Still saving children from Chernobyl. 25 years after the nuclear accident, Chabad is still bringing children suffering from the effects of radiation to begin new lives in Israel. 93 flights have rescued over 2700 children.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX7BTpbshMA
http://www.ccoc.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=98&Itemid=30
“Whoever saves a life, saves an entire world”. Interview with Bernard Bar-Natan, the Israeli inventor of the amazing new bandage that is now standard NATO issue and has already saved countless lives.
http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=218376
Four new anti-cancer proteins. Using “predictive biology” Israeli biotech Compugen has discovered protein several variants that generate antibodies to stimulate the immune system into targeting cancer cells.
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000640967&fid=1725
New drug can treat incurable disease. Sufferers of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) die within 6-15 months, but latest trials of Israeli biotech Can-Fite’s drug CF-102 show it is effective on the virus.
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000640868&fid=1725
Triple good news for diabetics. First, Israel’s D Medical unit received Canadian certification for its Spring universal infusion sets for insulin pumps. Canada has the 6th highest incidence of Type 1 child diabetes.
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000640873&fid=1725
USA FDA approves infusion sets. The Food & Drugs Administration has also approved the Israeli device.
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000641701&fid=1725
Israeli cell-based therapy to go global. MacroCure’s breakthrough product treats skin ulcers in the legs of diabetics. The treatment is only available in Israel currently but international trials will commence soon.
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000640923&fid=1725
Israel solves “insoluble” problem. Some vital drugs do not dissolve and have to be administered intravenously, often with severe side effects. Now Hebrew Uni head scientist Simon Benita has invented “nano-capsules” which allow such treatments (e.g. anti-cancer drugs) to be taken orally.
http://www.fiercedrugdelivery.com/story/nano-capsules-may-solve-solubility-problem-anti-cancer-drug/2011-04-12
Israeli medical robots set out for Europe. International healthcare & electronics giant Philips is to use remote precision robotic-assisted control solutions from Israel’s Corindus to treat obstructed coronary arteries.
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000640910&fid=1725
Israeli shirts are good for you. A joint Israel-Portugal team has developed the Niturit – a T-shirt that monitors your heart and transmits data to a medical centre in real-time. It has been chosen by Europe’s Space Agency.
http://nocamels.com/2011/04/new-t-shirt-can-transmit-heart-activity-straight-to-your-doctor/
Indian governor praises Israel. The North Indian state of Haryana will adopt Israeli technology to process brackish water for agriculture. Haryana is one of India’s most important farming and industrial states.
http://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-198595.html
Israel – the largest R&D country in Europe. Of the 40 members of the European inter-state body for Research and Development (EUREKA), Israel has the most approved projects (14 out of 89).
http://israel-lightontonations.blogspot.com/2011/04/eureka-will-invest-in-14-projects.html
Cleaning up in Peru & soon the UK. Mapal’s sewage treatment was Good News in January. Now it has even more orders, thanks to Israeli funding and a unique oxygenation device that reduces maintenance costs by 80%.
http://nocamels.com/2011/04/israeli-purification-techonolgy-chosen-by-peru-to-clean-its-sewages/
Thought-controlled computers. Ben Gurion Uni students have developed innovative technology that could enable people (e.g. disabled) to operate a computer without using a keyboard or mouse – only their brainwaves.
http://in.bgu.ac.il/en/Pages/news/thought_controlled.aspx
Knowing your bees. Researchers at the Hebrew Uni have established a system for matching bees to their favourite flowers. The knowledge will improve crop fertilisation and expand food production.
http://nocamels.com/2011/04/the-truth-about-bees-and-their-love-for-sweets/
Engineering a path to success. The Israeli charity Ort has launched a new program to allow outstanding, highly motivated yet underprivileged students to train as engineers at schools including here in Netanya.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4010840,00.html
Arab and Jewish Israelis unite in Rap group. A unique item – good news from a BBC website.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/12685078
Co-existence in Maternity Ward. Gaza woman and Israeli neighbour recover together with baby daughters.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4051995,00.html
Save a Child’s Heart pilgrimage. Following heart surgery, Muslim and Christian children are taken on a visit to their holy sites in Jerusalem.
http://www.saveachildsheart.org/265-2310-en/News.aspx?pos=1
More Arabs join Israeli Defence Forces. There was a 200% increase in non-Jews joining the IDF. Muslim and Christian Arabs volunteer increasingly in order to improve their career prospects in the Start-up Nation.
http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/2011/04/2603.htm
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Year 5770 is at an End
So we completed the year 5770 in the Hebrew calender and enter a period of reflection. Where are we at the end of the year? Well, for sure the effect of Israel's enemies barrage of incitement and deligitimisation is being felt but how effective it is remains in doubt.
The boycott campaigns in many areas of the world have been countered by Israel's supporters in their "buycott" efforts and this has paid off with many reporting that as soon nas there is notification of a boycott of a store, our supporters go into the store and buy up the stock, thus preventing any fall off in sales. Well done to those supporters.
Even at a national level, for example in Norway, where the Palestinian supporters are so active in so many spheres, the overall trade figures show an increase of 15%.
But there is also a lot more good news - we have weathered the global economic storm well and unemployment is already down to levels prior to the financial crisis. and what is more tourism is set to break the all time record. With the cancellation of visa requirements for Russia and Ukraine, the tourists are streaming in and with any luck we will beat the previous record year for tourism of 2.8 million and reach 3.2 million this year. Forecasts for the next 2-3 years suggest we can reach 5 million and that is going to have positive effect on unemployment levels.
And finally there is more to look forward to in the future with amazing finds of gas which is going to allow radical positive changes in society. Yes we have a lot to look forward to.
The boycott campaigns in many areas of the world have been countered by Israel's supporters in their "buycott" efforts and this has paid off with many reporting that as soon nas there is notification of a boycott of a store, our supporters go into the store and buy up the stock, thus preventing any fall off in sales. Well done to those supporters.
Even at a national level, for example in Norway, where the Palestinian supporters are so active in so many spheres, the overall trade figures show an increase of 15%.
But there is also a lot more good news - we have weathered the global economic storm well and unemployment is already down to levels prior to the financial crisis. and what is more tourism is set to break the all time record. With the cancellation of visa requirements for Russia and Ukraine, the tourists are streaming in and with any luck we will beat the previous record year for tourism of 2.8 million and reach 3.2 million this year. Forecasts for the next 2-3 years suggest we can reach 5 million and that is going to have positive effect on unemployment levels.
And finally there is more to look forward to in the future with amazing finds of gas which is going to allow radical positive changes in society. Yes we have a lot to look forward to.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Israel to Sign Accession Agreement with OECD
Today, Israel will formally accept the invitation to join the OECD. In spite of all the attempts to deligitmise the State of Israel, we see this as a breath of fresh air and realism.
The invitation to join the OECD attests to the organization’s recognition of Israel’s achievements, economic strength and its ability to contribute to the organization and to the global economy. Israel’s accession to the OECD will boost Israeli society and the economy and contribute to upgrading areas such as the environment, education, employment and many others.
The accession process, which began three years ago, was led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, with active assistance from many other government ministries, governmental authorities, the Knesset, the Bank of Israel, the public sector, economic and social organizations, the Manufacturers’ Association, the Histadruth, universities and NGOs.
Is it too much to hope that instead of the perpetuation of lies, distortions and innuendos, we may actually see some truths and realism?
The invitation to join the OECD attests to the organization’s recognition of Israel’s achievements, economic strength and its ability to contribute to the organization and to the global economy. Israel’s accession to the OECD will boost Israeli society and the economy and contribute to upgrading areas such as the environment, education, employment and many others.
The accession process, which began three years ago, was led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, with active assistance from many other government ministries, governmental authorities, the Knesset, the Bank of Israel, the public sector, economic and social organizations, the Manufacturers’ Association, the Histadruth, universities and NGOs.
Is it too much to hope that instead of the perpetuation of lies, distortions and innuendos, we may actually see some truths and realism?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
What Economic Collapse?
Thankfully, here in Israel many have thrived during the global collapse—thanks to an entrepreneurial culture.
There never seems to be a day go by without reports of new products, new start ups, new investment. Sure the traditional companies have tightened there belts, unemployment is higher than a year ago but even here there are significant signs that the percentage of unemployed is going down.
For all the press coverage of the Middle East, there is one side of Israel that gets scant attention:
a) the country’s economy has the highest concentration of innovation and entrepreneurialism in the world today.
b) multinational technology companies and global investors have been beating a path to Israel. Even in 2008—a year of global economic turmoil—per capita venture investments in Israel were 2.5 times greater than in the United States, more than 30 times greater than in Europe, 80 times greater than in China, and 350 times greater than in India.
c) Israel still boasts the highest density of start-ups in the world (a total of 3,850 start-ups, one for every 1,844 Israelis).
d) more Israeli companies are on NASDAQ than companies from all of Europe, China, India, Korea, and Japan combined.
There never seems to be a day go by without reports of new products, new start ups, new investment. Sure the traditional companies have tightened there belts, unemployment is higher than a year ago but even here there are significant signs that the percentage of unemployed is going down.
For all the press coverage of the Middle East, there is one side of Israel that gets scant attention:
a) the country’s economy has the highest concentration of innovation and entrepreneurialism in the world today.
b) multinational technology companies and global investors have been beating a path to Israel. Even in 2008—a year of global economic turmoil—per capita venture investments in Israel were 2.5 times greater than in the United States, more than 30 times greater than in Europe, 80 times greater than in China, and 350 times greater than in India.
c) Israel still boasts the highest density of start-ups in the world (a total of 3,850 start-ups, one for every 1,844 Israelis).
d) more Israeli companies are on NASDAQ than companies from all of Europe, China, India, Korea, and Japan combined.
For a full report on the economic success, it is worth reading the analysis at http://tinyurl.com/yh8z5f4
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
An Economic Success?
It is a fact that Israel has now taken major steps to spur the Palestinian economy, despite the security risks involved. Two-thirds of the check points have been removed in the last three months and only 14 remain in operation, out of 41 just a few months ago.
All checkpoints around the major West Bank cities have been removed. A Palestinian driving from Jenin to Hebron today will only have to pass through two checkpoints, a considerable change from a few years ago.
In addition Israel has also substantially increased the number of permits issued to Palestinian businessmen and VIPS able to come and go from the West Bank to Israel, and that there were now some 75,000 Palestinians working in Israel, a 25% increase from the previous year.
The consequence of these steps has been an 8 percent growth in the West Bank's economy, according to the World Bank, decreasing unemployment, and a significant increase in tax revenue. Which country in the world can boast these figures in the present state of the world economy?
Tourism to the West Bank tripled last year, reaching some 1.2 million, with the hotels in the West Bank now running at 75 percent capacity, there is now NIS 13 billion in annual trade between Israel and the West Bank, with 80 percent of that being goods imported into Israel from the West Bank.
In addition there are three major projects underway in cooperation with the Regional Development Ministry:
a) The planning and development of a light industrial zone for tourism and services near Bethlehem, with the assistance of the French government.
b) A major industrial zone in Jalameh in the Jenin area, with the assistance of the German government.
c) A zone for the export and processing of agricultural products in Jericho, with the assistance of the Japanese government. Much progress has been made, and years-old obstacles have been removed.
Are we now going to see some minute flexibility on behalf of the Palestinian Authority? Forgive my skepticism but I don’t see it coming.
All checkpoints around the major West Bank cities have been removed. A Palestinian driving from Jenin to Hebron today will only have to pass through two checkpoints, a considerable change from a few years ago.
In addition Israel has also substantially increased the number of permits issued to Palestinian businessmen and VIPS able to come and go from the West Bank to Israel, and that there were now some 75,000 Palestinians working in Israel, a 25% increase from the previous year.
The consequence of these steps has been an 8 percent growth in the West Bank's economy, according to the World Bank, decreasing unemployment, and a significant increase in tax revenue. Which country in the world can boast these figures in the present state of the world economy?
Tourism to the West Bank tripled last year, reaching some 1.2 million, with the hotels in the West Bank now running at 75 percent capacity, there is now NIS 13 billion in annual trade between Israel and the West Bank, with 80 percent of that being goods imported into Israel from the West Bank.
In addition there are three major projects underway in cooperation with the Regional Development Ministry:
a) The planning and development of a light industrial zone for tourism and services near Bethlehem, with the assistance of the French government.
b) A major industrial zone in Jalameh in the Jenin area, with the assistance of the German government.
c) A zone for the export and processing of agricultural products in Jericho, with the assistance of the Japanese government. Much progress has been made, and years-old obstacles have been removed.
Are we now going to see some minute flexibility on behalf of the Palestinian Authority? Forgive my skepticism but I don’t see it coming.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Israeli Economy Better than Most
In spite of the difficult economic situation around the world, investors see Israel as a positive port of call. In March, Israel launched a benchmark 10-year U.S. dollar denominated global bond issue worth $1.5 billion. The 10-year deal had price guidance of U.S. Treasuries plus 262.5 basis points (+2.625%), offered a yield of 5.19%. The issuing of the bonds was done after a two-day road show, held in the US and in Europe at the same time, managed by a senior team from the Ministry of Finance.
Demands for this issue exceeded over 12 Billion Dollars, and were received by over 300 investors in 14 different countries. The initial goal of the issue was to raise $0.5 billion; however, facing the high demands registered, it was expanded to $1.5 billion.
"It is a sign of the attractiveness of the Israeli Market, especially in times the global economy is in high turmoil and crisis," said Finance Minister.
This offering was formed using Israel's ability to raise debt capital backed by guarantees from the United States Government, giving it a "AAA" rating which is more attractive to the buyers and reduces issuing costs. On its own, Israel's investment grade credit rating is "A" from Standard & Poor's and Fitch and "A1" from Moody's Investors Service. (Sources: Ministry of Finance, Citi Group)
In a further move to support economic development in the future the Israeli Ministry of Finance is allocating hundreds of millions of shekels in the direction of High Tech and Biotechnology
In February, the Former Minister of Finance, announced a program intended to help the high tech and biotechnology industries. The program, which was formed with the Ministry of Trade and Labor, the Chief Scientist and experts in high tech investments, is a part of the third phase in the Acceleration Program. In this phase, the ministry focuses on specific sectors in the economy that are considered to be growth generators, but have been suffering because of the global crisis.
In addition to the $50 Million increase allocated to the chief scientist in the end of 2008, there will be an addition of $37 Million, given during the first quarter of 2009. This addition will be used towards R&D investments, and is meant to give an immediate relief to the funding difficulties encountered by companies that are doing quality R&D.
An additional $62 Million will be allocated by the government towards setting up a fund specializing in biotechnology investments. Further capital for the fund will be raised by the private sector.
A full presentation of the economy of Israel can be found at http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/EconomicHighlights/EconomicHighlights-2009-1.pps#3
Demands for this issue exceeded over 12 Billion Dollars, and were received by over 300 investors in 14 different countries. The initial goal of the issue was to raise $0.5 billion; however, facing the high demands registered, it was expanded to $1.5 billion.
"It is a sign of the attractiveness of the Israeli Market, especially in times the global economy is in high turmoil and crisis," said Finance Minister.
This offering was formed using Israel's ability to raise debt capital backed by guarantees from the United States Government, giving it a "AAA" rating which is more attractive to the buyers and reduces issuing costs. On its own, Israel's investment grade credit rating is "A" from Standard & Poor's and Fitch and "A1" from Moody's Investors Service. (Sources: Ministry of Finance, Citi Group)
In a further move to support economic development in the future the Israeli Ministry of Finance is allocating hundreds of millions of shekels in the direction of High Tech and Biotechnology
In February, the Former Minister of Finance, announced a program intended to help the high tech and biotechnology industries. The program, which was formed with the Ministry of Trade and Labor, the Chief Scientist and experts in high tech investments, is a part of the third phase in the Acceleration Program. In this phase, the ministry focuses on specific sectors in the economy that are considered to be growth generators, but have been suffering because of the global crisis.
In addition to the $50 Million increase allocated to the chief scientist in the end of 2008, there will be an addition of $37 Million, given during the first quarter of 2009. This addition will be used towards R&D investments, and is meant to give an immediate relief to the funding difficulties encountered by companies that are doing quality R&D.
An additional $62 Million will be allocated by the government towards setting up a fund specializing in biotechnology investments. Further capital for the fund will be raised by the private sector.
A full presentation of the economy of Israel can be found at http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/FinanceIsrael/Docs/En/EconomicHighlights/EconomicHighlights-2009-1.pps#3
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