Israel Active

So stated UK’s Minister for the Middle East at the Bar Ilan University in Tel Aviv on Jan 10th 2012 (not 2011 as stated on the video). Israel is helping the world solve its problems – from the economy to climate change, as an anchor of regional stability and for its values of tolerance and justice.

The government of Israel has approved a plan to provide free education to children aged 3-4. The plan will also apply to all Israel’s minorities, despite demands to omit families of those who haven’t performed national service. Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz (Likud) responded that the benefits were "for all children, regardless of who their parents are and what they do."

One of the many individuals helped by Yad Sarah was 24-year old Odelia Lavie of Bat Yam, who was taken by Yad Sarah van in her wheelchair to the hairdresser, makeup artist and bridal gown salon, and then to her wedding ceremony. Born with disability, Lavie has long been receiving the organization’s help. Her bridegroom became disabled in school when he was 17 and also uses a wheelchair.

Foreign Minister SM Krishna’s visit marks India’s deepening engagement with Israel, despite having the world’s second largest Muslim population. The India-Israel Initiative for Industrial R&D focuses on nano-technology, biotechnology, space, water management and non-conventional energy sources. India launches Israeli satellites and is Israel’s sixth largest trading partner.

Pastor Umar Mulinde converted from Islam to Christianity. On Dec 24th he was attacked with acid in Uganda by someone shouting yelling ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is great). A contact at JerusalemOnlineU.com arranged for him to be flown to Israel and treated free at Sheba hospital in Tel Aviv.

Torrential storms that hit El Salvador in October contaminated the water supply, causing intestinal diseases. The Israeli Government has provided public water purifiers 22 schools and health centres, each with a capacity to purify up to 45,000 litres of water.

In August 2011 alone, 1522 permits were granted for medical treatment to residents of Gaza (762 patients and 760 for accompanying individuals). Of course The Guardian criticised Israel for this, even though Israel has no obligations to help Gaza as it has an open border with Egypt.

Israel and the Palestinian Authority have launched a unique, joint ecological venture – a first-of-its-kind eco-park. The park will be the product of collaboration between the PA city of Jenin and the Gilboa Regional Council, which have joined forces to rehabilitate the Kishon River.

The IDF Military Intensive Care Unit operates in Judea and Samaria and its job is to take care of everyone there. Civilians or soldiers, Israelis or Palestinians Arabs, giving whatever care is needed, from birthing to CPR - saving lives on an everyday basis.

So writes Australian columnist Andrew Bolt on his visit to Jerusalem during Christmas.