Israel - The Impact Nation

The CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority reveals

why Israel can become “Impact Nation” and how

the Israeli government supports technological

innovation addressing societal challenges.

Speaker: Aharon Aharon, CEO, Israel Innovation Authority

MY 13-YEAR-OLD HERO

by Dov Lipman  November 23, 2017

Imagine if children throughout Israel spent the year leading up to their bar and bat mitzvas raising funds to bring electricity and water to children in Africa.

The daily news usually covers the negative: scandals, corruption, wars, etc. I once heard a nightly news anchor say that she begins every night with the words “Good evening” and that is usually the last good thing she says for the entire broadcast. But in a country like Israel, filled with so many challenges and hardship, we cannot forget the extraordinary beacons of good and light living in our midst.

Which brings me to my new hero. His name is Eytan Kramer, a 13-year-old boy from Ra’anana.

Eytan and his mother, Liza, with the solar panels prior to their installation. (photo credit:LIZA KRAMER)

As Eytan was approaching his bar mitzva a year ago, he and his mother had a discussion about what it means to “become a man.” Eytan concluded that it means not just taking responsibility for yourself, but for the needs of others as well. So Eytan decided that he wanted to take on a project for his bar mitzva that included helping the less fortunate.

He found out that there are some 600 million people in Africa who live in darkness – no electricity – and another 300 million Africans who do not have access to clean water. Most of us hear these statistics and sigh for a moment, and maybe even appreciate what we have – and then carry on with business as usual.

Eytan heard those numbers and decided to take action. He and his mother contacted Sivan Yaari, founder and CEO of Innovation Africa, and after raising $18,000, Eytan and his mother traveled to Uganda a few weeks ago to see, as a result of Eytan’s efforts, the lights switched on at the Bukalikha Primary School.

That’s right: 959 children now have electricity in their school because of the efforts of a 13-year-old Israeli boy who spent months raising the funds to bring them Israeli solar technology via this non-profit organization. Electricity for that school means they can attract the best teachers and provide the children with a place to study in the nighttime hours. These children now have an opportunity for a high-level education and a brighter future.

The impact that this had on the children could be seen by their reaction when the lights went on: absolute euphoria, cheering, singing, dancing. Sheer joy. And Eytan was there to dance and celebrate with them.

Eytan Kramer reminds us what our society can look like: a world in which people look for ways to help others. Eytan also reminds us of something else – what Israel is, and how much greater it can be.

Imagine if college campuses were filed with students partnering with Israel to solve the problems that worldwide organizations such as the United Nations have not solved.

Innovation Africa has improved the lives of a million people in 160 African villages by installing electricity in their schools and medical clinics, and providing them with clean water. Imagine if we all joined together to bring electricity and water to 1,000 villages, impacting the lives of millions of people who currently live in the dark and in drought.

Aside from the inherent good of transforming lives for the better, such generosity would demonstrate once again that Israel not only stands for human rights, but is leading the world in fighting for it.

Thank you Eytan, for reminding us of who we are and who we can be.

Israeli scientific discoveries that affected the world

A new exhibit at Ben-Gurion Airport will feature approximately 60 discoveries and developments selected for the innovative and pioneering qualities, and their direct and indirect influence on the lives of millions of people around the world.

ReWalk - an exoskeleton invented by Dr. Amit Gopher that allows

people with paralyzed legs to walk again.

(Copyright: Ministry of Science, Technology and Space) 

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Space will, on Monday, 7 March 2016, at Ben-Gurion International (BGI) Airport, launch a year-long wall exhibit of approximately 60 Israeli developments and discoveries that have affected the world. Nobel laureates, featured researchers and university presidents and vice-presidents for research will also attend.

The exhibit will be displayed on a giant wall just past passport control and will have the potential of reaching approximately 8 million people. The exhibit is designed for public diplomacy and to increase domestic public awareness of science. A recent survey shows that 43% of Israelis are unaware that Israel's first President, Chaim Weizmann, was originally a chemist. Approximately 50% of Israelis were unable to name even one Israeli Nobel laureate scientist. The Science Technology and Space Ministry, in cooperation with the Israel Young Academy, initiated the Ben-Gurion Airport exhibit to present Israeli science.

The exhibit will feature approximately 60 discoveries and developments - chosen by a selection committee composed of representatives from the Israel Young Academy and the Science, Technology and Space Ministry Chief Scientist's office - that were selected for the innovative and pioneering qualities, and their direct and indirect influence on the lives of millions of people around the world.

 Sections of the exhibit will be devoted to Israel's eight Nobel science laureates, three Turing laureates and one Fields Medal winner, as well as to such prominent scientists as Chaim Weizmann, Aaron Aaronsohn and Albert Einstein.

According to the Science, Technology and Space Minister Akounis: "The exhibit is a major public diplomacy asset for Israel. We are showing the vast contributions of Israeli science and technology to the world and all humanity. 

We have what and who to be proud of. Israel is a pioneering country and innovative leader. The entire world admires, and is amazed by,  our achievements; therefore, it is fitting that they be shown at the gateway into and out of Israel."