Israel Active

This article describes excellently the unprecedented advancements during the last decade in the quality of life for Israel's Arab citizens. It covers health, education, communities, employment and business development.

I reported previously that Israeli NGO Krembo Wings had been awarded special advisor status to the United Nations for its work integrating disabled children with other children.  Here now is a new video that highlights the work of the organization.

Israeli President Reuben Rivlin presented awards to Haredi graduates of the “Influencers” program. The 19 strictly orthodox men will fill government roles including the fields of economy, science, education and law.

The Genesis Prize Foundation and the Kahn Foundation has awarded $1 million in grants to 37 Israeli nonprofits. They represent Jewish, Arab, Druze and Bedouin communities focused on socioeconomic opportunity, gender equality, minority rights or violence prevention for women..

Over 2,310,000 students started the school year at some 5,000 Israeli schools. New educational initiatives include innovative research equipment, extra staff at 6,000 kindergartens, smaller class sizes and expansion of studies in mathematics, English and the Hebrew language.

Meled Jerusalem is an alternative high school for Jewish students who struggled to fit into Israel’s mainstream religious school system. The school is led by its founder, development psychologist Dr. Menachem Gottesman, and described in his book “Not at Risk”.

I reported previously on Israeli startup ECOncrete, which develops eco-friendly concrete products. Its founder, marine biologist Shimrit Perkol-Finkel won the Western Europe nomination for the United Nations’ first “We Empower” competition for female entrepreneurs.

The UK Ministry of Defense has bought six of the latest anti-drone systems developed by Israel’s Rafael for $20 million to protect sensitive facilities from drones. The Australian Defense Force has bought Rafael’s Trophy Active Protection System for its armored vehicles.  

As Israel’s Muslim and Druze communities began celebrating the Eid al-Adha festival, PM Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video wishing them “Eid al-Adha mubarak”. He was proud that in Israel we have freedom of worship for all: Muslims, Druze, Christians, Baha’is, Jews - everyone.

The summer camp run by Camp Sunrise for children with cancer in Beit Yehoshua has 20% Arab children. The ones in Beersheba and Ramat Yochanan are nearer 50% Arab. The Jewish and Arab children forget their illnesses and differences and interact - just like kids do.