Cool Use of the Sun

{image_1}When the thermostat rises on scorching hot days, the air conditioners kick in, causing a massive electricity surge that strains the grid. Summer blackouts and brownouts occur in the US every summer. If mismanaged, they may cripple cities and damage local economies. According to the US Department of Energy, residential heating and cooling account for more than 50% of the energy use in a standard American home.

No-Trauma Burn Treatment

{image_1}A successful Phase III clinical trial was completed by MediWound on its lead product, Debrase gel dressing for the treatment of second and third degree burns. ISRAEL21c reported that the trial included 175 patients at 25 medical centers around the world.

Israel Surrounded Growing Threats in the Middle East

{image_1}Tens of thousands of rockets to the north. More rockets to the south. A regime threatening genocide and seeking nuclear weapons to the east…

100 Ancient Vessels Found

{image_1}Before the Children of Israel entered the Promised Land, which was occupied by pagan Canaanites, God told Moses“…and this people will rise and play the harlot with the gods of the foreigners of the land, where they go to be among them, and they will forsake Me and break My covenant which I have made with them”(Deut. 31:16). This summer, some of the vessels used in the worship of these gods were unearthed by Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA)—intact.

Arched Aqueduct Bridge Uncovered

{image_1}In the October 2009 issue of the Dispatch, we published an article about parts of Jerusalem’s ancient, lower level aqueduct being uncovered just below the Yemin Moshe community and on the southwestern boundary of Sultan’s Pool (near Hebron Road). Now, more of that same water system has been partially unearthed north of Sultan’s Pool across the street from the Tower of David. It is a spectacular arched bridge holding another part of the aqueduct that conveyed water to the Temple Mount.

Greetings from Napoleon III

{image_1}Not all archaeological discoveries in Israel go back thousands of years. For instance, earlier this year, an impressive gold coin bearing the likeness of Louis Napoleon III was exposed in an archaeological excavation of the Israel Antiquities Authority [IAA] in Yafo [Jaffa or biblical Joppa, old part of Tel Aviv].

Preparing for the Worst

{image_1}The fourth annual, nationwide Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Home Front drill took place in May, lasting five days. The exercise replicated emergency scenarios in more than 30 locations, including the evacuation of wounded from within ruins and cleansing an area that suffered an attack from an unconventional rocket. Citizens were encouraged to participate upon hearing the siren, going to the nearest shelter or safe room and remaining there for 10 minutes.

Russia to Build a Syrian Nuclear Reactor?

{image_1}Russia’s energy minister said his country is considering helping Syria build a nuclear reactor for producing energy. The minister made the statements as he accompanied Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on his landmark visit to Damascus. “Cooperation on atomic energy might gain new momentum,” Medvedev said in a joint press conference he held with Syrian President Bashar Assad. The curious move came as the Russian leader called for a nuclear-weapons free Middle East.

Hizbullah Theme Park Glorifies War against Israel

{image_1}Hizbullah has opened a theme park glorifying its battles against Israel on a mountaintop in southern Lebanon. The launch of the tourist site was timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of Israel’s unilateral pullout from Lebanon, for which Hizbullah claims credit. The site itself—at Mlita, about 20 miles [32 kilometers] north of the Israel–Lebanon border—was a secret underground Hizbullah base during the years Israeli troops patrolled southern Lebanon.

Tel Aviv in M600 Missile Range of Hizbullah

{image_1}Syria has provided Hizbullah with a supply of M600 missiles during the past year, according to the head of research for Israel’s Military Intelligence. The Syrian copy of an Iranian design has a range of 187 miles [301 kilometers], which places Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest city, within Hizbullah’s sights. The weapon carries an explosive payload of up to one-half ton. The majority of Israel’s population is clustered within the greater Tel Aviv area.

Gaza Flotilla Preplanned Attack on Soldiers

{image_1}Deadly violence erupted May 31 as activists on one of the boats claiming to bring humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip attacked Israeli soldiers after they boarded the flotilla to enforce Israel’s naval blockade of Hamas-run Gaza. According to press statements from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), at least nine activists were killed in the confrontation and seven Israeli soldiers were wounded, four moderately, of which two were initially in critical condition. During the confrontation, two guns belonging to the Israeli soldiers were taken by the activists and used against the IDF.

The “Jewish” Apple: Eggplant Carpaccio

{image_1}Arguably, one of the least appreciated foods throughout human history has been the eggplant. Originating in the southeast Asian region that is today India and Pakistan, it was domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Since then, it has spread throughout the world and has met with a wide variety of reactions on its journey. The first written record of the eggplant comes from China about AD 500 where it is described as “the food of emperors.” The Chinese developed their own unique varieties, coming up with smaller fruited plants as well as differing shapes and colors. In the eighth and ninth centuries, the eggplant appears in the Middle East as far west as Egypt and northward into Turkey where it became exceptionally popular. The Turks alone are believed to have over 1,000 native recipes using eggplant in a wide variety of ways.

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