We are leaving late next week for a short family cruise. Lynn decided that we should celebrate my 90th and her forthcoming 75th. 24 of 30 family members are coming if the airlines permit. No memos will be posted beyond this one and hope to return posting starting sometime in the 20's. Be safe, stay well,
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Were I running for office, God forbid, I would have as my slogan make America "Unique Again." I do not think , having embraced slavery, America was ever great. But because we made government serve us, because we had the "Bill of Rights" we were unique and our freedoms made us unique.Now that we have corrupted government, elevated politicians where they have jobs forever, are not subject to their own laws, currently have a corrupt entire family in the Oval Office, have a bureaucracy though unelected is more powerful than the elected and the current president ignores the constitution it is little wonder "deplorables" tend not to be patriotic. What is there left to be patriotic about?
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Israel to purchase 3rd F-35 squadron
Israel to have 75 F-35 stealth aircraft following latest purchase.
Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant has approved the recommendation proposed by the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, and Commander of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, to procure a third F-35 squadron for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The Ministry of Defense will purchase a total of 25 F-35 aircrafts from the American government, which will be manufactured by Lockheed Martin. This acquisition will expand the world's most advanced stealth aircraft fleet operated by the Israeli Air Force to 75 aircrafts.
Following the Minister of Defense’s approval, the IMOD Mission to the USA will issue an official letter of request (LOR) to the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO). This step will facilitate the approval and signing of the transaction in the coming months.
The value of the deal is approximately $3 billion, financed by American aid funds. As part of the original agreement between the governments, the aircraft’s manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, and the engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney, have committed to involving Israeli defense industries in the production of aircraft components sold.
The Defense Ministry stated: "This new agreement will ensure the continuation of cooperation between American companies and Israeli defense industries in the production of aircraft parts."
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Trump Is Saving Biden From the Hunter Laptop Scandal
The media is why the 2024 presidential debates should be hosted by codependents anonymous.
By Holman W. Jenkins, Jr.
Politicians have perfectly legal and decorous ways to cash in. A problem in history, though, has been the son or daughter, cousin or uncle who lacks the same incentive for discretion and restraint.
Vice President Biden’s Ukraine adviser warned him as early as 2015 that his son’s activities were compromising U.S. interests. Here we are.
Joe Biden’s political career may already be over and he doesn’t know it. If so, it won’t be because of the tax behavior of his son, allegedly writing off sex-club memberships and prostitutes as business expenses. It won’t be the possibility, as yet unproven, that Joe himself benefited financially. It won’t even be the strained efforts of the Biden Justice Department to avoid noticing the worst of Hunter’s alleged offenses.
It will be because Joe Biden has ceased to be a compelling antidote to Donald Trump and the supposed chaos and corruption of Trumpism.
Most parents love their children. Any politician had better do the same if he wants the public’s votes. But this line of excuse-making, which has come to dominate on MSNBC and CNN, is redolent of the intelligence community’s desperate intervention when Hunter’s laptop surfaced in the 2020 campaign.
The 51 spy veterans who participated, including three former CIA chiefs, had to know they would in short order be shown to be liars. The FBI already possessed the laptop and knew it wasn’t a Russian plot.
Why this willingness to risk not only personal reputation but America’s trust in its intelligence establishment? Was it worth it?
Many in the establishment will now have to ask that question all over again. IRS whistleblowers have come forward to describe a story with a similar arc: The Biden Justice Department bent over backward to ignore egregious alleged tax evasion related to Hunter’s earnings from a questionable Ukrainian gas company at a time when his father was in charge of the Obama administration’s Ukraine policy.
On a separate front, GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley reports that the FBI received credible information that the Ukrainian gas company’s founder recorded telephone dealings with Hunter and his father. If the FBI seems unkeen to follow up, perhaps that’s because the next question, if the allegation proves correct, would be: Does the Zelensky government in Ukraine have copies of the recordings? Does the Putin government in Russia?
To any realistic person, it’s hard to imagine Joe being so reckless as to angle for a 10% secret “big guy” stake in one of his son’s schemes. It’s hard to imagine him standing at Hunter’s elbow while he shakes down a foreign muckety-muck for a million-dollar “retainer” using WhatsApp.
Not hard to imagine is Dad looking away while Hunter recklessly invokes his father’s name because offering a direct financial connection to the Biden who matters is a tempting way to finance a drug addiction.
Remember FBI chief James Comey’s explanation for bigfooting the 2016 election by reopening the Hillary Clinton email investigation days before the vote? He said it was the right thing to do and he believed Mrs. Clinton would win anyway. Would he have made the same decision if he thought Mr. Trump would win? Um, er, maybe not, he said.
Case closed. To imagine such decisions can be made without political consideration is unrealistic.
We might as well also acknowledge a second reality. When the GOP nominated Donald Trump, perhaps inevitable was a reciprocal abandonment of “norms” by his enemies in the press and bureaucracy. Mr. Trump gets no remission of sin from me, but he was the one who received a mandate from voters for boundary-pushing. If I recall correctly, Joe Biden received a mandate for the opposite.
The irony has lately become rich: The very paucity of Mr. Trump’s Russia connections the media now must cover up by pretending the collusion hoax didn’t happen; the breadth and heedlessness of Hunter’s effort to cash in on his father’s role in Ukraine, China and elsewhere the media must also cover up to protect Joe Biden’s re-election.
Maybe I’m Panglossian, but the contradiction is too deep and even our absurd national press won’t be able sustain it. Even more so because the guiding imperative of the Biden administration has so clearly been to prop up not one but two candidacies, Mr. Trump’s as well as Mr. Biden’s.
Mr. Biden’s is shakier than it seems, and perhaps ceases to exist without Mr. Trump’s. Indeed, Mr. Trump could provoke panic in the Biden camp tomorrow by dropping out. But don’t hold your breath. Not only have Democratic prosecutions boosted his numbers, he needs to be able to point to his GOP frontrunner status and claim “election interference.”
Codependency is a you-know-what, especially for the American people, yet that’s what they get from the problematic duo of Messrs. Trump and Biden.
Credible IRS whistleblowers are accusing the Justice Department of blocking investigators in the Hunter Biden probe from following leads that involved President Biden.
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When has America treated any nation as it treats Israel? Because Israel is small, because Israel has a dependent relationship with America, Biden believes he can demand Israel "snap to." Clinton and Obama financed Bibi's opponent and felt they had the right to do so. Bush 41's former Sec of State told Israel they had his tel number if they wanted to call.
I actually discussed this with '41 and he felt Israel's PM had used funds pledged for one source for another. If this be so, I can understand why he was upset. Begin was tough and had a strong mind and sense of protecting Israel's interest and probably overstepped the line.
That said, it is time Israel stood up and told American presidents to kiss off when they are not treating Israel as a friend.
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Biden's condition for meeting Netanyahu
US President intends to invite Netanyahu to Washington by the end of the year, but demands the judicial reform be approved with consensus.
US President Joe Biden intends to invite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a visit to Washington by the end of the year, but his conditions for the visit have not changed, Channel 12 News reported on Friday.
According to the report, the Americans are unfazed by Netanyahu’s watered down outline for the judicial reform, as he presented in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, and insist that the judicial reform be approved with a broad consensus.
An official at the US State Department told Channel 13 News on Friday that "President Biden was clear in his position, that he hopes that Prime Minister Netanyahu will strive for a compromise and advance moves only with broad agreement".
Netanyahu said in Thursday’s interview that he had already changed several things from the original reform proposal, including doing away with the proposed Override Clause, which would allow the Knesset to override a Supreme Court decision with a simple majority. He stated that the clause is out and will not return, even with a supermajority.
The Prime Minister also told The Wall Street Journal that the Judicial Selection Committee would not remain in its current form, yet it would not be changed to the extent that was proposed in the original outline, which would have granted the coalition a substantial majority on the committee.
US officials have repeatedly opined that any changes to the judicial reform in Israel should be implemented with the agreement of both the government and the opposition.
Just last week, a US National Security Council spokesperson said, "The President has said consistently, both privately and publicly, that fundamental reforms like these require a broad basis of support to be durable and sustained, and we hope there will be genuine compromise."
"Ultimately, it is up to Israelis to find the best path forward. But as close friends of Israel, we urge them to reach a compromise with the broadest possible base of popular support. We look forward to working with Israel to advance the interests and democratic values that have been at the heart of our relationship for decades," added the spokesperson.
US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides said on Tuesday that he does not believe Netanyahu will move forward with the entire judicial reform plan unilaterally because the public reaction will be "dramatic", as he put it.
In March, Biden offered very harsh criticism of Israel, saying he is “very concerned” about the goings on in light of the judicial reform and adding, “They cannot continue down this road.”
Biden also added he will not be inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House in the near term.
Netanyahu later responded to Biden and said, “The alliance between Israel and the United States is unbreakable and always overcomes the occasional disagreements between us.”
He also stressed that “Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the best of friends.”
(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)
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Ordman - Good News
As last week's Torah portion stated, Israel dwells alone - it is unique. Certainly the innovations, activities, and achievements in this latest newsletter are "something else" - totally different to what you would expect from a country the size of New Jersey, Lake Michigan, Wales, or Kruger National Park.
Israeli medicine is truly something else. Recent news includes US surgeons using Israeli X-Ray spectacles to fix spines - not once but 4,000 times; an Israeli device for locating the exact spot to deliver an epidural anesthetic; using Israeli computer technology to rehabilitate stroke patients, and medical clowns to aid the treatment of victims of global disasters. Israeli breakthrough medical research advances the search for cures to epilepsy, infertility, and addictions; Israel launched medical partnerships with the UAE and Toronto and showed Ukraine's first lady how it treats amputees, the paralyzed and traumatized children.
Latest unique Israeli technical innovations include an artificially intelligent language tutor; super-fast data streaming; a substitute for sugar, made from carobs; and flip-flops that you can run in. Israeli startups are supporting underground construction in the UK, selling TV programs to Saudi Arabia and Turkey, settling insurance claims in two seconds; and receiving a United Nations-sponsored award for fraud detection.
In sport, Israel punches far above its weight, in fencing, artistic swimming and soccer; and Israelis won dozens of medals in the Special Olympics. Meanwhile Israel's "Wonder Woman" has been immortalized on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and Tel Aviv has been ranked "the happiest city in the world"!
If you are inspired by this newsletter, please consider something else - a donation (small or large) will help me continue to compile these regular publications. Please click here. Many thanks.
My next newsletter will hopefully be issued next Sunday 9th July.
Please recommend www.verygoodnewsisrael.
In the 2nd July 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
4,000+ spine operations. The xvision Augmented Reality Spine System from Israel’s Augmedics (see here previously) has now been used to treat over 4,000 patients and implant more than 20,000 pedicle screws across 21 U.S. states. It consistently demonstrates 97-100% accuracy across multiple patient studies.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Hope for children with epilepsy. Researchers at Tel Aviv University and elsewhere have developed therapy in the laboratory to treat Dravet syndrome – a life-threatening form of epilepsy in children caused by a mutation in the SCN1A gene. The scientists used a harmless virus containing normal SCNIA genes to “infect” the brain.
https://www.aftau.org/news_
https://www.jci.org/articles/
Converting skin cells into placenta cells. Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have converted human skin cells into functional human placenta cells. The breakthrough can help cure pregnancy-related diseases and infertility issues by generating placenta cells that won’t be rejected as foreign tissue.
https://www.jns.org/colleges-
https://www.nature.com/
When women should take their meds. Israel’s Levana.ai is an AI-based solution that personalizes women’s prescriptions based on their cycle. It’s a platform for women who are taking long-term medication and provides doctors with recommendations regarding when and how much medication to prescribe to their patients.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Brain block may cure addicts. (TY Nevet) Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers have identified in the laboratory that the claustrum area of the brain is vital to preventing addiction to certain medications. Existing remedies could help susceptible individuals increase their resistance and self-control.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
https://www.cell.com/current-
All fingers and thumbs. Arab Israeli Dr. Firas Mawase is head of the Neurorehabilitation and Sensorimotor Neuroscience Laboratory at Israel’s Technion. He is investigating rehabilitating the dexterity of brain-damaged patients (e.g., from a stroke), using engineering and computational tools and functional imaging of the brain.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
US approval for safe epidural device. The EpiFinder device from Israel’s Omeq Medical (see here previously) has just received US FDA approval. A limited US launch is planned for early 2024.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Partnership with UAE healthcare system. Israel’s Sheba Medical Center has partnered UAE’s PureHealth, the largest integrated healthcare platform in the Middle East. The two will conduct joint research, promote advanced technology in healthcare, collaborate on staff training, and boost bi-lateral health tourism.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Technion and Toronto medical AI partnership. Israel’s Technion Institute and the University of Toronto Artificial Intelligence Centers have partnered to develop AI solutions in the field of medicine. The first workshop took place in Ein Gedi in May. https://www.technion.ac.il/en/
https://www.jpost.com/
Quick-thinking saves mother and baby. Rachel, a nurse midwife attending a mother in labor at Ziv Medical Center in Safed, noticed that the baby’s head was moving in the wrong direction. She rushed them to ER, where doctors diagnosed a complete rupture of the uterus, delivered baby, and later reconstructed the mother’s womb.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/
Research training for doctors. The Israel Science Foundation has launched Israel’s MAVRI initiative (Hebrew for “one who heals”). The ISF will award grants totaling $100 million over five years, to create a select team of Medical PhDs who will conduct clinical research that will ultimately benefit patients.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
First ladies visit Israeli hospital. Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska and Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog visited the rehabilitation department of Sheba Center and patients at the Safra Children’s Hospital. Mrs Zeleneska hopes to model Israel’s program for treating amputees, paralyzed patients, and children in Ukraine.
https://worldisraelnews.com/
Bringing orthodox women into hi-tech. Read about Racheli Ganot (see here previously), founder of Israel’s Ready Group, a microchip hardware and software development company of 170 employees (80% women). For her work integrating Orthodox women in hi-tech, Ganot lit a torch at Israel's 70th Independence Day ceremony.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.ynetnews.com/
Medical clowns are not just for children. (TY UWI & I24 News) Latest video featuring Israel’s Dream Doctors – clowns who promote healing through laughter. They “operate” in Israeli hospitals, but also in disaster areas where they bring hope to children, adults, and doctors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Capoeira unites Israelis. (TY WIN & I24 News) Capoeira (see here previously) is a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, and music. As this video of the first Israeli Capoeira Festival shows, Israel’s capoeira community accepts everyone – Orthodox, Arab, elderly, young and everyone in between.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
US award for cancer research. The US National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) honored Tel Aviv University Professor Isaac P. Witz, for his cancer research on how components of the immune system infiltrate the tumor microenvironment (TME) affecting tumor formation, progression, and metastasis.
https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/
The World’s happiest city. (TY Nevet) "Rich cultural heritage, kind people, and abundance of food, shopping, and learning" were cited as the reason why The Travel blog ranked Tel Aviv as the happiest city in the world. It also noted that Tel Aviv has become "a global hot spot for spring break and vacationing as a whole."
https://www.ynetnews.com/
https://www.thetravel.com/
Fiji to open Embassy in Israel. (TY UWI) The South Pacific island country of Fiji has announced that its first embassy in Israel will open next year. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen welcomed the announcement, calling Fiji a “true friend” of Israel. Fiji’s will be the 98th embassy to the Jewish state.
https://www.jns.org/israel-
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
4 US officials at Israel Cyber Week. The speakers at Israel Cyber Week include Nathaniel Fick, the U.S. ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy; Liesyl Franz, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for international cyberspace security; plus, the CIOs of US departments of Energy, and of Transportation.
https://www.jns.org/u-s-
Three top “Deep Tech” companies. (TY WIN) Three Israeli startups are included in the inaugural XB100 ranking of the top 100 private deep-tech companies, published by XPRIZE and Bessemer Venture Partners. They are UBQ Materials, Fabric (Robotics), and Believer Meats (previously Future Meat Technologies).
https://www.israel21c.org/3-
All your apps in one place. Israel’s theGist has totally upgraded its message consolidation facility (see here previously). It has now launched a platform that uses generative AI technology to create a single AI-managed hub that centralizes employee work apps. Its aim is to boost productivity and prevent information overload.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
A better flip-flop. Israel’s Link Shoes has developed the “flipshoe,” which it says offers the freedom of a flip flop combined with the comfort and safety of a closed shoe. The shoe bends and flexes, provides arch support, and unlike flip flops, you can walk distances, run, and ride a bike while wearing them.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Digital help for PTSD sufferers. A from Israel’s Code for Israel (see here previously) have created a website “Ani Al Ze” (Hebrew for “I’m on it”) to help PTSD sufferers combat procrastination. The website is currently offered by NATAL, an Israeli non-profit that treats citizens suffering from war- and terror-related trauma.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/
https://www.natal.org.il/en/ https://www.codeforisrael.org/
Disney Pixar movie promoted with Israeli tech. Gentle Giant Studios used the XiP Desktop 3D printer of Israel’s Nexa3D (see here previously) to produce high-quality prototypes for Disney Pixar’s new “Elemental” movie. Nexa3D’s xMODEL17-Clear resin achieved the desired visual effects for the fire and water characters.
https://www.voxelmatters.com/
https://www.dexerto.com/tv-
The smart way to stream data. Israel’s Memphis.dev gives software developers a fast way to build links for communicating between applications and transmitting masses amounts of data (streaming) from one place to another. Thousands of developers have downloaded and recommended the Memphis message broker.
https://www.businesswire.com/
Your personal AI English tutor. Israel’s Loora.AI allows individuals to improve their English skills without having to rely on expensive, one-on-one tutors. Loora is a safe, always-there, iPhone AI tutor for practicing conversational English. Available on subscription in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Low GI sugar substitute from carobs. Israel’s CarobWay (see here previously) is to introduce its clean-label, low glycemic index (GI) sweetener at IFT FIRST 2023 in Chicago (July 16-19). A gummi and an energy bar prototype containing the carob-derived sugar replacement will illustrate the new sweetener's capabilities.
https://www.prnewswire.com/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Over 18% of Israel’s GDP is hi-tech. The Israel Innovation Authority’s “State of High Tech” annual report show that in 2021, Israel’s hi-tech industry earned 50% more than the next sector – trade & retail. In 2022 the gap was 90%. Israeli hi-tech is worth 18.1% of GDP - in the USA it is only 10%, and in Europe it’s under 6%.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Europe invests in Israel. The European Investment Bank (EIB), the financial arm of the European Union, is to invest €150 million into the NIS 1.5 billion seawater desalination facility planned for Western Galilee. It is also providing a €500 million credit line through Bank Leumi to encourage green business projects in Israel.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
The first startups. Once considered models of socialism, entrepreneurs have repurposed the Israeli kibbutz into hubs for creative and high-tech industries. This article features Hanita and Yiron (AgroScout).
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Michigan woos Israeli startups. The Michigan Israel Business Accelerator has launched "The Elevator" in Detroit to act as a co-working space, mailing address, or networking hub free of charge for Israelis looking to do business in the U.S. state. Since its founding in 2017, MIBA has made 2,000 Israeli-Michigan connections.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
VC has $500 million to invest in Israel. Venture Capital firm Eight Roads plans to invest half a billion dollars in Israel in the coming years. It already has 10 active investments in Israel including HiBob, AppsFlyer, Fireblocks, Eleos Health, Noogata, and Gloat.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Vegan food partnership. Israel’s More Foods (see here previously) has partnered with Tivall, the Israel-based vegetarian frozen food brand owned by food giant Osem-Nestlé. It will help More Foods expand distribution of its pumpkin and sunflower seeds meat alternatives to meet the growing demand for plant-based products.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/
Historic sales of Israeli TV shows. For the first time Israeli programs have been sold for broadcasting in Saudia Arabia and Turkey. Saudi broadcasting network MBC bought the docu-series "Cassandra's Prophecy". And the Turkish broadcasting network Kanal D bought "Special", the drama series about autism.
https://www.
Going underground in the UK. Israel’s Exodigo (see here previously) was used by Coles Rail to scan and map a project in Birmingham UK for part of a light rail expansion that will connect to the city’s Curzon Street Station. It detected over 280 underground utility lines, including 51 that no other locator or records had found.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/
UN award for fraud detection software. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s ThetaRay won Best in Class Compliance Solution at the 2023 RemTECH Awards for its AI-powered transaction monitoring technology. The award is part of the United Nations-led Global Forum on Remittances, Investment and Development.
https://www.businesswire.com/
Insurance claim paid in two seconds. (TY OurCrowd) Israeli digital insurance company Lemonade (see here previously) is claiming a new record after settling a claim in just two seconds to a customer whose bicycle was stolen in the UK. Lemonade’s AI system assessed, checked, and paid the customer in just two seconds.
https://insurtechdigital.com/
Investment in Israeli startups to 2/7/23: Cyera raised $100 million; Augmedics raised $82.5 million; NoTraffic raised $50 million; Anzu raised $48 million; Ramon.Space raised $26 million; Astrix Security raised $25 million; Wenrix raised $15 million; Loora raised $9.25 million; Memphis.dev raised $5.58 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Next. Israel’s Avi Jorisch wrote Though Shalt Innovate, How Israeli Ingenuity Repairs the World” (see here previously). His latest book is “Next: A Brief History of the Future”, featuring 13 “game-changing innovations” that are significantly impacting human history. It includes Israel’s Innovation: Africa (see here previously).
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
A capital kosher upscale meat pizzeria. Mojo’s non-dairy pizzeria in Jerusalem serves some exciting kosher meat pizzas. They include vegan cheese, BĀ-KEN (with an upside-down “e”), short ribs with kimchi and truffle mayo, and chicken confit with pesto cream and balsamic reduction. Non-pizza eaters are also well catered for.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
https://www.itsmojos.com/
For the birds. Israeli and international researchers have reported that rare prehistorical objects found in Israel’s Hula Valley, were crafted 12,000 years ago, and functioned as miniature flutes. They imitate bird song and could have been used for hunting, music, or some form of communication with the birds.
https://www.afhu.org/2023/06/
The first Israeli actress to have a Hollywood star. Israeli megastar Gal Gadot is to have her name etched in in a star on Los Angeles’ best-known sidewalk, known as the Walk of Fame. Hollywood Boulevard’s 1.3 miles of sidewalk currently has nearly 2,800 stars. The only other Israeli star is for media producer Haim Saban.
https://worldisraelnews.com/
European fencing bronze medal. (TY Nevet) 14-year-old Gili Kuritzky won a senior fencing bronze medal at the European Games in Krakow-Malopolska Poland. Ranked only 250th in the world senior ranking, she eliminated far more established fencers on her way to her first ever medal at the senior level.
https://www.eurofencing.info/
European artistic swimming gold. (TY Nevet) Israel won its first-ever gold medal at the European Artistic Swimming Championships in the Team Free Routine Combination event in Krakow, Poland.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Israeli U-21 soccer team make UEFA quarterfinals. (TY UWI) Israel’s under-21 soccer team drew 1-1 with reigning champions Germany in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship final tournament in Georgia. They lost to England but then beat Czech Republic to knock out Germany and reach the quarterfinals.
https://www.algemeiner.com/
25 medals at the Special Olympics. (TY Nevet) Israeli athletes won nine golds, eight silvers and eight bronze medals at the Special Olympics in Berlin. The 25 medals beat the 19 they won at the 2019 event. The second link is to an individual article about Israel’s Mir Segel who won the 100-meter freestyle swimming gold medal.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
https://www.
THE JEWISH STATE
The Kingdom of Judah. The Hebrew University has completed a study that shows the development of the Kingdom of Judah in the 10th century BCE. Archeological evidence from five sites confirms the Biblical accounts of the cities fortified by Rehoboam, grandson of King David.
https://www.jns.org/
Promoting Anglo Olim. Rabbis of many Israeli-Anglo communities recently met with Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Israel’s Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer. They agreed to work together on a new Ministry program to strengthen Anglo communities in Israel and encourage new waves of immigration.
https://www.
The word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 26 educators from six countries gathered in Jerusalem for a 4-day conference aimed at globally promoting former British chief rabbi Lord Jonathan Sack's philosophy. The event launches a network of Rabbi Sacks-inspired scholars around the globe, guided by his philosophy on leadership.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-
Kosher Arab cuisine in Crusader city. (TY UWI) At the Roots restaurant in Akko an Israeli chef skillfully combines the traditions of kosher cooking with the vibrant flavors of Arab cuisine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Cakes for the lonely. Israeli charity Uga B’Haftaha (Cake by Surprise) matches volunteers with seniors in their hometown to visit and chat over cake and coffee. It started when Holon resident Tal Harel returned from a post-army trip and delivered municipality food to homebound seniors during the pandemic. (See also here.)
https://www.israel21c.org/
Israeli medicine is truly something else. Recent news includes US surgeons using Israeli X-Ray spectacles to fix spines - not once but 4,000 times; an Israeli device for locating the exact spot to deliver an epidural anesthetic; using Israeli computer technology to rehabilitate stroke patients, and medical clowns to aid the treatment of victims of global disasters. Israeli breakthrough medical research advances the search for cures to epilepsy, infertility, and addictions; Israel launched medical partnerships with the UAE and Toronto and showed Ukraine's first lady how it treats amputees, the paralyzed and traumatized children.
Latest unique Israeli technical innovations include an artificially intelligent language tutor; super-fast data streaming; a substitute for sugar, made from carobs; and flip-flops that you can run in. Israeli startups are supporting underground construction in the UK, selling TV programs to Saudi Arabia and Turkey, settling insurance claims in two seconds; and receiving a United Nations-sponsored award for fraud detection.
In sport, Israel punches far above its weight, in fencing, artistic swimming and soccer; and Israelis won dozens of medals in the Special Olympics. Meanwhile Israel's "Wonder Woman" has been immortalized on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and Tel Aviv has been ranked "the happiest city in the world"!
If you are inspired by this newsletter, please consider something else - a donation (small or large) will help me continue to compile these regular publications. Please click here. Many thanks.
My next newsletter will hopefully be issued next Sunday 9th July.
Please recommend www.verygoodnewsisrael.
In the 2nd July 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
- US surgeons have used Israeli X-ray headsets in over 4,000 spine operations.
- Tel Aviv is the world’s happiest city.
- Foreign students can now learn English from an Israeli personal AI tutor.
- 18% of Israel’s GDP comes from hi-tech – the highest percentage in the world.
- An Israeli system assessed and paid a UK insurance claim in just two seconds.
- Gal Gadot is to be honored by having a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
- Israelis won 25 medals at the Special Olympics.
- Please click here, to donate (a small or large amount) to help me publicize VeryGoodNewsIsrael.
- If someone wishes to be added to the free email subscription list, they should either click here or send a request (with their name) to michael.goodnewsisrael@gmail.
com
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
4,000+ spine operations. The xvision Augmented Reality Spine System from Israel’s Augmedics (see here previously) has now been used to treat over 4,000 patients and implant more than 20,000 pedicle screws across 21 U.S. states. It consistently demonstrates 97-100% accuracy across multiple patient studies.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Hope for children with epilepsy. Researchers at Tel Aviv University and elsewhere have developed therapy in the laboratory to treat Dravet syndrome – a life-threatening form of epilepsy in children caused by a mutation in the SCN1A gene. The scientists used a harmless virus containing normal SCNIA genes to “infect” the brain.
https://www.aftau.org/news_
https://www.jci.org/articles/
Converting skin cells into placenta cells. Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have converted human skin cells into functional human placenta cells. The breakthrough can help cure pregnancy-related diseases and infertility issues by generating placenta cells that won’t be rejected as foreign tissue.
https://www.jns.org/colleges-
https://www.nature.com/
When women should take their meds. Israel’s Levana.ai is an AI-based solution that personalizes women’s prescriptions based on their cycle. It’s a platform for women who are taking long-term medication and provides doctors with recommendations regarding when and how much medication to prescribe to their patients.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Brain block may cure addicts. (TY Nevet) Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers have identified in the laboratory that the claustrum area of the brain is vital to preventing addiction to certain medications. Existing remedies could help susceptible individuals increase their resistance and self-control.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
https://www.cell.com/current-
All fingers and thumbs. Arab Israeli Dr. Firas Mawase is head of the Neurorehabilitation and Sensorimotor Neuroscience Laboratory at Israel’s Technion. He is investigating rehabilitating the dexterity of brain-damaged patients (e.g., from a stroke), using engineering and computational tools and functional imaging of the brain.
https://www.technion.ac.il/en/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
US approval for safe epidural device. The EpiFinder device from Israel’s Omeq Medical (see here previously) has just received US FDA approval. A limited US launch is planned for early 2024.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Partnership with UAE healthcare system. Israel’s Sheba Medical Center has partnered UAE’s PureHealth, the largest integrated healthcare platform in the Middle East. The two will conduct joint research, promote advanced technology in healthcare, collaborate on staff training, and boost bi-lateral health tourism.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Technion and Toronto medical AI partnership. Israel’s Technion Institute and the University of Toronto Artificial Intelligence Centers have partnered to develop AI solutions in the field of medicine. The first workshop took place in Ein Gedi in May. https://www.technion.ac.il/en/
https://www.jpost.com/
Quick-thinking saves mother and baby. Rachel, a nurse midwife attending a mother in labor at Ziv Medical Center in Safed, noticed that the baby’s head was moving in the wrong direction. She rushed them to ER, where doctors diagnosed a complete rupture of the uterus, delivered baby, and later reconstructed the mother’s womb.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/
Research training for doctors. The Israel Science Foundation has launched Israel’s MAVRI initiative (Hebrew for “one who heals”). The ISF will award grants totaling $100 million over five years, to create a select team of Medical PhDs who will conduct clinical research that will ultimately benefit patients.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
First ladies visit Israeli hospital. Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska and Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog visited the rehabilitation department of Sheba Center and patients at the Safra Children’s Hospital. Mrs Zeleneska hopes to model Israel’s program for treating amputees, paralyzed patients, and children in Ukraine.
https://worldisraelnews.com/
Bringing orthodox women into hi-tech. Read about Racheli Ganot (see here previously), founder of Israel’s Ready Group, a microchip hardware and software development company of 170 employees (80% women). For her work integrating Orthodox women in hi-tech, Ganot lit a torch at Israel's 70th Independence Day ceremony.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.ynetnews.com/
Medical clowns are not just for children. (TY UWI & I24 News) Latest video featuring Israel’s Dream Doctors – clowns who promote healing through laughter. They “operate” in Israeli hospitals, but also in disaster areas where they bring hope to children, adults, and doctors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Capoeira unites Israelis. (TY WIN & I24 News) Capoeira (see here previously) is a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, and music. As this video of the first Israeli Capoeira Festival shows, Israel’s capoeira community accepts everyone – Orthodox, Arab, elderly, young and everyone in between.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
US award for cancer research. The US National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) honored Tel Aviv University Professor Isaac P. Witz, for his cancer research on how components of the immune system infiltrate the tumor microenvironment (TME) affecting tumor formation, progression, and metastasis.
https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/
The World’s happiest city. (TY Nevet) "Rich cultural heritage, kind people, and abundance of food, shopping, and learning" were cited as the reason why The Travel blog ranked Tel Aviv as the happiest city in the world. It also noted that Tel Aviv has become "a global hot spot for spring break and vacationing as a whole."
https://www.ynetnews.com/
https://www.thetravel.com/
Fiji to open Embassy in Israel. (TY UWI) The South Pacific island country of Fiji has announced that its first embassy in Israel will open next year. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen welcomed the announcement, calling Fiji a “true friend” of Israel. Fiji’s will be the 98th embassy to the Jewish state.
https://www.jns.org/israel-
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
4 US officials at Israel Cyber Week. The speakers at Israel Cyber Week include Nathaniel Fick, the U.S. ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy; Liesyl Franz, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for international cyberspace security; plus, the CIOs of US departments of Energy, and of Transportation.
https://www.jns.org/u-s-
Three top “Deep Tech” companies. (TY WIN) Three Israeli startups are included in the inaugural XB100 ranking of the top 100 private deep-tech companies, published by XPRIZE and Bessemer Venture Partners. They are UBQ Materials, Fabric (Robotics), and Believer Meats (previously Future Meat Technologies).
https://www.israel21c.org/3-
All your apps in one place. Israel’s theGist has totally upgraded its message consolidation facility (see here previously). It has now launched a platform that uses generative AI technology to create a single AI-managed hub that centralizes employee work apps. Its aim is to boost productivity and prevent information overload.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
A better flip-flop. Israel’s Link Shoes has developed the “flipshoe,” which it says offers the freedom of a flip flop combined with the comfort and safety of a closed shoe. The shoe bends and flexes, provides arch support, and unlike flip flops, you can walk distances, run, and ride a bike while wearing them.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Digital help for PTSD sufferers. A from Israel’s Code for Israel (see here previously) have created a website “Ani Al Ze” (Hebrew for “I’m on it”) to help PTSD sufferers combat procrastination. The website is currently offered by NATAL, an Israeli non-profit that treats citizens suffering from war- and terror-related trauma.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/
https://www.natal.org.il/en/ https://www.codeforisrael.org/
Disney Pixar movie promoted with Israeli tech. Gentle Giant Studios used the XiP Desktop 3D printer of Israel’s Nexa3D (see here previously) to produce high-quality prototypes for Disney Pixar’s new “Elemental” movie. Nexa3D’s xMODEL17-Clear resin achieved the desired visual effects for the fire and water characters.
https://www.voxelmatters.com/
https://www.dexerto.com/tv-
The smart way to stream data. Israel’s Memphis.dev gives software developers a fast way to build links for communicating between applications and transmitting masses amounts of data (streaming) from one place to another. Thousands of developers have downloaded and recommended the Memphis message broker.
https://www.businesswire.com/
Your personal AI English tutor. Israel’s Loora.AI allows individuals to improve their English skills without having to rely on expensive, one-on-one tutors. Loora is a safe, always-there, iPhone AI tutor for practicing conversational English. Available on subscription in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Low GI sugar substitute from carobs. Israel’s CarobWay (see here previously) is to introduce its clean-label, low glycemic index (GI) sweetener at IFT FIRST 2023 in Chicago (July 16-19). A gummi and an energy bar prototype containing the carob-derived sugar replacement will illustrate the new sweetener's capabilities.
https://www.prnewswire.com/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Over 18% of Israel’s GDP is hi-tech. The Israel Innovation Authority’s “State of High Tech” annual report show that in 2021, Israel’s hi-tech industry earned 50% more than the next sector – trade & retail. In 2022 the gap was 90%. Israeli hi-tech is worth 18.1% of GDP - in the USA it is only 10%, and in Europe it’s under 6%.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Europe invests in Israel. The European Investment Bank (EIB), the financial arm of the European Union, is to invest €150 million into the NIS 1.5 billion seawater desalination facility planned for Western Galilee. It is also providing a €500 million credit line through Bank Leumi to encourage green business projects in Israel.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
The first startups. Once considered models of socialism, entrepreneurs have repurposed the Israeli kibbutz into hubs for creative and high-tech industries. This article features Hanita and Yiron (AgroScout).
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Michigan woos Israeli startups. The Michigan Israel Business Accelerator has launched "The Elevator" in Detroit to act as a co-working space, mailing address, or networking hub free of charge for Israelis looking to do business in the U.S. state. Since its founding in 2017, MIBA has made 2,000 Israeli-Michigan connections.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
VC has $500 million to invest in Israel. Venture Capital firm Eight Roads plans to invest half a billion dollars in Israel in the coming years. It already has 10 active investments in Israel including HiBob, AppsFlyer, Fireblocks, Eleos Health, Noogata, and Gloat.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Vegan food partnership. Israel’s More Foods (see here previously) has partnered with Tivall, the Israel-based vegetarian frozen food brand owned by food giant Osem-Nestlé. It will help More Foods expand distribution of its pumpkin and sunflower seeds meat alternatives to meet the growing demand for plant-based products.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/
Historic sales of Israeli TV shows. For the first time Israeli programs have been sold for broadcasting in Saudia Arabia and Turkey. Saudi broadcasting network MBC bought the docu-series "Cassandra's Prophecy". And the Turkish broadcasting network Kanal D bought "Special", the drama series about autism.
https://www.
Going underground in the UK. Israel’s Exodigo (see here previously) was used by Coles Rail to scan and map a project in Birmingham UK for part of a light rail expansion that will connect to the city’s Curzon Street Station. It detected over 280 underground utility lines, including 51 that no other locator or records had found.
https://nocamels.com/2023/06/
UN award for fraud detection software. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s ThetaRay won Best in Class Compliance Solution at the 2023 RemTECH Awards for its AI-powered transaction monitoring technology. The award is part of the United Nations-led Global Forum on Remittances, Investment and Development.
https://www.businesswire.com/
Insurance claim paid in two seconds. (TY OurCrowd) Israeli digital insurance company Lemonade (see here previously) is claiming a new record after settling a claim in just two seconds to a customer whose bicycle was stolen in the UK. Lemonade’s AI system assessed, checked, and paid the customer in just two seconds.
https://insurtechdigital.com/
Investment in Israeli startups to 2/7/23: Cyera raised $100 million; Augmedics raised $82.5 million; NoTraffic raised $50 million; Anzu raised $48 million; Ramon.Space raised $26 million; Astrix Security raised $25 million; Wenrix raised $15 million; Loora raised $9.25 million; Memphis.dev raised $5.58 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
Next. Israel’s Avi Jorisch wrote Though Shalt Innovate, How Israeli Ingenuity Repairs the World” (see here previously). His latest book is “Next: A Brief History of the Future”, featuring 13 “game-changing innovations” that are significantly impacting human history. It includes Israel’s Innovation: Africa (see here previously).
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
A capital kosher upscale meat pizzeria. Mojo’s non-dairy pizzeria in Jerusalem serves some exciting kosher meat pizzas. They include vegan cheese, BĀ-KEN (with an upside-down “e”), short ribs with kimchi and truffle mayo, and chicken confit with pesto cream and balsamic reduction. Non-pizza eaters are also well catered for.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
https://www.itsmojos.com/
For the birds. Israeli and international researchers have reported that rare prehistorical objects found in Israel’s Hula Valley, were crafted 12,000 years ago, and functioned as miniature flutes. They imitate bird song and could have been used for hunting, music, or some form of communication with the birds.
https://www.afhu.org/2023/06/
The first Israeli actress to have a Hollywood star. Israeli megastar Gal Gadot is to have her name etched in in a star on Los Angeles’ best-known sidewalk, known as the Walk of Fame. Hollywood Boulevard’s 1.3 miles of sidewalk currently has nearly 2,800 stars. The only other Israeli star is for media producer Haim Saban.
https://worldisraelnews.com/
European fencing bronze medal. (TY Nevet) 14-year-old Gili Kuritzky won a senior fencing bronze medal at the European Games in Krakow-Malopolska Poland. Ranked only 250th in the world senior ranking, she eliminated far more established fencers on her way to her first ever medal at the senior level.
https://www.eurofencing.info/
European artistic swimming gold. (TY Nevet) Israel won its first-ever gold medal at the European Artistic Swimming Championships in the Team Free Routine Combination event in Krakow, Poland.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Israeli U-21 soccer team make UEFA quarterfinals. (TY UWI) Israel’s under-21 soccer team drew 1-1 with reigning champions Germany in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship final tournament in Georgia. They lost to England but then beat Czech Republic to knock out Germany and reach the quarterfinals.
https://www.algemeiner.com/
25 medals at the Special Olympics. (TY Nevet) Israeli athletes won nine golds, eight silvers and eight bronze medals at the Special Olympics in Berlin. The 25 medals beat the 19 they won at the 2019 event. The second link is to an individual article about Israel’s Mir Segel who won the 100-meter freestyle swimming gold medal.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
https://www.
THE JEWISH STATE
The Kingdom of Judah. The Hebrew University has completed a study that shows the development of the Kingdom of Judah in the 10th century BCE. Archeological evidence from five sites confirms the Biblical accounts of the cities fortified by Rehoboam, grandson of King David.
https://www.jns.org/
Promoting Anglo Olim. Rabbis of many Israeli-Anglo communities recently met with Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Rabbi Yehoshua Fass and Israel’s Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer. They agreed to work together on a new Ministry program to strengthen Anglo communities in Israel and encourage new waves of immigration.
https://www.
The word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 26 educators from six countries gathered in Jerusalem for a 4-day conference aimed at globally promoting former British chief rabbi Lord Jonathan Sack's philosophy. The event launches a network of Rabbi Sacks-inspired scholars around the globe, guided by his philosophy on leadership.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-
Kosher Arab cuisine in Crusader city. (TY UWI) At the Roots restaurant in Akko an Israeli chef skillfully combines the traditions of kosher cooking with the vibrant flavors of Arab cuisine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Cakes for the lonely. Israeli charity Uga B’Haftaha (Cake by Surprise) matches volunteers with seniors in their hometown to visit and chat over cake and coffee. It started when Holon resident Tal Harel returned from a post-army trip and delivered municipality food to homebound seniors during the pandemic. (See also here.)
https://www.israel21c.org/
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Where is the leadership we once had as a community.. My father would be saddened.
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The Rudderless Jews
In the United States, where crimes of hate mostly strike Jewish targets, and with violent antisemitism making a disquieting comeback, no one stands guard on the wall.
There is a stealth civil war taking place within the American Jewish community. Don’t worry. Most American Jews don’t know about it and have no intention taking sides or firing a shot. Hearts and minds aren’t involved either. It’s more like a cold war of complacency.
The reason for the hedging of hostilities comes down to leadership. How shall I put this? Okay, well, American Jews have none. All that spectacular success, and no leaders to show for it, no discernible plan for the preservation of their people.
Who among them stands-up, unabashedly, to defend Jews? Israel grows gutsy sabras in abundance. In the United States, where crimes of hate mostly strike Jewish targets, and with violent antisemitism making a disquieting comeback, no one stands guard on the wall.
Sure, there are Jewish elected officials with political clout—senators, congresspersons, governors, and mayors. But they refuse to wield power on behalf of their own people. And they shirk any responsibility to speak for American Jewry in a declarative and unifying voice.
It’s not true of other American minorities. For instance, there is no Jewish equivalent of the Congressional Black Caucus. There’s not even a Jewish clique. Most elected Jewish officials would blanch at such a parochial endeavor. Good luck getting them to even sign a letter calling out violence against Hasidic Jews, or censuring a member of the Squad for gleefully launching an antisemitic trope.
In this political culture, it’s too fraught with risk. One false step, and accusations of racism or Islamophobia fly. Best to feign laryngitis or claim to be without a nearby pen.
The problem is not confined to politicians. The leadership of legacy organizations, who are avowedly in the Jewish advocacy business and are not beholden to outside constituencies, are even more feckless. Unelected with near lifetime tenure. Generally unknown to the Jewish community they serve. And too often fearful of offending their donor base, which increasingly seeks the approval of the Biden White House and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, these entities have been hijacked by the same woke priorities that have overtaken universities, mainstream media, and corporate boardrooms.
Historically Jews voted the Democratic ticket, but they conducted themselves as if they had never actually chosen sides. That’s no longer true. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the American Jewish Committee, the regional Federations, the Jewish Community Relations Councils, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), and the Union for Reform Judaism, are all now wholly owned subsidiaries of the Democratic Party—a party that rolls with many fellow travelers.
Last week showcased a bitter demonstration of this truth. A relatively new organization, the Combat Antisemitism Movement, produced a video that seemingly linked “woke ideology” with increased antisemitic violence perpetrated by Muslims and African-Americans. These are important progressive constituencies at a time when legacy groups are looking to develop alliances with intersectional partners who share a history of persecution. Surely Jews can’t be seen charging such groups with antisemitism—even if true.
Two Jewish organizations that had initially joined the Combat Antisemitism Movement—the national umbrella group for the Federations, and the JCPA—both withdrew their support, in protest. Feeling outside pressure, the Combat Antisemitism Movement removed the video from its website.
The message was made clear: As long as neo-Nazis and Alt-right agitators can be blamed for the acts of Jew-hatred in Charlottesville (2017), Pittsburgh (2018), and Poway (2019), Jewish leaders will offer their full-throated condemnation. But if more widespread acts of violence are attributed to Islamists and persons of color, then the protocols of political correctness take over and Jewish leadership will roll over.
As long as neo-Nazis and Alt-right agitators can be blamed for the acts of Jew-hatred in Charlottesville (2017), Pittsburgh (2018), and Poway (2019), Jewish leaders will offer their full-throated condemnation. But if more widespread acts of violence are attributed to Islamists and persons of color, then the protocols of political correctness take over and Jewish leadership will roll over.
But aren’t all forms of antisemitism equally objectionable and potentially lethal? Historically, Jew-hatred was color-blind. Today it has become two-tiered: the antisemitism of white supremacists is condemned; the same conduct from people of color, apparently, is excused.
Principled leadership and moral clarity would allow for no such license. And judging from the experience of European Jewry, there is more to fear from marauding Muslims than Nazi wannabees.
Playing favorites these days should come as no surprise. The Jewish community’s call to arms, “tikkun olam,” is a rallying cry for victimhood established by the progressive left—with Jewish concerns notably exempted. Social justice means Black Lives Matter, the Green New Deal, Free Palestine, the pardoning of pronouns, the paroling of immigrants, the liberation of women’s bodies and the male womb, and, of course, saving the whales.
Saving Jews . . . not so much.
Judaism has become less an organized religion than an exercise in moral narcissism. Virtue signaling supersedes the Shema. Jews are too caught up in DEI dogma (“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”), and white privileged culpability, to proclaim themselves the Chosen People anymore. Through the eyes of identity politics, they are just another splinter group within the oppressor class. And despite a history that suggests otherwise, they have no claims to minority status.
And making matters worse, Jews are pathetically obtuse to the real threatsthat endanger them. An oblivion born of the banality of LA’s Beverly Grove, New York’s Diamond District, and Miami’s Bal Harbour—until Jews living there were beaten in the spring of 2021, ostensibly blamed for Israel’s retaliation against the meteor shower of Hamas rockets.
Who stood up for American Jews then?
The lesson is never learned. Dots go unconnected. Patterns patronized. Threats ignored. Should Jews take the ayatollahs of Iran seriously? What about the toxic antisemitic “scholarship” dispensed in universities? And, of course, the erosion of solidarity from African-Americans.
No wonder Jewish students on campus are ill-equipped to respond to pernicious libels against Israel, required to publicly denounce a nation most have never visited. Faced with such hostility, and yet without exemplary leadership to emulate. Wandering Jews still wandering, in place, rudderless. No one prepared to answer the call.
Ominous signs are everywhere. Iran spins centrifuges. Palestinians celebrate terror. The United States rejoins UNESCO. Louis Farrakhan still, shockingly, a welcomed guest. Commencements speakers, Middle East Studies departments, and critical race theorists brainwash students—in a woke world, anti-racism allows for antisemitism, just like the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s video intimated.
Meanwhile, the Jewish house is divided, and everyone is fast asleep.
Thane Rosenbaum is a novelist, essayist, law professor and Distinguished University Professor at Touro University, where he directs the Forum on Life, Culture & Society. He is the legal analyst for CBS News Radio. His most recent book is titled “Saving Free Speech … From Itself.”
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