Photo of the Israeli coastline as seen by record numbers of tourists in 2018. If you visited Israel in 2018, please come again in 2019 – there is so much to see.
This Week’s Sanity Report from Israel Jan 6 2019
The highlights include:
- Two discoveries about an enzyme could transform the fight against viruses and cancer.
- Israeli artificial intelligence has detected thousands of brain hemorrhages.
- Israel has the only sterile educational recovery center for children with cancer.
- Brazil’s President awards highest honor to Israel’s Prime Minister.
- An Israeli startup has produced healthier pure orange juice.
- As the first direct flight arrives from Brazil, Israel welcomes its 4-millionth tourist.
- Honduras is moving its embassy to Jerusalem.
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
New ways to fight viruses & cancer. Parallel international research involving Haifa and Bar Ilan University scientists have discovered the key role of enzyme ADAR1 in the immune system and how it can become a new pathway for eradicating viruses and cancers.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-research-breaks-through-in-battle-against-viruses/
https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.2006577
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/on-campus/bar-ilan-harvard-researchers-show-new-mechanism-to-activate-immune-system-against-cancer/2019/01/03/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0768-9
Cause of heart failure in pregnancy. Israeli researchers at Tel Aviv University and Sheba Medical Center have found the cause of PPCM (Peripartum cardiomyopathy) heart failure before and after giving birth. They discovered a functional defect in the heart cells that should lead to early diagnoses, prevention and treatments.
No more pain. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s ZygoFix has conducted the first human trial of its innovative zLOCK spinal facet joint fixation system. One day after the minimally invasive procedure, the 67-year-old woman’s back and leg pain went from level 9 to level 1 and after six months it was zero.
https://spinalnewsinternational.com/first-in-human-zlock/ https://www.zygofix.com/
Post-mastectomy surgical dressings. (TY Atid-EDI) Every year over 13 million mastectomies, lumpectomies, reconstruction and aesthetic breast operations are performed. Israel’s Ezbra is the first patented disposable dressing tailor-made for such operations. Comfortable, absorbent, time-saving and protective against infections.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ezbra-breast-dressing-makes-us-debut-at-premier-aesthetic-surgery-conference-300757919.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erv8r2C0rkg https://ezbra.net/
Saving lives in Massachusetts. (TY Atid-EDI) I reported previously (see here) on Israel’s Clew Medical and its AI system to warn of deteriorating ICU patients. Clew is now partnered with UMass Memorial Medical Center in Massachusetts, using its advanced analytics engine to enhance UMass’ patient care.
Hadassah accelerates with IBM. (TY Atid-EDI) Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center and IBM Israel have established a special accelerator for startups to develop advanced technological solutions and services in digital medicine. They will have access to IBM and hospital resources and staff.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-hadassah-ibm-set-up-digital-health-accelerator-1001262831
World’s leading DBS company. I reported previously (see here) on Israel’s (Arab-owned) Alpha Omega and its Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device for treating disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Alpha Omega has 100% market share in Israel and is active in the US, Europe and now (thanks to a $7 million investment) China.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-medical-device-co-alpha-omega-in-chinese-jv-1001264279
Gut reaction in treating IBD. (TY Calcalistech) I reported previously (see here) on BiomX. The Israeli biotech has now partnered with Janssen – the therapy R&D arm of Johnson & Johnson. BiomX’s XMarker microbiome-based platform will be used to classify responders to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) therapies.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-microbiome-co-biomx-teams-with-jj-1001264660
Why is LDL cholesterol bad? Researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute have identified that the problem with LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is when excess LDL is deposited on blood vessel walls. It oxidizes into a toxic substance that triggers immune cells to form crystals, leading to inflammation and arterial disease.
https://www.israel21c.org/how-does-a-helpful-substance-like-cholesterol-turn-deadly/
Brain bleed diagnostic finds 140,000 anomalies. (TY UCI) I reported previously (see here) on Israel’s Aidoc and its AI tool for analyzing brain scans to detect a hemorrhage or risk of a bleed. Now in use at 50 medical institutions, Aidoc has analyzed 300,000 scans and detected 140,000 anomalies.
https://www.israel21c.org/ai-tool-helps-radiologists-clear-dangerous-data-bottleneck/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
US Ambassador packs food for the needy. US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and his wife, Tammy, helped package food for needy families at a charity in Jerusalem. 40 employees of the US embassy in Jerusalem volunteered to lend a hand at Colel Chabad’s Pantry Packers that supports 8,500 Israeli families of all religions.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/256059
World’s first daycare for cancer kids. (TY Jacques) Israel’s “Daycare of Dreams,” is known as the “world’s first sterile educational and recovery center” for children with cancer. For its 35 children, it’s the first time they can play with other kids. And, for the 80% that heal, it prepares them to re-integrate into society.
40% of Israeli-Arab women employed. The employment rate of Israeli Arab women rose by 3.8% in 2018, following a 2.5% increase in 2017. Almost 40% of Arab women are employed, two years ahead of the Israeli government’s target for 2020. The Taub report attributes the increase to higher education levels.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-arab-womens-employment-up-sharply-to-nearly-40-1001267120
Extraordinary times in Israel-Arab relations. Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, President Rabbi Marc Schneier, describes his work bringing understanding and normalization between Israel and the Arab Gulf states: “We’re living in extraordinary times,” and “you cannot separate out Israel from Judaism”, he states.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/256446
Israeli-sponsored community center in South Africa. Israel’s ambassador to South Africa unveiled a luxurious community center in Johannesburg. The community center will benefit 400 children in one of the toughest neighborhoods – in the town of Soweto, on the outskirts of South Africa’s biggest city.
https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5419932,00.html
What is Israel doing in Indonesia? The IsraAID team is working to restore access to safe water for an entire community of more than 300 families – over 1,400 people. It also led hygiene promotion training at elementary schools, and distributed education and household supply kits to many families who lost their homes.
Israeli PM receives Brazil’s highest honor. As soon as Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil’s President, he went over to hug Benjamin Netanyahu, making the first visit to Brazil by an Israeli Prime Minister. He also awarded him the National Order of the Southern Cross – Brazil’s most prestigious medal for foreign dignitaries.
https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/WATCH-Inauguration-of-Brazilian-President-Bolsonaro-Netanyahu-to-speak-576047 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdxf_tD183M
Israeli moonshot to contain the best of humanity. On Israel’s Feb 2019 moon mission, the landing vehicle will carry Israel’s Declaration of Independence and national anthem; the Bible; the memories of a Holocaust survivor; children’s drawings of space and the moon; art, science, tech and literature; and the Traveler’s Prayer. https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/first-private-israeli-lunar-mission-beresheet-to-launch-in-february/
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Vaccine for koi fish. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s KoVax has developed a “KV3” vaccine, which helps prevent Koi Herpes Virus, a highly contagious disease that can cause significant mortality in common carp farms. KoVax has just been acquired by Phibro Animal Health Corporation in New Jersey but continues its Israeli R&D.
Better juice, less sugar. (TY WIN) Israeli startup Better Juice has partnered with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to reduce the load of simple sugars in 100% orange juice. They have converted the fructose, glucose and sucrose into non-digestible sugars and fibers. All the good vitamins remain intact.
https://www.israel21c.org/putting-the-squeeze-on-fruit-juice-sugars/
More Israeli automobile security. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel has so many security solutions for connected vehicles. Saferide Technologies’s vSentry combines multi-layer cybersecurity with Artificially Intelligent profiling and anomaly detection technology. SafeRide has joined non-profit GENIVI’s Alliance of vehicle software vendors.
https://saferide.io/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/release-GENIVI-final.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTpgH0uQIx8
Protecting privacy on the Internet. Israeli cybersecurity company Kape Technologies has developed the VPN CyberGhost to protect the privacy of individuals. Kape’s CEO Ido Erlichman spoke about the technology on ILTV. Kape’s other software includes a repair tool for faulty PC operating systems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEnJlYtYkiE https://www.kape.com/
3D imaging on a chip. (TY Atid-EDI) I reported previously (see here) on the amazing sensors of Israel’s Vayyar. Now Vayyar has launched its mmWave 3D Imaging System on a Chip (SoC) kit. Potential uses include obstacle avoidance, security, automatic door openers and posture detection. Even the BBC was impressed.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005172/en/Vayyar-Launches-Groundbreaking-New-mmWave-3D-Imaging https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rD1eb-YZcA https://vayyar.com/
A better call-center. Israeli based startup Voicenter offers a software-based phone system that combines all necessary call center solutions in one easy to use platform. Voicenter founder Nitzan Gutman explained more on ILTV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYsEeWy48jI https://www.voicenter.com/
The Internet of soil. I’ve reported previously (see here) on Israel’s CropX and its smart irrigation system. CropX is set to deploy a network of automated irrigation systems worldwide, based on “Internet of the soil.” CropX has deployed 2,000 sensors in 40 countries, including the US, Canada and Australia.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-farmers-blind-to-what-happens-under-the-soil-1001264173
Your own personal sleep zone. Israel’s Napup has produced a combination headrest, eye mask and integrated speakers for the ultimate in in-flight comfort. The leaders of Napup explained more on ILTV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLbdDRNFL-s
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/napupfly/napup-fly-your-personal-in-flight-comfort-zone
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Record funding for Israeli startups. (TY Atid-EDI) Israeli startups have raised $5.7 billion in the 11 months to end Nov. This easily exceeds the $5.24 billion raised in the whole of 2017 (the previous record).
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israeli-startups-raised-600m-in-november-1001263069
Israel’s well-documented economic optimism. Ambassador Yoram Ettinger has highlighted some positive economic indicators in his latest report. They include two multi-billion-dollar acquisitions of Israeli companies; record venture capital investments; and endorsements from HP, South Korea, China and the Economist.
http://theettingerreport.com/israels-well-documented-economic-optimism/
Why China likes Israeli ed-tech. 15 Israeli entrepreneurs and educators attended the Global Education Summit in Beijing. Chinese families demand quality education, making China the largest education market in the world. Lack of quality teachers drives Chinese investments in self-study or remote-study platforms.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3751620,00.html
Number of tourists exceeds 4 million. 4 million tourists from all over the world visited Israel in 2018, the highest number ever. Great weather, diverse culinary, the cultural scene and some of the most beautiful places in the world – make Israel a great travel destination. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNYbNpGdFuQ
https://unitedwithisrael.org/4-million-visitors-israel-breaks-tourism-records-in-2018/
LATAM’s first direct flight to Israel. I reported previously (15th Apr) that Latin America’s largest airline, LATAM, planned direct flights from Brazil to Tel Aviv. The inaugural LATAM flight, originating in Santiago, Chile, then flew direct from Sao Paulo to Tel Aviv. Scheduled services operate Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/latam-airlines-completes-first-direct-flight-from-latin-america-to-israel/2018/12/15/ https://www.latam.com/en-us/flights-to-tel-aviv
AI helps employees get the best jobs. Melanie Holly Pasch of Israel’s Gloat was interviewed on ILTV about how Gloat uses Artificial Intelligence to connect skilled workers to personalized job opportunities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB6JnbLpTSs
A new shopping experience. Israel’s SuperUp is the world’s first eComMarketing platform for enterprises to provide their consumers with the highest standards of online shopping. The end customer receives personalized recommendations – in real time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrlmAObLEvs https://www.superup.me/features
Ethical Insurer goes Israeli. (TY Atid-EDI) Ecclesiastical Insurance has selected Israel’s Sapiens as part of its aim to transform its ethical UK and Irish business. Its property and casualty/general insurance will use Sapiens’ IDIT suite and Sapiens’ Reinsurance replaces its general insurance systems. https://www.sapiens.com/news/ecclesiastical-insurance-group-selects-sapiens-property-and-casualty-insurance-suite-as-its-new-core-platform/
More jobs for Americans. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel-based Omen Casting is investing over $15 million to increase its production in Richmond, Indiana, providing 200 new jobs by 2022. Omen makes steering components, drivelines and oil pumps for the automotive industry. Eight Israeli companies operate in Indiana.
http://www.areadevelopment.com/newsItems/12-11-2018/omen-usa-manufacturing-richmond-indiana.shtml
Eldan advert shows the best of Israel. Only in Israel would an advert for a car rental company (Eldan) be a PR promotion for the whole country. Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Eilat, the Galilee,
Using AI to predict the market. (TY Atid-EDI) Israeli-founded BetterTrader.co identifies significant stock market events in real time. It then uses historical data and artificial intelligence to calculate the magnitude of these events and predict market reaction. https://bettertrader.co/
Mellanox powers Alibaba. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Mellanox has successfully deployed its RDMA over Ethernet (RoCE) 25Gbps ConnectX network adapters in Alibaba’s production network. Mellanox adaptors are now accelerating the performance of a wide range of Alibaba’s applications, including its key online services
http://www.mellanox.com/page/press_release_item?id=2124
J P Morgan wants Israeli skills. JPMorgan Chase, the largest US lender, is increasing its technology presence in Israel, joining other global financial firms seeking to benefit from the country’s large pool of fintech experts. It plans to employ as many as 200 engineers at its Herzliya office in the next two years.
Energizing Gaza border communities. (TY Hazel) Israeli solar-cell printing start-up Utilight is to construct two manufacturing plants in Gaza border communities to boost their economy. Utilight’s innovative laser printing technology produces superior, cheaper and lighter solar cells, with improved energy harvesting.
https://www.jpost.com/Jpost-Tech/Business-and-Innovation/Solar-start-up-seeks-to-energize-Gaza-border-economy-575619 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjA3KMjTO6s https://www.utilight.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezhsbJulevU
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Things to do in Israel in January. There are many great events and other things to do in Israel in Jan 2019. The cultural, sporting, and music events across Israel are a testimony to the rich cultural life of Israel.
https://www.touristisrael.com/things-to-do-in-israel-in-january/3792/
Hiking the Holy Land. Many hiking trails in Israel pass through incredible biblical, historical and archeological sites. Ancient synagogues, Crusader monasteries, fortresses, Nabatean towns, and much more. Erez Speiser has built the website www.hike-israel.com to promote nature and hiking tourism in Israel.
http://www.jewishpress.com/sections/travel/hiking-the-holy-land/2018/12/13/
Israel’s bobsled team. Israel’s bobsled and skeleton team has high hopes of competing in the 2022 Olympics.
Watch any sports event you want. Israel’s WSC Sports automatically creates (for media companies) real time, on-demand videos of TV broadcasts of sports events. Customers of those media companies can request to watch any event they wish. WSC Sports founder and CEO Daniel Shichman explained more on ILTV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdPuVWaXkJA https://wsc-sports.com/
THE JEWISH STATE
CU4I tops 5 million. US pro-Israel organization Christians United for Israel has now exceeded 5 million members, with one million joining in the last 10 months. Founder and chairman Paster John Hagee said, “we’re eager to keep this momentum going to further strengthen our nation’s deep bond with Israel.”
https://jewishwebsite.com/featured/pro-israel-christian-group-tops-5-million-members/36780/
Israel’s minorities speak out. Reservists on Duty (RoD) combat anti-Semitism and anti-Israel activity on US college campuses. Its Minorities Group, comprised of Arabs, Druze, Muslims, Bedouins, Christians and even some Palestinian Arabs. Arab-Israeli citizens speaking positively about Israel makes a big impression.
Safeguarding Israel’s lands. Hashomer Hachadash brings volunteers from all over the world to help Israeli farmers by protecting their livestock and fields. See Ayelet Kaufman, Director of Hashomer Hachadash’s overseas program on ILTV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuR6J64pejA https://eng.hashomer.org.il/
Donation funds new Hadassah department. Hadassah-WIZO received a $6.5 million endowment – the largest endowment fund gift in the organization’s 100-year history.
https://www.jns.org/hadassah-academic-college-receives-major-gift-to-launch-new-design-department/
Honduras to move embassy to Jerusalem. Honduras will be moving ahead with plans to open its Israel embassy in Jerusalem, and Israel will upgrade its Honduran consulate to a full-fledged embassy. Israel will provide Honduras help on cyber security, water and agriculture technology and import Honduran coffee.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/honduras-plans-to-move-embassy-to-jerusalem/
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/honduras-to-move-embassy-to-jerusalem/2019/01/02/
Rebuilding Jerusalem’s Tiferet synagogue. I reported previously (Nov 2016) on the Tiferet Israel synagogue in Jerusalem. It was one of the largest synagogues in the old city, until the Jordanian Arab legion cynically destroyed it in 1948. 90-year-old Simcha Mandelbaum, who prayed there as a boy, launched its reconstruction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJvSQYH9rPQ
Reali good students. (TY Marlene) Students at the Reali Middle School in Haifa have translated more VeryGoodNewsIsrael newsletter articles into Hebrew for the benefit of Hebrew-readers.
https://verygoodnewsivrit.blogspot.com/2019/01/16-18.html
https://verygoodnewsivrit.blogspot.com/2018/12/23-18_23.html
