Israel Active

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that tumors take control of macrophages that help remove dead cells. They trigger gene activity in the macrophages to support tumor growth and suppress the immune cells. New cancer therapies can now be developed.   

WhatsApp founder Jan Koum is donating $200 million to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in what is being described as the largest philanthropic contribution in the history of Israel’s healthcare system. It is expected to triple the size of the hospital, which currently has approximately 1,000 beds.

Israeli humanitarian organization Save A Child's Heart completed a week-long medical mission in Rwanda, performing life-saving heart procedures on 21 children while helping establish the country's first pediatric interventional cardiologist.

The Israel Innovation Authority, NVIDIA, Teva, Sheba, CytoReason, TerraCyte, MeMed, Weizmann, Technion, BGU, and others will establish a NIS 70 million consortium to develop the next generation of AI applications in biology, therapy discovery, and personalized medicine.

AstraZeneca is expanding its partnership with Israel’s Immunai (see previously), deepening its use of Immunai’s AMICA-OS artificial intelligence platform in oncology treatment development. Immunai will be eligible to receive up to $37.5 million during 2026 and 2027.

Israel’s MSICS Pharma is developing medical-grade technology to grow and produce psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms. In trials, psilocybin shows strong potential in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, plus eating disorders such as anorexia.

A new study led by Tel Aviv University offers real hope to millions worldwide affected by spinal cord injury (SCI). Removing blood glutamate, that forms immediately after injury, significantly improves functional recovery.

A team of scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the US has found that the body’s insulin-producing cells continuously adjust over time to keep blood sugar stable, raising the possibility of new treatments that could delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University have developed EvORanker to determine which gene is likely causing a patient’s symptoms. In tests, EvORanker outperformed existing tools, especially when the gene had not previously been linked to disease.

The Genesis Prize Foundation and the Jewish Funders Network launched a $2 million matching grant program in honor of 2026 Genesis Prize Laureate Gal Gadot (see previously) to help Israelis deal with emotional and physical trauma since Oct. 7, 2023.