Currency reserves at new record
The Bank of Israel increased its reserves of foreign currency by a massive $1 billion last month. Their value at the end of November was over $122 billion – a new record.
Upbeat assessment from Moody’s
International credit rating agency Moody's has reaffirmed Israel’s A1 sovereign debt rating with a positive outlook. Its report went even further, stating, "Israel's economic growth has outpaced most other advanced industrial countries over the past decade.”
Unemployment at 3.4% – lowest in 40 years
Israel’s unemployment rate fell from 3.6% in September to a record low of 3.4% in October.
Sodastream plans $92 million expansion
PepsiCo is planning a $92 million expansion of its Sodastream plant in Rahat, southern Israel. It will hire an additional 1,000 employees; approximately one third of its current 1,500 strong workforce is comprised of Bedouin Arabs from the surrounding area.
Vayyar raises $109 million
As reported previously the technology from Israel’s Vayyar Imaging can see through walls and other materials. Its 4D radar can also detect a patient falling and alerts an emergency contact. Vayyar has just raised $109 million and is opening new offices in Jerusalem and Haifa.
Teaming up to protect hospital systems
As reported previously, Israel’s Medigate protects medical devices from cyber-attack. It has now partnered with Japan’s Sompo Risk Management and Israeli private hospital chain Assuta Medical Centers to develop cybersecurity services for hospitals.
AstraZeneca launches digital health program
AstraZeneca previously teamed up with Jerusalem’s Hadassah hospital to develop new treatments. It has now started a NIS 10 million program for investing in Israel’s digital health sector. It will provide Israeli startups with funds, mentorship and training.
Christian Zionists invest in Israel
650 Christian pro-Israel executives from 50 countries will attend the 2nd annual conference on “Israeli Innovation for Humanity” in December. It is run by the nonprofit ARISE, which matches Christian Israel-loving businesspeople from abroad with entrepreneurs in Israel.
Matching immigrants to employers
Israel’s UWORK is an online recruitment agency targeted at new Olim - immigrants to Israel. The website is said to be the first recruitment platform specifically dedicated to immigrants and foreign language speakers, offering a variety of jobs in companies across Israel.
Importing hi-tech skills
NGO Masa Israel’s “FastTrack Pro” program serves as a pipeline for coding and other key technical skills by matching North American Jews to jobs at Israeli start-ups. Meanwhile, (TY ) The Council for Higher Education’s “Study in Israel” also attracts international hi-tech talent.