Monthly Archives: September 2017

Israeli judoka wins bronze in World Championships

Posted on September 3, 2017

Israeli judoka Tal Flicker earned a bronze medal in the under-66 kilo class at the World Judo Championships in Budapest. He beat Ukraine’s Georgii Zantaraia, who had previously won the gold medal at April’s European Championships. https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-judoka-wins-bronze-medal-in-world-championships/ https://www.youtube.com/embed/CLDrYitdXVU?rel=0

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See the Dead Sea differently

Posted on September 3, 2017

One benefit from the lowering of the level of the Dead Sea is that it has exposed some amazing salt crystal formations. https://www.youtube.com/embed/ra-hJJZREhU?rel=0

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The world’s largest Jewish soul festival

Posted on September 3, 2017

The city of mysticism, Safed (Tzfat) is one of Judaism’s four holy cities. It is also home to the world’s largest festival of klezmer music. This year is the 30th that the city has hosted the festival. https://www.youtube.com/embed/tOXDUT1mi2A?rel=0 https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-worlds-biggest-jewish-soul-music-gathering-marks-30-years-in-safed/

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July unemployment rate at 4.1% – a new low

Posted on September 3, 2017

Israel’s unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in July, down from 4.3% in June. Participation in the labor force for the 25-64 age group rose from 79.8% in June to 80.1% in July. http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-unemployment-falls-to-new-low-of-41-1001202130

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Israeli-founded biotech exits for $11.9 billion

Posted on September 3, 2017

US giant Gilead has just bought Kite (a biotech founded by Israel’s Arie Belldegrun) for $11.9 billion.  Kite’s CAR-T technology was developed by Weizmann Institute’s Professor Zelig Eshhar. A patient’s own immune system T-cells are genetically engineered to attack tumors. … Continue reading →

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OECD praises Israel’s growing economy & low unemployment

Posted on September 3, 2017

The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) issued a new laudatory report on the Israeli economy. Low unemployment and 2017/8 growth of 3.25% was good and would increase with Finance Ministry budget plans. http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=42969

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US-Israel energy R&D budget triples

Posted on September 3, 2017

The Israeli and US governments are jointly to invest an additional $8 million in energy research and development, in addition to the $4 million already invested through the BIRD Energy Fund since 2009. New research fields include fuels, smart grid, … Continue reading →

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Digital Israel

Posted on September 3, 2017

Israel’s cabinet has approved the latest phase of the “Digital Israel” program being promoted by the Ministry of Social Equality. It aims to narrow social and geographical gaps, reduce the cost of living, promote rights in healthcare and welfare, stimulate … Continue reading →

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Israel is a cybersecurity powerhouse

Posted on September 3, 2017

Ambassador Yoram Ettinger writes that Israel has 300 cybersecurity startups, exporting $6.5 billion in 2016. Three are among WSJ’s top 25 tech companies to watch. 2017 Israeli cybersecurity investment and exits are huge.  Israel and the US have set up … Continue reading →

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Mazor Robotics strengthens alliance with Medtronic

Posted on September 3, 2017

Israel’s Mazor Robotics entered into a strategic agreement with US giant Medtronic in 2016.  Medtronic is now assuming exclusive worldwide distribution of the Mazor X surgical assurance platform for spine surgery. It is also investing a further $40 million in … Continue reading →

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