Scientists in Tel Aviv Slowing Kidney Deterioration

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), or chronic kidney failure, affects an estimated 200 million people worldwide. Illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure can lead to the gradual loss of kidney function, which requires dialysis or kidney replacement when patients advance to End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD). According to the American Kidney Fund, an estimated 31

Does Israel Hold the Key to Saving the World’s Coral Reefs?

While the coral reefs are dying out in most parts of the world due to the devastating effects of climate change, they appear to have adapted to the scorching temperatures of the Gulf of Eilat in southern Israel [and are] thriving—to the astonishment of the scientists. A study published by the Journal of Experimental Biology

Israeli Device Creates a Personal Contact List Using Face Recognition

Imagine you’re at the office for a business meeting. A VIP walks in, sees you and starts walking toward you. You recognize the person, but you can’t put a name to the face. Your mind goes blank. Israeli company OrCam created a product called MyMe to solve this problem. Using a small, wearable camera that

Horse Figurines Uncovered Following Heavy Rains

Recent heavy winter rains have revealed parts of two impressive clay figurines of horses that have been buried in the ground for well over 2,000 years. One of the figurines was found in the vicinity of Kfar Ruppin in the Beit She’an Valley. It was dated by Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) archaeologists to be about

Rare Gold Coins Discovered

Excavations continue at Caesarea as archaeologists uncover some of the most exciting finds of recent times. With the financial backing of the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, some US $40 million has been invested in uncovering hidden treasures under the ground and in the sea. Caesarea has connections with many periods of history, including the Roman

Peace Train Coming?

In 1971, Cat Stevens wrote a song called “Peace Train.” He confidently envisioned everyone riding a train bound for world peace. Fifty years later, the peace train seems to have barely left the station. But lately, hope for peace in the Middle East is picking up steam—and it comes on the heels of an initiative

Busting the Apartheid Libel

Afrikaans is neither a common nor a widely spoken language. Outside the borders of South Africa, few are aware of the existence of the mother tongue of the Afrikaaner people. Yet regardless of its international obscurity, one Afrikaans word demands global recognition: apartheid. In 1948 the ruling white minority in South Africa began enforcing an

The New “Normal” in Syria

Peace in the North Could Mean Danger for Israel There’s an old saying that the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know. What about a devil you used to know but don’t recognize any longer? That’s what has happened in Syria, where an old enemy—the regime of President Bashar al-Assad—was once

Lessons from Susa

On March 20–21, the Jewish community worldwide will enjoy one of the happiest festivals in their yearly cycle. Today, the holiday known as Purim (Feast of Esther) is celebrated by increasing numbers of Christians as well. It’s a time of frivolity, dressing in costumes, giving gifts of food to the needy and lots of boisterous

“I Will Plant them in their Land”

“I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God. (Amos 9:15). Aliyah, or immigration to Israel, is a familiar word to most of us. In the verse from Amos, the prophet is speaking about a second and

A Nobel Endeavor

The Nobel Prize is considered one of, if not the, most prestigious award in recognizing outstanding achievements to science and humanity. The selection process is rigorous, and the award is given only to those who are best in their fields. Out of the 908 individuals who have been awarded the Nobel Prize, 205 have been

Shabbat Flowers

Fridays bring many visible clues to announce the arrival of Shabbat (Sabbath) in Jerusalem. The city begins to slow down, delicious cooking odors greet pedestrians as they walk through residential areas and colorful flower stalls appear everywhere—at intersections, on sidewalks, outside small grocery stores and at the shuk (outdoor market). Buying flowers for Shabbat isn’t

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