NEW OLD LAND: POSITIVE NEWS FROM ISRAEL FROM MICHAEL ORDMAN
New/Old Land – Israel’s Positive News to 3rd Aug 25
PSALM 87- On the Holy Mount stands the city He founded. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken oh City of God.
www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Supporting those who lost homes. (TY UWI) Israeli charity Pitchon Lev (see here previously) provided life-saving assistance to more than 11,400 people during the 12-day war with Iran. Its 15,000+ volunteers delivered food parcels, baby food, diapers, clothing, etc. to many Israelis made homeless by Iranian missile attacks.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/pitchon-lev-responds-to-600-spike-in-aid-requests-during-operation-rising-lion/
Honoring the heroes of Operation Rising Lion. At the graduation of 37 new IAF pilots and navigators, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir praised all those involved in the 12-day war against Iran. From pilots and drone operators to intelligence analysts and technical crews. Ex-hostage Agam Berger played at the ceremony.
https://www.jns.org/zamir-iaf-chief-laud-iran-strikes-salute-new-aircrew-in-joint-ceremony/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-860939
Israel’s largest supply operation. Since the beginning of hostilities, Israel’s Defense Ministry said that it has coordinated the transport of more than 100,000 tons of military equipment. It included 870 flights and 144 sea shipments, making it the largest air and sea supply operation in the nation’s history.
https://www.jns.org/us-d9-bulldozers-arrive-in-haifa-port-to-boost-israeli-forces/
Ex-hostage finishes the Tour de France. Former hostage Ofer Calderon rode in the Tour de France with the Israel Premier Tech cycling team and team owner Sylvan Adams on the final leg to the Paris Arc de Triomphe.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-former-hostage-ofer-calderon-rides-in-the-tour-de-france/
Filipino ex-hostage names baby “Israela”. Released Filipino hostage, Gelienor “Jimmy” Leano Pacheco, has welcomed a new daughter – and named her Israela, as a tribute to the people and the State of Israel. Pacheco was abducted by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct 7 2023 and released after 49 days in captivity.
https://www.thejc.com/news/world/released-filipino-hostage-names-his-new-baby-daughter-israela-qbf3mquc
$1 million for Soroka. The US-based Merage Foundation (see here previously) has committed $1 million to support Beersheva’s Soroka Medical Center, less than a month after an Iranian missile slammed into the southern Israeli hospital. The article also mentions other vital activities in Israel that the Foundation supports.
https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/the-merage-foundation-commits-1-million-to-soroka-medical-center-after-direct-missile-hit-from-iran/
From trauma to triumph. Israeli charity Belev Echad (see here previously) takes wounded IDF soldiers on a trip to Manhattan as part of their recovery program. Co-founder, Shevy Vigler says, “In Israel, they fight to stand again. In New York, they remember how to live again. That’s the moment the healing truly begins.”
https://www.jns.org/wire/idf-recovering-soldiers-go-from-trauma-to-triumph/
Our home is gone, but at least we’re alive. Valery, 32, from Tel Aviv, who survived the impact from an Iranian missile strike, 20 meters from his building, said, “In the end, we will come out of this stronger,” A harrowing story, but one that highlights Israeli resilience.
https://www.jns.org/the-tribulations-of-surviving-an-iranian-missile-strike/
US college students support Israel. Dozens of American college students traveled to Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA on its alternative week-long summer-break program. In Kiryat Shmona, Akko and Ofakim they packed supplies, painted homes and playgrounds, planted trees and cooked meals for soldiers in the IDF.
https://www.jns.org/wire/united-for-israel-american-college-students-serve-and-support/
Young community hubs. As part of the post Swords of Iron War recovery, KKL-JNF is launching community hubs for young Mechina (IDF prep school) graduates in Israel’s northern and southern periphery. In the pilot, subsidized housing will be developed in Yeruham, Dimona, Arad, Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, Acre and Nahariya.
https://www.jns.org/wire/kkl-jnf-to-launch-young-community-hubs-in-israels-periphery/
Parents of fallen soldier make Aliyah. After their son Ben was killed while saving lives at the Nova Festival, his Canadian-Israeli parents made Aliyah to walk the path he chose, turning tragedy into a living tribute.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-parents-of-fallen-soldier-killed-at-nova-festival-make-aliyah-in-his-honor/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Healthy baby after rare uterine surgery. The first-ever Israeli baby (and the 6th in the world) was born to a woman who had undergone uterine transposition surgery at Rabin Medical Center’s Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah. The mother’s womb had been removed before cancer treatment and re-implanted afterwards.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-becomes-sixth-in-the-world-to-birth-healthy-baby-after-rare-uterine-surgery/
Never too old. 51-year-old Luci Bahat, decided to study medicine at Ben Gurion University, despite her age. The mother of four, holds a master’s degree and works as a nurse at Kaplan medical center. She will now study with 32 other students. Her daughter, Neta, 25, is studying for a bachelor’s degree in social work, also at BGU.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/sjlvoneqle
Dealing with jellyfish. This article gives advice on how to avoid the poisonous stings from jellyfish (Hebrew – Meduzot) during the summer season on Israeli beaches. It is vital to visit the website, www.meduzot.co.il for the latest information of location of the swarms. Over 5,000 volunteers report location, numbers and species.
https://www.jns.org/beware-of-meduzot-how-israel-deals-with-jellyfish/
https://www.gov.il/en/pages/jellyfish-sting-care
Sleep device for trauma survivors. IDF veteran Ben Fuxbruner has developed Kimba to help trauma survivors reclaim restful sleep. Named after Ben’s K9 military dog who died in Gaza in 2014, Kimba combines wearable sensors and scent-diffusion technology to improve sleep quality.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/ptsd-treatment-for-better-sleep-invented-by-injured-idf-soldier-in-memory-of-k9-companion/ https://www.kimba.ai/
ZAKA trains 100 US sheriffs. More than 100 sheriffs from 30 states received training in Florida from Israeli volunteer emergency response and disaster victim recovery organization, ZAKA (see here previously). The aim was to help law-enforcement agencies understand the religious requirements of victims of violence.
https://www.jns.org/100-sheriffs-from-30-states-attend-zaka-training-in-florida/
Israeli Druze doctor makes discovery. At Rambam Hospital this week an Israeli Druze doctor discovered that several wounded Syrians admitted for treatment were, in fact, his own relatives, family members he had never met. After receiving initial treatment in Syria, they were transferred to Israel for advanced medical care.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/artc-druze-doctor-discovers-wounded-syrians-in-israeli-hospital-are-his-relatives
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Center for shared society. Boston-based Frieze Family Foundation has committed $5 million to the University of Haifa to establish a “Center for Shared Society” – a space at the university dedicated to strengthening bonds between Jewish and Arab Israelis. It will focus on learning, research and advocacy.
https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/frieze-family-foundation-commits-5-million-to-create-center-for-shared-society-at-university-of-haifa/
Where do Israeli Arabs prefer to live? Arabs in Israel speak freely about their feelings about living in Israel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_16zEPBtRo
Israeli Druze donate blood for Syrian Druze. Magen David Adom began a blood drive on Sunday in the Druze-majority village of Isfiya to support wounded Druze in Syria. Dozens of people lined up to donate their blood as soon as the donation center opened, and 40 samples were collected in just two hours.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-861851
Lion cub rescued from PA village. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority rescued a lion cub that was tied to a tree in the yard of a home in the Palestinian Arab village of Abu Dis east of Jerusalem. It was unhurt, but very thin. It was the sixth lion cub, plus 10 monkeys and 36 parrots, found in captivity by Israeli authorities this year.
https://www.jns.org/lion-cub-rescued-from-palestinian-village-near-jerusalem/
22 countries attend educational conference. (TY Sharon) 180 educators from 22 countries arrived in Israel for an annual 7-day education seminar sponsored by KKL-JNF. They visited sites of ecological, historical and national significance and met with IDF reps, educators, kibbutzniks, and local leaders.
https://www.jns.org/wire/180-educators-from-22-countries-arrive-in-israel-for-annual-education-seminar/
https://rjstreets.com/2025/07/27/whos-here-in-july-on-the-hot-jerusalem-streets/
Firefighting support for Cyprus. (TY UWI) Two Israeli C-130 aircraft dropped 34 tons of fire retardant, significantly suppressing the recent Cyprus wildfires. Meanwhile, aid from the EU didn’t arrive in time.
https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/cyprus-wildfires-the-frustration-of-delayed-aid-and-the-eu-mechanism-under-scrutiny/ https://www.jns.org/israeli-air-force-helps-cyprus-battle-raging-wildfires/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Early warning of failure. Researchers at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have revealed that tiny changes precede the tipping point that triggers the collapse of vulnerable complex systems. This discovery could provide a potential early warning signal and prevent a critical system from breaking down.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1089719 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61127-z
NIS 44 million for AI data stores. (TY UWI) Israel is granting NIS 44 million for the set-up of information databases that will support Israeli development of AI systems. They include medical, manufacturing, desertech, climate & cleantech, agritech, food, defense/security, and hi-tech. Proposals should be submitted by 3rd Sep.
https://innovationisrael.org.il/en/press_release/data-for-ai/
https://innovationisrael.org.il/en/calls_for_proposal/data-for-ai/
Mapping Israeli AI companies. Israel has 342 startup working the GenAI space according to the New Remagine Ventures report. “Israeli GenAI Landscape 4.0”, maps the rapid and impressive development of Israel’s generative artificial intelligence industry in 2025. 198 companies have been added since 2024.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1yl6mlulx
https://www.remagineventures.com/generative-ai-landscape/
Hybrid drones for Europe. (TY Yanky) Israel’s Robotican (see here previously) has delivered dozens of its ROOSTER hybrid drone systems to European special operations forces, intervention units, and infantry teams. ROOSTER rolls like a robot and flies like a drone. It recently secured official NATO registration.
https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/65633 https://robotican.net/rooster/
Diabetic daughter inspires low-carb food startup. After Ran’s daughter was diagnosed with diabetes, he partnered with her endocrinologist to create Eatsane (see here previously). Its low-carb buns are now available at Israel’s BBB burger restaurants and its pizza crusts are an option at Israeli Papa John’s.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-papas-food-tech-startup-brings-low-carb-pizza-to-diabetics-like-his-daughter/
A green alternative to cement. An update on the Technnion’s CyanoGems project (see here previously) that uses cyanobacteria to produce calcium carbonate for building materials. In the process photosynthesis absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide to reduce global greenhouse gases.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/microbes-pave-the-way-for-a-living-green-alternative-to-cement-in-buildings/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Exports reach $150 billion. (TY Hazel) Israel’s exporters shipped almost $150 billion worth of goods and services in 2024 – a dip of only 1% on the previous year despite falling rockets and reservists called up. Technology services, rose 3% last year and another 10% in the first quarter of 2025,
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-862037 https://export.gov.il/en/
Tech pact with India. Israel and India have signed a landmark Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and promoting long-term cooperation across key sectors. The IPA includes legal protections for investors e.g. in the $10 billion Adani–Tower Semiconductor plant being built in Maharashtra.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/india-and-israel-invest-in-a-new-era-with-groundbreaking-trade-deal/
$120 million for post-war startups. Israeli venture capital fund New Era Capital (see here previously) has completed a $120 million fundraise. This is the firm’s third fund, following its $140 million fund raised in 2020, which is now nearly fully invested.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rysthdalxe
A fund for startup employees. Israeli venture capital firm Cyberstarts (see here previously) has created a $300 million fund to help startups retain top talent. It allows startup employees to sell some of their shares, so they can cash in on initial high valuations while staying focused on working to generate even greater future profits.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-cyberstarts-launches-300-million-fund-to-help-startups-retain-top-talent/
The second largest exit in Israeli history. US-based Palo Alto Networks is to acquire Israeli cybersecurity CyberArk Software in a deal valued at around $25 billion – the highest in Israeli history apart from Google’s $32 billion purchase of Israel’s Wiz. Palo Alto was founded by Israel’s Nir Zuk and is its largest ever deal.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/412491
Airbus modifies planes for Taxibot. (TY Yanky) Airbus has received approval for cockpit modifications on the A320 family of aircraft to enable the use of Israel’s pilot-controlled hybrid-electric TaxiBot (see here previously). Taxibot pulls planes between the terminal and take-off area, saving vast amounts of aviation fuel.
https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/stories/2025-07-taxibots-spool-up-as-project-heron-winds-down
Big deal with Germany. Israel’s Elbit Systems has received a $260 million, six-year contract from the German government to install Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) self-protection systems on Germany’s Airbus A400M aircraft fleet. The systems automatically counter mobile anti-aircraft weapons.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-defense-firm-lands-huge-deal-with-germany/
Floyd Mayweather opens Tel Aviv stock exchange. Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather opened trading at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) on Monday morning, joining IDF soldiers and Israeli leaders in a ceremony that highlighted international solidarity with the Jewish State.
https://israfan.com/p/floyd-mayweather-opens-tel-aviv-stock-exchange
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 3rd Aug 25: Israel’s Nice Systems has acquired Germany’s Cognigy for $955 million; Israel’s Axonius is acquiring Israel’s Cynerio for a minimum of $180 million. India’s Amber Group has acquired a $47 million stake in Israel’s Unitronics.
Startup investment – to 3rd Aug 25: BlinkOps raised $50 million; Teramount raised $50 million; Lumana raised $40 million; Legion Security raised $30 million; Scopio Labs raised another $10 million; Tonic Security raised $7 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Archeologist wins Dan David prize. Nine international historians, archeologists, and filmmakers each won the 2025 Dan David prize along with $300,000. The one Israeli winner, Bar Kribus from Tel Aviv University, is an archaeologist specializing in Ethiopian archaeology and the history and culture of the Ethiopian Jews.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/dan-david-prize-goes-to-9-historians-archaeologists-and-filmmakers/
https://liberal-arts.tau.ac.il/diaspora/en_Dr_Bar_Kribus
2000-year-old jewelry unearthed. (TY TPS) A volunteer, working with the excavation team in Susita (aka Hippos) discovered a gold ring and a pair of earrings, dating back nearly two millennia. The team also uncovered many fragments of intricate stucco work from a Roman-Byzantine residential neighborhood.
https://worldisraelnews.com/i-saw-a-yellow-color-volunteer-uncovers-2000-year-old-galilee-treasure/
Rare hybrid stork visits Israel. For the first time in Israel, a mocha-colored hybrid stork (a cross between a black and white stork) was recorded by birdwatchers in the Hulda reservoir in the Shephelah. A similar hybrid had been spotted previously in southern Germany, but that was a different bird.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/environment/artc-rare-hybrid-stork-seen-in-israel-for-the-first-time
Throwing heavy metal at the enemy. David Draiman is the pro-Israel frontman for heavy metal rock group “Disturbed” and performed at Black Sabbath’s farewell event. Despite some boos, he said, “I came to honor my idols, Black Sabbath, and I won’t let some Jewish haters change that.” Then in Israel he met Yarden Bibas.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/08/metal-band-booed-for-supporting-israel/
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/11/humbled-by-the-experience-david-draiman-on-emotional-meeting-with-yarden-bibas/
Bronze medal at European 49ers. (TY Nevet) Israeli sailors Tal Sde and Maor Abu won the bronze medal at the European 49er Championship in Thessaloniki, Greece.
https://49er.org/the-race-to-gold-fleet-was-a-slow-burn/
Israel wins 2025 European Men’s Lacrosse Championship. Israel outdueled Italy, 9-8, in a blockbuster final to win the 2025 European Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wroclaw, Poland. Israel was undefeated in all seven games and qualified for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan.
https://worldlacrosse.sport/article/israel-wins-2025-european-mens-lacrosse-championship-with-narrow-9-8-win-over-italy/
THE JEWISH STATE
Rare “redemption of Zion” coin unearthed. A bronze coin minted by Jews in Jerusalem during final year before 2nd Temple’s destruction in 70 CE has been discovered during excavations in Jerusalem. It is inscribed, “For the Redemption of Zion”. Tisha b’Av on 3rd Aug commemorated the destruction of both Jewish Temples.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/412539
Drone fixes eruv before Shabbat. High Tech Halacha: During a routine Friday inspection, a council worker in the Israeli city of Ofakim noticed damage to the city’s eruv (the wire boundary that permits religious Jews to carry on Shabbat). Consulting the local Rabbi, a drone was sent to re-stretch the wires, repairing the eruv.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/411453
Where the Canaanites made their knives. (TY TPS) A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Kiryat Gat has revealed a 5,500-year-old flint blade manufacturing workshop – the first of its kind found in southern Israel. The excavation uncovered long, finely-crafted blades and their source from large flint cores.
https://worldisraelnews.com/discovery-of-early-bronze-age-workshop-sheds-light-on-canaanite-industry/
High demand for Israeli homes from Diaspora Jews. It’s not surprising that the recent huge increase in global antisemitism has prompted large numbers of diaspora Jews to invest in Israeli property.
https://video.i24news.tv/en/9e44d596-82e6-4c4c-8a1c-96f84ae49bd5/content/6376336926112
$5 million for new Zionist village. Massachusetts philanthropist and author of Finding Happiness, Todd Patkin, is to invest $5 million in JNF’s $350 million World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva (see here previously), the first global hub for Zionism. https://www.jnf.org/jnf-blog/post/blog/todd-patkin-author-of-finding-happiness-invests-5-million-in-world-zionist-village
Masa doesn’t pause – it adapts, supports, and grows. (TY eJP) Whether in wartime, pandemic or peace — Masa’s programs empower Jewish young adults from 60-plus countries to live like locals in Israel and shape a shared future. https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-861324
www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com
POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR
Supporting those who lost homes. (TY UWI) Israeli charity Pitchon Lev (see here previously) provided life-saving assistance to more than 11,400 people during the 12-day war with Iran. Its 15,000+ volunteers delivered food parcels, baby food, diapers, clothing, etc. to many Israelis made homeless by Iranian missile attacks.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/spotlight/pitchon-lev-responds-to-600-spike-in-aid-requests-during-operation-rising-lion/
Honoring the heroes of Operation Rising Lion. At the graduation of 37 new IAF pilots and navigators, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir praised all those involved in the 12-day war against Iran. From pilots and drone operators to intelligence analysts and technical crews. Ex-hostage Agam Berger played at the ceremony.
https://www.jns.org/zamir-iaf-chief-laud-iran-strikes-salute-new-aircrew-in-joint-ceremony/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-860939
Israel’s largest supply operation. Since the beginning of hostilities, Israel’s Defense Ministry said that it has coordinated the transport of more than 100,000 tons of military equipment. It included 870 flights and 144 sea shipments, making it the largest air and sea supply operation in the nation’s history.
https://www.jns.org/us-d9-bulldozers-arrive-in-haifa-port-to-boost-israeli-forces/
Ex-hostage finishes the Tour de France. Former hostage Ofer Calderon rode in the Tour de France with the Israel Premier Tech cycling team and team owner Sylvan Adams on the final leg to the Paris Arc de Triomphe.
https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-former-hostage-ofer-calderon-rides-in-the-tour-de-france/
Filipino ex-hostage names baby “Israela”. Released Filipino hostage, Gelienor “Jimmy” Leano Pacheco, has welcomed a new daughter – and named her Israela, as a tribute to the people and the State of Israel. Pacheco was abducted by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct 7 2023 and released after 49 days in captivity.
https://www.thejc.com/news/world/released-filipino-hostage-names-his-new-baby-daughter-israela-qbf3mquc
$1 million for Soroka. The US-based Merage Foundation (see here previously) has committed $1 million to support Beersheva’s Soroka Medical Center, less than a month after an Iranian missile slammed into the southern Israeli hospital. The article also mentions other vital activities in Israel that the Foundation supports.
https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/the-merage-foundation-commits-1-million-to-soroka-medical-center-after-direct-missile-hit-from-iran/
From trauma to triumph. Israeli charity Belev Echad (see here previously) takes wounded IDF soldiers on a trip to Manhattan as part of their recovery program. Co-founder, Shevy Vigler says, “In Israel, they fight to stand again. In New York, they remember how to live again. That’s the moment the healing truly begins.”
https://www.jns.org/wire/idf-recovering-soldiers-go-from-trauma-to-triumph/
Our home is gone, but at least we’re alive. Valery, 32, from Tel Aviv, who survived the impact from an Iranian missile strike, 20 meters from his building, said, “In the end, we will come out of this stronger,” A harrowing story, but one that highlights Israeli resilience.
https://www.jns.org/the-tribulations-of-surviving-an-iranian-missile-strike/
US college students support Israel. Dozens of American college students traveled to Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA on its alternative week-long summer-break program. In Kiryat Shmona, Akko and Ofakim they packed supplies, painted homes and playgrounds, planted trees and cooked meals for soldiers in the IDF.
https://www.jns.org/wire/united-for-israel-american-college-students-serve-and-support/
Young community hubs. As part of the post Swords of Iron War recovery, KKL-JNF is launching community hubs for young Mechina (IDF prep school) graduates in Israel’s northern and southern periphery. In the pilot, subsidized housing will be developed in Yeruham, Dimona, Arad, Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, Acre and Nahariya.
https://www.jns.org/wire/kkl-jnf-to-launch-young-community-hubs-in-israels-periphery/
Parents of fallen soldier make Aliyah. After their son Ben was killed while saving lives at the Nova Festival, his Canadian-Israeli parents made Aliyah to walk the path he chose, turning tragedy into a living tribute.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-parents-of-fallen-soldier-killed-at-nova-festival-make-aliyah-in-his-honor/
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Healthy baby after rare uterine surgery. The first-ever Israeli baby (and the 6th in the world) was born to a woman who had undergone uterine transposition surgery at Rabin Medical Center’s Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah. The mother’s womb had been removed before cancer treatment and re-implanted afterwards.
https://www.jns.org/israeli-becomes-sixth-in-the-world-to-birth-healthy-baby-after-rare-uterine-surgery/
Never too old. 51-year-old Luci Bahat, decided to study medicine at Ben Gurion University, despite her age. The mother of four, holds a master’s degree and works as a nurse at Kaplan medical center. She will now study with 32 other students. Her daughter, Neta, 25, is studying for a bachelor’s degree in social work, also at BGU.
https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/sjlvoneqle
Dealing with jellyfish. This article gives advice on how to avoid the poisonous stings from jellyfish (Hebrew – Meduzot) during the summer season on Israeli beaches. It is vital to visit the website, www.meduzot.co.il for the latest information of location of the swarms. Over 5,000 volunteers report location, numbers and species.
https://www.jns.org/beware-of-meduzot-how-israel-deals-with-jellyfish/
https://www.gov.il/en/pages/jellyfish-sting-care
Sleep device for trauma survivors. IDF veteran Ben Fuxbruner has developed Kimba to help trauma survivors reclaim restful sleep. Named after Ben’s K9 military dog who died in Gaza in 2014, Kimba combines wearable sensors and scent-diffusion technology to improve sleep quality.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/ptsd-treatment-for-better-sleep-invented-by-injured-idf-soldier-in-memory-of-k9-companion/ https://www.kimba.ai/
ZAKA trains 100 US sheriffs. More than 100 sheriffs from 30 states received training in Florida from Israeli volunteer emergency response and disaster victim recovery organization, ZAKA (see here previously). The aim was to help law-enforcement agencies understand the religious requirements of victims of violence.
https://www.jns.org/100-sheriffs-from-30-states-attend-zaka-training-in-florida/
Israeli Druze doctor makes discovery. At Rambam Hospital this week an Israeli Druze doctor discovered that several wounded Syrians admitted for treatment were, in fact, his own relatives, family members he had never met. After receiving initial treatment in Syria, they were transferred to Israel for advanced medical care.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/artc-druze-doctor-discovers-wounded-syrians-in-israeli-hospital-are-his-relatives
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Center for shared society. Boston-based Frieze Family Foundation has committed $5 million to the University of Haifa to establish a “Center for Shared Society” – a space at the university dedicated to strengthening bonds between Jewish and Arab Israelis. It will focus on learning, research and advocacy.
https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/frieze-family-foundation-commits-5-million-to-create-center-for-shared-society-at-university-of-haifa/
Where do Israeli Arabs prefer to live? Arabs in Israel speak freely about their feelings about living in Israel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_16zEPBtRo
Israeli Druze donate blood for Syrian Druze. Magen David Adom began a blood drive on Sunday in the Druze-majority village of Isfiya to support wounded Druze in Syria. Dozens of people lined up to donate their blood as soon as the donation center opened, and 40 samples were collected in just two hours.
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-861851
Lion cub rescued from PA village. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority rescued a lion cub that was tied to a tree in the yard of a home in the Palestinian Arab village of Abu Dis east of Jerusalem. It was unhurt, but very thin. It was the sixth lion cub, plus 10 monkeys and 36 parrots, found in captivity by Israeli authorities this year.
https://www.jns.org/lion-cub-rescued-from-palestinian-village-near-jerusalem/
22 countries attend educational conference. (TY Sharon) 180 educators from 22 countries arrived in Israel for an annual 7-day education seminar sponsored by KKL-JNF. They visited sites of ecological, historical and national significance and met with IDF reps, educators, kibbutzniks, and local leaders.
https://www.jns.org/wire/180-educators-from-22-countries-arrive-in-israel-for-annual-education-seminar/
https://rjstreets.com/2025/07/27/whos-here-in-july-on-the-hot-jerusalem-streets/
Firefighting support for Cyprus. (TY UWI) Two Israeli C-130 aircraft dropped 34 tons of fire retardant, significantly suppressing the recent Cyprus wildfires. Meanwhile, aid from the EU didn’t arrive in time.
https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/cyprus-wildfires-the-frustration-of-delayed-aid-and-the-eu-mechanism-under-scrutiny/ https://www.jns.org/israeli-air-force-helps-cyprus-battle-raging-wildfires/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Early warning of failure. Researchers at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University have revealed that tiny changes precede the tipping point that triggers the collapse of vulnerable complex systems. This discovery could provide a potential early warning signal and prevent a critical system from breaking down.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1089719 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61127-z
NIS 44 million for AI data stores. (TY UWI) Israel is granting NIS 44 million for the set-up of information databases that will support Israeli development of AI systems. They include medical, manufacturing, desertech, climate & cleantech, agritech, food, defense/security, and hi-tech. Proposals should be submitted by 3rd Sep.
https://innovationisrael.org.il/en/press_release/data-for-ai/
https://innovationisrael.org.il/en/calls_for_proposal/data-for-ai/
Mapping Israeli AI companies. Israel has 342 startup working the GenAI space according to the New Remagine Ventures report. “Israeli GenAI Landscape 4.0”, maps the rapid and impressive development of Israel’s generative artificial intelligence industry in 2025. 198 companies have been added since 2024.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s1yl6mlulx
https://www.remagineventures.com/generative-ai-landscape/
Hybrid drones for Europe. (TY Yanky) Israel’s Robotican (see here previously) has delivered dozens of its ROOSTER hybrid drone systems to European special operations forces, intervention units, and infantry teams. ROOSTER rolls like a robot and flies like a drone. It recently secured official NATO registration.
https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/65633 https://robotican.net/rooster/
Diabetic daughter inspires low-carb food startup. After Ran’s daughter was diagnosed with diabetes, he partnered with her endocrinologist to create Eatsane (see here previously). Its low-carb buns are now available at Israel’s BBB burger restaurants and its pizza crusts are an option at Israeli Papa John’s.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-papas-food-tech-startup-brings-low-carb-pizza-to-diabetics-like-his-daughter/
A green alternative to cement. An update on the Technnion’s CyanoGems project (see here previously) that uses cyanobacteria to produce calcium carbonate for building materials. In the process photosynthesis absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide to reduce global greenhouse gases.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/microbes-pave-the-way-for-a-living-green-alternative-to-cement-in-buildings/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Exports reach $150 billion. (TY Hazel) Israel’s exporters shipped almost $150 billion worth of goods and services in 2024 – a dip of only 1% on the previous year despite falling rockets and reservists called up. Technology services, rose 3% last year and another 10% in the first quarter of 2025,
https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-862037 https://export.gov.il/en/
Tech pact with India. Israel and India have signed a landmark Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and promoting long-term cooperation across key sectors. The IPA includes legal protections for investors e.g. in the $10 billion Adani–Tower Semiconductor plant being built in Maharashtra.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/india-and-israel-invest-in-a-new-era-with-groundbreaking-trade-deal/
$120 million for post-war startups. Israeli venture capital fund New Era Capital (see here previously) has completed a $120 million fundraise. This is the firm’s third fund, following its $140 million fund raised in 2020, which is now nearly fully invested.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rysthdalxe
A fund for startup employees. Israeli venture capital firm Cyberstarts (see here previously) has created a $300 million fund to help startups retain top talent. It allows startup employees to sell some of their shares, so they can cash in on initial high valuations while staying focused on working to generate even greater future profits.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-cyberstarts-launches-300-million-fund-to-help-startups-retain-top-talent/
The second largest exit in Israeli history. US-based Palo Alto Networks is to acquire Israeli cybersecurity CyberArk Software in a deal valued at around $25 billion – the highest in Israeli history apart from Google’s $32 billion purchase of Israel’s Wiz. Palo Alto was founded by Israel’s Nir Zuk and is its largest ever deal.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/412491
Airbus modifies planes for Taxibot. (TY Yanky) Airbus has received approval for cockpit modifications on the A320 family of aircraft to enable the use of Israel’s pilot-controlled hybrid-electric TaxiBot (see here previously). Taxibot pulls planes between the terminal and take-off area, saving vast amounts of aviation fuel.
https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/stories/2025-07-taxibots-spool-up-as-project-heron-winds-down
Big deal with Germany. Israel’s Elbit Systems has received a $260 million, six-year contract from the German government to install Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) self-protection systems on Germany’s Airbus A400M aircraft fleet. The systems automatically counter mobile anti-aircraft weapons.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/israeli-defense-firm-lands-huge-deal-with-germany/
Floyd Mayweather opens Tel Aviv stock exchange. Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather opened trading at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) on Monday morning, joining IDF soldiers and Israeli leaders in a ceremony that highlighted international solidarity with the Jewish State.
https://israfan.com/p/floyd-mayweather-opens-tel-aviv-stock-exchange
Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 3rd Aug 25: Israel’s Nice Systems has acquired Germany’s Cognigy for $955 million; Israel’s Axonius is acquiring Israel’s Cynerio for a minimum of $180 million. India’s Amber Group has acquired a $47 million stake in Israel’s Unitronics.
Startup investment – to 3rd Aug 25: BlinkOps raised $50 million; Teramount raised $50 million; Lumana raised $40 million; Legion Security raised $30 million; Scopio Labs raised another $10 million; Tonic Security raised $7 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT
Archeologist wins Dan David prize. Nine international historians, archeologists, and filmmakers each won the 2025 Dan David prize along with $300,000. The one Israeli winner, Bar Kribus from Tel Aviv University, is an archaeologist specializing in Ethiopian archaeology and the history and culture of the Ethiopian Jews.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/dan-david-prize-goes-to-9-historians-archaeologists-and-filmmakers/
https://liberal-arts.tau.ac.il/diaspora/en_Dr_Bar_Kribus
2000-year-old jewelry unearthed. (TY TPS) A volunteer, working with the excavation team in Susita (aka Hippos) discovered a gold ring and a pair of earrings, dating back nearly two millennia. The team also uncovered many fragments of intricate stucco work from a Roman-Byzantine residential neighborhood.
https://worldisraelnews.com/i-saw-a-yellow-color-volunteer-uncovers-2000-year-old-galilee-treasure/
Rare hybrid stork visits Israel. For the first time in Israel, a mocha-colored hybrid stork (a cross between a black and white stork) was recorded by birdwatchers in the Hulda reservoir in the Shephelah. A similar hybrid had been spotted previously in southern Germany, but that was a different bird.
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/environment/artc-rare-hybrid-stork-seen-in-israel-for-the-first-time
Throwing heavy metal at the enemy. David Draiman is the pro-Israel frontman for heavy metal rock group “Disturbed” and performed at Black Sabbath’s farewell event. Despite some boos, he said, “I came to honor my idols, Black Sabbath, and I won’t let some Jewish haters change that.” Then in Israel he met Yarden Bibas.
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/08/metal-band-booed-for-supporting-israel/
https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/07/11/humbled-by-the-experience-david-draiman-on-emotional-meeting-with-yarden-bibas/
Bronze medal at European 49ers. (TY Nevet) Israeli sailors Tal Sde and Maor Abu won the bronze medal at the European 49er Championship in Thessaloniki, Greece.
https://49er.org/the-race-to-gold-fleet-was-a-slow-burn/
Israel wins 2025 European Men’s Lacrosse Championship. Israel outdueled Italy, 9-8, in a blockbuster final to win the 2025 European Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wroclaw, Poland. Israel was undefeated in all seven games and qualified for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan.
https://worldlacrosse.sport/article/israel-wins-2025-european-mens-lacrosse-championship-with-narrow-9-8-win-over-italy/
THE JEWISH STATE
Rare “redemption of Zion” coin unearthed. A bronze coin minted by Jews in Jerusalem during final year before 2nd Temple’s destruction in 70 CE has been discovered during excavations in Jerusalem. It is inscribed, “For the Redemption of Zion”. Tisha b’Av on 3rd Aug commemorated the destruction of both Jewish Temples.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/412539
Drone fixes eruv before Shabbat. High Tech Halacha: During a routine Friday inspection, a council worker in the Israeli city of Ofakim noticed damage to the city’s eruv (the wire boundary that permits religious Jews to carry on Shabbat). Consulting the local Rabbi, a drone was sent to re-stretch the wires, repairing the eruv.
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/411453
Where the Canaanites made their knives. (TY TPS) A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Kiryat Gat has revealed a 5,500-year-old flint blade manufacturing workshop – the first of its kind found in southern Israel. The excavation uncovered long, finely-crafted blades and their source from large flint cores.
https://worldisraelnews.com/discovery-of-early-bronze-age-workshop-sheds-light-on-canaanite-industry/
High demand for Israeli homes from Diaspora Jews. It’s not surprising that the recent huge increase in global antisemitism has prompted large numbers of diaspora Jews to invest in Israeli property.
https://video.i24news.tv/en/9e44d596-82e6-4c4c-8a1c-96f84ae49bd5/content/6376336926112
$5 million for new Zionist village. Massachusetts philanthropist and author of Finding Happiness, Todd Patkin, is to invest $5 million in JNF’s $350 million World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva (see here previously), the first global hub for Zionism. https://www.jnf.org/jnf-blog/post/blog/todd-patkin-author-of-finding-happiness-invests-5-million-in-world-zionist-village
Masa doesn’t pause – it adapts, supports, and grows. (TY eJP) Whether in wartime, pandemic or peace — Masa’s programs empower Jewish young adults from 60-plus countries to live like locals in Israel and shape a shared future. https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-861324
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