+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SEMPER FI!
+++
US Marines move forward with purchase of Israel's Iron Dome
As part of the deal, the Marine Corps will purchase 44 Iron Dome launchers and 1,840 Tamir interceptors.
The US Marine Corps is reportedly planning to purchase dozens of Iron Dome launchers and thousands of interceptor missiles in a deal that could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The deal, which would see the USMC purchase three batteries’ worth of the Iron Dome system, would be conducted with Raytheon, which has a deal with Israeli manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to distribute the system to the United States.
The deal was reported on by defense news website The War Zone on Saturday, citing a procurement notice of intent publicly available online.
The prime contractor for the development and production of the Iron Dome is Rafael, who adapted the system to USMC requirements and assisted with testing support.
As part of the deal, the USMC will purchase 44 launchers and 1,840 Tamir interceptors.
Marine Corps' Iron Dome deal has been in the works
Last year, The Jerusalem Post reported on the completion of a series of interception tests on an air defense system using the Tamir Interceptor.
The experiment included a series of three tests carried out over the course of several months. The system successfully intercepted a variety of targets.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We spend too much money and time on campaigns. We have the best government lobbyist money can buy.
+++
Everyone’s tired of politics
Everyone outside of the media-activist-pundit bubble, that is
By SALENA ZITO
KARNS CITY, PA — In a recent drive along the back roads of our country I heard something from people at every stop, a sentiment that runs counter to the national media’s assumption that everyone is consumed by presidential politics.
It’s hard to find a day since 2020 that the national news hasn’t led with something about former president Donald Trump or President Joe Biden. Same goes for social media. Log on to X, formerly known as Twitter, and you might conclude that the only thing on people’s minds is Trump or Biden.
Reporters and editors seem to believe that what’s on Twitter is what’s discussed in homes, on sidewalks, or in the bars and grocery stores and restaurants of communities around the country. They’re wrong. A recent Pew Research Survey on Twitter/X use concluded that only 10% of users produced an astonishing 92% of all tweets — and nearly 69% of those highly prolific users are Democrats, and not just regular Democrats, but far more left than your traditional liberal voter.
A new identity
That was evident in my recent back roads drive — a trip that included Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin — and also last week here in Western Pennsylvania, when I visited the North Washington VFD Rodeo, which is in its 64th year and is one of largest rodeos this side of the Mississippi.
In the hour-and-a-half drive from my driveway to the rodeo parking lot — through three counties that turned out heavily in support of the former president in 2020 — there was a marked absence of Trump signs and Trump flags. While that does not necessarily mean people along that drive have stopped supporting him, it does mean something has shifted: that their identity is no longer connected to him with the intensity it once was.
At the rodeo — which is always kicked off with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem — there wasn’t a “Make America Great Again” red hat in view, nor was there any paraphernalia for Biden or any of the other dozen or so candidates running for president.
When I asked people in the stands what was utmost on their minds right now, the first answer was almost always inflation and economic concerns; the second tended to be more personal concerns, such as their children’s education or the rise of fentanyl use in local communities. Few even mentioned politics or the presidential election. If I raised it, they often said they felt it has never ended for nearly three years.
Chris, who declined to give his last name, said he is a reliable voter who works in management in the trades, had at one time voted for Trump, and often found himself glued to cable news before 2020. “I stayed with that habit until the elections last November, but since that election, I haven’t turned cable news on at all, stopped following social media posts and have stay focused only on reading the local paper,” he said. His local paper is the Butler Eagle.
Tired of politics
Jon David Longo, the Republican mayor of Slippery Rock, said he was at the rodeo to have fun and enjoy the barrel races and breakaway roping — and not talk politics. “People are just not obsessed with presidential politics; it doesn’t steer their day in the urgent way the national news approaches it. They have a lot more on their mind than what the latest polls show,” he said. “I hear it all of the time: They are tired of it, and I am in the business of politics,” he said.
Even someone in the belly of the beast — Washington D.C. — agreed. “The average normal person doesn’t post on social media, except perhaps when their grandchild or someone in their family is having a birthday party,” said Democratic strategist Steve McMahon, who has run three different presidential elections in his lifetime.
“As for the screamers, they are not — I repeat are not — reflective of the world at large, and all you have to do is leave the beltway and talk to normal people to discover that while politics is perhaps relevant to their life, it certainly doesn’t drive it.”
People talk about “the bubble” all the time, he added. “It really does exist. And it’s not just the media bubble. It’s a media/activist/political intelligentsia bubble that is very interesting and compelling to the people who live within it — and utterly irrelevant to most others who just vote every four years because it’s their civic duty.”
Dreading 2024
It is likely a big part of the reason why the three prominent cable networks reported audience declines in the first quarter of this year and all three of the network news organizations have also shed viewers this year.
McMahon, who left the direct world of politics to become the co-founder and CEO of Purple Strategies, said in his role working with corporate America and even inside the beltway, his best focus group is the guys he plays hockey with: “They have normal jobs. They don’t all work in the bubble or in the beltway. They’re tradesmen, and they’re lawyers, and they’re accountants, and they’re people that have jobs and lives that don’t thrive or that don’t depend upon or that really aren’t impacted much by politicians.”
Chris Borick, political science professor at Muhlenberg College, said he is not surprised by what people are saying and he’s seen evidence of it in the indexes of polling. “There is an absolute fatigue amongst the American people regarding politics right now. It’s been, in many ways, a brutal stretch for the country in terms of politics. And for many, many Americans, there’s not excitement or energy approaching 2024. It’s more dread.”
Part of that dread, people told me, is the constant news about a “probable” presidential rematch between Trump and Biden, not just a replay of one of the most vitriolic presidential races in modern history and which the loser has still refused to admit he lost, but also a reminder of a year that was pretty awful for most Americans.
Borick said in 2020 many people lost family members or their lives were changed forever — they lost their jobs, their kids fell behind in school: “Forcing them to relive it in a match up we are not sure is going to happen again is brutal,” he said.
A different reality
If you spent your time watching the news or trolling social media every day — which is literally the job description for many national journalists — you might assume that nearly every person in the country is invested in either Trump or Biden.
However, when you drive to places where the speed limit is 35 miles an hour, you find a different reality. And that’s the problem with how the country too often is covered these days. Our politics would likely improve — somewhat at least — if more in the media checked their assumptions and listened to the people they purport to cover.
North Side native Salena Zito is a national political reporter for The Washington Examiner, a New York Post columnist and co-author of “The Great Revolt: Inside the Populist Coalition Reshaping American Politics”: zito.salena@gmail.com.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There are those who fear if America returns manufacturing to it's own shores it could adversely impact Israel's own start up capital initiatives. Perhaps to a small degree but Israel has some of the largest facilities in the world that contribute significantly to American technology as well as the scientists.
+++
Ordman's Good News Israel: (Edited)
Israel's usual high summer temperatures may explain why so many Israelis are indoors energetically working on innovations to make a better world. Renewable energy developments include releasing hydrogen from water using regular sunlight; floating solar farms are now a commercial reality; and a solar farm that generates cheaper electricity than can be produced from fossil fuels.
Israeli energy in the medical arena has resulted in the world's first spine surgery using Augmented Reality; the first implanted tricuspid heart valves; two cancer breakthroughs; life-saving blood clot removal; and the first blood test to diagnose bipolar disorder. Energetic Israelis are helping save lives after devastating fires in Maui, Hawaii.
Sometimes too much energy can be unhealthy or dangerous. So Israelis have been developing solutions to drought-afflicted trees, sun-baked streets, blast from explosions, and lithium battery fires. Individually, many Israelis have been channeling their energy into major sporting successes.
It's good to see the recent report on the economic benefits from Israel's energy discoveries; Israeli employment and tourist numbers are back to pre-Covid levels; and investment continues to flow from giant US, European and Asian companies. I ask readers to publicize these positive newsletter facts, counteracting the negativity of many Mainstream Media opinion pieces.
In the 23rd Aug 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
First AR spinal surgery. Dr Cezar J. Mizrahi of Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center has performed the world’s first Augmented Reality-assisted robotic spinal surgery on a patient with an unstable spine fracture. Dr Mizrahi previously (see here) performed the world’s first robot-assisted lumbar spine fusion.
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/
First US heart patients to receive “forgotten” valves. (TY TPS) Israel’s Trisol Medical (see here previously) has successfully implanted its new Transcatheter Tricuspid Valves in two US patients. The valve is called “forgotten” as the aortic and mitral valves get most medical attention. 10 Israelis have already had the implants.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/
https://trisol-medical.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?
007 – license to kill cancer cells. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Edity Therapeutics reprograms immune cells to recognize tumors that hide from the body’s regular immune system. Edity’s ED 007 cell therapy inflames these tumors, triggering the body’s own immune system to kill the cancer without risk of side effects or rejection.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Chicken corneas fight cancer. Israeli biotech ExoProTher is developing an anti-cancer therapy using protein generated from the p53 gene in the corneas of chickens. The foreign protein binds to cancerous human p53 protein, destroying tumors without side effects. The cornea is highly cancer resistant and full of p53 protein.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Blood test and therapy diagnosis for bipolar disorder. Researchers at Haifa University have identified a blood test to diagnose patients who suffer from bipolar disorder. The test also can predict if the patient will respond to the most common treatment – Lithium carbonate. It can save misdiagnosis and wrong medication.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://www.nature.com/
AI video analysis to determine Crohn’s therapy. Researchers at Israel's Sheba Medical Center and Intel have achieved 81% accuracy in predicting if biologic therapy would relieve a patient with Crohn’s Disease. They used machine-learning to analyze videos of complete capsule endoscopies (CE) of the small intestine.
https://www.jpost.com/health-
Skin care for cancer patients. EGFR inhibitors are common treatments for cancer but cause severe skin problems that cannot be fully alleviated. Israel’s EMRIS is developing a topical solution to block EGFRi monoclonal antibodies and allow the patient to continue treatment without the debilitating side effects.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Preventing PE. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular-related death and the number one cause of preventable hospital death. Israel’s Althea Medical is developing an over-the-wire medical device that physicians can use to remove blood clots quickly and safely from arteries in the lung.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.peregrinevc.com/
Air transportation for cancer patients. United Hatzalah, Lahak Aviation and Sheba Medical Center together have launched a pilot service to bring cancer patients from remote parts of Israel to hospital for treatment. Previous dangerous and stressful 3–4-hour journeys are reduced to a safe, comfortable 40-minutes.
https://israelrescue.org/blog/
Mental health therapy in the Gaza envelope. (TY Mara) Local mental health therapists at the Jewish National Fund-USA’s Eshkol Resilience Center in Sderot provide support for residents of the Gaza Envelope region. They help their community cope with difficult times in one of the fastest-growing regions in Israel.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Parking lot transformed into urban ecological piazza. A few years ago, Givon Square in Tel Aviv was an ugly parking lot. The municipality moved the car park underground and transformed its new roof into an urban oasis complete with trees, shade, cafes, restaurants, a vintage market, and an ecological pond.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-
https://www.temaland.com/
Jewish & Moslem EMTs save hiker. An everyday story of two EMTs from Israel’s United Hatzalah. Haredi Jew Moshe Rothschild and Moslem Arab Roshdi Hussein together saved a 20-year-old man who hit his head after jumping into the Jordan River. About the cooperation, Moshe said, it “happens in Israel all the time”.
https://www.
Puppies saved. (TY UWI) The Jerusalem District of the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority extinguished a forest fire near the Mount of Olives that threatened the local hospital and nearby homes. During the battle, firefighter Sgt. Majd Huseen rescued nine puppies who were sheltering in a tree trunk.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Visit by US states’ police delegation. 20 police and public safety executives from Georgia and Tennessee spent two weeks training in Israel. They learned about new policing and public safety technologies, and about making neighborhoods, including minority ones, safer through community policing.
https://www.jns.org/israel-
Gold Universal Design winners. (TY Nevet) The D.DLAB (Disrupt.Design) team from Israel’s Technion Institute won the Design Educate Awards Gold Prize for 2023. Asst. Prof. Shany Barath also won the Emerging Designer award. Their WoodenWood project converts wood waste into a composite for printing wood products.
https://www.technion.ac.il/wp-
https://gallery.
Preserving sharks in the Mediterranean. University of Haifa researchers have been awarded a $100,000 National Geographic Wayfinder Grant to track the movement of sharks along the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Israel is the only country that protects all elasmobranch species (sharks and rays) within its maritime borders.
https://www.
Aid to Maui. (TY UWI) Israeli humanitarian aid NGO SmartAID has sent a team of specialists to Maui after the devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island. They will conduct search and rescue operations and install telecommunication systems to help coordinate first responders, plus solar energy systems and more.
https://www.israel21c.org/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Hydrogen from water without electricity. Since winning the Aviram Awards competition and its $500,000 prize, Israel’s QD-SOL (see here previously) has gone from strength to strength. Investment and grants are helping expand its sustainable photocatalysis hydrogen generation using water, nano particles, and sunlight.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Solar energy is plain sailing. Nine months ago, Israel’s Xfloat (see here previously) began implementing its pilot floating solar power farms in northern Israel and has already begun to generate energy commercially. Xfloat believes solar panel growth will eventually move toward the sea, as available land becomes scarcer.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Desalination gets even better. Researchers at Israel’s Ariel University have designed a new membrane system for reverse osmosis desalination plants, that filters out unwanted sodium chloride salt but not the beneficial nutrients. Tests of the filtered water in the Arava grew peppers with higher yields and better ripening qualities.
https://www.
Barrier coating extends food shelf life and more. Israel’s Melodea (see here previously) has launched MelOx NGen - a high-performance barrier product that has proven superior in maintaining food freshness and substantially reducing plastic waste. It will also help companies meet the EU Plastic Waste Directive.
https://spnews.com/melodea-
Bacteria helps trees survive drought. Scientists from Israel’s Weizmann Institute have discovered that soil-beneficial bacteria can help trees survive water scarcity and even flourish in drought conditions. The bacteria promotes tree root secretions that establish a symbiotic relationship between the tree and bacteria.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Using plants to cool the city. Israel’s BioShade (see here previously) is helping to make urban areas greener and cooler. Its smart lightweight PVC pipes contain a hydroponic system that helps create green walls, roofs, and pergolas. The plants sprout through holes in the pipes that accommodate their root systems as they grow.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://www.bioshade.net/
Warning of battery fires. Israel’s ALGOLiON has developed AlgoShield which gives a week’s warning of an impending lithium-ion battery fire. It is a major risk to airplanes, EVs, and E-cigarettes. ALGOLiON has just been acquired by General Motors and renamed AIONZ Ltd. https://www.algolion.com/
https://www.israel21c.org/
https://il.linkedin.com/
Bomb proof. The unique patented composite material from Israel’s Ortech contains fiber-reinforced plastic, which protects against blast hits, fragmentation, ballistics and forced entry. It can turn any room into a protected space that can survive explosions or perhaps even earthquakes.
https://www.israel21c.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
All (robot) hands on deck. Israel’s RoboDeck has developed an autonomous robot to clean wooden decking. It uses sensors, AI, a proprietary spray system for adding stains and sealants and a hybrid cleaning system with a special RoboDeck-built brush. It can clean 1,000 sq feet of decking in 30 mins, for immediate use.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
On-line lessons from movie characters. Israel’s AcadeMe+ creates educational lessons for colleges and K-12 classrooms using movies made by major film studios, including Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Disney, and Sony. Learn about Mars from the Martian, leadership from the Lion King, and inspiration from Inside Out.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://academe.plus/ https://vimeo.com/691276813
An in-car voice assistant with personality. Israel’s Impris has developed AI technology called HumAIns. It has been incorporated into a Siri-like in-car assistant that not only understands the vehicle but communicates with the driver just like a human. Also suitable for call-centers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.humains.com/
AI turns speech into sign language. Israel’s CODA (see last week) helps deaf people enjoy videos by using artificial intelligence-generated avatars to translate spoken language (English, Hebrew, French, Spanish, and Italian) into sign language almost instantaneously. Sign language gives emphasis that subtitles cannot.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://ts2.space/en/israeli-
Underwater jetpack. Israel’s KikFin has produced a jetpack with fins that straps onto a swimmer’s back and propels them though the water. It can change direction with the slightest movement of the head. The hands-free operation is ideal for professional divers and rescue services. It also attaches to surfboards.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://kikfin.com/ https://www.youtube.com/
AI system helps develop social skills. Israel’s Arrows has developed Skills Coach – a web-based application providing a safe environment to practice and improve social skills. Ideal for autistic people, AI avatars engage in conversations in scenarios from chatting with a stranger in a café to making small talk with a work colleague.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://www.ar-rows.com/ https://www.youtube.com/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Fitch A+. (TY Hazel) Fitch Ratings has affirmed Israel’s long-term rating at “A+” with a stable outlook, noting its diversified, resilient, and high value-added economy and strong external finances.
https://www.fitchratings.com/
Unemployment at pre-Covid level. Unemployment in Israel fell in July to 3.4%, the same as it was in Feb 2020 before the Covid crisis. The employment rate for Haredi men in Israel is at an all-time high of 55.8%
https://en.globes.co.il/en/
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/
An $86 billion windfall. Israel’s economy saved more than NIS 316 billion (over $86 billion) in energy savings and environmental benefits over the past decade thanks to its natural gas discoveries. At the end of 2022, the price of electricity in Israel was nearly 50% lower than in Europe.
https://www.jns.org/israel-
Cheaper than fossil fuel. Israel’s fourth solar energy farm at Ashalim in the Negev Desert has started operating and will supply power at a record low price in the electricity market. The 2.2 cents per kwh price is less than electricity production using fossil fuels, and less than similar projects around the world.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
More tourists than before Covid. New statistics show that numbers of US tourists visiting Israel in the first six months of 2023 were 12% higher than the same period in 2019, before the pandemic. High levels of tourism were also recorded from France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/
Cruise to Haifa. (TY Hazel) The prestigious Seatrade Cruise Awards competition has selected Haifa as one of the three outstanding cruise destinations worldwide for 2023. 235 cruise ships from 31 companies are expected to arrive in Haifa this year, bringing some 250,000 tourists.
https://www.ynetnews.com/
Tel Aviv light railway opens to the public. (TY WIN & UWI) Around 100 000 people took advantage of a day of free travel on the first day of Tel Aviv’s light rail Red Line on August 18. This followed an official inauguration by the Prime Minister the previous day. The 24km line has 34 stops - 10 of them underground.
https://www.railwaygazette.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Amazon’s $7.2 billion investment plans. Amazon.com has announced plans to invest 26 billion shekels (about $7.2 billion) in Israel through 2037. It also heralded the launch of its Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers in Tel Aviv, which gives customers the option of running their applications from data centers in Israel.
https://www.jns.org/israel-
LG selects Israeli chip for next-gen cameras. Leading electronics firm LG has selected the chipset from Israel’s Valens (see here previously) to be used in its next generation of cameras for self-driving vehicles. The chipset will be used to connect multiple camera sensors with LG’s camera system to enhance passenger safety.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
New Data analysis center. European smart T-shirt developer AccYouRate is to establish a data analysis center in Tel Aviv to analyze the extensive big data collected by AccYouRate's wearable devices. The move further solidifies Israel's reputation as a destination for data analysis and management advancements.
https://www.jpost.com/
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 27/8/23:. (Israel’s Laminar has been acquired by U.S. company Rubrik for an estimated $200-250 million. UK’s Wireless Logic is acquiring Israel’s Webbing for at least $200 million. Israel’s Check Point has acquired Israel’s Perimeter 81 for around $490 million.
Investment in Israeli startups to 27/8/23: Innoviz raised $65 million; Grip Security raised $41 million; Cypago raised $13 million; Althea Medical raised $1.5 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
In Jerusalem it all happens at night. (TY Sharon) Summer heat and humidity means that most public events in Jerusalem are held after dark. They include Sidra Tarbut’s cultural events; Selihot services, Mystorin Theatre Group’s RAAMSKATE, Theater in Motion, Street Orchestra, Israeli dancing, and Night at the Tower of David.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/08/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Take it slow. Israel’s new 30-room Slowness Hotel on a kibbutz in the Galilee is built around wellness and relaxation, with unique touches like no TVs or reception desk. It is modelled on the Beit Havra’a (Wellness House) which up to the 1980s gave Histadrut labor union members a free annual vacation and a place to relax.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Eilat’s first waterpark. The Waterland park in Eilat has opened its doors to the public after four years of construction and costing 110 million shekels. The 5-acre site has some of the world’s most innovative water attractions including the highest water tower in the Middle East at 24 meters.
https://www.israel21c.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Cycling legend tackles the Israel Trail. Four-time Tour de France champion, Chris Froome completed a two-day “eye-opening” cycling adventure on the Israel National Trail. Froome was amazed at “how diverse the country is in nature, in culture, it’s really just been such an energizing experience.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.jns.org/jewish-
Jerusalem hosts major athletics championships. (TY Hazel) The Israeli Athletics Association hosted the 2023 European Athletics Under-20 Championships at Jerusalem’s Givat Ram Stadium. Although Israel didn’t win any medals, the prestigious event attracted almost 2,000 athletes and officials from 48 countries.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-
https://worldathletics.org/
European U20 basketball runners up. Israel’s Under-20 national basketball team took the silver medal in the finals of the European Championship in Greece. The team lost to France 89-79 in overtime, having beaten Germany in the quarterfinals and overwhelmed Belgium 67-46 in the semifinals.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-
Judoka gold. (TY Hazel) Israeli judokas won gold, silver & bronze medals at the Hungarian Masters 2023 championship in Budapest. Inbar Lanir won a gold medal in the women’s up to 78-kilo category. Peter Paltchik won the silver in the men’s up to 100kg and Kerem Primo won the bronze in the women’s up to 52kg.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Women windsurfing world 1-2. (TY UWI) Israeli windsurfer Shahar Tibi won gold in the women’s iQFoil category at the Allianz Sailing World Championships in The Netherlands. It was Israel’s first world title at the sailing contest in a decade. Israel’s Katy Spychakov won the silver medal, with two other Israelis in the top 10.
https://www.israel21c.org/
THE JEWISH STATE
See Israel’s ancient ritual baths. Hundreds of ritual baths (Mikvaot) have been uncovered in the land of Israel, in the desert, in the Galilee, under Jerusalem houses, at construction sites, and ancient towns. The vast majority date back over 2,000 years to the Second Temple period, with at least 50 found adjacent to the Temple Mount.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Beyond the headlines. Two articles. The first, an interview with one of United Hatzalah’s Arab volunteer medics, and the second with the Druze Head of Ziv Medical Center in Safed, highlight some of the key factors of what’s good and unique about the Jewish State.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/
A message for Rosh Hashana. (TY UWI) This video features Yossi’s amazing journey from convict to IDF Officer. An inspiration for the period leading up to the Days of Repentance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
A fox on Temple Mount. During the recent fast of 9th Av a fox was seen in the ruins of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In the Babylonian Talmud (Tractate Makkot 24b), Rabbi Akiva laughed at seeing a fox in the ruins of the Temple. He said it fulfilled a negative prophecy and meant a positive one will also come true.
https://worldisraelnews.com/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-
Israeli energy in the medical arena has resulted in the world's first spine surgery using Augmented Reality; the first implanted tricuspid heart valves; two cancer breakthroughs; life-saving blood clot removal; and the first blood test to diagnose bipolar disorder. Energetic Israelis are helping save lives after devastating fires in Maui, Hawaii.
Sometimes too much energy can be unhealthy or dangerous. So Israelis have been developing solutions to drought-afflicted trees, sun-baked streets, blast from explosions, and lithium battery fires. Individually, many Israelis have been channeling their energy into major sporting successes.
It's good to see the recent report on the economic benefits from Israel's energy discoveries; Israeli employment and tourist numbers are back to pre-Covid levels; and investment continues to flow from giant US, European and Asian companies. I ask readers to publicize these positive newsletter facts, counteracting the negativity of many Mainstream Media opinion pieces.
In the 23rd Aug 23 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
- Medical history made by Israeli spinal surgeons and heart valve implants.
- Israeli aid organization is bringing relief to survivors of Maui wildfires.
- Two Israeli renewable energy companies are powering ahead.
- An Israeli jetpack lets you swim like a dolphin.
- Positive economic news for Israeli unemployment, energy, and tourism.
- Amazon announces major Israeli investment.
- Israeli women win gold medals in judoka and windsurfing.
- An Israeli Arab, a Druze and a Jew give inspiring messages.
- 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
First AR spinal surgery. Dr Cezar J. Mizrahi of Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center has performed the world’s first Augmented Reality-assisted robotic spinal surgery on a patient with an unstable spine fracture. Dr Mizrahi previously (see here) performed the world’s first robot-assisted lumbar spine fusion.
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/
First US heart patients to receive “forgotten” valves. (TY TPS) Israel’s Trisol Medical (see here previously) has successfully implanted its new Transcatheter Tricuspid Valves in two US patients. The valve is called “forgotten” as the aortic and mitral valves get most medical attention. 10 Israelis have already had the implants.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/
https://trisol-medical.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?
007 – license to kill cancer cells. (TY OurCrowd) Israel’s Edity Therapeutics reprograms immune cells to recognize tumors that hide from the body’s regular immune system. Edity’s ED 007 cell therapy inflames these tumors, triggering the body’s own immune system to kill the cancer without risk of side effects or rejection.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Chicken corneas fight cancer. Israeli biotech ExoProTher is developing an anti-cancer therapy using protein generated from the p53 gene in the corneas of chickens. The foreign protein binds to cancerous human p53 protein, destroying tumors without side effects. The cornea is highly cancer resistant and full of p53 protein.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Blood test and therapy diagnosis for bipolar disorder. Researchers at Haifa University have identified a blood test to diagnose patients who suffer from bipolar disorder. The test also can predict if the patient will respond to the most common treatment – Lithium carbonate. It can save misdiagnosis and wrong medication.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://www.nature.com/
AI video analysis to determine Crohn’s therapy. Researchers at Israel's Sheba Medical Center and Intel have achieved 81% accuracy in predicting if biologic therapy would relieve a patient with Crohn’s Disease. They used machine-learning to analyze videos of complete capsule endoscopies (CE) of the small intestine.
https://www.jpost.com/health-
Skin care for cancer patients. EGFR inhibitors are common treatments for cancer but cause severe skin problems that cannot be fully alleviated. Israel’s EMRIS is developing a topical solution to block EGFRi monoclonal antibodies and allow the patient to continue treatment without the debilitating side effects.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Preventing PE. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular-related death and the number one cause of preventable hospital death. Israel’s Althea Medical is developing an over-the-wire medical device that physicians can use to remove blood clots quickly and safely from arteries in the lung.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
https://www.peregrinevc.com/
Air transportation for cancer patients. United Hatzalah, Lahak Aviation and Sheba Medical Center together have launched a pilot service to bring cancer patients from remote parts of Israel to hospital for treatment. Previous dangerous and stressful 3–4-hour journeys are reduced to a safe, comfortable 40-minutes.
https://israelrescue.org/blog/
Mental health therapy in the Gaza envelope. (TY Mara) Local mental health therapists at the Jewish National Fund-USA’s Eshkol Resilience Center in Sderot provide support for residents of the Gaza Envelope region. They help their community cope with difficult times in one of the fastest-growing regions in Israel.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Parking lot transformed into urban ecological piazza. A few years ago, Givon Square in Tel Aviv was an ugly parking lot. The municipality moved the car park underground and transformed its new roof into an urban oasis complete with trees, shade, cafes, restaurants, a vintage market, and an ecological pond.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-
https://www.temaland.com/
Jewish & Moslem EMTs save hiker. An everyday story of two EMTs from Israel’s United Hatzalah. Haredi Jew Moshe Rothschild and Moslem Arab Roshdi Hussein together saved a 20-year-old man who hit his head after jumping into the Jordan River. About the cooperation, Moshe said, it “happens in Israel all the time”.
https://www.
Puppies saved. (TY UWI) The Jerusalem District of the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority extinguished a forest fire near the Mount of Olives that threatened the local hospital and nearby homes. During the battle, firefighter Sgt. Majd Huseen rescued nine puppies who were sheltering in a tree trunk.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Visit by US states’ police delegation. 20 police and public safety executives from Georgia and Tennessee spent two weeks training in Israel. They learned about new policing and public safety technologies, and about making neighborhoods, including minority ones, safer through community policing.
https://www.jns.org/israel-
Gold Universal Design winners. (TY Nevet) The D.DLAB (Disrupt.Design) team from Israel’s Technion Institute won the Design Educate Awards Gold Prize for 2023. Asst. Prof. Shany Barath also won the Emerging Designer award. Their WoodenWood project converts wood waste into a composite for printing wood products.
https://www.technion.ac.il/wp-
https://gallery.
Preserving sharks in the Mediterranean. University of Haifa researchers have been awarded a $100,000 National Geographic Wayfinder Grant to track the movement of sharks along the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Israel is the only country that protects all elasmobranch species (sharks and rays) within its maritime borders.
https://www.
Aid to Maui. (TY UWI) Israeli humanitarian aid NGO SmartAID has sent a team of specialists to Maui after the devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island. They will conduct search and rescue operations and install telecommunication systems to help coordinate first responders, plus solar energy systems and more.
https://www.israel21c.org/
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Hydrogen from water without electricity. Since winning the Aviram Awards competition and its $500,000 prize, Israel’s QD-SOL (see here previously) has gone from strength to strength. Investment and grants are helping expand its sustainable photocatalysis hydrogen generation using water, nano particles, and sunlight.
https://www.calcalistech.com/
Solar energy is plain sailing. Nine months ago, Israel’s Xfloat (see here previously) began implementing its pilot floating solar power farms in northern Israel and has already begun to generate energy commercially. Xfloat believes solar panel growth will eventually move toward the sea, as available land becomes scarcer.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Desalination gets even better. Researchers at Israel’s Ariel University have designed a new membrane system for reverse osmosis desalination plants, that filters out unwanted sodium chloride salt but not the beneficial nutrients. Tests of the filtered water in the Arava grew peppers with higher yields and better ripening qualities.
https://www.
Barrier coating extends food shelf life and more. Israel’s Melodea (see here previously) has launched MelOx NGen - a high-performance barrier product that has proven superior in maintaining food freshness and substantially reducing plastic waste. It will also help companies meet the EU Plastic Waste Directive.
https://spnews.com/melodea-
Bacteria helps trees survive drought. Scientists from Israel’s Weizmann Institute have discovered that soil-beneficial bacteria can help trees survive water scarcity and even flourish in drought conditions. The bacteria promotes tree root secretions that establish a symbiotic relationship between the tree and bacteria.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Using plants to cool the city. Israel’s BioShade (see here previously) is helping to make urban areas greener and cooler. Its smart lightweight PVC pipes contain a hydroponic system that helps create green walls, roofs, and pergolas. The plants sprout through holes in the pipes that accommodate their root systems as they grow.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://www.bioshade.net/
Warning of battery fires. Israel’s ALGOLiON has developed AlgoShield which gives a week’s warning of an impending lithium-ion battery fire. It is a major risk to airplanes, EVs, and E-cigarettes. ALGOLiON has just been acquired by General Motors and renamed AIONZ Ltd. https://www.algolion.com/
https://www.israel21c.org/
https://il.linkedin.com/
Bomb proof. The unique patented composite material from Israel’s Ortech contains fiber-reinforced plastic, which protects against blast hits, fragmentation, ballistics and forced entry. It can turn any room into a protected space that can survive explosions or perhaps even earthquakes.
https://www.israel21c.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
All (robot) hands on deck. Israel’s RoboDeck has developed an autonomous robot to clean wooden decking. It uses sensors, AI, a proprietary spray system for adding stains and sealants and a hybrid cleaning system with a special RoboDeck-built brush. It can clean 1,000 sq feet of decking in 30 mins, for immediate use.
https://www.israel21c.org/the-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
On-line lessons from movie characters. Israel’s AcadeMe+ creates educational lessons for colleges and K-12 classrooms using movies made by major film studios, including Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Disney, and Sony. Learn about Mars from the Martian, leadership from the Lion King, and inspiration from Inside Out.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://academe.plus/ https://vimeo.com/691276813
An in-car voice assistant with personality. Israel’s Impris has developed AI technology called HumAIns. It has been incorporated into a Siri-like in-car assistant that not only understands the vehicle but communicates with the driver just like a human. Also suitable for call-centers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.humains.com/
AI turns speech into sign language. Israel’s CODA (see last week) helps deaf people enjoy videos by using artificial intelligence-generated avatars to translate spoken language (English, Hebrew, French, Spanish, and Italian) into sign language almost instantaneously. Sign language gives emphasis that subtitles cannot.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://ts2.space/en/israeli-
Underwater jetpack. Israel’s KikFin has produced a jetpack with fins that straps onto a swimmer’s back and propels them though the water. It can change direction with the slightest movement of the head. The hands-free operation is ideal for professional divers and rescue services. It also attaches to surfboards.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://kikfin.com/ https://www.youtube.com/
AI system helps develop social skills. Israel’s Arrows has developed Skills Coach – a web-based application providing a safe environment to practice and improve social skills. Ideal for autistic people, AI avatars engage in conversations in scenarios from chatting with a stranger in a café to making small talk with a work colleague.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
https://www.ar-rows.com/ https://www.youtube.com/
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Fitch A+. (TY Hazel) Fitch Ratings has affirmed Israel’s long-term rating at “A+” with a stable outlook, noting its diversified, resilient, and high value-added economy and strong external finances.
https://www.fitchratings.com/
Unemployment at pre-Covid level. Unemployment in Israel fell in July to 3.4%, the same as it was in Feb 2020 before the Covid crisis. The employment rate for Haredi men in Israel is at an all-time high of 55.8%
https://en.globes.co.il/en/
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/
An $86 billion windfall. Israel’s economy saved more than NIS 316 billion (over $86 billion) in energy savings and environmental benefits over the past decade thanks to its natural gas discoveries. At the end of 2022, the price of electricity in Israel was nearly 50% lower than in Europe.
https://www.jns.org/israel-
Cheaper than fossil fuel. Israel’s fourth solar energy farm at Ashalim in the Negev Desert has started operating and will supply power at a record low price in the electricity market. The 2.2 cents per kwh price is less than electricity production using fossil fuels, and less than similar projects around the world.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
More tourists than before Covid. New statistics show that numbers of US tourists visiting Israel in the first six months of 2023 were 12% higher than the same period in 2019, before the pandemic. High levels of tourism were also recorded from France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.
https://www.jns.org/jns/topic/
Cruise to Haifa. (TY Hazel) The prestigious Seatrade Cruise Awards competition has selected Haifa as one of the three outstanding cruise destinations worldwide for 2023. 235 cruise ships from 31 companies are expected to arrive in Haifa this year, bringing some 250,000 tourists.
https://www.ynetnews.com/
Tel Aviv light railway opens to the public. (TY WIN & UWI) Around 100 000 people took advantage of a day of free travel on the first day of Tel Aviv’s light rail Red Line on August 18. This followed an official inauguration by the Prime Minister the previous day. The 24km line has 34 stops - 10 of them underground.
https://www.railwaygazette.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Amazon’s $7.2 billion investment plans. Amazon.com has announced plans to invest 26 billion shekels (about $7.2 billion) in Israel through 2037. It also heralded the launch of its Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers in Tel Aviv, which gives customers the option of running their applications from data centers in Israel.
https://www.jns.org/israel-
LG selects Israeli chip for next-gen cameras. Leading electronics firm LG has selected the chipset from Israel’s Valens (see here previously) to be used in its next generation of cameras for self-driving vehicles. The chipset will be used to connect multiple camera sensors with LG’s camera system to enhance passenger safety.
https://nocamels.com/2023/08/
New Data analysis center. European smart T-shirt developer AccYouRate is to establish a data analysis center in Tel Aviv to analyze the extensive big data collected by AccYouRate's wearable devices. The move further solidifies Israel's reputation as a destination for data analysis and management advancements.
https://www.jpost.com/
Exits, takeovers & mergers to 27/8/23:. (Israel’s Laminar has been acquired by U.S. company Rubrik for an estimated $200-250 million. UK’s Wireless Logic is acquiring Israel’s Webbing for at least $200 million. Israel’s Check Point has acquired Israel’s Perimeter 81 for around $490 million.
Investment in Israeli startups to 27/8/23: Innoviz raised $65 million; Grip Security raised $41 million; Cypago raised $13 million; Althea Medical raised $1.5 million;
CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT`
In Jerusalem it all happens at night. (TY Sharon) Summer heat and humidity means that most public events in Jerusalem are held after dark. They include Sidra Tarbut’s cultural events; Selihot services, Mystorin Theatre Group’s RAAMSKATE, Theater in Motion, Street Orchestra, Israeli dancing, and Night at the Tower of David.
http://rjstreets.com/2023/08/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Take it slow. Israel’s new 30-room Slowness Hotel on a kibbutz in the Galilee is built around wellness and relaxation, with unique touches like no TVs or reception desk. It is modelled on the Beit Havra’a (Wellness House) which up to the 1980s gave Histadrut labor union members a free annual vacation and a place to relax.
https://www.israel21c.org/
Eilat’s first waterpark. The Waterland park in Eilat has opened its doors to the public after four years of construction and costing 110 million shekels. The 5-acre site has some of the world’s most innovative water attractions including the highest water tower in the Middle East at 24 meters.
https://www.israel21c.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Cycling legend tackles the Israel Trail. Four-time Tour de France champion, Chris Froome completed a two-day “eye-opening” cycling adventure on the Israel National Trail. Froome was amazed at “how diverse the country is in nature, in culture, it’s really just been such an energizing experience.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.jns.org/jewish-
Jerusalem hosts major athletics championships. (TY Hazel) The Israeli Athletics Association hosted the 2023 European Athletics Under-20 Championships at Jerusalem’s Givat Ram Stadium. Although Israel didn’t win any medals, the prestigious event attracted almost 2,000 athletes and officials from 48 countries.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-
https://worldathletics.org/
European U20 basketball runners up. Israel’s Under-20 national basketball team took the silver medal in the finals of the European Championship in Greece. The team lost to France 89-79 in overtime, having beaten Germany in the quarterfinals and overwhelmed Belgium 67-46 in the semifinals.
https://www.jns.org/jewish-
Judoka gold. (TY Hazel) Israeli judokas won gold, silver & bronze medals at the Hungarian Masters 2023 championship in Budapest. Inbar Lanir won a gold medal in the women’s up to 78-kilo category. Peter Paltchik won the silver in the men’s up to 100kg and Kerem Primo won the bronze in the women’s up to 52kg.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Women windsurfing world 1-2. (TY UWI) Israeli windsurfer Shahar Tibi won gold in the women’s iQFoil category at the Allianz Sailing World Championships in The Netherlands. It was Israel’s first world title at the sailing contest in a decade. Israel’s Katy Spychakov won the silver medal, with two other Israelis in the top 10.
https://www.israel21c.org/
THE JEWISH STATE
See Israel’s ancient ritual baths. Hundreds of ritual baths (Mikvaot) have been uncovered in the land of Israel, in the desert, in the Galilee, under Jerusalem houses, at construction sites, and ancient towns. The vast majority date back over 2,000 years to the Second Temple period, with at least 50 found adjacent to the Temple Mount.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Beyond the headlines. Two articles. The first, an interview with one of United Hatzalah’s Arab volunteer medics, and the second with the Druze Head of Ziv Medical Center in Safed, highlight some of the key factors of what’s good and unique about the Jewish State.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/
A message for Rosh Hashana. (TY UWI) This video features Yossi’s amazing journey from convict to IDF Officer. An inspiration for the period leading up to the Days of Repentance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
A fox on Temple Mount. During the recent fast of 9th Av a fox was seen in the ruins of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In the Babylonian Talmud (Tractate Makkot 24b), Rabbi Akiva laughed at seeing a fox in the ruins of the Temple. He said it fulfilled a negative prophecy and meant a positive one will also come true.
https://worldisraelnews.com/
https://www.jpost.com/israel-
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Unlike Biden's vacationing, Buddy's is busy and chock full of visits etc.
Buddy Cater meets with constituents and does a great job of staying accessible. He has always been responsive and I am not one of his major donors.
+++
PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
This was a sad week for America. Regardless of your political ideology, we can all agree that the arrest of a former president is not something to celebrate. It’s understandable if you’re feeling frustrated with the state of our country right now – from a suffering economy to a weaponized justice system, the cards can feel like they’re stacked against hardworking Americans.
Fortunately, I had a unique opportunity this week that reminded me just how lucky we are to live here in this country, and I wanted to share that with you all.
On Friday, I spoke at a naturalization ceremony in Brunswick, where I addressed individuals about to take the oath of citizenship. This was the first post-pandemic naturalization ceremony held in this area, so it was a particularly special experience
The people I spoke with came from all walks of life, but they all had one thing in common: they worked hard and sacrificed to be able to call themselves a citizen of the freest nation on earth. America is the land of opportunity, and these newly naturalized citizens were willing to do whatever it took to achieve the American Dream for themselves and their family.
Truly, is there anything more American than that?
You’ve heard me say it before, and you’ll probably hear me say it again, but I was born and raised right here in Georgia’s First District. It’s where I’ve lived all my life, where I intend to live the rest of my life, and it is an honor to represent my home in Congress. I didn’t come from a wealthy or connected family. My grandfather was a sharecropper. He didn’t own the land, he worked the land. My father worked shift work in a paper mill. He worked hard. He provided for my sister and I, for our family. Because of their excellent example, I learned from a young age that hard work creates opportunities. That belief got me through college, through starting up a small business, and through the many public offices I would go on to hold.
In no other country, in no other place in the world, is a story like mine possible. And the best part is that my story is not unique. Seemingly every day, I hear stories about people who overcame great odds, far greater than mine, to achieve something amazing. That’s the promise of America and that promise is alive and well today.
I am so proud to be an American and so proud of the dozens of men and women who put their hand over the hearts this week and, for the very first time, pledged their allegiance to the United States of America.
Welcome home.
Naturalization
Carter speaks at naturalization ceremony in Brunswick
BUDDY'S BRIEFING
In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we're talking about a bill I introduced that will improve the passport application process.
Buddy'sBriefingw/PlayButton
FROM THE FIRST DISTRICT CDXXIII
Monday, August 21, 2023: I’m at Factors Walk in downtown Savannah this morning as I visit the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center for an update on the great work they are doing in our district providing tools, training, and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed.
Staying in the downtown area, I head to the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce (COC) where I meet with staff including new President/CEO Bert Brantley and VP of Govt. Affairs, Jared Downs. The Savannah Area COC does a great job representing the interests of the business community and providing leadership and advocacy in the Coastal Region.
Afterwards, I head to the Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island where I participate in a destination conference power hour roundtable sponsored by the U.S. Travel Association’s Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) that is meeting in Savannah this week. During the roundtable discussion, I am able to share news from Washington, D.C. and hear the concerns and challenges from travel experts such as Visit Savannah President Joe Marinelli, Savannah Tourism Leadership Council CEO Michael Owens, and other destination marketing professionals from across the nation.
Next, I head to Ft. Stewart in Liberty County where I meet with Commanding General (CG) Christopher Norrie and other leadership for a briefing and tour of this great military facility that is home to the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) and is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River, covering 280,000 acres.
After a great visit that includes the briefing and a tour of the barracks and living facilities, I head home to Pooler where I have a virtual call with the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) executive committee as I review health care legislation currently being considered in Washington.
Monday
Carter meets with troops at Ft. Stewart
Tuesday, August 22, 2023: I’m live on the radio this morning on the Steve Gruber show as we discuss former President Trump's indictment in Atlanta as well as the horrendous impact Bidenomics is having on our economy.
Next, I head to Effingham Hospital in Springfield where I have a virtual call with Augusta University President Brooks Keel and staff as they bring me up to date on the exciting expansion that is taking place with the medical school, including starting a new program on the Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University in Savannah.
Afterwards, I head to the most impressive Effingham Pediatrics Center near the hospital where I meet with Effingham Health System President and CEO Dr. Fran Witt and members of her leadership team for a tour and introduction of the staff, including Dr. Bailey Alford who heads up the center.
Staying in Springfield, I head to the Effingham County Sheriff’s office where I meet with my good friend, Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, who has served this community as Sheriff since 2002. After a great visit, I head to Rincon where I meet with Effingham County Commission Chairman Wesley Corbitt, and Commissioners Jamie Deloach and Phil Kieffer, as they bring me up to date on plans for this fast-growing community.
Next, I head to Pooler where I visit my good friend Cal Patel at one of his hotels in the area, the Courtyard by Marriott. Cal is a member of the Asian American Hotel Owners of America (AAHOA), the largest hotel owners' association in the nation. Over 60 percent of the hotels in the U.S. are owned by the nearly 20,000 AAHOA members who are responsible for 1.7 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
After heading to our Savannah district office where I record a video for GABCON, the annual event for the Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB), I head to the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club (FCBGC) on Charlton St. in Savannah. The FCBGC is run by my good friend and fellow Sunday school class member, Mark Lindsay, who along with Senior Unit Director Karen Thompson and their fine staff are providing young people with programs and resources that change lives and help local kids and teens thrive.
Tuesday
Carter with Effingham County Sheriff
Wednesday, August 23, 2023: As I’m traveling down to Brunswick in Glynn County this morning, I have a conference call with a developer in the district to discuss the need for affordable housing in our area. Once in Brunswick, I meet with former Georgia State Representative Virginia Ramsey who, at the spry age of 95, still follows politics. Along with some of her neighbors at Peppertree Crossing, she shares with me their feelings regarding student loan repayment.
Next, I remain in Brunswick and head to the Coastal Republican Women meeting where I am honored to address the group along with Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones.
Afterwards, I head to Jacksonville and, during the drive, I have a recorded virtual interview with One America News (OAN) to discuss the Atlanta indictment of former President Donald Trump. Once in Jacksonville, I have a taped interview with Kent Justice at WJXT as we discuss the Atlanta Trump indictment as well as legislation I have introduced regarding passports and right whales
Afterwards, I head to Darien in McIntosh County where I join Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Speaker of the House Jon Burns and community supporters for a reception honoring State Senator Mike Hodges and State Representative Buddy Deloach.
Wednesday
Carter meets with residents of Peppertree Crossing
Thursday, August 24, 2023: I’m delighted to be able to join the Band of Brothers (BOB) lunch today in Brunswick as we hear from our leader, Rev. Kenny Grant. We have two BOB meetings in the Savannah area and are trying to expand to Brunswick.
Once back home in Pooler, I have a phone interview with WTOC-TV in Savannah to discuss the Atlanta Trump indictment. Then, I head downtown to the Savannah Area COC where First Tee Savannah announces that one of their volunteer coaches, Ariel Brown, has been awarded the First Tee National Teacher of the Year Award for dedicated service to education and golf.
Next, I head to our Savannah district office where I film two more Tech Talk videos before heading to Skidaway Island where I join friends in honoring a true jewel in our community, Marolyn Overton, the founder and outgoing President of Ladies on the Right (LOTR).
Later in the evening, I have a taped virtual interview with WJCL-TV in Savannah as we discuss the Atlanta Trump indictment.
Thursday
Carter congratulates First Tee National Teacher of the Year
Friday, August 25, 2023: I’m up early and on the way to Waycross in Ware County this morning and, during the drive, I have a radio interview with my good friend Scott Ryfun, as we discuss news of the day.
Once in Waycross, I join in a ceremony naming a traffic intersection on Hwy 84 in honor of Col. Frank Norton, Jr., a great husband, father, and citizen. Col. Norton served in Vietnam, West Germany, and South Korea, and is the father of our Washington legislative correspondent, Lee Norton.
Afterwards, I head to St. Simons Island in Glynn County where I meet with Dave Snyder, owner of Tramici Restaurant to discuss proposed NOAA rules regarding right whales and red snapper. Next, I head to the federal courthouse in downtown Brunswick where I have the honor of joining Judge Lisa Godbey Wood in a naturalization ceremony where we welcome 36 new American citizens from 16 foreign countries as they receive their certificates of citizenship. I have the honor of speaking at many ceremonies and, while all are important and meaningful, this is one of the most important and meaningful of all.
Afterwards, I head back to Savannah to Hutchinson Island where the Savannah Pilots Association have the christening ceremony for their two new 64-foot aluminum pilot boats.
Next, I head to Richmond Hill in Bryan County where I perform the coin toss for the Ware County-Richmond Hill football game. Afterwards, I head back to downtown Savannah where I speak to the Conservative Policy Leadership Institute (CPLI) and share with them news from Washington, D.C.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
No comments:
Post a Comment