POSITIVE NEWS FROM ISRAEL FROM MICHAEL ORDMAN
“For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?” Esther 8.6
But Esther’s story is a powerful reminder of faith, conviction and courage in the face of evil and the importance of using one’s influence for good even in seemingly impossible situations. That is the story of Israel as Michael Ordman demonstrates in his essential blog. rsk
www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
100 babies born at missile-damaged Soroka. (TY I24 News) Beer Sheba’s Soroka hospital opened up maternity wards in bomb shelters to deal with the threat of rockets. Despite suffering an Iranian missile hit, Israeli women gave birth to 100 babies in the hospital during the 12 days of Operation Rising Lion.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-soroka-hospital-staff-delivered-over-100-babies-during-missile-attacks/
Aid for Iranian missile victims. (TY eJP) Israeli non-profit Ogen (see here previously) has launched a NIS 30 million emergency aid program “Israel’s Financial First Responders,” to support small businesses and families impacted by Iran’s missile attacks on Israel during “Operation Rising Lion.” JNF-USA has also rallied to help.
https://www.jns.org/wire/ogen-launches-30m-relief-fund-for-families-businesses-hit-by-iran-missiles/
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jewish-national-fund-usa-supports-the-people-of-beer-sheva-amid-crisis-with-1-million-emergency-commitment-302490876.html
More support here. Colel Chabad, with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) and the Hatzinor Fund, are giving debit cards worth 3,000 shekels to Israeli families left homeless after missile attacks. The JDC (Joint) have also been deploying emergency aid and services to support vulnerable populations.
https://www.jns.org/wire/with-homes-destroyed-in-iran-attack-thousands-of-israeli-families-get-immediate-support/ https://www.jns.org/wire/in-wake-of-iran-attacks-jdc-assists-vulnerable-populations-and-devastated-communities/
International support. Foreign aid for Israeli victims has come from Taiwan, which donated $160,000 to the ZAKA emergency response organization. Meanwhile, the Jewish community of Foshan China is donating building materials. Their city is one of the largest suppliers of construction services in the world.
https://worldisraelnews.com/support-from-abroad-pours-in-to-rebuild-israeli-cities-hit-by-irans-missiles/
$30 million for Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The U.S. State Department will provide $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The GHF has replaced the United Nations in delivering humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians and avoiding Hamas looters. GHF has delivered many millions of meals since its launch.
https://www.jns.org/state-dept-announces-30m-in-funding-for-gaza-humanitarian-foundation/
Ex-hostage completes IDF service. Karina Ariev, held by Hamas for over a year, has officially completed her service in Israel’s Defense Forces. All of Israel has recognized her courage for both the bravery she displayed during her captivity, and for her decision to return and honor her fallen comrades by completing her duty.
https://israfan.com/p/karina-ariev-idf-service-after-captivity
Ex-hostage gives support to missile victims. Former hostage Yelena Troufanov, spends her days gathering clothing and other supplies for those who have been injured or lost their homes and possessions during Iran’s missile attacks. So many items were donated from Israelis, which “reflects the spirit of our people,” she said.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/released-hostage-helps-victims-of-irans-missile-attacks/
Bar-Ilan graduation ceremony in Gaza. Ohad couldn’t attend his medical graduation ceremony at Bar-Ilan University as he was in the IDF serving in Gaza. So the university brought the graduation ceremony to him. He put a hat and gown over his IDF uniform and recited the doctor’s oath (Hippocratic Oath) to his fellow soldiers.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xTmRQezOlJw
Unsung heroes. Israeli reservists comprised the bulk of the troops largely responsible for Israel’s successes during the long multi-front war. They are all IDF veterans who completed their full service and then entered civilian life as students, members of the work force, spouses, and parents. Now they are on the front line.
https://mosaicmagazine.com/response/israel-zionism/2025/06/the-unsung-heroes-who-make-israeli-victory-possible/
Married couple flew sorties against Iran. (TY Yanky) Combat navigators, identified only as “Yud” and “Bet” both attacked Iran during the 12-day war. “Yud” is the first female deputy commander of a fighter squadron. Husband “Bet,” commands an air squadron and will soon command a fighter squadron. They have 2 children.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/married-couple-both-iaf-combat-navigators-flew-sorties-over-iran-during-12-day-war/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
ChatGPT saves Israeli teen. (TY UWI) A 16-year-old girl from northern Israel turned to ChatGPT for advice upon discovering a mysterious lump in her abdomen. After a series of follow-up questions, the AI chatbot recommended blood tests and an ultrasound. Subsequent surgery removed a large mass from her pancreas.
https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/israeli-teen-chatgpt-saves-life
Weizmann test for blood cancer. Days after their labs were devastated by an Iranian missile, researchers at Weizmann Institute published findings that could lead to a blood test for detecting a person’s risk of developing leukemia. The test might also replace the invasive diagnostic procedure of bone marrow sampling.
https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/life-sciences/new-blood-test-may-detect-leukemia-risk-and-replace-bone-marrow-sampling https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03716-5
Metal-free implants. Israel’s OSSIO recently expanded its best-in-class soft-tissue fixation portfolio with the launch of OSSIOfiber® 2.5mm Suture Anchors, which promise to improve several surgical procedures, including Brostrom repair for lateral ankle instability.
https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/ossio-launches-small-ossiofiber-suture-anchors-expanding-best-in-class-portfolio-of-bio-integrative-metal-free-implants-to-improve-soft-tissue-fixation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EENti_UKas
Researching treatment for a very rare condition. A rare mutation in the GRIN2D gene causes seizures in only 40 people worldwide. Yet Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a mouse model to replicate the condition, allowing scientists to work towards pharmacological and gene-based therapeutic strategies.
https://en-med.tau.ac.il/GRIN2D-news
Partnering to cure cancer. Georgetown University in the US is home to the federally-designated Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Its joint initiative with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is expected to accelerate progress toward more effective cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
https://lombardi.georgetown.edu/news-release/hebrew-university-and-georgetown-lombardi-establish-research-collaboration/
US Ambassador donates blood. United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife, Janet, donated blood following a visit to Magen David Adom’s (MDA) National Headquarters in Ramla. On his tour he saw MDA’s advanced in-house-developed technologies and met with emergency teams.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/ambassador-huckabee-donates-blood-to-lifesaving-israeli-blood-bank/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Bikers ride for Israel. The Rolling Thunder of South Florida motorcycle riders’ club organized a ride by some 250 motorcycle enthusiasts in support of Israel, the IDF and Northern Israel communities. They rode 250 miles, from Tel Aviv to the Lebanese border and back. It was their seventh solidarity ride.
https://www.jns.org/250-motorcyclists-ride-250-miles-to-show-support-for-israel/
£1 million for youth village. Israeli NGO Migdal Ohr (see here previously) has raised over £1 million to build emergency dormitories and bomb shelters for at-risk boys at Zoharim Youth Village in central Israel.
https://migdalohr.org.uk/migdal-ohrs-global-36-campaign-raises-over-1-million/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjIwamklAww https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3gArGNcaps&t=41s
Combating hatred on campus. (TY Myer) Israel is privileged to have young people like Rachel Ruben standing up against anti-Israel bullies at US universities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQdE_MFVeUw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwAsuovdfag
Muslim leaders who support peace. A group of brave Islamic religious leaders from France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy and Britain visited Israel on a trip organized by the European Leadership Network (ELNET – see here previously). They met President Herzog, visited Yad Vashem and even sang Israel’s National Anthem.
https://worldisraelnews.com/european-muslim-leaders-laud-israel-slam-hezbollah-as-the-party-of-satan/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/group-of-europe-based-imams-visits-israel-bearing-message-of-peace/
6 countries join Israel Allies Foundation. The Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) has expanded its international network by launching six new pro-Israel parliamentary caucuses across Africa. The new groups were established on July 7 in Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Seychelles, Gabon, and Guinea-Conakry.
https://israfan.com/p/israel-allies-foundation-africa-caucuses
Israeli rescued in the Himalayas. After disappearing for nine days seemingly without a trace, American-Israeli hiker Samuel was rescued by the inhabitants of a remote village. He got lost and fell off the edge of Mount Triund, sustaining multiple fractures, and was forced to live on insects, berries, and grass.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/american-israeli-stranded-on-the-himalayas-rescued-by-villagers/
Israel to open embassy in Estonia. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has just completed a three-day tour of the Baltic states. It culminated with his announcing that Jerusalem plans to open its first embassy in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn. https://www.jns.org/israel-to-open-embassy-in-estonia/
https://estonianworld.com/security/israel-to-open-embassy-in-estonia-deepening-security-and-digital-ties/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Energy & AI agreement with USA. The USA and Israel signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing a powerful new alliance in the fields of artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure. It aims to fortify national energy grids and drive energy innovation across both countries.
https://israfan.com/p/israel-us-energy-ai-agreement-2025
Israel’s Energy Tech map. Startup Nation Central has released a map showing 165 of the 350+ Israeli startups addressing some of the world’s most significant energy challenges. These include reducing carbon emissions, storing clean energy, and enhancing electricity efficiency. The 165 startups raised over $400 million in 2024.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israel-unveils-2025-energy-tech-map-featuring-startups-tackling-climate-and-power-challenges/ https://startupnationcentral.org/hub/blog/energy-tech/
A map of Israeli quantum computing. Earth & Beyond Ventures, with Deloitte Catalyst, have identified nine main Israeli quantum computing startups that have collectively raised about $650 million to date, including $300+ million in 2025 alone. With 15 more Israeli quantum startups, Israel punches above its quantum weight.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyqbeowsge
UAV detection system built on the frontline. Israel’s SkyHoop was created on the battlefield by 36-year-old IDF reservist Zach Bergerson, to alerts troops to incoming aerial threats using mobile phone technology. It has already begun pilot programs in Ukraine and is in talks for a trial with the U.S. Defense Department.
https://israfan.com/p/israeli-defense-tech-growth-2025
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/company_page/skyhoop
Multilingual AI is Wonderful. Israeli startup Wonderful has developed a system of AI agents that manage voice, chat, and email interactions for call centers in non-English-speaking countries. Already in use at Israeli organizations Bezeq and Maccabi Health Services, it autonomously handles many customer-response tasks.
https://www.wonderful.ai/ https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/skluyjmblg
Pre-biotics from carobs. Israel’s CarobWay (see here previously) is launching its carob-derived prebiotic fiber, CarobBiome™. It aims to meet the needs of consumers seeking effective gut and metabolic health benefits. It contains naturally occurring polyphenols, to nourish the gut microbiota, with less bloating.
https://www.foodbev.com/news/carobway-unveils-innovative-carob-derived-prebiotic-fibre
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Romania buys Israeli defense systems. The Romanian Ministry of Defense has selected Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems as the winner of the 1.9 billion EUR tender for its short range air defense systems.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/30/romania-picks-israeli-rafael-for-air-defense-deal/
Foreign airlines return to Israel. Emirati carrier Flydubai, resumed flying to Israel one day after the ceasefire with Iran began. Israeli-owned TUS Airways, the Greek airline Blue Bird Airways and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad began flights one day later, with China’s Hainan close behind. United, Wizz and Lufthansa restart soon.
https://www.jns.org/foreign-carriers-led-by-flydubai-start-returning-to-israel/
https://worldisraelnews.com/united-airlines-returns-to-israel-ahead-of-schedule/
https://worldisraelnews.com/european-aviation-authority-lifts-all-flight-restrictions-on-israel/
Amazon returns to Israel. Online retail giant Amazon.com has fully resumed operations in Israel, lifting a suspension on shipments to addresses in the Jewish state imposed during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel. It has also resumed its free shipping deal for orders totaling over $49 with qualifying items.
https://worldisraelnews.com/amazon-lifts-restrictions-on-shipments-to-israel/
Israel’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Startup Nation Central reports that the 500+ Israeli cybersecurity startups last year raised $3.8 billion – double the funding raised in the sector in 2023. It amounts to 40% of the funds raised by US cybersecurity companies – very commendable.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rjupzmarel
https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/reports/cyber-spotlight-2025?group=comms
The benefits of international industrial cooperation. (TY Peloni) A report by the Industrial Cooperation Authority (ICA) shows Israel’s economy generates $6 billion annually in actual procurement from its expanding network of industrial cooperation agreements with global partners and supports 1,100+ local businesses.
https://israfan.com/p/israel-industrial-cooperation-boost-2025
More money to invest in Israel. Venture capital fund Red Dot Capital Partners (see here previously) has extended its third flagship fund, securing total commitments of $320 million for investing in early-stage Israeli startups. Investors include from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hyji2gyblg
EU approves Israeli low-sugar juice. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s BlueTree Technologies received regulatory clearance to market its sugar-reduction system for fruit juices across the EU without prior approval. The filtration-based technology does not fall under the EU’s “novel food” classification.
https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2025/06/23/sugar-reduction-by-bluetree-comes-to-europe/
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 13th July 25: Israel’s Cyera has acquired Israel’s Otterize for tens of millions of dollars. Apple has acquired Israel’s TrueMeeting (previously named CommonGround AI).
Startup investment – to 13th July 25: Cato Networks raised $359 million; Wonderful AI raised $34 million; Qedma raised $26 million; aiOla raised $25 million; Imagene AI raised $23 million; Restore Medical raised $23 million; Nominal.so has raised $20 million; Ryft raised $8 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
1,600-year-old Byzantine mosaic unveiled. (TY Yanky) Originally discovered in 1990 near Kibbutz Urim, close to the Gaza Strip, the Be’er Shema (Birsama) mosaic is now permanently displayed at the Merhavim Regional Council HQ in the Negev. It contains 55 detailed medallions of mythological subjects.
https://archaeologymag.com/2025/05/1600-year-old-byzantine-mosaic-unveiled-in-negev/
1900-year-old lion heads. (TY TPS) A set of rare and intricately designed bronze discs shaped like lion heads has been uncovered in central Israel. The 1,900-year-old artifacts are believed to have once adorned the carrying handles of a wooden coffin that has not survived. Lions symbolize strength, protection, and nobility.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/roman-era-burial-discs-discovered-in-israel-shed-light-on-ancient-funeral-customs/
THE JEWISH STATE
He couldn’t save the patient but he helped the mourners. United Hatzalah EMS Elhanan performed CPR in the intense heat of a Beit Shemesh house. Although the patient passed away, Elhanan returned to the shiva house the next day and installed two air-conditioners, free of charge. At least the mourners could breathe.
https://www.shemesh.co.il/en/highlights/pure-kindness-from-a-united-hatzalah-volunteer
Hat’s off to Rabbi Herzog. Winner’s of Jerusalem is auctioning the iconic top hat worn by Rabbi Yitzhak Isaac HaLevi Herzog, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel. Bids are expected to start at $800. Rabbi Herzog was Chief Rabbi until 1959 and recovered Jewish children hidden by Christians from the Nazis.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/historic-top-hat-of-israels-first-chief-rabbi-up-for-auction-in-jerusalem/
Rare Ethiopian biblical manuscripts uncovered. (TY TPS) Researchers in Israel have uncovered two handwritten biblical manuscripts from the 15th century that belonged to Israel’s Ethiopian Jewish community – the oldest known sacred texts of their kind. They comprise the Five Books of Moses, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth.
https://worldisraelnews.com/rare-15th-century-biblical-manuscripts-shed-light-on-ethiopian-jewish-heritage/
Birthright Israel returns. Birthright Israel plans to resume summer programs just two weeks after Birthright evacuated some 2,800 participants from Israel during the war with Iran. “… now we’re opening the gates to Israel once again,” stated Gidi Mark, CEO of the group, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
https://www.jns.org/birthright-israel-to-resume-trips-after-evacuating-participants-during-war/
Saying thanks. Following the US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, some senior Israeli Rabbis instructed their communities to replace the daily Tachanun prayer with Mizmor Letodah – the prayer for thanks. On Rosh Chodesh Tammuz many Israeli communities recited full Hallel rather than the usual half Hallel.
https://www.jpost.com/judaism/article-858539
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