This Week’s Sanity Report from Israel Aug. 18, 2024
Thanks to Sharon for the photograph of Jerusalem of Gold
The highlights include:
- Two charities have donated bullet-proof Search & Rescue ambulances to Israel.
- Israelis have re-engineered a parasite to deliver medical treatments to the brain.
- The income of Arab-Israelis is growing faster than the national average.
- Take a close look at Israeli augmented reality (AR) spectacles.
- Hi-tech employees provide over one third of Israel’s income tax revenues.
- Israel’s Wiz turns down a $23 billion exit offer and keeps growing in value.
- A record-breaking Olympic games for Israeli medalists.
- A new Torah scroll has been dedicated to the Israeli hostages.
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
The most moral army in history. The High Level International Military Group comprises former NATO chiefs of staff, generals, senior officers, political leaders and officials. Its July 2024 analysis of the IDF’s war against Hamas was sent to the International Criminal Court. It praises the IDF’s moral conduct of the war.
https://elderofziyon.blogspot.
https://unwatch.org/key-
https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/
New bullet-proof ambulances. The Israeli Police has inaugurated its first bullet-proof ambulances. They will enhance the safety of search and rescue forces, particularly in high-risk areas. They were funded and supported by non-profits Israel Friends and Let’s Do Something (LDS) which have both raised millions since Oct 7.
https://www.israelhayom.com/
https://israfan.com/p/israel-
Survivor rates. IDF medics are measured by the metric CFR (case fatality rate) – the percentage of wounded soldiers evacuated from the battlefield whom they failed to save. In the Second Lebanon War in 2006, the CFR stood at 15%. In the Gaza War, the CFR is 6.5%, due to more medics, faster evacuation and blood products.
https://www.thejc.com/lets-
2,000 BGU student hospital volunteers. More than 2,000 medical, nursing, and social work students from Ben-Gurion University volunteered in hospitals throughout Israel in the days immediately Oct 7. They provided medical and psychological assistance to the thousands of injured Israelis and their families.
https://timesofsandiego.com/
Brothers saved thousands. (TY Miller Group) On Oct 7, South African brothers Keith and Brett Isaacson risked their lives to protect Gaza border communities. Brett, defended the Mivtahim Junction, the main access point to 7 moshavim. Keith, head of security for 32 Eshkol region communities, blocked further attacks.
https://www.sajr.co.za/heroic-
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Turning a parasite into a brain healer. Israeli scientists from Tel Aviv and Glasgow Universities have engineered the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to deliver protein-based medical treatments through the blood-brain barrier. Their example delivered the protein MeCP2, to remedy a deficiency associated with Rett syndrome.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/
https://www.nature.com/
Step sensor measures brain disease progression. Researchers in Tel Aviv have developed a wearable step sensor to monitor the wellbeing of the elderly and patients with cognitive decline or neurological diseases. Reductions in step length are important indicators for assessing patients with Parkinson’s, MS, etc.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Smartwatch software monitors stress levels. The NeuroSpeed AI analysis software from Israel’s NeuroBrave (see here previously) uses the photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor on the back of a smartwatch to measure he length of time between heartbeats. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a good indicator of overall mental health.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/
Proven to prevent pre-term deaths. Recent trials of the Lioness device developed by Israel’s PregnanTech (see here previously) showed a high rate of full-term births among women at high risk of pre-term birth. A US trial next year is planned, to help the company obtain FDA approval.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/
https://www.ajog.org/article/
Better chances for fertility treatment. Israel’s BAIBYS uses Machine Vision (MV) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to select the best quality sperm for IVF success. It autonomously selects and collects the sperm to microinject into the egg. It uses high magnification and morphology (shape, structure, size, etc.).
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Going beyond. Israel’s Dr. Linda Rubinstein moved from NASA to Sheba Medical Center and from Outer Space research to Inner space research. Her work focuses on mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouse). Stopping it from aging could contribute to the eradication of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
50 blood infusers donated. Harvard University Business Professor Regina Herzlinger has donated 50 life-saving blood infuser devices to about 20 Israeli hospitals and trauma centers. They replace blood lost during hemorrhaging and are especially crucial in the treatment of those wounded in the current war.
https://israfan.com/p/
Making US hospital treatment more affordable. Israel’s PayZen has developed a fintech platform that allows hospitals to receive payment in advance for medical treatment invoices, thereby enabling US patients to benefit from interest-free payment plans without additional costs for their medical care.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
In the front line of public service. Technion aerospace engineering graduate Hilla Haddad Chmelnik served in the IDF, worked as a test manager for Iron Dome; headed Israel’s Highways Administration, directed the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology; and lco-aunched the SAFEDOME VC fund (see below).
https://ats.org/our-impact/
https://www.calcalistech.com/
The growth of Arab-Israeli income. (TY Hazel) Researchers at Israel’s Reichmann University report that the average annual income from labor among Israeli Arabs has grown at a faster pace than that of Haredi and non-religious Israelis. The study suggests more employment of Arab women, better education, and higher wages.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Israeli Arab tech leaders. Two Arab Israeli women, Khouloud Ayuti and Saja Kabaha, spoke to CTech about Seeratech – the first women-led Arabic podcast about Arab tech leaders in Israel which they co-host.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Ella’s office. (TY Hazel) Major Ella Waweya, is the IDF’s spokesperson to the Arab world and the IDF’s top Muslim woman. The walls of her office display diplomas, certificates of merit, family pictures, Arabic calligraphy of the Quran, a Druze flag, a cross, a small copy of the Zohar, and flags of Abraham Accords states.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-
UK buys Israeli anti-drone target system. (TY Hazel) Some UK politicians want to ban arms sales to Israel. Meanwhile, the British armed forces have paid nearly £4.6 million to buy the 500 Smash counter-unmanned aircraft system rifle add-ons from Israel’s Smart Shooter to improve precision against attack drones.
https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/
1,000 Christians petition the ICJ. Nearly a thousand Christians from 45 nations expressed their support for Israel’s biblical connection to the Holy Land in a decree presented to the International Court of Justice in The Hague ahead of its majority ruling that Israelis are “occupiers” in their own homeland.
https://www.jns.org/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Texas & Israel in space. The Israel Space Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Texas Association of Business (TAB) to collaborate on space-based initiatives in the future. It includes the exchange of industrial and academic delegations, sharing expertise, and joint ownership of developed content.
https://www.jpost.com/
Identifying drones in all conditions. Tel Aviv University researchers have unveiled a smart-tagging system to track and identify aerial drones in challenging conditions, such as urban environments, low-flight altitudes, and extreme weather. It involves smart-sticker identity cards, AI-supported radar and electromagnetic radiation.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/
The future is looking up. Interesting article about the Augmented Reality (AR) glasses from Israel’s Lumus (see here previously). Its system of mirrors sends images directly to the wearer’s eyes so there is no need to look down at a screen. Useful for vehicle navigation, real-time translations, video calls. And very stylish too.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/
https://lumusvision.com/news/
Training IDF soldiers using XR. Israel’s Combatica uses the Extended Reality (XR) features of Meta’s Quest 2 headsets to train law enforcement, special forces, and security teams. Cambatica focuses on building decision-making skills under stress and fire, using big data to reduce the risk of friendly fire casualties.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Revealing the truth. More fascinating details about Israel’s Revealense (see here previously). It analyzes involuntary behaviors, such as tiny facial movements, voice pitch and heart rate, offering insights critical for homeland security and mental health care. It can also detect deep fakes such as manipulated video images.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/
Attracting foreign hi-tech advanced graduates. Israel’s Innovation Authority has launched a NIS 10 million program for organizations to bring to Israel AI-experienced graduates with an MA or PhD. The aim is for these experts to lead innovative projects, contributing to Israel’s economy and its status as a technology superpower.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
160 of Israel’s innovative defense companies. Israel’s Startup Nation Central has produced a landscape map of 160 Israeli companies that address critical challenges in air defense, homeland security, aviation, dual-use applications, space technologies and more. https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://finder.
https://lp.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
July investment is at the double. The total of startup investment during July 2024 was $703 million – more than double the amount invested in July 2023. The 28 deals resulted in the fifth consecutive month that more than half a billion dollars had been raised. https://www.calcalistech.com/
Millions for Israeli startups. Since Oct 7, venture capital fund Index Ventures has invested a total of $60 million in five Israeli startups. Since opening offices in Israel in late 2022, the VC fund has invested $186 million in 12 Israeli startups. Also SeedIL has raised $18 million to invest in early-stage Israeli startups.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.calcalistech.com/
36% of Israel’s income tax is from hi-tech. Proving how crucial Israel’s hi-tech sector is to Israel’s economy, new data from the Innovation Authority reports that in 2021, high-tech workers and companies contributed 36% of the nation’s income tax revenue. Recent years are certain to show even higher relative value.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Texas likes Israel. Texas Venture Partners has raised a $50 million fund for investing $1 million – $4 million in several early-stage Israeli defense tech startups. Areas of interest include biotechnology, quantum science, space technology, and renewable energy. TVP will also help them expand into US markets.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
SAFEDOME Emergency fund. Hilla Haddad Chmelnik (see Inclusive above) and others have established SAFEDOME – an emergency fund for early startups struggling after Oct 7. Angel investors invest up to half a million dollars in startups that meet strict financial conditions. See also 3rd link for other VC emergency funds.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.startupforstartup.
Streamlining US healthcare. Israel’s Vim (see here previously) amalgamates medical records from hundreds of disconnected US medical companies to recreate the Israeli system, bringing together providers and insurers in one electronic platform – facilitating treatments, referrals and payments at point of care.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/
Dealing in private shares. It can be difficult for early investors or employees of a private company that isn’t traded on a stock exchange, to sell their shares. Israel’s Meitav is raising $100 million to buy those shares at realistic prices. They will use the secondary platform of Israel’s Valoo (see here previously).
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Migraine relief for Colorado. Some 1.7 million Americans will now get insurance cover for the Nerivio REN migraine bioband from Israel’s Theranica. Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid (public healthcare) provider, will cover the upper arm wearable that releases neurotransmitters to the brain to counter migraines.
https://nocamels.com/2024/07/
$6.55 million in Bird grants. The BIRD Foundation has approved $6.55 million in funding for six new projects between Israeli and American companies. The Israeli startups are Amarel Embedded Solutions, CyberRidge, Datos Health, Groundwork BioAg, Quai.MD, and Quantum Art.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.datos-health.com/ https://www.aes-connect.com/ https://www.quantum-art.tech/
No record takeover, but… Israel’s Wiz may have rejected a $23 million takeover offer from Google, but it said “that will do nicely” to a multi-million dollar investment from Japan’s SoftBank. Wiz recently recruited dozens of employees in Japan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, and established a new data center in Sydney.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Exits, takeovers & mergers – to 4/8/24: Israel’s Outbrain acquired US-based Teads for $1 billion. Israel’s Payoneer acquired Singapore-based Skuad for a minimum of $61 million. Israel’s Fiverr has acquired Israel’s AutoDS. Israeli-American founded company Deel is acquiring the British start-up Hofy for an estimated $100 million. Canada’s Element Fleet has acquired Israel’s Autofleet for $110 million. Multinational Prytek acquired Israel’s TipRanks for $200 million.
Startup investment – to 18/8/24: Magenta Medical raised $105 million; Placer.ai raised $75 million; Chaos Labs raised $55 million; Dazz raised $50 million; Scopio Labs raised $42 million; Addionics raised $39 million; PayZen raised $32 million; Faye raised $31 million; Linx raised $27 million; Waltz raised $12.5 million; Sepio raised $11 million; CarbonBlue raised $10 million; Holisto raised $10 million; Monto raised $9 million; Clutch Security raised $8.5 million; BAIBYS raised $4.5 million; definity raised $4.5 million. Wiz raised multi-millions from Japan’s Softbank. BlueTree raised $2.26 million.
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Success for Ethiopian Israeli artist. Moshe Tarka was 3 years old when his family was brought to Israel via Sudan in Operation Moses. He has now opened an art gallery at Shabazi 58 in Tel Aviv. His abstract art sells for thousands of dollars to collectors in Israel and abroad and have been exhibited in major Israeli museums.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Seven Olympic medals. Israelis won a record seven Olympic medals. They were Tom Reuveny (windsurfing gold), Sharon Kantor (windsurfing silver), Raz Herhsko (Judo silver), Artem Dolgopyat (gymnastics), Inbar Lanir (silver judo); Peter Paltchik (bronze judo), Rhythmic gymnastics team (silver).
https://worldisraelnews.com/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-
https://worldisraelnews.com/
Olympic soccer team. For the first time since 1976, the Israel Under-23 Olympic Soccer Team competed at the Paris Olympic Games, marking a historic return. The team featured a dynamic mix of young talent and experienced players, including some of Israel’s top football stars.
https://israfan.com/p/israels-
Golden archers. (TY Hazel) Israeli archers Roy Dror and Shamai Yamrom won gold at the Archery European Youth Championships in Ploiesti, Romania. Dror, Niv Frenkel and Ori Berlad won bronze in the team event.
https://x.com/AIJAC_Update/
https://www.ianseo.net/
https://www.ianseo.net/
Tel Aviv welcomes NBA all-star. Three-time NBA All-Defensive Team member Patrick Beverley has signed a two-year deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv. His previous clubs include the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/
El Al’s Israel Spirit Team. Israeli airline El Al has formed the Spirit Team – Israel’s cheerleading squad – to encourage Israeli athletes at the Olympic Games and the Paralympics in Paris. It is flying selected injured IDF veterans, volunteer workers, and fans, as guests of the airline. Unfortunately it is too late to apply.
https://www.jns.org/wire/el-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.elal.com/eng/
THE JEWISH STATE
Jerusalem is busy. (TY Sharon) Despite the war, much has been happening in Israel’s capital. Huge crowds at the Western Wall, especially on the 9th of Av; new roads being built; the annual Yom Iyun Bible study; Knesset committees; Indigenous Peoples Day; National Library children’s exhibit; and Olympic medalists.
https://rjstreets.com/2024/08/
Jerusalem’s 3000-year-old moat discovered. Israeli archaeologists in the City of David have uncovered a 70-meters ancient fortification moat that once protected Jerusalem during the Kingdom of Judah nearly 3,000 years ago. This moat formed a massive channel that separated the City of David from the Temple Mount.
https://israfan.com/p/ancient-
More French immigrants arrive. As Grande Synagogue of Paris Chief Rabbi Moshe Sebbag declared, “There is no future for Jews in France.” another plane-load of French Jews arrived in Israel to begin new lives.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/
Sick Israeli children holiday in the Catskills. (TY Yanky) 28 Israeli children with serious diseases were taken to Camp Simcha, the Chai Lifeline Jewish summer camp in the Catskills for children with life-threatening or debilitating ailments. The infirmary is staffed by eight nurses, several doctors, and specialists.
https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/
New Torah scroll dedicated to the hostages. Hundreds gathered in Jerusalem for a ceremony celebrating the completion of a Torah scroll dedicated to the hostages still held in Gaza. The event was led by the parents of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin and the scroll will be used at their Hakhel Minyan Shivyoni synagogue in Baka.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
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/
Rambam Medical Center (Haifa) https://aforam.org/ways-to-
https://www.rambam.org.il/en/
Hadassah Hospital Israel: https://www.hadassah.org/
Laniado Hospital (Netanya) https://my.israelgives.org/en/
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/
