Israel's Good News Newsletter to 14th Sep 25

 

In the 14th Sep 25 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:

l  An Israeli father, mother and two sons are in the same IDF unit in Gaza.

l  An Israeli invention to stop bleeding wounds could save millions of lives.

l  Israel honors some of its many friends in Africa and South America.

l  Vegan “real” milk is being launched into Israeli supermarkets.

l  Israeli companies are soaring in value.

l  The US and NATO are buying more Israeli defense systems.

l  More “golden” Israeli sports men and women.

l  Beautiful views of the pre-New Year lunar eclipse from the Holy Land.

 

 

·       Click here to see the 7th Sep newsletter on (TY Steve) IsraelSeen, (TY Ruth) Ruthfully Yours, (TY Peloni) IsraPundit, (TY Aviva) United with Israel, and Joan Swirsky (email her to get daily news). Also (TY Sandra) for translating it into German here, and Hebrew here, and with (TY) Claude into French here. Also (TY Barbara) into Spanish here. (Please forward this newsletter to German-speaking, Spanish-speaking, French-speaking and Hebrew-speaking contacts. Also please visit my Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/verygoodnewsIL.

 

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POSITIVE NEWS IN A WAR

 

And mother makes four. (TY Yanky) Shlomit has left her job as a nurse at Meir Medical Center in order to enlist in the IDF reserves. She treats wounded soldiers in the IDF’s 401st Armored Corps deep inside Gaza where her husband (600 days reserve duty) and two sons (total of 10 months in the reserves) all serve.

https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/s18v004rdlx

 

The barriers are coming down. With no more threats from snipers, anti-tank weapons and mortars from Gaza, the concrete barriers that concealed Kibbutz Nahal Oz from north and central Gaza are being taken down. All terrorist infrastructure has been destroyed and the IDF now control the vantage points.

https://worldisraelnews.com/kibbutz-nahal-oz-barriers-dismantled-amid-diminished-gaza-threat/

 

A performance of honor. Singer Idan Amedi performed at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park for 30,000 reservists, their families, wounded IDF soldiers, and bereaved families. The performance was dedicated entirely to honoring those who have risked their lives and made significant sacrifices for the security of the State of Israel.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/414803

 

$1.2 million for Ashkelon schools. (TY Yanky) The UK-based Gerald and Gail Ronson Family Foundation donated $1.2 million for two Sci-Tech schools in Ashkelon, a city heavily impacted by Hamas rockets. Ronson Afridar school will receive a new state-of-the-art open-air theatre. Henry Ronson school will also be renovated.

https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/ronson-family-foundation-gives-890k-to-israel-sci-tech-schools-affected-by-gaza-war/

 

Not only, but also. The record $180 million to Rabin (Beilinson) Medical Center (see here previously) was not the only donation from Israelis Shmuel and Anat Harlap. They also contributed tens of millions of shekels to the Weizmann Institute for restoring a building damaged in last June’s Iranian missile attack.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hkxliir5xl

 

 

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

 

The bleeding edge. (TY Hazel) Prof. Abd Al-Roof Higazi of Hadassah Medical Center has developed ClearPlasma, a device that removes clot-dissolving proteins from donated plasma to quickly stop bleeding, His startup Plas-Free is now marketing ClearPlasma in Israel. Blood loss is the leading cause of death in under-45s.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-plasma-filter-promises-cutting-edge-solution-to-life-threatening-bleeds/

https://www.plas-free.com/   https://www.plas-free.com/clearplasma

 

A clean wound heals faster. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s MediWound (see here previously) has successfully completed a Phase III trial that shows its EscharEx topical, non-surgical treatment to wound bed preparation ensures a much quicker recovery for venous leg ulcers. Trials on diabetic foot ulcers are being planned.

https://mediwound.com/product/escharex/

 

Blood test identifies depression treatment. Israel’s NeuroKaire (previously Genetika+ see here) has launched BrightKaire, the world’s first blood test to personalize depression treatment. It uses AI and stem cell tech to match patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) to effective medications. Approved in US and Israel.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/byof9tp9ge

 

Preventing deadly weight loss in cancer patients. Scientists from Israel’s Weizmann Institute, and Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, have discovered the cause of cachexia – deadly weight loss responsible for roughly one-third of global cancer deaths. Targeted blockade of the right vagus nerve could prevent onset of cachexia.

https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-866643

 

Millions for Hadassah hospital. Members and supporters of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, pledged $23 million for Hadassah Medical Organization, its Jerusalem medical center, as well as programs in Israel and the US. It includes $5 million for a neurorehabilitation center and $3 million for IVF.

https://www.jns.org/hadassah-supporters-pledge-23-million-for-pediatric-care-ivf-neurorehabilitation/

https://www.hadassah.org/press-release/hadassah-supporters-pledge-23-million-for-its-jerusalem-medical-center-and-other-programs

 

 

ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL

 

Awards for volunteers. (TY Sharon) The Israeli President’s Volunteer Awards were established in 1974 by President Ephraim Katzir. They include both organizations and individuals. In 2025 / 5785, some of the celebrants were not even human, and may not have volunteered, but they seemed very happy to be there!

https://rjstreets.com/2025/09/05/september-in-jerusalem-started-off-with-volunteer-awards-but-what-now/

 

Haredi IDF recruitment day. Dozens of young Haredim reported to the Tel Hashomer induction center, taking part in a special enlistment day designated for Haredi units in the IDF. They joined the Netzach Yehuda Battalion, Hashmonaim Brigade, Paratroopers, Givati and Border Police.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/414191  

 

70,000 march in London. In London and in dozens of of cities globally, ordinary citizens (Jews and non-Jews) have been demonstrating their opposition to hatred and violence against Jews and Israelis.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/britain-wake-up-now-70000-said-to-join-march-against-antisemitism-in-london/

 

Technion UK tour of Israel. (TY Alan Aziz) A diary of the Technion UK’s Israel tour. Delegates have had media and security briefings, visits to new museums, the Technion, Rambam hospital, a Druze village, IAI, and the Peres Centre for Peace and Innovation. Plus presentations from Meta Israel, Moovit, and a Nobel Laureate.

https://technionuk.org/trip-album/

 

Israel vs OECD in education. Israel may have the 2nd highest classroom density in the OECD, but it is 1st in expenditure on primary, secondary, and post-secondary education institutions. It is 3rd for children under two in educational institutes. And it is 1st in number of primary school days, as Israeli children learn 6 days per week.

https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/artc-israel-ranks-first-in-classroom-density-oced-report-shows

 

Israel opens embassy in Zambia. Israel formally reopened its embassy in Lusaka, Zambia, after a gap of more than half a century. Zambia opened its embassy in Israel in 2015 (see here previously) after a gap of 40 years. Meanwhile, Israel’s Save A Child’s Heart and AJC donated a $200,000 heart-lung machine to Zambia.

https://www.jns.org/israel-raises-flag-in-zambia-deepens-african-partnerships/

https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/save-a-childs-heart-ajc-provide-rolls-royce-of-heart-lung-machines-to-zambia-to-double-countrys-surgery-capacity/

 

Prize for ex-Colombian President. Former Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez Fundación received the Shalva Prize for Social Equality and Inclusion, in Jerusalem, in recognition of his steadfast leadership and commitment to social inclusion and human dignity. See all the Ambassadors who attended, and read his speech.

https://www.diplomacy.co.il/diplomatic-events/4883-shalva-prize-for-social-equality-and-inclusion-h-e-ivan-duque-marquez-fundacion-in-recognition-of-your-steadfast-leadership-and-commitment-to-social-inclusion-and-human-dignity   https://www.shalva.org/

 

Shhh!  There is no genocide. On 1 Sep, The UK Government’s David Lammy stated that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza. Sir Michael Ellis KC, former Attorney General for England and Wales, noted that he made the admission in an "obscure letter released at midnight on a Friday during a ministerial reshuffle".

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-866809

 

This is my earth – update. Over the past 10 years, Israeli biodiversity NGO “This is My Earth” (see here previously) has raised $580,000 in campaigns to purchase 13 sq km of land in biodiversity hotspots under threat, protecting some 100 threatened species in six countries. The NGO has 7,000 members.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-crowdfunding-ngos-unique-model-gives-donors-a-say-in-saving-global-biodiversity/   https://this-is-my-earth.org/success-stories/

 

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 

Cow-free milk. Israeli food giant Strauss has launched CowFree, an innovative dairy alternative made from the BLG protein, which is identical in composition to one of the proteins found in cow milk, but not derived from animals and has no lactose. Kosher (parve) Yotvata CowFree milk and soft cheese will be in the shops soon.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/414727  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65yEpy-koHQ

 

Laser defense from the sky. Israel’s Elbit is developing airborne laser pods for fighter jets, essentially lasers that operate above the clouds.  https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/rys3xai5gl  

 

On track. Israel’s Defense Ministry has completed successful trials with a new rail-mounted robot designed to secure sensitive sites, including prisons, military bases, and borders. It strengthens security, creates warning capabilities and increases deterrence inside and outside of prison facilities. It can even shoot down drones.

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-867096

 

AI system for border defense. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Elbit Systems has launched Frontier, an AI -powered surveillance platform designed to tackle the growing challenges of border defense. Frontier uses sensors and AI to autonomously detect, classify, and assess threats in real time across land, air, and sea.

https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-866830

https://www.elbitsystems.com/land/land-c4isr/imaging-night-vision/frontier

 

Rafael shakes the Lulav. (TY Yanky) Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has partnered with Haifa-based startup Lulav Space (see here previously) to reshape the future of low-altitude air defense with an advanced next-generation drone interception system that operates independently of GPS.

https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-rafael-teams-with-lulav-space-on-precise-drone-interception-1001519239

 

A soundtrack of heroism and Israeli pride. Israel Aerospace Industries has launched a campaign celebrating the company’s cutting-edge technologies and highlighting technology, pride, and national spirit. Its 15,000 employees have developed the “Arrow” missile defense system, UAVs, satellites, planes, radars and more.

https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-865856

 

A DAZL’ing way to create an App.  Israel’s DAZL aims to use AI to give app developers the ability to generate fully functioning apps. Until now, AI has been useful for creating app prototypes but has fallen short of building launch-ready products. DAZL has employed 30 ex-Wix developers with creative experience.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r130sqh9ex   https://dazl.dev/

 

Bringing AI to mainframes. Israel’s Geniez AI is tackling the challenge of connecting real-time and historical data locked inside mainframe systems into the era of large language models (LLMs) and AI agents. Geniez AI’s framework runs on mainframes and uses ChatGPT, Claude, or Llama to tap into those systems directly.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/sy0wozd5ll   https://www.geniez.ai/

 

AI avatar tutor improves test scores. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s eSelf (see here previously) completed a pilot in partnership with the Center for Educational Technology, Israel's largest K-12 textbook publisher. The initiative (with Harvard and MIT) helped thousands of Israeli students with their English Oral Matriculation (Bagrut).

https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/study-shows-thousands-of-students-see-test-score-gains-in-just-25-minutes-with-eselfs-ai-avatar-tutors-302530283.html

 

Safer batteries. (TY Atid-EDI) Israel’s Vocai (see here previously) has partnered with South Korea's Nanointech deliver the industry's most advanced battery intelligence and safety capabilities. Vocai's ED-10A transforms chemical data into early detection of battery degradation, thermal runaway (i.e. fire), and failure.

https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/battery-leader-nanointech-partners-with-vocai-to-deliver-advanced-electrified-mobility-and-energy-storage-safety-accurate-analytics-and-real-time-intelligence-302533211.html

 

 

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

 

Israeli stock market is soaring. The Israeli stock exchange has risen 65% since 7 Oct 2023 in a sign of Israeli resilience and its improved geo-strategic situation in the region. In fact Israel was the second-fastest growing market in the world last year, after its most friendly ally – Argentina.  Maybe there’s a message in that!

https://www.jns.org/israeli-stock-market-up-65-percent-since-hamas-oct-7-attack/

 

Investment agreement with India. (TY WIN) Israel and India deepened economic ties with the signing of a new bilateral investment agreement (BIA) in New Delhi. It is the first agreement of its kind between India and a Western-oriented member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

https://tps.co.il/articles/a-strategic-step-israel-and-india-sign-bilateral-investment-agreement/

 

Israelis in New York. New York is now home to about 560 privately-held startups founded by Israelis, according to a new report compiled by venture capital fund 97212 Ventures. New York is a global hub for Israeli-founded startups and businesses as they seek to grow beyond Israel’s small domestic market.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/dramatic-growth-nyc-is-home-to-560-tech-startups-founded-by-israelis-report-finds/ 

 

Two Israeli VC companies in TIME list. Israel’s Group 11 and NFX were selected from over 10,000 firms reviewed by TIME and Statista for 2025 ranking of 350 venture capital leaders.

https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-the-truth-about-huda-beauty-brands-ugly-antisemitism/ 

https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/bj5evzqfxx

 

New Tel Aviv tower fills up. The new 41-story Landmark TLV Tower A in central Tel Aviv, opened for occupancy in 2024, has reached full capacity. Meta occupies 13 floors. About 40% of the tower’s tenants are cybersecurity companies. Construction of Tower B is scheduled to finish in 2026.

https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/s13tfexsgg

 

US Army buys Israeli Spike missiles. (TY Hazel) US defense giant Lockheed Martin successfully completed a trial for the US Army of the Spike non-line of sight (NLOS) anti-tank missile from Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. 42 countries use Rafael’s Spike missiles, including 20 NATO members.

https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-lockheed-martin-to-sell-rafael-spike-missiles-to-us-army-1001520801

 

Israeli drone detection system for NATO. (TY Hazel) Israel’s ThirdEye Systems (see here previously) has secured a new $800,000 order from two NATO-affiliated customers for its cutting-edge drone detection systems. It is ThirdEye’s 2nd major NATO-related contract in 2025, after a $620,000 order earlier this year.

https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-866982

 

A cheap room in Tel Aviv. (TY Yanky) The "Social Space" association offers IDF soldiers, reservists, lone soldiers, Zionist groups etc., rental accommodation in Tel Aviv at prices as low as $15/night. Social Space renovates abandoned buildings, and operates them for social purposes until they are turned into new purposes.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1476817992453663282?source_impression_id=p3_1757592807_P3QA5khQrLDSDf9z  https://www.socialspace.org.il/  https://si3.ujia.org/portfolio/social-space-tlv/

 

Sophie goes Dutch. Israel’s TechSee (see here previously) is partnering Netherlands-based next-generation contact center BrightContact, to bring TechSee's Sophie’s AI service support to BrightContact's customers. They can then deliver smarter, faster, and more scalable service with videos, Augmented Reality and more.

https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/techsee-partners-with-brightcontact-to-bring-visual-agentic-ai-to-contact-centers

 

From “fired” to “hired”. Israel’s Tailor Brands (see here previously) has launched a $1 million "Tailor AID (Artificial Intelligence Displacement)" fund that equips Americans who lost their jobs to artificial intelligence with a complete, no-cost business-starter package. AI is eliminating roles, but it also can create independence.

https://www.ourcrowd.com/startup-news/from-fired-to-founder-tailor-brands-launches-1-million-tailor-aid-grants-to-turn-ai-layoffs-into-new-businesses

 

Exits, takeovers, and mergers to 14th Sep 25:.  Edwards Lifesciences has completed the acquisition of Israeli startup Vectorious Medical Technologies for $497 million. Germany’s Nemetschek acquired Israel’s Firmus AI in deal worth tens of millions. Israel’s Minute Media has acquired India-America’s VideoVerse for $200 million. Israel’s FIMI acquired Israel’s Landa Corporation for $80 million. Boston MA based Ondas is acquiring Israeli robotics innovator Apeiro Motion. San Francisco’s Crusoe has acquired Israeli AI memory startup Atero.

 

Startup investment – to 14th Sep 25: proteanTecs raised $51 million; Koi Security raised $38 million;  Solar Security raised $35 million; Blocks.diy raised $10 million; Dazl raised $10 million; Geniez AI raised $6 million; Lizo.ai raised $4 million.

 

 

CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT

 

Petah Tikva Dessert Festival. (TY Yanky) On 28 Aug, residents of Petah Tikva, central Israel, enjoyed an evening of unique desserts. 65 sweet stalls served French crepe, pavlova, eclairs, crepe cake, cheesecake, Dubai cake, alfajores, tiramisu and more. With entertainment from Meni Mamtara, Eden Ben Zaken and Rinat Bar.

https://www.makore.app/en/event/il/petah-tikva/2025/08/28/dessert-festival-in-petah-tikva-jnrJkPSVD3MVo7X9txHiBX

 

Guy conquers US Open. (TY WIN) Israel’s Guy Sasson with Dutch partner Niels Vink won the US Open wheelchair doubles title at Flushing Meadows. They beat their Chilean and Argentine opponents 6-1, 6-1.

https://jewishbreakingnews.com/idf-veteran-guy-sasson-wins-us-open-doubles-title/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytpHTXWd-kE

 

Gold & Silver surfers. (TY Hazel) Israel’s Anat Lelior (see here previously) won gold and Ido Hajaj silver in the women’s and men’s competitions respectively at the ABANCA Pantin Classic Galicia Pro surfing event in Spain. The Pantin Pro is a prestigious stop on the World Surfing Championship Tour.

https://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/547465/anat-lelior-and-guilherme-ribeiro-win-abanca-pantin-classic-galicia-pro    https://www.ynetnews.com/sport/article/syctn5119ll

 

Youth sailing gold. (TY Hazel) Omer Vered Vilenchik 18, won the ILCA World Youth (Under 19) Championships in Dublin Bay. Omer finished 10th in the U21 competition.

https://www.sailing.org/2025/08/30/breezy-final-day-crowns-three-ilca-under-21-world-champions-on-dublin-bay/

 

 

THE JEWISH STATE

 

Financial and other benefits for new Olim. Ok this is not the main reason for making Aliyah, but it’s good to get some help during and after the process.  It’s not a complete list – there are many more – please consult an Aliyah advisor.  https://www.jpost.com/aliyah/article-866045  

 

A foothold in Israel. Marina Shear, wife of Newsletter subscriber Glen, can help any reader wishing to make Aliyah or purchase a property in Israel.  She has assembled teams of English-speaking lawyers, mortgage brokers, builders, property managers, inspectors and designers. Read her guide and contact her for more details.

https://marinashear.com/  https://marinashear.com/2025-guide/

 

A total eclipse of the Moon – in Ellul. The Earth passed completely through the shadow of the Moon on Sun 7 Sep.  The full “Blood Moon” was visible in Israel from 8:30pm until 9:52pm. The next time the event will occur is on 31 Dec 2028.  But in the auspicious Jewish month of Ellul – who knows? 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/blood-moon-to-rise-sunday-night-in-asia-including-israel-during-total-lunar-eclipse/  https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/s14bvx7cgg

 

Connecting the Diaspora and Israel via texts. No, not SMS. Today, an unprecedented number of American Jews are seeking new ways to grapple with the complexity and nuance that is needed to understand Israel. The Jewish Education Project has the answer: return to the core texts of your people.

https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/why-jewish-texts-matter-in-israel-education/ https://www.jewishedproject.org/

 

$1.6 million donation for Lod seminary. Ben J. and Dorit Genet have donated $1.6 million to the Ohr Torah Stone network for its modern orthodox women’s seminary in the central Israeli city of Lod. Renamed Lod Midreshet Dorit, it supports women wishing to learn Torah, work in the community and serve in the IDF.

https://ots.org.il/midreshet-dorit-in-lod/

 

Biblical currency. Those familiar with the Biblical book of Genesis will know that Abraham weighed out 400 shekels of silver to purchase the Cave of Machpelah where he buried his wife Sara. Now Israeli archaeologists have proved that silver was used locally for commerce and payment over the centuries when coins did not exist.

https://www.jns.org/silver-used-as-currency-in-israel-3600-years-ago/

 

How to help Israel.  Here are some sites where newsletter readers can donate to Israeli organizations that  provide vital help to Israelis at this difficult time.  Many thanks to those who have already contributed and to those who are helping by donating their own valuable time and resources.

 

IDF Soldiers Fund in Israel: https://www.ufis.org.il/en/donation-en/  (Select the English speakers’ option)

 

American Friends of Magen David Adom (US donors): https://afmda.org/

or Magen David Adom (Israel): https://www.mdais.org/en/donation

 

Zaka (US donors):  https://donate.zakatelaviv.org/give/525578/  or (Israeli donors): https://charidy.com/zaka 

or (Canadian donors): https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bellevue-foundation/

 

United Hatzalah: https://israelrescue.org/campaign/israel-at-war-2/  or Canada https://www.uhcanada.org/

Donate a medic bag, save a life https://israelrescue.org/campaign/medicbag/

 

Leket Food Israel: https://www.leket.org/en/

JNF USA - https://my.jnf.org/gaza-emergency/Donate  or Canada https://jnf.ca/

Orthodox Union - https://www.charidy.com/ouisraelcrisis

 

Help rebuild Soroka: https://www.soroka.org/

And Weizmann:        https://weizmann-usa.org/

 

Schneider Children’s Hospital: https://www.fos.org.il/en/donate (Israelis)

https://system.smartgiving.org.uk/charities/8530/make-donation (UK) 

https://chaischneider.org/donate/ (USA)

 

Rambam Medical Center (Haifa) https://aforam.org/ways-to-give/  (US)

https://www.rambam.org.il/en/support_rambam/donate_now/ (Rest of the World)

 

Hadassah Hospital Israel: https://www.hadassah.org/

Laniado Hospital (Netanya) https://my.israelgives.org/en/fundme/EmergencyLaniado

 

Buy Israel Bonds to support the Jewish State. (TY Larry B)

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/state-of-israel-bonds

USA - https://www.israelbonds.com/

Europe - https://israelbondsintl.com/

Canada - https://www.israelbonds.ca/