Israel Active

For the first time, this year’s Forbes Under 30 events centered on one venue – Tel Aviv – and all 700 selected under-30 entrepreneurs from 38 countries came to Israel; many for the first time. They heard from business leaders and superstars, pitched to VC companies and saw the country.

Watch Israelis send season’s greetings to Muslims celebrating the holy month of Ramadan in Israel, the Middle East and the world. Their wishes include “an easy fast”, “blessed celebration”, “a good month” but, even more importantly, “Peace!”

Israel is to establish the first-ever boutique Bedouin hotel - a 120-room, four-star hotel in Shibli-Umm al-Ghanam, Northern Israel. The Ministry of Tourism is granting up to 33% of the building cost and has also approved a budget for the establishment of a tourism infrastructure in the village.  

The three-day March of Nations conference culminated in the March of Life’s annual parade of over 3,000 Christians from approximately 40 countries who filled the streets of Jerusalem.

I reported previously that Jack Ma, CEO of Alibaba, was making his first visit to Israel. He called the country “inspirational” and its history mirrored the struggles and success of Alibaba. Israelis never gave up, despite few resources; its most valuable asset is the human brain.

The UK’s Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) and UK Israel Tech Hub are to bring Israeli health and medical technology innovations to the North of England. NHSA’s Suzanne Ali-Hassan and UK Ambassador to Israel David Quarrey signed an agreement at Tel Aviv’s MIXiii Biomed.

I’ve reported previously on how Israel is saving the bee from Colony Collapse Disorder and re-populating bee populations in other countries. The UN has now declared May 20th as World Bee Day. Here is a video of how Israel helps maintain and increase its own bee community.

Tel Aviv University and Indian philanthropic organization TATA Trusts have launched the Indian Centre for Agri & Allied Tech (I-CAT).  The advanced research and development center will bring Israeli expertise and innovation to farmers of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and presided over the signing of a free trade agreement that the prime minister said held “phenomenal potential” for both countries. It will reduce or eliminate bi-lateral customs duties.

I reported previously about United Hatzalah’s female Muslim paramedic. Magen David Adom is also training Bedouin men and women to become medics. This I24 News video features ambulance driver and trainee paramedic 27-year-old, mother-of-four Warud Abu Abed.