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Israel - Light onto Nations endorses various Canadian media-watch organizations, such as: CLIC - Canadian Light on Israel Coverage, Honest Reporting (www.honestreporting.ca) and The Media Action Group (info@mediaactiongroup.com).

Did You Know?

Israel engineers are behind the development of the largest communications router in the world, launched by Cisco.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

PM Netanyahu's Greetings for Rosh Hashana 5772

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Prime Minister Netanyahu wished the world Shana Tova saying the true place under the sun for Jews is the Land of Israel.


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PM Netanyahu's Greetings for Rosh Hashana 5772

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu took the opportunity of his annual Rosh Hashanah greeting to address Israel's identity as a Jewish state - and moribund talks with Palestinian Authority officials in Ramallah.

Noting his office had received an overwhelming flood of prayers and well-wishes for peace in the coming year, Netanyahu said peace was dependent on Israel's strength and understanding its essential character as a Jewish state.

"For there to be peace Israel has to be strong," Netanyahu said. "People make peace with the strong. They don't make peace with the weak. They push the weak aside."

"For that peace to take shape the Palestinians have to finally recognize what you all recognize, that Israel is the Jewish state... that the Jewish people after all their travails, after all their agonized odysseys through ought the centuries, deserve their one and only true place under the sun - in the Land of Israel," Netanyahu explained.

Netanyahyu said he believed the outcome of future talks would hinge on officials in Ramallah being able to accept Israel's fundamental character, "fairness, and the truth, and the common sense that must accompany peace - the Palestinians finally have to do what they have refused to do throughout the decades - recognize the one and only Jewish state,

"And if they do, I think we'll have a very, very good year," Netanyahu said. "Shana Tova to all of you."

Stay updated with the PM's twitter, facebook and flickr
twitter- http://twitter.com/IsraeliPM
facebook- http://www.facebook.com/IsraeliPM
flickr- http://www.flickr.com/photos/israelipm

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Israeli musician amazes judges on Dutch musical reality show – A MUST SEE!!

‘In one and a half minutes you’ve outdone every performance I’ve ever been to… Leave everything and get into the music industry,’ says one ‘The Voice’ judge to singer and pianist Guy Barzily.

 

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First Updated Sufa III Jeep Delivered to IDF

An updated Sufa jeep will make IDF patrols and urban welfare easier and more efficient.
Sufa
Sufa
The IDF on Tuesday accepted delivery of the first of 500 Sufa 3 jeeps, an update of the jeep that has been in use by the Israeli army and security forces since 2006.

The light armored vehicle was designed jointly by the IDF, Chrysler, and Automotive Industries Limited (AIL) of Nazareth, and was produced by AIL. The Sufa is based on the U.S. made Jeep Wrangler, with significant changes and improvements to ensure that it can be used in patrol and urban warfare situations.

The Sufa was designed as a patrol and urban warfare vehicle, and has a narrower frame, enabling it to traverse narrow alleys in cities. When armed with a 105 mm M40 recoilless rifle, the vehicle is uniquely capable of firing directly over its blast guard equipped hood rather than in the perpendicular position required by most other vehicles. Improvements in the Sufa 3 include upgraded communications and electrical systems, a special system to keep water and sand out of the engine, night vision equipment, and other systems designed by the IDF. The Sufa 3 Can travel up to 130 kilometers per hour, carrying a driver and four passengers.

The IDF announced Tuesday that it was ready to begin accepting delivery of the jeeps after having completed a series of tests and challenges that the jeep had passed. The IDF will be receiving 500 of the vehicles over the next five years, at a cost of NIS 40 million.

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The AIL Storm (Hebrew: סופה‎, Sufa) is an Israeli manufactured off-road vehicle and the workhorse of the Israeli Security Forces. The series of Jeep Wrangler based vehicles have been produced by Automotive Industries Ltd. in Upper Nazareth under licence from Chrysler since 1990. The vehicles fill a number of military roles, including that of armoured Infantry Mobility Vehicle, and certain models are available for export as well as for the civilian market.

Production of an updated four-door second generation model commenced in 2006 despite some mixed messages from the Storm's primary customer, the Israel Defence Forces. Development of a third generation vehicle based on the new Jeep Wrangler JK has been completed and significant production for both Israeli and foreign customers is under way.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIL_Storm

Art Brings Color and Life to the Machane Yehuda Market

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Mahane Yehuda Market (Hebrew: שוק מחנה יהודה‎, Shuk Mahane Yehuda), often referred to as "The Shuk", is an outdoor marketplace in Jerusalem, Israel. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the market's more than 250 vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables; baked goods; fish, meat and cheeses; nuts, seeds, and spices; wines and liquors; clothing and shoes; housewares, textiles, and Judaica.


In and around the market are falafel and shawarma stands, juice bars, cafes, and meat restaurants. The color and bustle of the marketplace is accentuated by vendors who call out their prices to passersby. On Thursdays and Fridays, the marketplace is abuzz with shoppers stocking up for Shabbat.

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Mahane Yehuda market is bounded by Jaffa Road to the north, Agrippas Street to the south, Beit Yaakov Street to the west, and Kiach Street to the east.The market itself has two major streets: Eitz Chaim Street (the covered market) and Mahane Yehuda Street (the open-air market). Bisecting these two streets are smaller streets named for fruits and nuts: Afarsek (Peach) Street, Agas (Pear) Street, Egoz (Walnut) Street, Shaked (Almond) Street, Shezif (Plum) Street, Tapuach (Apple) Street, and Tut (Berry) Street.

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Israeli Olympians in perfect synch

It's a challenging sport, but Israel's synchronized swimming duo is gearing up for the 2012 London Games.

Israeli synchronized swimmers
From left, Israeli synchronized swimmers Evgenia Tetelbaum (alternate), Anastasia Gloushkov and Inna Yoffe, with coach Tatiana Tsym, at the 14th FINA World Championships in Shanghai, July 2011.
 
They may look like identical aquatic twins as they glide gracefully through the water in perfect synchrony, but Israeli Olympians Anastasia Gloushkov, 26, and Inna Yoffe, 23, admit that synchronized swimming is a tough sport.

"Synchronized swimming looks glamorous, but there are many hours of stress, sweat and worrying behind it," admits Gloushkov, who with her partner Yoffe has just qualified for their third Olympic Games in the sport.

"In a sports career, I think every athlete feels some point of breakdown -- a crossroads when he or she must decide whether to go on and reach new goals -- and I've had those points, more than once," Gloushkov confides.

Now those doubts are behind her, however, after she and Yoffe, coached by Gloushkov's mother, Tatiana Tsym, made the cut for the Israeli Olympic delegation at the 14th FINA World Championships in Shanghai in July. They will represent Israel at the 2012 Olympics in London.

"The feeling you get after an achievement is so great and it matures you," says Yoffe. "You just want to do better next time."

Gloushkov and Yoffe both have roots in Russia. Gloushkov is the child of two accomplished Moscow swimmers. When she was six, her parents got a job teaching at a water sports club in Soliniki, Greece, and three years later moved to Jerusalem. Their young daughter was already spending lots of time in the pool.

Similar skills and physiques 

"What interested me more than swimming was the dancing and the makeup -- the things that are attractive to a girl," says Gloushkov. "That has stuck with me until now."

Yoffe moved to Israel from St. Petersburg when she was four. "I started swimming at age nine through a school program, and that is how I met Tatiana [Tsym]," says Yoffe, who is a lifeguard at the Jerusalem Ramada hotel and lives in the capital with her mother.

When Yoffe was old enough to compete on the senior level, Tsym paired her with her own daughter. The two had similar skills and physiques, particularly their legs, which are a central focal point of synchronized swimming routines.

Tsym coached them for the 2003 world championship in Barcelona that provided their ticket to the Athens Olympics in 2004. Afterward they parted ways for a time but were back together for the Beijing Games in 2008 and have remained a duo.

Anastasia Gloushkov
Anastasia Gloushkov.
 
Gloushkov and her fiancé, who works in high-tech, are raising his seven-year-old son in the Jerusalem suburb of Moshav Shoresh. She is studying toward a bachelor's in social sciences and human resources at Achva College of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and dreams of a career outside the water.

"After I finish my third Olympics, my wish is to take all this experience from sports and propel it to somewhere it would be useful," she says. "Perhaps I could be some sort of adviser in how to deal with stress and set goals and achieve them."

Yoffe also sees London as her final hurrah as a competitive swimmer. "I want to start university and study biology, so it would be hard to continue," she says.

An unlikely sport in Israel 

Being a synchronized swimmer in Israel is a challenge in itself. Their typical training day at a Jerusalem neighborhood community center encompasses 90 minutes in the gym and three hours in the pool. It was tough finding a place willing to give them exclusive use of the pool on a regular basis, and this pool isn't even regulation size.

"In Russia and Spain and the US, [synchronized swimmers] get all the hours in the pool they need, while we only have a half-Olympic pool for a certain amount of time," says Yoffe. Israel has a few full-size pools elsewhere, but given a chronic water shortage, most are smaller.

"Being an athlete in a kind of sport that is really about water, in a country where we have a problem with water, is pretty funny," adds Gloushkov. "When I see that I represent Israel in this specific sport, it makes me proud of what I put into it, and I am thankful for the Olympic Committee seeing the potential here."

She doesn't think most soccer-addicted Israelis know what to make of synchronized swimming. "To a non-professional eye, it's difficult to understand the difference between opponents. It's a beautiful sport to watch, but it's less interesting than a match of tennis or football, where you can really understand who is against whom. Here you are looking at routines and scores, and it's much more like ballet than athletics."
Nevertheless, both Gloushkov and Yoffe say they love their country and are proud to represent it through their chosen sport.

"We have a chance to show a nicer part of Israel -- more cultural, happier, more cheerful," says Gloushkov. "When the world sees all the problems Israel has, I can show it from a different point of view, and that makes me feel like an ambassador of good will."

Before training for the 2012 London Games, Yoffe and Gloushkov aim to have a bit of a breather for a few months. Yoffe will concentrate on matriculation exams so she can enter college after the Olympics. Gloushkov will plan her wedding, scheduled for 11/11/11.

"We are giving our muscles some rest," says Gloushkov, but there's certainly no possibility of atrophy. The lighter schedule includes several European competitions and an international qualifying open.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Rosh Hashanah Rock Anthem

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Rosh Hashanah, http://www.aish.com/newyear, - Get ready for the New Year and Jewish High Holidays with this video.
To see the lyrics click on the CC for closed captioning.

For more visit: http://aish.com/newyear
For revamped High Holiday services, visit http://nomembershiprequired.com.

Rosh Hashana Rock Anthem is a parody of Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO.

Song Lyrics:
Synagogue, Rabbi's talk, going on for a while, can you check the clock, huh
Cantor's opera, lost my spot, do you know the place, choir in the slot
Wine we drink, with family now, good deeds you do, good for your soul
Fish head, ram's horn, shofar blow, give some money, appeal for dough

Yo, I'm returnin' to the fold can you explain mo'
Got this desire to know Torah scroll, say hello
Our prayers rock, yeah, we're the Jews and we question
Got the pride, just cant stop, our lives are changin'
Rosh Hashanah's in the house tonight

All the world is passing through the light
Let's all get written in the book of Life
Shana Tova -- It's High Holiday time

Taking stock is what we do tonight
Shana Tova -- it's High Holiday time
Let's all get written in the book of Life
Blow the shofar and -- Shuckle!

Three times a day I'm shucklin'
shucklin', shucklin'

Shofar blast, all across the world we will do this task
Apples and honey, feelin' glad -- now stop, never get mad

Fill the Kiddush cup, my friends around
Books are opened up, the challah's round
All our history, we see it now
Now please hear our plea, we're prayin' now

Stand up, sit down, pass the prayer books around
Stand up, sit down, pass the prayer books around
Stand up, sit down, pass the prayer books around
Pass the prayer books around, pass the prayer books around

Rosh Hashanah's in the house tonight
All the world is passing through the light
Let's all get written in the book of Life
Shana Tova -- it's High Holiday time

Taking stock is what we do tonight
Shana Tova -- it's High Holiday time
Let's all get written in the book of Life
Blow the shofar and -- Shuckle!

Everyday I'm shucklin'

Visit Street Art Productions at http://www.s-a-p.co.il/

Top 5: Best burgers in Tel Aviv




A new column: Food enthusiasts at Taste TLV give their verdict on the best that the Tel Aviv dining scene has to offer.

TasteTLV is the ultimate culinary guide for dining in Tel Aviv.

For those hungry carnivores in Tel Aviv, finding a juicy meaty burger, kosher or non-kosher, may be easier than you think. Many burger joints around Tel Aviv offer an assortment of burgers, from lamb to beef to even vegan.

Many believe it’s the meat that makes the burger, others believe it’s the various toppings that complete the dish. Whatever you believe to make a delicious burger, you can be sure to satisfy your requirements at one the many fine burger restaurants around Tel Aviv.

Wolfnights  

If you’re craving a succulent cheese-burger, look no further than Wolfnights. Wolfnights provides the meat lovers of Tel Aviv with a variety of burgers and toppings, such as grilled onions, white cheddar, and their delicious house garlic mayonnaise. Be sure to try the “Flagship Burger,” a juicy blend of beef and lamb topped with emmental cheese and garlic mayonnaise or the “Wolfnight Special,” a tender all beef burger topped with crisp tomatoes and onions, white cheddar cheese, bacon, and the Wolfnights special sauce.

Not a huge meat lover? Wolfnights offers vegetarian options as well that are crafted using fresh ingredients. Even if you order out, you will be delighted at the freshness of the burger, since these geniuses specially pack all parts of the burger separately. Never worry about a soggy bun again.

Lilinblum 40, corner of Nahalat Binyamin, Tel Aviv.
Phone: 03-5177155

Not kosher

Meat Bar

If you’re a true meat lover, you will find that meat in Israel mostly falls short of expectations. The expectation to that theory is Meat Bar. Meat Bar ages their meat three weeks before it is served, using simple presentation to emphasize the taste of the meat itself. You won’t find any superfluous nonsense to take away attention of the meat.

The menu offers an array of high quality meat, from grilled sirloin to carefully crafted hamburgers. You can also find dishes such as bacon skewers, Carpaccio, and spare ribs. Meat Bar also serves beer from eight local brewers as well as a rich liquor menu to enjoy with your meal.

Sderot Chen 52, Tel Aviv
Phone: 03-6956276
Not kosher

La Champa

La Champa offers a traditional Spanish twist on burgers, creating special teeny weeny tapas burgers. Guy Shevach opened La Champa after being inspired by Barcelona’s culinary scene and the concept of the Ceva Bar - bringing together small mouthwatering dishes, sparkling wines, and a relaxed setting.

You can find a variety of Spanish-style tapas at La Champa, all around NIS 20. Meat is a favorite ingredient here, crafting dishes such as Choriquante, small bites of spicy sausage, and mini-burgers paired with potato croquettes. Along with perfectly crafted tapas, La Champa pairs each dish with a crisp taste of sparkling wine. You can walk in, order a bottle, take the glasses, and sip your sparkling wine near the fountain on Rothschild Boulevard.

Nahalat Binyamin 52, Tel Aviv
Ha’arbaa 16, Tel Aviv
Not kosher

Brewhouse

The Brewhouse, located on Rothschild Boulevard, houses not only a variety of meat dishes, but a selection of locally crafted beers ready to be enjoyed with each meal. The menu is full of dishes that combine good food with beer, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, buffalo wings, and other assorted pub snacks.

Make sure to indulge in their hamburger, that intricately mixes the patty with bread and seasons the dish with spices straight from your mom’s cooking. The first time I ate this burger, I couldn’t stop eating until I was so full I was literally crying. The refreshing beer is freshly produced in-house, right before your eyes.

Rothschild Blvd 11, Tel Aviv
Phone: 03-516-8666
Not kosher

Homeburger

If you can’t see through the grease and the smoke, at least you can taste the freshness of the ingredients. What you taste is 100 percent fresh rib-eye meat of some of the highest quality, which is stored in a temperature moderated cooling room. Every day by hand, the meat is ground and mixed with the secret recipe of herbs.

The buns come warm and fresh,while the veggies and toppings are crisp and flavorful. Though they do have quite a responsive delivery service, we suggest you take a trip down to enjoy the fresh, juicy burger straight off the grill.

Don’t be put off by the looks of the joint, it may not be the classiest of places, but once those cheeseburger juices are dripping down your chin you’ll forget where you are. Other popular dishes include spicy chili wings, refreshing chicken salad with mango vinaigrette, and Chicken Ciabatta.

Ibn Gvirol 137, Tel Aviv.
Phone: 057-934-5590 03-544-8282
Not kosher

Kassandra Grunewald is a co-founder of TasteTLV.com. She has been an avid foodie since she can remember making meals out of weeds and sand in the backyard for her imaginary guests. 


http://www.jpost.com/ArtsAndCulture/FoodAndWine/Article.aspx?id=238589

Dead Sea, Israel: Fashion Destination – Rimonim Hotel

DEAD SEA – FashionTV takes you on a luxurious weekend to one of the world’s magical wonders – The Dead Sea. See a weekend filled with spa and culture at the Royal Rimonin Hotel with appearances by several Israeli celebrities. 

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StandWithUs, Tzipi Livni, Netanyahu, Israel charity

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Israel reopens embassy in Ghana

After 38 years, Israel has officially reopened its embassy in Ghana, which was historically the first African state to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

Amb Sharon Bar-Li with Ghana President John Evans Atta Mills (Photo: MFA)
  


 Amb Sharon Bar-Li with Ghana President John Evans Atta Mills

After 38 years, Israel has officially reopened its embassy in Ghana. Israel's ambassador in Accra, Sharon Bar-Li, presented her credentials to Ghana's President John Evans Atta Mills, at a traditional and moving ceremony in which the name "Israel" was beaten out on "talking drums".

In her speech, Ambassador Bar-Li noted that this event marks the deepening of the historic relations between the two states. Ghana was the first African state to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, and Israel was very active in Ghana in the areas of development, training and education, and provided assistance in setting up local institutions. Ghana established itself as a preferred destination for investments in the western part of the continent and is an economic target for Israeli businesspeople. 

The decision to reopen the embassy in Ghana was made during Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman's visit to the country in September 2009, in accordance with an agreement by both states to open embassies.

This move is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' policy to strengthen and expand relations with African states and Israel's activity on the continent.

Liza Minnelli to perform in Israel

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Legendary actress, singer and performer Liza Minnelli is due to arrive in Israel as guest of the Cameri Theater this November.

Her visit is staged to coincide with the theater's production of Cabaret and she is due to give several performances.

The 65 year old singer's manager confirmed her visit after receiving a request from Israeli producer Gadi Oron.

The Cameri Theater plans to name its rehearsal hall in memory of Liza's father, the famous movie director Vincent Minnelli. Her mother was actress Judy Garland.

Liza Minnelli is a dynamic entertainer with a dramatic voice and stage presence.

She landed her greatest film role as floundering nightclub singer Sally Bowles in the 1972 musical Cabaret, and was awarded an Academy Award for best actress. The film won a total of eight awards.

Nazareth high-tech incubator provides platform for Arab startups

New Generation Technology, founded by Jewish and Arab entrepreneurs to develop ideas by Arab-Israeli scientists, utilizes the vast knowledge that the Israeli-Arab community has amassed in life sciences.
  

  
NGT CEO Nasri Said at the Biomed Conference in Tel Aviv earlier this year







NGT CEO Nasri Said at the Biomed Conference in Tel Aviv earlier this year
When it was first established back in 2002, there were many doubters who said that an Israeli high-tech incubator founded by Jewish and Arab entrepreneurs to develop ideas by Arab-Israeli scientists would never work.

Almost 10 years later, the New Generation Technology (NGT) incubator in Nazareth is not only still on its feet, but is thriving, with 20 startup companies in various stages of development. "We've succeeded in providing Arab entrepreneurs with a platform to turn their ideas into businesses and it's become known throughout the Israeli-Arab sector that such an opportunitity exists. I think that's been our biggest accomplishment," says Nizar Mishael, the chief financial officer of NGT since 2006.

Originally founded by five leading Israeli-Arab business people and Israeli-American investor Davidi Gilo, NGT under its longtime CEO Nasri Said continues to operate on a combination of private and government funding, receiving an annual budget from the Chief Scientist's Office of the Industry, Trade & Labor Ministry. The only incubator of its kind in Israel in that it's a joint Arab-Jewish venture, NGT is housed in a building on the edge of Nazareth's industrial zone, a predominantly Arab city about an hour's drive from Tel Aviv. Next door to NGT are two companies with like-minded agendas - MIT Soft, a high-tech manpower company set up to get around the obstacles facing Israeli Arabs, and Tsofen, a non-profit organization that prepares Arab science graduates for the job market.

"The founders realized that in the 1990s, there was great potential for the Arab sector in the way of entrepreneurship," says Mishael. "But the problem was, until NGT, only one or two high-tech companies had been established by Arabs. They understood that there was a need for a company to nurture the Arab entrepreneur - and to also provide opportunities for Arab doctors, PhDs and lab workers."

A pure true partnership

[The following quotes were taken from a previous interview.]

Davidi Gilo, a successful Israeli businessman who has initiated many projects aimed at coexistence between Jews and Arabs in Israel, says the idea behind NGT was one of full Jewish-Arab partnership.

"There are many Israeli initiatives that open factories and do different things with Arabs - but basically the Jews are the employers and the Arabs the employees," says Gilo. "NGT is the only project in Israel that is a pure true partnership between Jewish and Arab businessmen in Israel. We're all board members, and we've all invested the same amount of money."
 
NGT's location in the Galilee, where more than half the population is Arab, enables NGT to utilize the vast knowledge that the community has amassed in life sciences - a talent pool that includes approximately 700 PhDs, 3,000 MDs and about 700 Israeli Arabs working in the pharmacology and pharmaceutical fields.

"Most of our companies are based on medical devices and biomed products," says Mishael. "And that's not by coincidence. The Arab sector in Israel is known to have a huge potential in the fields of medicine and biomed. And even more, the companies that we're founding are developing products and devices that are going to help that same population by stimulating the economy and creating jobs."

After nearly 10 years in existence, NGT can boast some impressive numbers. Twenty-one companies have been established, with 10 of them graduating the incubator period to stand on their own, and five companies raising more than $8 million. Even more impressive is that eight of the companies have been established in the last 15 months, indicating that NGT is on the upswing. Amid a flurry of activity, Mishael still sees many challenges facing the incubator as it readies to enter its second decade.

"There are two ways to measure our success - one is if we're bringing in money to the company and the second is if we're succeeding in establishing Arab entrepreneurs and raising awareness of careers in the Arab sector," he says.

"In the first goal, we haven't succeeded yet but we're optimistic. Most biomed and pharma sector companies take on the average of eight to 10 years to establish themselves. And because we didn't often have the funds to support these companies, they had to raise the funds themselves, which caused further delays. Regarding the second vision, we've been a great success - establishing companies, developing entrepreneurs including women. Some of our companies have succeeded in raising money and in this way, we've become the leaders in the Arab high-tech sector."

According to Mishael, NGT's success has prompted many young Arabs to enter the scientific fields, and the company regularly takes part in the Young Entrepreneurs program, an Israeli version of Junior Achievement. "We're helping to create the new generation of Arab entrepreneurs," he says.

No less important, though, is NGT's role in developing a model for coexistence and cooperation between Jews and Arabs in Israel. "I don't want to say that we're singlehandedly making peace, but at all of our companies, there are Arabs working next to Jews and it's a very good atmosphere," says Mishael. "I think that probably many of the Jews had never worked with Arabs before, but they all give 100 percent to each other and we're managing to bridge the gap between Arabs and Jews in Israel."

So what do the next 10 years look like? Mishael is intent on raising more funds, establishing more companies and building NGT to the level whereby it can support a wide portfolio of companies and give them the stepping stones to success. "And ultimately, we'd like to give the Arab entrepreneur in Israel a chance to see some money from his idea - and be able to reinvest it into the community. That's our basic goal and hope for the future."

Based on its track record so far, NGT is on the right path to achieve that vision.

* * *
Fluorinex Active

One of NGT's big success stories brings a smile to everyone's mouths. That's because the product developed by Fluorinex and its founder Kamal Khwald whitens teeth. Khwald, from a small village near Nazareth, holds an MSc in applied chemistry from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and is a specialist in electrochemical reaction and metal electroplating. Previous to founding Fluorinex Active, he was owner and CEO of a metal finishing company. He established Fluorinex Active at NGT in 2004. Following its two-year incubator phase, the company signed a long-term strategic alliance with Syneron, that enabled it conduct clinical trials, file patents and sign worldwide distribution deals for a number of products based on the tooth-whitening patents.

Metallo Therapy

Metallo Therapy is a relatively recent addition to NGT's portfolio, but one of its prime movers. It was founded in 2009 by Dr. Amal Ayoub, a physicist from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev who is believed to be the first female life sciences Arab entrepreneur in Israel. Ayoub developed the company's DNA irradiation cancer therapy, which irradiates cancer tumors with atomic particles as a prelude to radiation therapy. According to Ayoub, the particles absorb the radiation and release it at more focused strengths in the area of the tumor. Until now, there was a problem injecting these metals into the cells, because they were unstable and were liable to be toxic when interacting with the body. Metallo Therapy's process attaches a coating to these particles that prevents them from interacting with the body, rendering the particles non-toxic.

The company recently received a $4 million investment from Arkin Holdings and its president Mori Arkin, a sign of confidence in Ayoub's therapy. "We decided to invest in Metallo Therapy because we believe it has innovative technology for treating cancer, excellent basic science, and management with the necessary skills. We also believe that the Arab community has much talent in the life sciences, and that investments of this kind will help promote Jewish-Arab cooperation in various fields," Arkin Holdings pharma division director Pini Orbach told Globes in May upon the announcement of the investment.

Currently, small animal trials are being conducted, with a long road ahead before the innovation developed by Ayoub is eventually employed on human patients.

Nutrinia

One of first companies founded by NGT is still one of its most promising. Nutrinia, established in 2003 by Prof. Naim Shehadeh , a leading researcher in the field of juvenile diabetes and head of the Pediatric Diabetes Clinic at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, is developing bioactive food supplements for infant formulas and animal feed based on a novel micro-encapsulation of insulin.

Its goal is to make infant formula closer to mother's milk, and the company is currently focused on supplementing pre-term and term infant formulas with insulin, which is present in human milk but absent from infant formulas originated made from powdered cow's milk and soy.

"We have found that insulin has a very positive effect on the entire system, and leads to rapid maturation of the intestinal enzymes. When a premature bottle-fed baby is given insulin-enhanced formula, its GI tract interacts with insulin and matures faster," Shehadeh explains, adding that the effect is local, meaning the insulin does not go into the blood and interfere with the natural sugar/insulin balance.

"We looked on the market and we did not find any baby formula with insulin," says Shehadeh. "The reason insulin is not in formula is because it is very sensitive to heat and mechanical stress, and usually destroyed in formulas. We developed a new technology to keep the insulin bioactive. We also have a usage patent."

Nutrinia has completed phase I clinical studies of InsuMeal, its trademarked first range of products consisting of pre-mixes that combine microencapsulated insulin with food-grade compounds to supplement infant formulas and bring infant formula closer to mother's milk.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Israeli gymnast wins historic medal

Neta Rivkin, 20, picks up bronze medal in hoop individual final at Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, in Montpellier, France. 'Words cannot describe my joy,' she says 

Rhythmic gymnast Neta Rivkin on Tuesday won a historic medal for Israel at the 2011 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Montpellier, France after coming in third in the hoop individual final with 28 points.

The gold medal was won by Russian Olympic champion Evgenia Kanaeva, who scored 29.3 points. Her teammate Daria Kondakova came in second with 29.05 points.

ריבקין (מימין) עם המדליה על הפודיום (צילום: EPA)
Rivkin (R) with her medal on the podium

In addition to her bronze medal, Rivkin ranked seventh in the ball final with 27.375 points.

"There are no words to describe what I'm feeling now," Rivkin said after the medal ceremony. Words cannot describe my joy. I just want to remain focused in order to continue representing the country with dignity and taking the first significant step – the criterion for the London Olympic Games."


Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat congratulated the new medalist, saying that "Neta Rivkin's accomplishment is huge. In spite of her young age, Neta is one of the most important ambassadors of Israeli sports thanks to her persistence and excellence.

"I congratulate her for becoming Israel's greatest rhythmic gymnast after winning the first-ever medal in the world championship."

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4125411,00.html
 

For Fashion Week, a Shalom and a Salaam




On a makeshift runway in NYC, ancient Middle Eastern cultures combine into a singular, modern aesthetic. This is inSHALLOm, a project by fashion designers threeASFOUR meant to link Jewish and Arab aesthetics to demonstrate how the visual world binds these cultures to one another. Earlier today, threeASFOUR launched their Spring Summer 2012 collection as a part of New York’s Fashion Week. A big part of their new collection is the inSHALLOm project, which is a series of partnerships to bring both Arab and Jewish communities together through artistic collaboration. Both peoples are of course, intrinsically linked through shared cultural heritage in the Middle East, as both are born out of the Abrahamic faith and are cousins both linguistically and culturally.



threeASFOUR is working with local artisans and manufacturers to create a contemporary, affordable line of fashion and accessories influenced by both Middle East cultures. The goal is for the products to reflect their shared background, with elements of each culture molded into a  single representation of what the two peoples have in common.



More than just a series of hybrid designs for the fashion industry, threeASFOUR hopes that this will spark a new beginning of cross-cultural exchange. A quick look at the backgrounds of the designers and you can see that threeASFOUR  embraces diversity as it stems from their very origins. Adi Gil was born and raised in Israel; Gabi Asfour is of Palestinian descent born and raised in Beirut and Angela Donhauser is of Russian and German descent, born in Tajikistan and later raised in Germany. Fusion is a central tenet behind the work of threeASFOUR, and through design, they seek to create unity. More than just unity of form and function, any time you have three people in a room, as the saying goes, you get four opinions. But having designed together for over a decade, Adi, Gabi and Angela are able to reflect off the same sense of unity they seek to find in their work.

Coming up for the inSHALLOm project in November 2011 is a huge opening event at Tel Aviv’s Beit Ha’ir museum, complete with music, photography, architecture and more to, as threeASFOUR put it “promote cultural understanding through aesthetic unity.”



Yoko Ono who is going to contribute to the Beit Ha’ir Tel Aviv show, was in attendance today, along with her son, Sean Lennon (pictured above).

We’ll have more for you ahead of the Beit Ha’ir exhibit, so stay tuned!

"I'm a Palestinian Protesting in Support of Israel"

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Political pit bull Baird bares teeth in offering Canada's defence of Israel at UN

John Baird, Foreign Minister of Canada addresses the General Assembly during the 66th U.N. General Assembly at UN Headquarters Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. (AP Photo/David Karp)
John Baird, Foreign Minister of Canada addresses the General Assembly during the 66th U.N. General Assembly at UN Headquarters Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. 

Canada used its United Nations speaking slot Monday to lambaste opponents of Israel as no better than the appeasers who allowed fascism and communism to flourish before the Second World War.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird delivered Canada's views to the General Assembly in a speech that put meat on the bones of the Harper government's unflinching support of Israel.

"Just as fascism and communism were the great struggles of previous generations, terrorism is the great struggle of ours. And far too often, the Jewish state is on the front line of our struggle and its people the victims of terror," says a prepared text of Baird's remarks.

"Canada will not accept or stay silent while the Jewish state is attacked for defending its territory and its citizens. The Second World War taught us all the tragic price of 'going along' just to 'get along.'"

Baird made no direct mention of the Holocaust in which six million Jews died at the hands of Nazi Germany. But he evoked the era when he quoted Winston Churchill as saying "an appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last."

Baird reiterated Canada's opposition to the recent Palestinian bid to secure UN recognition as a state.

The UN Security Council became seized with the matter on Monday for the first time after Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas delivered his own forceful speech advocating the move.

"We supported the aspirations of those peoples who sought for themselves and their countries brighter futures during the Arab Spring that just passed," said Baird.

"But we will not go along with the unilateral actions of the Palestinian Authority."

Baird repeated Canada's call for a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and Palestinians.

The no-holds-barred address also took aim at the UN itself, for allowing despotic regimes to hold memberships on, or occupy the chair of, major committees.

"The greatest enemies of the United Nations are not those who publicly repudiate its actions," said Baird.
"The greatest enemies of the United Nations are those who quietly undermine its principles and, even worse, by those who sit idly, watching its slow decline."

Baird backed that argument by citing North Korea's recent rotating presidency of the UN conference on disarmament, which Canada boycotted, along with Iran's vice-presidency of the General Assembly and its seat on the commission on population and development.

Baird's unflinching defence of Israel was another reminder to the Jewish state that it has a friend in Canada.
Last week in New York, Prime Minister Stephen Harper affirmed his support for Israel in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

And Immigration Minister Jason Kenney told another UN gathering that Israel is being targeted by a "new anti-Semitism" that is "now disguised as anti-American, anti-Western and anti-Israel, but it ultimately espouses the same old hatred and intent."

Baird said Canada would not "go along with appeasement of the former (Moammar) Gadhafi regime" in Libya. And it has imposed tough new sanctions on Syria because it cannot "go along" with the Assad regimes killing of its own civilians.

Baird also took aim at the UN for past resolutions that have criticized Israel, votes that Canada has boycotted in the Harper era.

"Canada will not go along with a double standard that castigates some UN members for alleged failings while ignoring the notorious abuses of others," said Baird.

He said the Harper government plans to follow through with its election promise to create an office of religious freedom within the Foreign Affairs Department in Ottawa.

He said Canada will not "go along or look the other way when a minority is denied its human rights or fundamental freedoms."

As examples of persecuted religious groups, Baird cited Christians in China, Egypt and Iraq, as well as Buddhists and Muslims in Burma.

He added: "Gays and lesbians threatened with criminalization of their sexuality in Uganda. And other minorities subjected to persecution, oppression or violence."

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/political-pit-bull-baird-bares-teeth-in-offering-canadas-defence-of-israel-at-un-130596773.html

Israeli actress to play Superman's mother

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Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer has been chosen to play the role of Superman's mother in the "Man of Steel" a prequel to the Superman series.

Zurer will play alongside Russel Crowe in the new Hollywood movie, due to hit the theaters in 2013.

The role marks another Hollywood victory for the Israeli actress, who had in the past starred in the movie "Angels and Demons" with Tom Hanks, as well as Steven Spielberg's "Munich."

Crowe is portraying Superman's Kryptonian father, Jor-El. Superman is being played by the British actor Henry Cavill.

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Ayelet Zurer (Hebrew: איילת זורר‎; born 28 June 1969) is an Israeli actress, perhaps best known for her roles in Nina’s Tragedies, Adam Resurrected, Munich, and Angels & Demons.

Zurer, who has appeared in many Israeli films and television series, is one of the most acclaimed Israeli actresses of her day. She was nominated for awards at the Jerusalem Film Festival, the Israeli Academy Awards and the Israeli Television Academy Awards. She won Best Actress awards for her roles in the Israeli film Nina’s Tragedies and Betipul, an Israeli drama series which was adapted into the award winning HBO series, In Treatment. Aside from Betipul, her past television roles include Israeli series Inyan Shel Zman, Florentin, Zinzana, Hadar Milhama and others.

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Early Life

Zurer was born and raised in Tel Aviv. Her father was a government worker and her mother spent World War II hiding in a convent in Czechoslovakia. After the war, Zurer's mother was reunited with her parents, former sawyers who survived the war by hiding. The family relocated to Tel Aviv, where Zurer was born and raised.



After finishing her military service, she moved to New York, where she developed her acting skills.


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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayelet_Zurer

Beautiful Israeli Jewelry that Supports 'United with Israel'


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Our Mission

United with Israel is a global grassroots movement, founded by Jewish families deeply committed to the success and prosperity of Israel. Through sharing biblical, historical and political perspectives, we seek to strengthen the deeply rooted connection between the People and the Land of Israel.

We are an independent organization that welcomes members from all around the world. Our primary mission is to promote World Unity with Israel by empowering millions of people to spread the truth about Israel. We need YOUR support to expand our global network of Israel activists. Donate Here

Welcome to Israel's World Community!


Monday, September 26, 2011

Debunking the Palestine Lie

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Learn more here: http://tinyurl.com/3lmo7ce

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has launched an international campaign to achieve recognition by the United Nations for an independent Palestinian state. Abbas and his international supporters claim that only Israel (with the United States) stands in the way of this act of historical justice, which would finally bring about peace in the Middle East.

This video debunks the Palestinians' claim and shows that Abbas has been lying about the origins and history of the conflict. Palestinian leaders have rejected partition plans that would have given them much more land for their independent state than the Jews were offered for theirs. Rather than being the innocent victims of a "dispossession" at the hands of the Israelis, the Palestinians rejected reasonable compromises and instead pursued their aim of getting rid of the only Jewish state in the world.

Learn more here: http://www.encounterbooks.com/books/a-century-of-palestinian-rejectionism-and...

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Like us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/EncounterBooks

IDF Treats Palestinian Kids with Cancer with a “Trip to the Zoo”

The IDF, as part of national effort to help Palestinian Authority cancer victims, treated children by the disease with a trip to a special day of fun last week – with trips to the zoo and the beach!

Thousands of PA Arabs receive medical treatment in Israel on a yearly basis.



Efforts to improve the emotional well-being of these patients involve taking children undergoing cancer treatment and their families out for day trips outside of the hospital. Civil Administration Health Coordinator Dalia Bassa works to ensure that patients with serious illnesses receive comprehensive treatment and care.
There are currently 180 Arab pediatric cancer patients from Judea and Samaria in Hadassah Hospital, of whom 50 have received bone-marrow transplants.

A group of PA children receiving cancer treatment at Hadassah Hospital and their families visited the Ramat Gan Safari, Jaffa beachfront and Holon bowling alley last week.

The trip was made possible thanks to a coordinated effort by the Israeli Civil Administration, the Israel Cancer Association and volunteers from the “Encouragement From Ido” charity for pediatric cancer patients in Jerusalem.

One victim, for example, Lagine Abu El Hayad of Bethlehem, underwent a successful bone marrow transplant at Hadassah Hospital. The Israeli Civil Administration made a significant financial contribution that went toward finding a bone marrow donor for Lagine, as well as her surgery, post-operation treatment and medication.

Irish dance troop Riverdance defies Israel boycott calls



Riverdance is a theatrical show consisting of traditional Irish stepdancing, notable for its rapid leg movements while body and arms are kept largely stationary. It originated as an interval performance during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, a moment that is still considered a significant watershed in Irish culture. Riverdance is, in essence, the story of the Irish culture and of the Irish immigration to America.

Check out their website


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Jason Kenney heads to New York to condemn those who condemn Israel

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Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is heading to New York to join with other pro-Israel luminaries in protesting Durban III, a UN-sponsored conference on racism Thursday that’s gained notoriety as a platform for anti-Semitism.

Mr. Kenney will join Nobel laureate Eli Wiesel and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee in speaking out against Durban III, the United Nations meeting that commemorates the anniversary of the 2001 Durban conference on racism.

The Calgary MP and 16 other speakers will headline a counter-conference Thursday called The Perils of Global Intolerance: The United Nations and Durban III. The lineup also includes John Bolton, former U.S. ambassador to the UN.

“As Prime Minister Harper has said, when Israel—the only country in the world whose very existence is under attack—is consistently and conspicuously singled out for condemnation, we are morally obligated to take a stand,” Candice Malcolm, a spokeswoman for Mr. Kenney’s office, said.

The pro-Israel gathering, which takes place as Palestinians are pushing to be recognized as a sovereign state at the United Nations, is expected to raise concerns about how international institutions such as the UN are being hijacked by countries to blame the West for their problems and de-legitimize the state of Israel.
Fourteen democracies including Canada and the United States are boycotting Durban III because of how the last two Durban forums fomented hatred of Jews and Israel.

“Canada is clearly committed to fighting against racism, however, we believe the UN’s Durban Conference, its declaration, and the non-governmental activities associated with it, provide a dangerous platform to single out and demonize Israel,” Ms. Malcolm said.

Durban III’s full UN title is the “one-day plenary event on the 10th anniversary of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance.” It takes place Thursday.

Mr. Kenney is the co-keynote speaker at The Perils of Global Intolerance conference and will also be holding a news conference to attack Durban III along with Mr. Bolton and Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz.

The last two Durban-related gatherings have seen participants vilify Israel.

At a human-rights forum that took place before the 2001 conference, participants adopted a document accusing Israel of engaging in genocide and ethnic cleansing against Palestinians. A flier circulating at the forum said; “What if Hitler had won? There would be no Israel, and no Palestinian bloodshed.”

In 2009, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad used a speech at Durban II to describe the Holocaust as a “pretext” for Jews to “render an entire nation [Palestinians] homeless.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/jason-kenney-heads-to-new-york-to-condemn-those-who-condemn-israel/article2174822/

Kenney laces into UN in wake of Durban 'hatefest'

Now-deposed Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi chaired the 2009 Durban racism conference.
 Now-deposed Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi chaired the 2009 Durban racism conference.

Canada's boycott of a controversial United Nations conference on racism reached new heights Thursday as Immigration Minister Jason Kenney marked the 10 year anniversary of the event by ripping into organizers, calling them the "world's most notorious human rights violators" whose sole objective is to attack the United States and Israel.
In an explosive speech in New York City Thursday, Kenney defended Canada's decision to boycott Durban III, which was taking place simultaneously. He further condemned what he called the "new anti-Semitism" which, he said, targets the Jewish homeland rather than the Jewish people.

His comments came as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived at the UN General Assembly in New York to seek statehood for Palestine and as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad caused yet another mass walkout during the UN meeting after he laced into his usual targets.

"I am proud to be here in New York where my country is standing against provocation, and for peace in the Middle East," Kenney said, adding the "pathological refusal" of Durban organizers to recognize their failure is baffling.
"If there's one thing the self-appointed defenders of human rights can't get enough of, it's camping out in five star hotels in New York while slinging abuse at America and its allies."

Kenney laced into UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay for expressing shock that Canada and several other western democracies would boycott the conference, while failing to "express one syllable of dismay" that the event in 2009 was led by now-deposed Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi as chairman, vice-chair Ahmadinejad and a rapporteur from Fidel Castro's Cuba.

"It's hard to imagine a better example of the upside-down word of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights," he said in a speech at the Perils of Global Intolerance conference.

"This is why our government has lost faith in the Durban process . . . We will not support an agenda that exculpates undemocratic and oppressive regimes or glosses over violence against Jews and Israel."
Co-hosted by the Hudson Institute and the Touro College Insitute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, the Perils of Global Intolerance conference coincided with the daylong Durban III celebration commemorating the 2001 adoption of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action — the international community's blueprint for fighting racism.

Canada was the first country to boycott the last UN anti-racism conference in 2009 which saw Ahmadinejad take the podium for the first time to espouse his radical ideals. Canadian representatives walked out of the first meeting in 2001 after it degenerated into an anti-Israel, anti-West "hatefest."

"The Durban declaration was long on calls for reparations and compensation, but short to the point of silence on the responsibility of corrupt regimes to institute free political, legal and commercial systems," Kenney argued.

"It's an old refrain: If anyone, anywhere is suffering, it's the liberal, democratic West that is to blame, and it's sung enthusiastically by many Western NGO's whose capacity for guilt is exceeded only by their gullibility."
Kenney said he got plenty of "flack," when Canada pulled out of the last conference, much of it from Canadian NGO's who were refused federal funding to attend. And the reason for that refusal, he said, is that they were among the same NGO's accredited to attend the first conference where "vulgar displays of Nazi imagery" and "spontaneous" anti-Semitic protests erupted.

Echoing a key highlight of his government's new foreign policy direction, first expressed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in a speech to partisans earlier this year, Kenney said Canada will no longer endorse UN processes that reward human rights abusers with representation.

"Canada will no longer make the mistake of confusing process with results, or participation with action," he said.

"Most importantly, we will not be afraid to stand on principle and defend our own interests and those of our friends."

Joint Google-Israel Dead Sea Scrolls Project Online

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First Dead Sea Scrolls Online

Five of the most important Dead Sea scrolls are now available thanks to a joint Google-Israel Museum project.

Five of the most important Dead Sea scrolls appeared on the Internet on Monday in what their custodians say will be a broader effort to make the celebrated manuscripts available to anyone who has a computer, AP reports.

The initiative, a joint project of the Israel museum and Internet giant Google, put online Monday the Great Isaiah Scroll, War Scroll, Habakkuk commentary, Temple Scroll, and scroll of Community Rule.

Web-viewers can search high-resolution images of the scrolls for specific passages, zoom in and out, and translate verses into English.

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