The Holy Land—TodayIsrael's Impact on the World
For a country with a relatively tiny population and size, Israel has rather a disproportionate impact on the world: Israeli researchers have produced advances in medicine, industry, agriculture, technology, and science that have saved lives, expanded knowledge, and broadened horizons around the world. Read more about these innovations, along with the unique role Israel plays in disasters and crisis response around the world.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Israel, known for its holy sites, its beautiful vistas, and its great Middle Eastern food, is also hard at work fighting cancer. Israel has been at the forefront of pharmacological advances, and Israeli-based pharmaceutical companies are leading the fight against diseases. Read more »
Israel's impact on the worldPharmaceutical Industry
Israel, known for its holy sites, its beautiful vistas, and its great Middle Eastern food, is also hard at work fighting cancer. Israel has been at the forefront of pharmacological advances, and Israeli-based pharmaceutical companies are leading the fight against diseases. Israeli scientists are working to pioneer new drugs and treatments, and are involved in every step of drug manufacturing, from development to clinical trials to the release of the drug.
The Sabra Pharma Giants
Quark Pharmaceuticals is a California-based pharmaceutical company with an R&D center in Israel. Quark specializes in RNA-interference based treatment. RNA interference is a cellular system which plays a crucial role in defending cells against parasites. Quark, which is partnered with Pfizer, develops treatments which stop genes from producing proteins associated with certain diseases; at Quark's state-of-the-art development center, scientists are busy conducting clinical trials to develop and modify the drugs.
One of Quark's other leading products, now finishing its clinical trials, will help patients with diabetic macular edema and age-related macular degeneration. Another treatment will help prevent kidney injury following major cardiac surgery.
Teva Pharmaceuticals is an international pharmaceutical company based in Petah-Tikvah, Israel. Teva is one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world. Teva's innovative research is currently focusing on drugs treating neurological disorders and auto-immune disease. Copaxone, developed by Teva, is the first innovative drug—in other words, a new drug chemical—to be developed in Israel and receive FDA approval. Copaxone treats patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. In August 2009, Teva announced that the FDA had approved and launched a new injection for use in treating patients with advanced colon cancer.
Preventing Epilepsy
Survivors of severe head injuries often develop epilepsy as a result of the trauma. Until now, there has been no way to prevent the epileptic episodes. But a study, conducted jointly by a US and Israeli medical team, has discovered a drug that may provide a solution. During laboratory studies, researchers found that by administering the drug after the head trauma, they were able to prevent the brain changes that lead to epilepsy. This finding could help soldiers injured in battle, as well as patients who suffer infections to the brain. Read more »
A Mystery Plan to Prevent Cancer?
An Israeli-Arab scientist has been conducting studies on an ancient, inedible plant that may be able to prevent cancer. In laboratory studies using rats, the scientist, Dr. Fuad Fares, found that giving the compound as a vitamin, preventively, enabled the rats to better fight off cancer tumors. It also dramatically improved the body's ability to decrease tumors when it was given as a medicine. Until further tests are conducted, the plant's identity remains a mystery. There is speculation, though unconfirmed, that the plant appears in the writings of Maimonides, a famous physician and Jewish scholar from the 12th century. Read more »
Treating Septic Shock
Sepsis, or its most extreme case, septic shock, is usually caused by a massive infection to the body, provoking an inflammatory response from the immune system. In short, the body's own immune system causes most of the symptoms of sepsis, leading to organ damage and possibly even organ failure. But an Israeli biotech company, Atox Bio, has developed a new peptide which could treat sepsis, rescuing patients from its effects and making them immune to future "toxin challenges." Atox Bio is currently collaborating with a Maryland-based research company to further develop and test this drug. Read more »
With thanks to www.israel21c.org, a site dedicated to spreading the word about the "other" Israel—not the Israel of suicide bombing and disputed walls, but the Israel of technological advances, innovations, and contributions to the betterment of the world.
Agriculture and Science
The arid desert regions of Israel and the scarcity of water resources have provided a challenge for centuries. Israeli scientists have been hard at work to find ways to conserve water and to utilize the vast Negev region for agricultural developments. Read more »
Israel's impact on the worldAgriculture and Science
The arid desert regions of Israel and the scarcity of water resources have provided a challenge for centuries. Israeli scientists have been hard at work to find ways to conserve water and to utilize the vast Negev region for agricultural developments.
The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs tackles the agricultural challenges of Israel, a small, arid country with a scarce supply of fresh water. As Israel enters its 7th decade, immigration is on the rise, along with water, food, and energy consumption. In addition, some of Israel's arable land is being used for housing. Israel's farmers and scientists are working to modernize, adapt, and innovate to be able to meet the needs of Israel's citizens and economy now and in the future.
Israel devotes much of its research and manpower resources to two major sectors: Water conservation and Negev development. Because fresh water is hard to come by in Israel, the agritech industry is constantly working to develop alternatives to fresh water, as well as to conserve the fresh water that exists. Israel has been at the forefront of innovations both in the use of brackish and recycled water to irrigate crops and grow feed, and in the use of drip irrigation. The Negev, which comprises a large percentage of Israel's land, is starting to be recognized as a viable, cultivatable region, and research is developing methods to grow crops, for both local use and export, in the area.Read more »
Green Giants
Drip irrigation, the irrigation system which conserves water by allowing the water to drip slowly to the plants' roots, has revolutionized modern agriculture. Although drip irrigation has been used since ancient times, the modern technology was invented by an Israeli agronomist, Simcha Blass, in the 1960's. The company founded by Blass, Netafim, is the world's largest company in the field of irrigation solutions, and drip irrigation is one of the main focuses of the company. The water technologies pioneered by Netafim are designed to increase crop yield and quality while preserving both the quantity and quality of water. Netafim is currently developing a low-pressure irrigation system for use in areas where high pressure systems cannot be used. In addition, Netafim is adding to the "greening" of Israeli technology by working to develop alternative fuel sources. Plastro Irrigation Systems, also Israeli-based, is Netafim's biggest competitor. Plastro was recently acquired by John Deere, the American agricultural machinery giant.
Blooming Business
Israel's colorful, exotic flowers should be very grateful to Israel's gray, recycled water. Israel's flower industry is booming, the success of which is very much dependent on the ability to grow summer flowers all year long, and then export those flowers to Europe, especially during the winter months. The Negev desert in Israel is particularly advantageous for flower growing because it is sunny nearly the entire year.
One agricultural advance that has made this industry a success is in the careful use of water. About 30% (the number is expected to rise) of the water used for crops is recycled sewage water that has gone through a cleansing process—the result of which is "gray water." Consequently, farmers are using far less fresh water than in the past, but obtaining an equal or even greater yield. Farmers have also cultivated strains of peppers and tomatoes that thrive in the salty water from the Dead Sea. And no drop of water is ever wasted—overspill is gathered and reused, so that fresh water sources are tapped only when absolutely necessary. Read more »
The Self-Watering Rhubarb
www.israel21c.org reports that Israeli scientists have discovered a rare plant in the Negev (southern desert) region of Israel. The desert rhubarb is essentially able to water itself. It has thick, waxy leaves that are designed in such a way that even the most miniscule amount of water finds its way promptly to the plant's roots. The leaves essentially act as a funnel for the plant, which can collect up to sixteen times more water than neighboring plants. Professor Simcha Lev-Yadun, one of the researchers, was asked if this plant could become the ultimate irrigation system for this arid country. While the professor himself said he has no plans to develop anything, he does not rule out the possibility of someone else jumping on the technology. Read more »
Desert as Farmland
Perhaps the only ones not happy about the increase in immigration to Israel are the melons. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), only 17% of Israel's land is arable, and the percentage is shrinking as more and more farmland is being used for housing. As a consequence, the desert areas of Israel between Beer Sheva and Eilat, known as the Arava and the Negev, are becoming increasingly used for agriculture. Because of the year-round warm, sunny climate in the region, crops such as citrus fruits and flowers can be grown and then exported to Europe in the winter. "Greening" the Negev is becoming a focus. At a moshav on the Egyptian border, the cattle are fed food grown with recycled water from fish tanks. Farmers and scientists are also experimenting with arid soil plants brought from other desert regions in the world.
Ohio and Israel: Partners in Agriculture
Back in the 1980's, a Cleveland CEO, and the head of the JNF (Jewish National Fund) in Ohio, decided to get together and fulfill David Ben-Gurion's goal of cultivating the Negev region. They formed the Negev Foundation, which at first was a philanthropic organization dedicated to help develop the Negev region, but soon began promoting business initiatives and sharing Israel's cutting-edge desert technology with other countries.
The new Ramat Negev Desert AgroResearch Center (RNDARC) was recently established to experiment with desert-grown crops. Among the projects funded at RNDARC are hothouses which experiment with technologies such as bee pollination and drip irrigation, and a solar greenhouse. Research continues into the use of brackish water to grow crops, a crucial development which relieves the demand placed on Israel's scarce fresh water sources.
With thanks to www.israel21c.org, a site dedicated to spreading the word about the "other" Israel—not the Israel of suicide bombing and disputed walls, but the Israel of technological advances, innovations, and contributions to the betterment of the world.
Advances in Technology
It has been said that Israel's only true natural resource, apart from Dead Sea minerals, is the ingenuity of its people. Israel has become a world leader in revolutionary high-tech innovations. Read more »
Israel's impact on the worldAdvances in Technology
It has been said that Israel's only true natural resource, apart from Dead Sea minerals, is the ingenuity of its people.
Israel has become a world leader in revolutionary high-tech innovations. Whether it's storing data from the moon or tracking packages around the world, Israeli companies are hard at work researching, developing, testing and producing innovation. Consider, for example, these corporations:
Israel has become a world leader in revolutionary high-tech innovations. Whether it's storing data from the moon or tracking packages around the world, Israeli companies are hard at work researching, developing, testing and producing innovation. Consider, for example, these corporations:
Sure Winners
Red Bend Software, a leader in Mobile Software Management, has offices all over the globe. The company was a winner of the Deloitte 2008 Israel Technology Fast 50 awards. Red Bend's software has been used by manufacturers such as Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG Electronics to remotely manage and update their mobile software, thus reducing costs and increasing customer satisfaction.
Alma Lasers is a global leader in the development and production of laser, light-based and radio-frequency equipment for use in both medical and cosmetic applications. The company won a Deloitte 2008 Israel Technology Fast 50 award, and has been at the forefront of laser technology since 1980. Products developed by Alma Lasers are used by dermatologists worldwide for non-invasive treatment of varicose veins and acne, for hair removal and for pain relief.
Alma Lasers is a global leader in the development and production of laser, light-based and radio-frequency equipment for use in both medical and cosmetic applications. The company won a Deloitte 2008 Israel Technology Fast 50 award, and has been at the forefront of laser technology since 1980. Products developed by Alma Lasers are used by dermatologists worldwide for non-invasive treatment of varicose veins and acne, for hair removal and for pain relief.
Space Age
Sital Technology has brought Israel into the space age by producing a superior solution to problems that radiation was causing in the storage of pictures and mapping information from NASA's lunar probe. Sital designed IP core technology that facilitates the smooth and reliable communication of data between the systems within the probe.
Leaders in Technology
In another coup, Israel has been chosen to lead the largest research and development initiative in the world. The Eureka Initiative, which supports technological innovations across Europe, was founded in 1985. Israel was granted full membership, and became one of the most active member countries. As Eureka's leader, Israel will set an agenda designed to positively impact industry and technology both nationally and internationally.
Advances in Tracking
ImageID is an innovator in package tracking. The company provides manufacturers with Visido, a technology that scans tags and barcodes with high-powered cameras. The data is then entered into a centralized system, allowing companies to trace goods en route from originating warehouses to their final destinations. The technology is so powerful it can even scan items at a distance or while they're in motion. With these advances, ImageID is helping companies worldwide save millions of dollars, while increasing the accuracy, speed and efficiency of their product delivery.
Blue and White = Green
Solel Solar Systems, Ltd., designs and manufactures solar thermal equipment. Solel is another winner of the Deloitte 2008 Israel Technology Fast 50 awards. The company's mission is to increase the electrical output of solar equipment, while decreasing the costs of their installation and maintenance. The Solar Thermal Power Generation converts sunshine into electricity, and can operate after daylight hours with a backup system of alternative fuels. Solar thermal distributed power plants supplement and reduce dependency on the main energy systems in hospitals, resorts and industries. These on-site power stations can be built quickly and are relatively cheap to maintain.
Israel CleanTech Ventures is a firm focused on developing green technology. One of its projects is Aqwise Water Technologies, Ltd., a world leader in innovations of wastewater treatment. Yet another winner of the Deloitte 2008 Israel Technology Fast 50 awards, Aqwise recently signed a deal with Mekorot (Israel's national water company) to address the problem of nitrate contamination in drinking water. In March 2009, Aqwise signed a cooperation agreement with a Dutch engineering company to develop an integrated hybrid system for treating wastewater with high organic loads. The system is cost efficient and leaves a small environmental footprint. This is ideal for industries that emit high organic loads into their wastewater.
Another member of Israel CleanTech Ventures is A Better Place. Founded by Israeli executive Shai Agassi, A Better Place aims to reduce global dependency on fuel by creating an infrastructure that supports electric vehicles. In addition to developing technology for the cars themselves, A Better Place is developing technology that will make the electric car driving experience a convenient and superior option. The company intends to provide charge spots at locations such as private homes, workplaces and parking lots. Drivers on the road will benefit from new technology that assists with intelligent navigation and real-time traffic information. Globally, A Better Place is striving to reach standardization, so that drivers will benefit from improved infrastructure, no matter where in the world they are driving.
Israel CleanTech Ventures is a firm focused on developing green technology. One of its projects is Aqwise Water Technologies, Ltd., a world leader in innovations of wastewater treatment. Yet another winner of the Deloitte 2008 Israel Technology Fast 50 awards, Aqwise recently signed a deal with Mekorot (Israel's national water company) to address the problem of nitrate contamination in drinking water. In March 2009, Aqwise signed a cooperation agreement with a Dutch engineering company to develop an integrated hybrid system for treating wastewater with high organic loads. The system is cost efficient and leaves a small environmental footprint. This is ideal for industries that emit high organic loads into their wastewater.
Another member of Israel CleanTech Ventures is A Better Place. Founded by Israeli executive Shai Agassi, A Better Place aims to reduce global dependency on fuel by creating an infrastructure that supports electric vehicles. In addition to developing technology for the cars themselves, A Better Place is developing technology that will make the electric car driving experience a convenient and superior option. The company intends to provide charge spots at locations such as private homes, workplaces and parking lots. Drivers on the road will benefit from new technology that assists with intelligent navigation and real-time traffic information. Globally, A Better Place is striving to reach standardization, so that drivers will benefit from improved infrastructure, no matter where in the world they are driving.
With thanks to www.israel21c.org, a site dedicated to spreading the word about the "other" Israel—not the Israel of suicide bombing and disputed walls, but the Israel of technological advances, innovations, and contributions to the betterment of the world.
Weapons Industry
The Uzi submachine gun is part of popular culture—featured in television, movies, and video games, handled by famous actors worldwide. This popular weapon, known for its compact nature and reliability, originated in a tiny Middle Eastern country called Israel. Although only borne of necessity, the military industry is one often associated with Israel, whose scientists might… Read more »
Israel's impact on the worldWeapons Industry
The Uzi submachine gun is part of popular culture—featured in television, movies, and video games, handled by famous actors worldwide. This popular weapon, known for its compact nature and reliability, originated in a tiny Middle Eastern country called Israel. Although only borne of necessity, the military industry is one often associated with Israel, whose scientists might largely agree that they would rather be inventing other things…and in fact, the industry has become about much more life affirming products than weapons.
The origins of the Uzi are a case in point of ingenuity in a time of urgent need, in British Mandate Palestine. During the 1920's and 30's, the Haganah (the military movement which preceded the IDF) needed to manufacture weapons in order to protect the Jewish population against Arab rioters, which the British were failing to do. The Haganah formed underground weapons factories, churning out hand grenades, explosives, and other small firearms. After Israel declared independence in 1948, these secret factories formed the basis of the Israel Military Industries (IMI). Today, the three largest weapons companies are the IMI, the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), and the Rafael Arms Development Authority. All three manufacture conventional arms and advanced defense systems.
Until the 1967 Six Day War, IMI mainly manufactured small arms, like the Uzi, and provided basic defense weapons. Larger and more sophisticated weaponry, such as aircraft, was purchased from foreign countries, most notably France. After the 1967 war, France placed an embargo on arms sales to Israel; Israel responded by beginning production of its own large-scale weapons. The IAI, which until this point had been a maintenance facility, started producing its own aircraft, including the Kfir, the Arava, and the Nesher. The IMI continued production of assault rifles and ammunition, and added aircraft and rocket systems and armored tanks to its repertoire.
While a project to produce an all-Israeli military aircraft failed, the innovations and modern technology created during the project were channeled to related fields, leading Israel to become a top manufacturer of products such as unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and advanced radar systems. Israel's UAVs are considered the global standard for such products.
After the Cold War, the demand for weaponry decreased, and many of Israel's leading military scientists brought their technology with them to the civilian sector; the fields of medicine, internet, cellular communication, and robotics have all benefited from the technology originally advanced in the defense industry.
The Israeli military industry does not just manufacture—it seeks to share its knowledge and teach, following in the tradition of the many scholars who have come before it. IMI conducts anti-terrorism training to Israeli civilians, and contracts its teaching services to countries all over the world that require training in anti-terrorism measures. In addition, the Metropolitan College of New York, as part of the requirements for its Master's in Public Administration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, sends its candidates to Israel, to receive intense training with Israel's top security experts.
The origins of the Uzi are a case in point of ingenuity in a time of urgent need, in British Mandate Palestine. During the 1920's and 30's, the Haganah (the military movement which preceded the IDF) needed to manufacture weapons in order to protect the Jewish population against Arab rioters, which the British were failing to do. The Haganah formed underground weapons factories, churning out hand grenades, explosives, and other small firearms. After Israel declared independence in 1948, these secret factories formed the basis of the Israel Military Industries (IMI). Today, the three largest weapons companies are the IMI, the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), and the Rafael Arms Development Authority. All three manufacture conventional arms and advanced defense systems.
Until the 1967 Six Day War, IMI mainly manufactured small arms, like the Uzi, and provided basic defense weapons. Larger and more sophisticated weaponry, such as aircraft, was purchased from foreign countries, most notably France. After the 1967 war, France placed an embargo on arms sales to Israel; Israel responded by beginning production of its own large-scale weapons. The IAI, which until this point had been a maintenance facility, started producing its own aircraft, including the Kfir, the Arava, and the Nesher. The IMI continued production of assault rifles and ammunition, and added aircraft and rocket systems and armored tanks to its repertoire.
While a project to produce an all-Israeli military aircraft failed, the innovations and modern technology created during the project were channeled to related fields, leading Israel to become a top manufacturer of products such as unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and advanced radar systems. Israel's UAVs are considered the global standard for such products.
After the Cold War, the demand for weaponry decreased, and many of Israel's leading military scientists brought their technology with them to the civilian sector; the fields of medicine, internet, cellular communication, and robotics have all benefited from the technology originally advanced in the defense industry.
The Israeli military industry does not just manufacture—it seeks to share its knowledge and teach, following in the tradition of the many scholars who have come before it. IMI conducts anti-terrorism training to Israeli civilians, and contracts its teaching services to countries all over the world that require training in anti-terrorism measures. In addition, the Metropolitan College of New York, as part of the requirements for its Master's in Public Administration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, sends its candidates to Israel, to receive intense training with Israel's top security experts.
Humanitarian Aid
Israel has never been a country which simply looks out for itself, although that would certainly be a full time job. Since its inception, Israel has sought out ways to help others. Humanitarian aid efforts range from the local, like coming to the aid of beleaguered residents of Kiryat Shmona near the Lebanese border, or driving Palestinian children to life-saving medical treatments, to the international, like providing aid to countries struck by a natural disaster. Read more »
Israel's impact on the worldHumanitarian Aid
Israel has never been a country which simply looks out for itself, although that would certainly be a full time job. Since its inception, Israel has sought out ways to help others. Humanitarian aid efforts range from the local, like coming to the aid of beleaguered residents of Kiryat Shmona near the Lebanese border, or driving Palestinian children to life-saving medical treatments, to the international, like providing aid to countries struck by a natural disaster.
MASHAV, under the auspices of Israel's Foreign Ministry, is the official department in charge of international aid efforts. But there are many other organizations, some governmental and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which provide much-needed relief throughout Israel, and throughout the world.
Magen David Adom is Israel's national emergency medical service. Established in 1930 with a single branch in Tel Aviv, the service soon extended throughout the country. In 1950, the government made MDA's status as the national emergency service official. MDA is overwhelmingly staffed by volunteers, both in administrative and medical capacities, though it employs a medical staff of approximately 1,200. MDA was not granted membership in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement until 2006, due to controversy over the use of the Magen David ("Shield of David"—the Israeli star) as its emblem.
The MDA, in addition to providing medical service for car accidents, heart attacks, and other "routine" emergencies, has been at the front lines after a terrorist attack hits Israel, caring for the wounded victims. The humanitarian organization Zaka, with a volunteer staff of approximately 1,000, works alongside MDA and other emergency services in the aftermath of terrorist attacks. Zaka is known for protecting the sanctity of the human body, and gathers body parts and spilled blood for a proper burial according to Jewish tradition.
Below is a sampling of some of the many organizations in Israel, nearly all staffed by volunteers, dedicated to improving the lives of Israel's own citizen, and citizens around the world:
Israel Flying Aid was founded in 2005 to help people around the world who are suffering from natural disasters. IFA provides assistance in the areas of food, medical aid, and post-trauma services. IFA assists countries in which a disaster has struck, no matter what, even if those countries are hostile to Israel, such as Iraq and Pakistan. Their pledge, according to their website, is to provide needed assistance to, "the victims of the disasters, and not to their countries, governments, militia, or military, that may prevent international assistance to victims." In fact, the IFA targets areas which other disaster-relief organizations may stay away from, including those deemed "complex regions" in which the UN Red Cross is denied entry (like Russian-occupied Georgia). In August 2008, IFA sent a team to Georgia to provide relief following the bloody conflict between Georgia and Russia. In May 2008, in the aftermath of the cyclone in Myanmar, IFA volunteers risked their life, entered the country, and provided basic food and shelter for approximately 55,000 people.
Israel La'ad (Israel Forever), is a humanitarian relief organization founded in 2004 by a group of businessmen. The goal of the group is to improve the standard of living for underprivileged groups in Israeli society. The "Feed the Hungry" program delivers close to 700 "Shabbat Baskets" every Thursday, mainly to elderly, isolated members of the community, many of whom are Holocaust survivors. The "Ride for Pride" and "Afternoon Learning Centers" were established to motivate at-risk youth to stay in school and integrate into Israeli society. When the town of Kiryat Shmona was being terrorized by rocket attacks from Lebanon, Israel La'ad supplied emergency air raid shelters with the necessary provisions.
Way to Recovery was established by the Israeli-Palestinian Forum of Bereaved Families in 2006. Volunteers coordinate paperwork and drive Palestinian patients from the West Bank and Gaza Strip to medical centers in Israel. Many of the patients are children, without access to proper medical treatments in their hometowns and rely on the transportation to receive often life-saving treatments.
Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, has a branch in Israel dedicated to improving health care, education, youth institutions and land development. The organization founded the Hadassah Medical Center in Israel, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for its treatment of all patients, regardless of religious and ethnic differences. In 2007, a medical team from the Ein Kerem branch of Hadassah Hospital traveled to Kazakhstan to treat nearly 100 children infected with HIV/AIDS.
Also on the international front is the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR). The JCDR is a coalition of Jewish organizations which provide disaster relief around the world. For example, in 2005, the JCDR established the Jewish Coalition for Asia Tsunami Relief, raising close to one million dollars earmarked for rehabilitating medical facilities, providing medical services, and supporting fishing communities which were devastated by the tsunami. The coalition also raised money for El Salvador following an earthquake in 2003 and for Ethiopia during the severe food shortage at the beginning of the millennium.
The International Jewish Healthcare Organization is comprised of medical professionals from Israel and around the world. The volunteers travel to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union to assist Jewish and non-Jewish communities alike. They provide seminars and lectures in those countries in order to bring the local medical care to a higher level. During the Soviet era, the medical schools were well-funded, and hospitals were equipped with modern equipment. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the medical system has fallen into disarray. Instead of sending doctors to perform one-shot procedures, or sending expensive equipment that the local doctors are unable to maintain, IJHO focuses on education, raising the level of medical knowledge and subsequently, the standard of medical care. For example, few Russian women were taking folic acid, which reduces the risk of neurological complications in infants. IJHO discussed a project in which women of child-bearing age would be given this crucial vitamin. Other topics covered are prenatal care and care of the elderly.
MASHAV, under the auspices of Israel's Foreign Ministry, is the official department in charge of international aid efforts. But there are many other organizations, some governmental and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which provide much-needed relief throughout Israel, and throughout the world.
Magen David Adom is Israel's national emergency medical service. Established in 1930 with a single branch in Tel Aviv, the service soon extended throughout the country. In 1950, the government made MDA's status as the national emergency service official. MDA is overwhelmingly staffed by volunteers, both in administrative and medical capacities, though it employs a medical staff of approximately 1,200. MDA was not granted membership in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement until 2006, due to controversy over the use of the Magen David ("Shield of David"—the Israeli star) as its emblem.
The MDA, in addition to providing medical service for car accidents, heart attacks, and other "routine" emergencies, has been at the front lines after a terrorist attack hits Israel, caring for the wounded victims. The humanitarian organization Zaka, with a volunteer staff of approximately 1,000, works alongside MDA and other emergency services in the aftermath of terrorist attacks. Zaka is known for protecting the sanctity of the human body, and gathers body parts and spilled blood for a proper burial according to Jewish tradition.
Below is a sampling of some of the many organizations in Israel, nearly all staffed by volunteers, dedicated to improving the lives of Israel's own citizen, and citizens around the world:
Israel Flying Aid was founded in 2005 to help people around the world who are suffering from natural disasters. IFA provides assistance in the areas of food, medical aid, and post-trauma services. IFA assists countries in which a disaster has struck, no matter what, even if those countries are hostile to Israel, such as Iraq and Pakistan. Their pledge, according to their website, is to provide needed assistance to, "the victims of the disasters, and not to their countries, governments, militia, or military, that may prevent international assistance to victims." In fact, the IFA targets areas which other disaster-relief organizations may stay away from, including those deemed "complex regions" in which the UN Red Cross is denied entry (like Russian-occupied Georgia). In August 2008, IFA sent a team to Georgia to provide relief following the bloody conflict between Georgia and Russia. In May 2008, in the aftermath of the cyclone in Myanmar, IFA volunteers risked their life, entered the country, and provided basic food and shelter for approximately 55,000 people.
Israel La'ad (Israel Forever), is a humanitarian relief organization founded in 2004 by a group of businessmen. The goal of the group is to improve the standard of living for underprivileged groups in Israeli society. The "Feed the Hungry" program delivers close to 700 "Shabbat Baskets" every Thursday, mainly to elderly, isolated members of the community, many of whom are Holocaust survivors. The "Ride for Pride" and "Afternoon Learning Centers" were established to motivate at-risk youth to stay in school and integrate into Israeli society. When the town of Kiryat Shmona was being terrorized by rocket attacks from Lebanon, Israel La'ad supplied emergency air raid shelters with the necessary provisions.
Way to Recovery was established by the Israeli-Palestinian Forum of Bereaved Families in 2006. Volunteers coordinate paperwork and drive Palestinian patients from the West Bank and Gaza Strip to medical centers in Israel. Many of the patients are children, without access to proper medical treatments in their hometowns and rely on the transportation to receive often life-saving treatments.
Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, has a branch in Israel dedicated to improving health care, education, youth institutions and land development. The organization founded the Hadassah Medical Center in Israel, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for its treatment of all patients, regardless of religious and ethnic differences. In 2007, a medical team from the Ein Kerem branch of Hadassah Hospital traveled to Kazakhstan to treat nearly 100 children infected with HIV/AIDS.
Also on the international front is the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR). The JCDR is a coalition of Jewish organizations which provide disaster relief around the world. For example, in 2005, the JCDR established the Jewish Coalition for Asia Tsunami Relief, raising close to one million dollars earmarked for rehabilitating medical facilities, providing medical services, and supporting fishing communities which were devastated by the tsunami. The coalition also raised money for El Salvador following an earthquake in 2003 and for Ethiopia during the severe food shortage at the beginning of the millennium.
The International Jewish Healthcare Organization is comprised of medical professionals from Israel and around the world. The volunteers travel to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union to assist Jewish and non-Jewish communities alike. They provide seminars and lectures in those countries in order to bring the local medical care to a higher level. During the Soviet era, the medical schools were well-funded, and hospitals were equipped with modern equipment. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the medical system has fallen into disarray. Instead of sending doctors to perform one-shot procedures, or sending expensive equipment that the local doctors are unable to maintain, IJHO focuses on education, raising the level of medical knowledge and subsequently, the standard of medical care. For example, few Russian women were taking folic acid, which reduces the risk of neurological complications in infants. IJHO discussed a project in which women of child-bearing age would be given this crucial vitamin. Other topics covered are prenatal care and care of the elderly.
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