IDF soldiers. Operation Israel is a group of over 100 volunteer professionals and experts. They have shipped millions of dollars’ worth of critical gear to the IDF. They are now responding to urgent requests from female IDF soldiers for properly fitting shoes, helmets, vests, uniforms, and backpacks.
https://www.jns.org/wire/
https://www.operationisrael.
‘Falafel King’ donates 25,000 portions to IDF. Shimon Biton, owner of Falafel Biton in Be’er Ya’akov, south of Tel Aviv, has been dubbed the “King of Falafel.” He has donated 25,000 portions of Israel’s national snack to IDF soldiers fighting in Khan Yunis in Gaza. In addition, security personnel always eat free at his restaurant.
https://www.jns.org/falafel-
The biggest homecoming yet. 80% of southern moshav Shokeda’s 132 families have returned to their national-religious community, 4 miles from Gaza. The homecoming was the largest single movement of people into the Tekuma Region near Gaza since its evacuation following Oct 7. Some immediately began mowing their lawns.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Malawi kibbutz workers sing for hostages. In recent months, agricultural workers from Malawi in Africa have been working at Kibbutz Zikim. The issue of the kidnapped Israelis touches their hearts and prompted an acapella band to make a new arrangement of the song; “Home” and a music video filmed in Malawi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Gaza mystery (TY UWI) While the IDF was fighting Hamas in the Bani Suheila neighborhood of Khan Yunis, they discovered a desk in one of the houses. On it was an inscription which read: “The table of the late Levi Eshkol.” Donation of Dubek Ltd. 1981.” How did the desk of Israel’s ex-Prime Minister (1963-69) get there?
https://www.
Oct 7 Heroes medal. (TY UWI) “The President’s Medal for Civilian Heroism,” is to be awarded to civilians who showed outstanding heroism on October 7. The announcement said it is to honor ordinary citizens, who risked their lives, “out of a sense of unity of fate and mutual Israeli guarantee, with the aim of saving lives.”
https://www.algemeiner.com/
Bedouin Oct 7 heroes honored. Military service for members of the Bedouin tribes is not mandatory, yet more than 1,500 are presently serving in the IDF. Public figures came to the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem as a tribute to 13 civilian Bedouin who saved men, women, and small children while being fired at by Hamas.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Another breakthrough in dementia research. Tel Aviv University researchers found a method of preventing memory deterioration in the animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. They detected physiological changes that appear 10 to 20 years prior to cognitive decline. They also hope to prevent cognitive issues from anesthesia.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-
A gut feeling. (TY UWI) Researchers from Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have uncovered a potential link between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the composition of the gut microbiome. Certain bacteria were more prevalent and diverse in those with ASD. It could lead to the development of possible treatments.
https://tps.co.il/articles/
Neurofeedback device effective for treating PTSD. (TY Dr Salem) In a recent trial, the Prism neurofeedback device from Israel’s GrayMatters Health (see here previously) significantly improved the condition of 67% of the chronic PTSD patients in its recent trial. Almost one third achieved remission after three months of therapy.
https://nocamels.com/2024/02/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/
https://www.graymatters-
Doctors removed 3lb tumor from 4-year-old. (TY UWI) Surgeons at Israel’s Emek Medical Center in Afula successfully removed a huge Wilms tumor (see here previously) weighing 1.3 kg from a four-year-old child. The tumor, in the right kidney, measured 16 cm by 12 cm and constituted over 7% of the girl’s body weight.
https://tps.co.il/articles/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
Hadassah’s new rehab center. Wounded IDF soldiers from Gaza are being treated at the new Gandel Rehabilitation Center in Jerusalem, part of the Hadassah Medical Organization, which opened in January 2024. Construction sped up after Oct 7, thanks to $29 million from the government plus $5.5 million donations.
https://www.jns.org/wounded-
Egyptian girl treated in Israel. The daughter of an Egyptian official was injured in a traffic accident and hospitalized in Cairo. She was then transferred to Hadassah Hospital, where there is a dedicated ward for complex trauma in children. Israel approved the transfer as a humanitarian gesture.
https://www.
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Digital pen pals connect during wartime. Over 4,000 Jewish high schoolers from Israel and around the world participate in the One2One initiative. They engage in a series of five weekly English conversations of at least 30 minutes each. One2One uses an algorithm to match up students by age, interests and background.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Chassid ex-commando is head of security. Asaf Peleg walks to his Chassidic synagogue and to take his daily ritual bath wearing a long black coat and fur hat – an M16 over his shoulder and a pistol and walkie-talkie at his waist. The ex-IDF commando is head of the rapid response team in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Malachi.
https://www.jns.org/ex-
Arabs and Druze in the IDF. Eye-opening article for those who are unaware that minorities have equal rights in Israel. https://unitedwithisrael.org/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Mapping Israel’s space-tech ecosystem. There are currently 105 startups operating in Israel in the field of space applications. These companies raised a total of $314 million in the past year. Most of Israel’s space startups (71%) are involved in Earth observation, communications and navigation, or space infrastructure.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Using cosmic rays to map underneath Jerusalem. Tel Aviv University scientists are using muon detectors to build a 3D map of undiscovered underground Jerusalem tunnels, chambers, and fortifications. Muons are a fundamental particle, created when cosmic rays hit our atmosphere. High muon levels indicate a cavity above.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
7-year deal to cut pollution and save energy. Israel’s Brenmiller Energy (see here previously) has signed a seven-year, $3.55 million project with Wolfson Medical Center in Holon to replace its old, costly, polluting diesel boilers with Brenmiller’s crushed rock clean energy storage system.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
There goes the sun. Back in August, scientists at Israel’s Technion began work on the Cool Earth project aimed to build a gigantic sunshade made of Kapton, to block the Sun’s rays and cool the Earth. Now Professor Yoram Rozen, says they are ready to build a prototype shade to show that the idea will work.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://ats.org/ats-news/
Sustainable aviation fuel. Ben Gurion University’s BGN Technologies has partnered with Israel’s Ralco Energy to revolutionize the aviation industry with a novel method for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). They have created a new company, CarboNGV, in which Ralco has invested $2.4 million.
https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/news-
https://www.ralcoenergy.co.il/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Huge number of Unicorn founders from Israeli universities. Apart from US universities, Israeli universities are top of the world for producing alumni who launch startups that grow into billion-dollar companies. Tel Aviv was number 1 with 31 founders; Technion – 3rd (27); Hebrew U – 5th (23). BGU and Reichman were 10 & 11.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Israel & Argentina sign innovative software agreement. On his first visit to Israel, Argentinian President Javier Milei signed an agreement with the Israel Latin America Network (ILAN) to develop innovative software and technologies. The President saw it as a major opportunity to advance Argentina’s economy.
https://www.
Canada approves “no cow” milk. (TY OurCrowd) Canada has given Israel’s Remilk approval to sell its animal-free milk protein, marking the first time the country has authorized such a product. Remilk previously received similar approvals in the US, Israel, and Singapore.
https://www.prnewswire.com/
Exits, mergers and takeovers – to 18/2/24; US cyber giant F5 has acquired Israeli cybersecurity Wib for “tens of millions of dollars.” Israel’s HiBob is acquiring British payroll platform Pento for $40 million. Israel’s Armis has acquired US-based CTCI for $20 million.
Startup investment – to 18/2/24. Clarity raised $16 million; Lava Network raises $15 million; Seal Security raised $7.4 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Much praise for Theodor. Original Israeli Opera production “Theodor,” about the founder of modern Zionism Theodor Herzl, was chosen as one of the world’s best opera productions of 2023, by the magazine “Opera Now.” Composed by Yonatan Cnaan and librettist and director Ido Ricklin, it was launched in May 2023.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
“Discovering the hidden gems of Tel Aviv”. (TY Yanky) AZbigmedia – the fastest-growing news website in the US – focused on Tel Aviv as a tourist destination. The comprehensive article describes Tel Aviv as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city celebrated for its stunning beaches, bustling markets, and lively nightlife.
https://azbigmedia.com/
Flags & flowers in Feb. (TY Sharon) Huge floral display on the streets of Jerusalem last week. The blue & white colors of the Israeli flag were also flying.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/02/
Sports center to be built on Gaza border. Canadian-Israeli philanthropist Sylvan Adams has promised to build a sports infrastructure in the Gaza border area. He announced that a bicycle track will be built in memory of the fallen, as a donation on behalf of the cycling group he owns, Israel-Premier Tech Cycling Team.
https://www.jns.org/sylvan-
The hectic life of an Israeli quadriplegic tennis player. Nice article about Guy Sasson (see here previously) who was runner-up in both the singles and doubles wheelchair tennis finals at the Australian Open.
https://www.jns.org/the-
Israel-born baseball player makes history. (TY UWI) Assaf Lowengart made history as the first Israeli-born position player to sign a pro baseball contract in the US. He is set to join the New York Boulders in the Frontier League, an independent league affiliated with Major League Baseball.
https://www.jta.org/2024/02/
Irish basketball team trounced. Unsporting behavior by the Irish women’s basketball team was rewarded with being convincingly beaten 87 – 57 by the Israeli team. The Irish team had requested to boycott the match but were told that they would be hit with a massive fine and being barred from future EuroBasket qualifiers.
https://www.algemeiner.com/
THE JEWISH STATE
Amazing times. The Argentinian President vowed to move his Embassy to Jerusalem and prayed at the Kotel during his recent visit. And the secular family of the two rescued Israeli-Argentinian hostages revealed that they had been lighting Shabbat candles. Read (here) about the previous hostage to have been rescued.
https://www.chabad.org/news/
El Al offers Torah classes to passengers. In-flight “entertainment” on El Al long haul flights now includes religious content, provided by the YUTorah platform. It includes discussions on Halacha (Jewish law), Jewish history, Tefillah (Jewish prayer), dating and marriage, parenting, Parsha (weekly Torah portion), and Daf Yomi.
https://www.
The front lines. The word of the Lord really has gone out from Jerusalem. IDF Battalion 7421 moved all over the Gaza Strip, fighting Hamas terrorists. Everywhere they went, they were accompanied by the battalion’s Torah scroll, establishing seven temporary synagogues. (See Numbers Chapter 10 verses 35 & 36.)
https://www.
Knesset 75th Anniversary. Israel’s President and Prime Minister spoke at a special event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament). The session was also attended by the Leader of the Opposition and the acting President of the Supreme Court. A military cantor led a prayer for the safety of IDF soldiers.
https://www.
Restaurant chains go strictly kosher to serve the IDF. Several branches of Israel’s largest hamburger fast-food chains McDonald’s, Burger Ranch and BurgerIM, plus Domino’s Pizza are to enforce higher kosher standards. The aim is to support Israel Defense Force soldiers who only eat mehadrin-certified meat.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-
Thousands of children pray for the IDF. Some 5,200 children gathered in 42 communities in the Binyamin region of Samaria to pray for the IDF’s success. They also prayed for soldiers wounded during the military campaign and for the return of hostages being held by Hamas.
https://www.jns.org/thousands-
The Roman base at Megiddo. Back in 2015, archaeologists discovered the remains of a Roman garrison at Megiddo in northern Israel (see here previously). 8.5 years of excavations have revealed it to be Legio – a permanent base for more than 5,000 soldiers, and a strategic military hub for more than 180 years.
https://www.jns.org/ancient-
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/
American Friends of Magen David Adom (US donors): https://afmda.org/
or Magen David Adom (Israel): https://www.mdais.org/en/
Zaka (US donors): https://donate.zakatelaviv.
or (Canadian donors): https://www.canadahelps.org/
United Hatzalah: https://israelrescue.org/
Leket Food Israel: https://www.leket.org/en/
JNF USA – https://my.jnf.org/gaza-
Orthodox Union – https://www.charidy.com/
Schneider Children’s Hospital: https://www.fos.org.il/en/
https://system.smartgiving.
https://chaischneider.org/
Hadassah Hospital Israel: https://www.hadassah.org/
Laniado Hospital (Netanya) https://my.israelgives.org/en/
And many more charities here:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Buy Israel Bonds to support the Jewish State. (TY Larry B)
https://www.
USA – https://www.israelbonds.com/
Europe – https://israelbondsintl.com/
Canada – https://www.israelbonds.ca/
What a coincidence! Exactly when the Argentinian President came to Israel two Argentinian-Israelis were freed. And no one was killed during the operation. Only two hostages and their whereabouts are known… Good, but strange…