Building a Robotic Octopus

{image_1}Now building the world's first robotic octopus, and the world's first soft-bodied robot, Israeli “octopus” scientists have joined a seven group international team to help marine scientists explore nooks and crannies on the ocean floor, like an octopus would. Instead of dropping down clunky metallic submarines to the seafloor, which offer little in the way of precision, scientists are working on a device that can gingerly walk over delicate objects, making sure not to damage coral reefs and pristine marine environments.

Netanyahu Stands Strong

{image_1}“Those who think that the continued enmity toward Israel is a product of our presence in Judea,Samaria andGaza, is confusing cause and consequence. The attacks against us began in the 1920s, escalated in 1948, continued with the fedayeen [Arab “freedom fighters”] attacks in the 1950s, and climaxed in 1967, on the eve of the Six Day War, in an attempt to tighten a noose around the neck of the State of Israel. All this occurred during the 50 years before a single Israeli soldier ever set foot in Judea and Samaria…

Israel Assisting Palestinians

{image_1} Despite ongoing resistance between Israelis and Palestinians, Israel makes amazing efforts on behalf of the Gazans. In May, the Palestinian Authority requested assistance from the Israel Defense Forces Home Front following the collapse of a roof on a construction site in Ni'lin, west of Ramallah. Home Front rescue and medical units were sent in right away to search for possible trapped workers and to offer primary medical care to the injured.

Rabbis Ordained in Germany

{image_1}Over 60 years after the Holocaust of European Jews, Judaism once again triumphs on German soil. In a ceremony held in Munich on June 2, nine local Jews were ordained as Orthodox rabbis for the first time since World War II. Until now, most rabbis serving in Germany had been trained abroad.

Killing Breast Cancer in the Dark

{image_1}An Israeli–American research team has stumbled onto a new and interesting find—a non-radiation-based therapy that may provide relief for an aggressive and hard to treat breast cancer cell known as HER2+, but which could also have wider applications for treating all kinds of cancer.

32 Million Jews Today If Not for Holocaust

August 3, 2009

On Holocaust Memorial Day (April 21), Hebrew University announced that as many as 32 million Jews would be alive today had the Holocaust never happened. Some estimates say there are less than half that many Jews currently alive.

Fighting Pirates at Sea

{image_1}A recent pirate attack on the Italian cruise ship MSC Melody, with more than 1,500 on board, saw Israeli security guards in action. About 500 miles [804 kilometers] off the coast of Somalia, the African pirates got a surprise when the Israeli guards—on the command of their captain—grabbed their pistols and started firing back. While the Israeli company Mano International Security remains tight-lipped about its team on board the Melody, Israeli security teams are becoming the world's most notorious pirate busters. Captain Hook, Bluebeard and Jack Sparrow—look out!

Understanding Settlements and “Illegal Outposts”

{image_1} Ma’ale Adumim, founded in 1975, is a medium-sized city not far fromJerusalem. It has a full-sized mall and around 35,000 inhabitants. It also is at the heart of a debate that threatens Israel’s relationship with the international community. The reason the city and a number of other communities are having such an acute political impact is because they are built on territory captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Shiloh

{image_1} Shiloh—where the tabernacle stood for 393 years—is all about God's presence among the people. God could have set up a throne on the highest mountain, but instead, He selected a hill surrounded by higher places. Worshipers could not see it if they were on the other side of the nearest range of hills, so they would have to make the effort to make the journey instead of having Him reveal Himself on every hilltop. This low hilltop rests between the Galilee, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, and the Mediterranean. On its slope is a flat area that was an excellent place to put the tabernacle. Smoke from the sacrifices rose to heaven as a visible sign to visitors from far and wide that this was a place of active worship.

Russian Roulette with Hamas

{image_1}Russia continues to send mixed signals in its dealings with Hamas. As a member of the Quartet (the UN, the EU, the US, and Russia), Moscow is a signatory to the decision not to have any dealings with Hamas until it fulfills three conditions: recognition of Israel, renouncing terror, and agreeing to be bound by past agreements signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Israelis Answer: We’re Not Running Away

{image_1}”We do not want war, but if war is forced on us, I suggest to our friends and enemies, as one, to be on the right side, on our side, on the side that has always won and will always win…For 61 years now, we have been burying our children, and there is no end in sight. This year still, our existence is under threat. From near and far, they rise to destroy us—and to their astonishment, we are not frightened. We are not running away from the fight.”

NASA Launches Israeli Technology

{image_1} The American National Aeronautics and Space Administration launched its first Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in its Vision for Space Exploration plan in June, using technology that was developed by an Israeli company. Sital Technology—headed by founder Ofer Hofman, CEO and General Manager Nir Hamzani, and Marketing and Sales VP Duli Yariv—was first contacted by NASA four years ago, shortly after the company's Web site was launched.

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