Not even the sky is the limit
Major N. is the first Israeli woman to have been promoted to the position of Deputy Commander of a combat squadron. She currently serves as head of the Air Force Commander's Office and will take up her new position as Deputy Commander of the 119 Squadron (The 'Bat Squadron') next year.
Empowering people with disabilities
Israel's Fiverr has partnered Salesforce in a unique 6-week pilot program to train Israelis with disabilities as Salesforce administrators. It is a project of Fiverr Empower which finds freelance employment for special needs individuals through the Fiverr platform.
Firefighting aid to Greece
Israel has sent 16 firefighters and two planes to Greece to help battle its wildfires.
Energy advisor for the US
Amos Hochstein, born and raised in Israel, has been appointed to serve as Senior Advisor for Energy Security at the US State Department. Hochstein served in the Israeli Defense Forces from 1992 to 1995. He was appointed Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources in 2015.
Teaching Israeli entrepreneurship in Miami
Florida International University in Miami is to offer a course on Israeli entrepreneurship and innovation. “Innovation Nation: The Global Influence of Israeli Technology and Entrepreneurship,” aims to impart lessons from Israel’s startup ecosystem to aspiring business leaders.
Boosting ties with Morocco
Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid signed three accords during the first ministerial visit to Morocco since 2003. They covered air service, culture, sports and youth, plus a mechanism for political consultation. Lapid inaugurated a liaison mission and promised a future exchange of embassies.
Agreements with Bahrain
The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs has signed an historic agreement with the Derasat Institute of Bahrain to set up a network of research institutes in the Gulf region and elsewhere. Also, Bahrain’s senior foreign ministry diplomat made a first visit to the IDF to discuss strengthening security ties.
Israel’s first Druze Air Force Colonel
In December, Awad Suleiman (see previously) became the first member of Israel’s Druze minority to be promoted to the rank of Colonel in the Israeli Air Force. He has now taken command of his new unit. His commander said Awad would be an inspiration for many to follow him.
A new leash of life for special needs
The developers of Israel’s dog-walking app Dogiz (see previously) have launched a social-impact project called Walking Together. They work with several NGO's and the IDF to offer training and paid dog-walking work to adults (e.g., with severe autism) who cannot find employment.
Record number of women join Border Police
A record 320 female recruits have begun their training for Israel’s Border Police, which for the first time will have a majority of female officers. Currently only one place is available for every 10 wishing to join the Border Police, so two new units are to be setup.