Israel Active

The US Air Force has just awarded Israel’s Elbit a $471 million 10-year contract. Elbit will provide a system to warn USAF pilots if an infrared missile has been launched at their aircraft, so that the pilot can engage in evasive maneuvers. The system is already used by the Israeli Air Force.

Sabreen Saadi is about to become the first hijab-wearing Muslim woman to attain the rank of lieutenant in the Israel Police. Saadi is from a traditional Muslim family in a Bedouin town in northern Israel. There are currently 55 Arab women in the Israel Police.

Yossi Samuels has launched YOSSI wine in partnership with Herodion Winery - the first Israeli wine made by a blind and deaf person. It also includes a Braille label. Yossi has heightened senses of smell and taste. He studied wine in Israel and France until he became a sommelier.

Doron Shaziri lost his leg during action in the IDF. He then took up wheelchair basketball and Paralympic shooting, for which he won several medals. His experience led him to design wheelchairs for sports such as basketball, tennis, badminton, rugby and even dancing.

Software giant Microsoft has appointed Michal Braverman-Blumenstyk as CEO of Microsoft Israel R&D. She is the first woman in that role. The second article describes how Israeli women lead the way in Israel’s thriving biotech industry.

Israel’s Eco Wave Power has been reported several times. CEO Inna Braverman has just won a United Nations Climate Action Award. Eco Wave Power was described as “A world-leading project generating clean energy from the ocean, co-founded and led by a female CEO.”

This video was published to mark World Wildlife Day on 3rd March. It features Israel’s Hula Nature Reserve, “Safe Haven for Donkeys”, “4D Wildlife” rehabilitation center, “Freedom Farm” sanctuary for animals with disabilities, and the “Yodfat Monkey Forest” for rescued monkeys.

Israeli doctor Gilat Raisch recently volunteered at a hospital in the Asian country of Laos. She was frustrated that there were no blood supplies for patients. So, she contacted the local Chabad Rabbi who arranged in two weeks for nearly 100 Israeli backpackers to donate blood. The project continues to save lives.

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced that he will appoint an ambassador to Israel for the first time in 20 years. Although the new Ambassador will be stationed in Tel Aviv, a commercial section of the embassy will be in Jerusalem.

Four Israeli designers are developing cutting-edge clothing that’s attractive, affordable and accessible for both people with disabilities and those without. They are Shay Senior (Palta Clothes), Einav Besser (Mikita), Miri Albik (Miricle) and Gil Joshua Dreyfus (Abba’le Arba).