NOVEMBER 2014

ANGLO ISRAEL ASSOCIATION There is no question that this has been a very difficult year. The increasing Nimrod Capital LLP destabilisation of the Middle East in general 3 St Helen’s Place and the upsurge in violence between London EC3A 6AB Israel and Hamas have helped to make it Switchboard: 020 7382 4565 so. There is also a disturbing increase in anti Semitic attacks throughout Europe. www.nimrodcapital.com As your chairman, who happens to live in Northern Ireland, I have been particularly disturbed by events both in the North and in the South. Belfast now has a very small Jewish community and it was alarming to see attacks on the synagogue and the house associated with Chaim Herzog. It was With best wishes from perhaps even more alarming to hear of the tweet of an Irish sportsman that if one was lucky enough to know a Jew, the thing to do was to hit him in the face.

All of this points up the important role of the Anglo Israel Association in ensuring the maximum possible understanding between the United Kingdom and Israel. One might agree or disagree with Hugo Rifkind that the government of Israel is less close to the West than it once was. One might agree or disagree with Douglas Nimrod Capital LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Murray that the West is less close to its own values than it once was. The point is that the role of the Anglo Israel Association has never been more central. Whether in the rarefied atmosphere of the chamber of the House of Lords or the boisterous playing field of Ireland , sentiments are now being expressed which would not have been expressed some years ago. It is therefore my duty to ask our friends once again to renew their loyal support.

Lord Bew Chairman of the Executive Committee

3 WHO WE ARE CONTENTS

FOUNDER The Late Brigadier General 3. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Sir Wyndham Deedes, CMG, DSO 6. THE UNRAVELLING OF THE MIDDLE EAST STATE SYSTEM HON PRESIDENT COUNCIL HE The Ambassador of Israel Lady Sainsbury (Chairwoman) 10. EUROPE AND OTHER WESTERN DONORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE Lady Anderson FAILED PEACE PROCESS HON VICE-PRESIDENTS Sir Andrew Burns, KCMG 14. MIDDLE EAST WAR ON CHRISTIANS Mr M Green The Earl of Balfour Mrs L Hochhauser Mrs E Corob 16. PRIME MINISTER CAMERON’S SPEECH IN THE KNESSET Mr J Marshall Dame Vivien Duffield, DBE Mr GR Pinto Mr JM Greenwood 22. THE TRUTH BEHIND PALESTINIAN WATER ISSUES Lady Sainsbury Mrs M Park The Marquess of Reading 26. 10TH AIA COLLOQUIUM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (TRUSTEES) Mr D Sumberg 28. PANAMA HATS AND KHAKI SHORTS: VICARS IN THE HOLY LAND The Lord Bew (Chairman) The Lord Weidenfeld Mrs J Atkin The Rt Hon The Lord Woolf, PC 31. TIME FOR ALL ISRAELIS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY Mr R Bolchover (Co-Deputy Chairman) Mr A Yablon Miss B Dingle 32. AIA CLERGY TOUR Professor D Hochhauser (Co-Deputy Chairman) DINNER COMMITTEE 34. 5TH AMBASSADORS’ ROUND TABLE Mr D Kessler Mr A Reeve (Chairman) Mr H Lewis FCA (Hon Treasurer) Lady Baker 36. WATER TECHNOLOGY Ms O Polizzi Ms L Diamond Mr A Reeve Mr B Streather 40. CATCH SOME ZZZ’S Dr A Sher Mrs E Tarling Mr B Streather 42. ISRAEL TECHNOLOGY POWERS AFRICAN VILLAGE Mrs E Tarling EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 44. DOGS FOR PEOPLE Mr T Vince Mrs Ruth Saunders 46. INNOVATIONS FROM ISRAEL

56. THE AIA EDUCATIONAL TRUSTS

62. TECHNION LAUNCH

64. PROTECTING THE MIGRATING PELICANS IN ISRAEL

66. MASKIT

ANGLO-ISRAEL ASSOCIATION 68. BEVERLEY-JANE STEWART

PO Box 47819, London NW11 7WD 72. CERAMICS IN JAFFA T: 020 8458 1284 F. 020 8458 3484 E: [email protected] www.angloisraelassociation.com 74. COOK THIS NOW: POLENTA MACHNEYUDA WITH MUSHROOM RAGU

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The articles in this magazine reflect the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Anglo-Israel Association. If you have a comment on any of the articles or on the magazine in general, we would be pleased to hear from you. Letters or emails should be addressed to the Editor and sent to email: [email protected] or The AIA, PO Box 47819, London NW11 7WD

Editorial Team: Ruth Saunders (editor), Linda Diamond, Grace Reginiano hile the great hopes associated with the Arab Spring have until now failed to bring about an overall process of democratization, something else has been happening in the region. The horror stories coming now out of northern Iraq, as well as the continuing slaughter in Syria’s civil war, point to a tectonic shift of the very state system in the Middle East: Walmost one hundred years after World War I, the regional state system established after the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire is unravelling.

The map of the Middle East, with which we have been acquainted, was set up by the victorious Western imperial powers Britain and France during and after World War I, when they conquered and divided between them the defeated Ottoman Empire. While the war was still going on, they signed an agreement drafted by their diplomats François George-Picot and Sir Mark Sykes dividing their respective spheres of influence in the Levant and delineating their borders. Referred to as the Sykes-Picot Agreement, its details were changed several times and were ultimately confirmed in the 1920 San Remo conference.

It was this set of imperial agreements which set up – under the League of Nations mandate system - the separate entities of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. The borders – sometimes drawn as straight lines in the sand – reflected only the interests of the two Western powers, overlooking ethnic, religious and historical divisions. Nor were the local populations ever asked for their views or consent. The modern states of Iraq, Syria and Lebanon thus arose as separate entities: their borders were arbitrary and artificial and – moreover – they never existed in such form as separate, independent entities in the past (the case of Palestine was even more complicated due to the conflicting THE British promises both to Arabs and Jews). Eventually, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon became independent states, modeled on the Westphalian idea of the modern nation-state. Again with the exception of Palestine, this state system – and its borders - was maintained by the UNRAVELLING leaders of Iraq, Syria and Lebanon as the best available status quo: it was in the interests of all rulers, especially the authoritarian ones emerging after independence – not to rock the boat.

It is this system which is now unravelling. It is clear that OF THE MIDDLE the Westphalian system of nation-states, imposed on the region by Western imperial powers, cannot be sustained when it does not reflect the wishes of its population.

The American-led invasion of Iraq put an end not only to Saddam’s rule, but also to the hegemony of the Sunni minority which had been installed in power by the British. EAST STATE Reflecting its power through elections, the Shiite majority viewed democratic elections as a vehicle of imposing a harsh majoritarian Shiite hegemony. Iraq today is not the unitary Arab nation-state it has been in the past, and it is doubtful whether it could be put together again. SYSTEM The Kurdish Regional Government in the north, granted 7 nominal autonomy, is a de facto state: it has its own army, There is, of course, one exception to this regional controls its territory to the exclusion of the Baghdad development: Egypt. For all its internal tribulations, there government, controls it own borders and up to a point its is no doubt that Egypt is a coherent entity, deeply anchored national resources. Foreign consulates in its capital, Irbil, in history and the consciousness of its population. With all function as embassies for all practical purposes, and so the problems confronting the Coptic Christian community, do its own representative offices abroad. no one doubts that they are as Egyptian as the Moslem majority. Egypt’s road towards modernization as a nation- In Syria, what started as a peaceful set of pro-democracy state goes back to its early 19th-century ruler Mohhamed demonstrations, deteriorated very quickly into an armed Ali. And its army is a symbol of national unity and cohesion insurrection of the Sunni majority against the hegemony – not like the Iraq or Syrian armies, which were always of the Alawite sect, led by the Assad family. It is difficult identified as the enforcement arm of the ruling sect. to see how Syria can be reconstituted again as a unitary Arab nation-state. A final comment: while secularism and the West was connected with the emergence of liberal and democratic These developments which led to a de facto forces inspired by the Enlightenment, in the Moslem dismemberment of central state authorities in both Middle East, secularism has always been imposed from countries, have now given rise to the emergence of a above by authoritarian rulers: the Shah in Iran, Atatürk in totally new player – ISIS, the Islamic State in Iraq and Turkey, Saddam in Iraq, Assad in Syria, in a more gentle Syria, which has renamed itself as the Islamic State way Nasser and Mubarak in Egypt. This explains why in and announced the establishment of a caliphate. ISIS is the current situation in Syria, the Christian and Druze not just an off-shoot of Al Qaida: its very name and by minorities support Assad, and in Egypt the Copts support announcing a caliphate straddling the borders of Syria the military-backed rule of Sisi: democratic majoritarian and Iraq, it is not merely imposing a harsh and murderous rule means Moslem hegemony. rule in the areas under its control, culminating in its near- genocidal policies regarding the Yazidi community, but All this shows how the attempt to force on a complex it claims to create a new entity, totally disregarding the region like the Middle East, a Westphalian state system, Sykes-Picot state system and its borders. It may probably has been problematic from the onset, as has been the not succeed in creating a viable, cross-border entity, but idea of viewing the region – with the exception of Israel, so it is certainly suggesting, by its brute force and Islamicist challenging to its neighbours – as a unified Arab region, ideology, that the old borders, and the states delineated with some minorities here and there – as misleading. It by them, are on their way out. ISIS recent incursions into took Europe centuries of wars, religious and national, Lebanon may also undermine the fragile inter-communal culminating in the horrors of World War I and II – to Lebanese balance, itself also a consequence of the Sykes- achieve its current stable state system. It will probably Picot arrangements. take the Middle East a shorter time, with less violence: but the idea that it is clear and pre-determined that it will The unravelling of the Western-imposed regional state necessarily follow the European example of nation states system is taking place also in other regions of the Middle may turn out to be a Western hegemonic illusion. Edward East. Sudan – a vast, multi-ethnic and multi-confessional Said might have even called it a version of paternalistic country, established as a political entity by the British Orientalism. when they occupied it in the 1890’s, is also unravelling. The first step has been the establishment, after a Shlomo Avineri, professor of political science at the prolonged and bloody civil war, of an independent South Hebrew University of Jerusalem and member of the Sudan, where the local population, mainly Christian and Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, is a former animist, has finally freed itself from the Arab Muslim yoke Director-General of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. of Khartoum. But this is probably not yet the end of the His latest book is: Theodor Herzl and the Foundation of story: Darfur is still bleeding, and even South Sudan is far the Jewish State (Weidenfeld, 2013). from being a stable polity.

Post-Ghaddafi Libya is similarly disintegrating. The two Ottoman provinces of Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, very different in their history and culture, were put together into an entity called “Libya” by the Italians, who wrested the area from the Ottomans just before World War I. After independence, Libya was held together by the bizarre and personalistic dictatorship of Ghaddafi. With his disappearance, Libyans have great difficulties in setting up a coherent state structure of any sort, and the idea that Libya can re-emerge as a functioning nation-state seems chimerical. Western pious sermons about the need to create a democratic unified government sound utterly irrelevant and out of touch with the complex and fragmented local reality. EUROPE AND OTHER WESTERN DONORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILED PEACE PROCESS

ue to Europe’s funding countries, including Britain, have and obligations, including the Road to immediately start receiving a PA a leader. If Allah hadn’t loved him, It’s our land.” of the Palestinian been undermining peace by ignoring Map,” which included a commitment salary, as mandated by Palestinian He wouldn’t have honored him with Boy: “Israel is our land - the 1948 Authority (PA) culture of the many overt Palestinian Authority to stop incitement. law. Since in all likelihood he will be Martyrdom.” [Official PA TV, Sept. 23, lands.” hate and terror and its violations of the Palestinians’ own imprisoned for life, his salary will 2014] Host: “It’s our land, occupied agreeing to Palestinian commitments to Israel and the Which of these Quartet principles is keep increasing until he receives Palestine.” unilateralism, the PA international community. the PA violating and Europe ignoring? a monthly salary of 12,000 shekels Those words were broadcast on Boy: “The 1948 lands.” Dsees no reason to promote peace or Every one of them! The PA is supposed (nearly 2,000British pounds) – four Abbas’ official PA TV –financed by Host: “Our land, occupied Palestine. negotiate Worse still, when the Palestinian to commit to “non-violence,” yet its times the average monthly salary of European money. These and hundreds It’s Haifa, Jaffa, Acre (i.e., Israeli Authority refuses to renew peace leaders constantly reward, glorify a Palestinian civil servant. of other examples of Palestinian cities). These are our occupied lands, The Oslo Accords were signed in 1993. talks, many European countries and promote terror. Israel and many Authority terror promotion, including the 1948 lands that Israel occupied in Since then, for more than 20 years, further undermine the peace process around the world were shocked What does this say about the PA, that numerous examples of terrorists who 1948. Israel occupied them in 1948. Israel and the Palestinian Authority by agreeing to recognize the PA’s when three Israeli teens were it gives financial rewards to terrorist Abbas himself has glorified,appear These are Palestinian lands and will have been negotiating, fighting, unilateral measures such as seeking kidnapped and brutally murdered by murderers? Why does the UK and on Palestinian Media Watch’s website remain Palestinian. Allah willing, and turning to the international recognition from international two Palestinian terrorists. After the Europe give money to the PA to pay its (www.palwatch.org). they will return to us some day and community for help, yet a negotiated institutions, thus entirely eliminating terrorists were killed, the PA honored salaries knowing that Western money will not be under the rule of the peace agreement seems as far away the PA’s need for negotiations. the murderers by calling them is facilitating salaries to murderers, According to another Quartet occupation.” as ever. Why is this peace agreement Shahids - Martyrs, a term of supreme either directly or indirectly? principle, the PA must promote [Official PA TV, Oct. 4, 2014] so unattainable? When Hillary Clinton was Secretary honor in Islam. The PA is sending a “recognition of Israel,” yet it teaches of State, she explained how Europe message to Palestinians that these In addition, official PA TV interviewed its population just the opposite. The This is a regular message on this The lack of progress towards and the US understand the PA’s murderers are honored by Allah in the mother of one of the terrorists host of a PA TV educational program weekly children’s program. Earlier a negotiated peace agreement fundamental obligations: “We will heaven with the greatest rewards. and broadcasted her praising the for children recently taught children this year, the host taught child between Israel and the Palestinians only work with a Palestinian Authority murderer of the three Israeli teens as not to use the word “Israel” and to viewers: is to a large extent a result of the government that unambiguously Worse yet, Hussam Al-Kawasmeh, “the hero among heroes”: anticipate Israel’s destruction: “Who told you we will forget Haifa, actions, inaction, and statements and explicitly accepts the Quartet’s the mastermind of the kidnapping– “[My son] Marwan is an angel. He Jaffa, Acre and Jerusalem? We will of Western governments, primarily principles: a commitment to non- murders, who was captured and was loved all his life. Everyone loves Boy, guest on show: “I have never never forget them - we won’t forget in Europe, over the past 20 years. violence, recognition of Israel, and imprisoned by Israel, is entitled, like him. He is noble, pure and modest - entered Israel or Gaza.” any of our beautiful cities occupied The EU and the individual European acceptance of previous agreements all imprisoned Palestinian terrorists, an angel; the hero among heroes and TV host corrects him: “What Israel? by the occupation. We will return to

11 them one day. They will return to us that Jews are “barbaric apes, and with Israel, when unilaterally they one day, my children friends. I want wretched pigs” who are “condemned can expect to achieve everything they to take this opportunity to send a to humiliation and hardship.” And want, one small step at a time? greeting to all of our friends in the who is guaranteeing the salaries of 1948 lands (i.e., Israel), our occupied PA TV employees and the editors This is one of the reasons why there is lands.”[Official PA TV, May 2, 2014] of the PA newspapers? The UK and no peace more than 20 years after the other donor countries. Oslo Accords. Had Europe held the PA Haifa, Jaffa, Acre and Jerusalem-- accountable, had Europe conditioned all defined as “occupied cities” that This message sent by Europe to the its funding on peace education, had will “return” – are all Israeli cities. PA destroys any chance for peace. Europe rejected the PA’s unilateral How are Palestinian children ever The PA is repeatedly reassured actions and demanded its leaders going to recognize Israel’s right to that it can continue promoting and negotiate honestly, the PA would exist with this education? This is glorifying the killing of Israelis, that have been forced to stop promoting another example of a fundamental it can encourage its people to seek hate and terror and instead to seek PA violation that is reported regularly Israel’s destruction, and that it can progress at the negotiation table. by Palestinian Media Watch and incite to hatred and demonize Israelis documented to British and European and Jews – and not only will European Today, the PA receives more than 30% leaders, yet Europe turns a blind eye. countries ignore it - they will even of its budget from donor countries. fund it. That gives the West leverage to Why does the EU applaud the PA’s so- demand the PA stop its hate and terror called “moderation” and pay for its The final nail that Europe has culture in exchange for the West education when its children are taught hammered into the coffin of the paying its bills. The great tragedy of “The smaller not to even say the word “Israel” and peace process is its repeated the Middle East peace process is that to anticipate its destruction? acceptance of political steps Europe and other Western donors demanded by the PA. Europe is not ignore the potential positive impact The PA has also committed repeatedly merely ignoring the PA’s hate and they could have, and instead behave to stop incitement to hatred. Official terror promotion. By accepting the as if they are submissive partners, organisations are PA TV recently broadcast a song PA’s unilateralism it is guaranteeing rushing to satisfy PA whims on which included the words: that the PA will never comply with demand. “O, you [Jews] who were brought up its own obligations. Under the Oslo on spilling blood Accords, the Palestinians agreed to Instead of demanding that the PA O, you who murdered Allah’s pious a negotiated peace process. Both negotiate and compromise, Europe equally important” prophets (i.e., Jews in Islamic sides agreed not to take unilateral accepts PA unilateralism. Instead of tradition) You have been condemned measures. Yet, when the PA asked demanding that the PA stop its daily to humiliation and hardship O Sons the UN for recognition as a non- violations, Europe blames Israel. of Zion, O most evil among creations member state - an explicit violation Instead of insisting that the PA stop O barbaric apes, O wretched pigs.” of the agreement- 18 European promoting hate and terror, Europe [Official PA TV, Sept. 12, 2014] countries recognized it, including pays for it. Austria, Belgium, Denmark,Finland, This is not the first time official PA TV France, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Europe has undermined peace LORD AND LADY broadcast this song. Last year, the Sweden and others. Since then, the for many years. It has paid for the same hate poem was recited by two PA has approached a number of indoctrination of a generation of young girls. international institutions which have Palestinian youth,who have grown up recognized them. believing that Jews are descendants KALMS During the recent Gaza war, a member of monkeys and pigs and that of the Fatah Leadership Committee in The UK Parliament has further terrorists are heroes. Gaza,Yahya Rabah, wrote in the official emboldened the Palestinian Authority PA daily that “these rockets” are the hate machine with its recent symbolic Not only isn’t Europe part of the only way to enter into “dialogue” with vote to recognize a Palestinian solution –it’s a fundamental part of “these Israeli murderers,” because state. The British parliament has the problem. he claimed that the Jewish God, literally put its stamp of approval “according to the Protocols of the on PA-sponsored Antisemitism as Itamar Marcus is director of Elders of Zion,” demands that Jews something to be accepted and murder Palestinian Media Watch sacrifice Matzah unleavened-bread of Jews as something to be glorified (www.palwatch.org) His book made of blood of Palestinian children. Deception: Betraying the Peace [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 12, 2014] Because Europe ignored the PA’s process,co-authored with Nan culture of hate and terror, last year’s Jacques Zilberdik, which documents The PA-controlled and PA-owned nine months of negotiations between the Palestinian Authority ongoing media is teaching the Palestinian the PA and Israel were useless. The policy of deceiving the international population that Jews use Palestinian PA has correctly understood that community, is available for purchase children’s blood to make Matzah Europe does not care about its hate on the website. bread, that the Russian 20th century and terror promotion and refusal to Antisemitic forgery The Protocols of negotiate. Why should PA leaders ever the Elders of Zion is authentic, and negotiate seriously or compromise

13 East since their faith was born. ancient Jewish communities. They succeeded THE MIDDLE EAST In the rubble of Syrian cities like Aleppo and Last year in Saudi Arabia, two men were in purging 800,000 Jews from their lands. Damascus, Christians who refused to convert prosecuted for the “crime” of converting a WAR ON CHRISTIANS to Islam have been kidnapped, shot and woman to Christianity and helping her flee Today, Israel, which I represent at the United beheaded by Islamist opposition fighters. In the Islamic kingdom. According to the Saudi Nations, is the only country in the Middle MUSLIM-MAJORITY Egypt, mobs of Muslim Brotherhood members Gazette, one of the men, a Lebanese, was East with a growing Christian population. burn Coptic Christian churches in the same sentenced to six years in prison and 300 lashes, Its Christian community has increased from NATIONS ARE DOING way they once obliterated Jewish synagogues. and the other man, a Saudi, was sentenced to 34,000 in 1948 to 140,000 today, in large And in Iraq, terrorists deliberately target two years and 200 lashes. Those are relatively measure because of the freedoms Christians TO FOLLOWERS OF Christian worshippers. This past Christmas, mild sentences in Saudi Arabia, where are afforded. 26 people were killed when a bomb ripped conversion to another religion is punishable by JESUS WHAT THEY DID through a crowd of worshipers leaving a church death. From courtrooms to classrooms and from in Baghdad’s southern Dora neighbourhood. The “justice system” in other Islamic nations the chambers of Parliament to chambers of is not particularly just for Arab citizens, but it commerce, Israeli Christians are leaders in TO THE JEWS. Christians are losing their lives, liberties, is uniquely oppressive for Christians. Radical every field and discipline. Salim Joubran, a By RON PROSOR businesses and their houses of worship Islamists in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa Christian Arab Israeli, has served as a Supreme across the Middle East. It is little wonder are using an ancient law called the “dhimmi Court justice since 2003 and Makram Khoury When Jews celebrate the Passover holiday, that native Christians have sought refuge in pact” to extort local Christians. The community is one of the best-known actors in Israel and they are commemorating the Bible’s Exodus neighbouring countries—yet in many cases is faced with a grim choice: pay a tax and the youngest artist to win the Israel Prize, our story describing a series of plagues inflicted they find themselves equally unwelcome. submit to a list of religious restrictions or “face highest civic honor. on ancient Egypt that freed the Israelites, Over the past 10 years, nearly two-thirds of the sword.” allowing them to make their way to the Holy Iraq’s 1.5 million Christians have been driven Father Gabriel Nadaf, a Greek Orthodox priest Land. But over the past century, another from their homes. Many settled in Syria before In the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressions living in Israel, recently told me: “Human rights exodus, driven by a plague of persecution, has once again becoming victims of unrelenting of political dissent are regarded as acts of are not something to be taken for granted. swept across the Middle East and is emptying persecution. Syria’s Christian population has blasphemy. Last summer, three Iranian Christians in much of the Middle East have the region of its Christian population. The dropped from 30% in the 1920s to less than Christians caught selling Bibles were found been slaughtered and persecuted for their persecution is especially virulent today. 10% today. guilty of “crimes against state security” and faith, but here in Israel they are protected.” sentenced to 10 years in prison. They were The Middle East may be the birthplace of three In January, a report by the nondenominational relatively lucky. The regime has executed Nations that trample on the rights of their monotheistic religions, but some Arab nations Christian non-profit organization Open Doors dozens of people for the so-called crimes of people sow the seeds of instability and appear bent on making it the burial ground documented the 10 most oppressive countries “waging war against God” and “spreading violence. The uprisings that have erupted for one of them. For 2,000 years, Christian for Christians; nine were Muslim-majority corruption on Earth.” across the Middle East are evidence that the communities dotted the region, enriching states noted for Islamic extremism, and region’s Holy Grail has become the pursuit of the Arab world with literature, culture and the 10th was North Korea. These tyrannical The scene unfolding in the Middle East is freedom, democracy and equality. Let us hope commerce. At the turn of the 20th century, regimes uphold archaic blasphemy and ominously familiar. At the end of World War II, that this quest bears fruit before it is too late Christians made up 26% of the Middle East’s defamation-of-religion laws under the almost one million Jews lived in Arab lands. for the region’s remaining Christians. population. Today, that figure has dwindled guise of protecting religious expression. In The creation of Israel in 1948 precipitated to less than 10%. Intolerant and extremist truth, these measures amount to systematic an invasion of five Arab armies. When they Mr. Prosor is Israel’s ambassador to the United governments are driving away the Christian repression of non-Islamic groups. were unable to annihilate the newborn state Nations. communities that have lived in the Middle militarily, Arab leaders launched a campaign This article first appeared in the Wall Street of terror and expulsion that decimated their Journal April 16 2014.

15 Levita who wrote what is thought to thing that frankly many of us in their have been the first ever Yiddish novel. position would do almost anything David just to try and somehow forget. But more importantly I have learnt to understand something of Jewish But they do it because they share an Cameron’s values and character and I have urgent sense of mission that their grown to appreciate the extraordinary story must never be forgotten. contribution of the Jewish people to I share that mission too. my country and to the world. That Speech sense of understanding has shaped And I am determined that long after my determination to remember the they are gone and long after we are past, my commitment to Israel in the all gone their memory will be as at Israel’s present and my hopes for Israel’s strong and vibrant as it is today. future. As a father, I will never forget last And I would like to say something year visiting the Holocaust Memorial Knesset about each of these today. in Berlin with my children and for the first time trying to explain to them First, remembering the past. quite what had happened. 2014 One of the most moving experiences I want every child in Britain to I have had as Prime Minister came learn about the Holocaust and to in January this year, when I held a Below is the full transcript of UK understand just how vital it is to fight reception in Downing Street for 50 Prime Minister David Cameron’s discrimination and prejudice in our Survivors of the Sho’ah. I met some of remarks on March 12th, 2014, at world. the most inspiring people and heard Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. some of the most incredible stories. It is vital that we do all we can with our international partners to preserve Shalom le-coolam [Hello everyone] People like Harry Spiro who couldn’t the site at Auschwitz, which I will be understand why his mother pushed Mr President, Prime Minister, Mr visiting later this year. him out of her house and off to the Speaker, Members of the Knesset, factory, when she was actually saving But we need to do more. ladies and gentlemen. It is a great his life. honour to address this historic That is why I have set up the Holocaust Parliament – for sixty-five years the Gena Turgel, who witnessed her Commission in Britain. A number of heart of the State of Israel and a brother being shot by the Nazis and the Commissioners are here with beacon of democracy to the region – lost another brother and two sisters Ben and me today and as we visit and to the world. before she was eventually liberated Yad Vashem together later today, our from Bergen-Belsen and went on to pledge to Ben will be that Britain will When I was last here in Jerusalem, I marry the British soldier who freed never forget what he and his fellow came as Leader of the Opposition and her. survivors have taught us. I remember being quite bemused as I sat listening to Israeli politicians And Ben Helfgott who endured three We will preserve the memory of that telling me all about the challenges years in a ghetto, two labour camps and generation for every generation to of coalition politics. They told me three concentration camps to make come. about building a coalition, keeping it to England where he was reunited But remembering the past goes far it together, balancing the demands with one of his sisters, the only other beyond that horrific suffering of a of different parties, sorting out the member of his family to survive. generation. disputes and I just didn’t understand Ben went on to represent Britain as this strange system of government. a weightlifter in two Olympics set It is about remembering the long and But after nearly four years as Prime up a society for Holocaust survivors rightful search of a people for a nation. Minister of my own coalition all I can and was honoured in Poland for his And the right for the Jewish people to say is: ach-shav ani mevin [now I get reconciliation work between Poles live a peaceful and prosperous life in it]. and Jews. And I am delighted that Israel. Ben has come with me here today. What I have always understood is the From the early pioneers, the men and extraordinary journey of the Jewish All of the survivors have made such women of the Palestine Exploration people. Thousands of years of history an incredible contribution to Britain. Fund, who saw the Jewish history in this holy land. Thousands of years in this land and the possibilities for And one of the things so many of of persecution. And even today, some the future to the Balfour Declaration them have done – and which never people despicably questioning your – the moment when the State of ceases to amaze me – is to go into our right to exist. My Jewish ancestry is Israel went from a dream to a plan schools and share their testimony relatively limited but I do feel just Britain has played a proud and vital first hand. some sense of connection. From the role in helping to secure Israel as a lexicon of my great, great grandfather It is hard to imagine the sheer homeland for the Jewish people. strength of humanity it must take to Emile Levita, a Jewish man who came And just as important as the history, do that. from Germany to Britain 150 years is the partnership we are building ago to the story of my forefather Elijah To relive time and again the one between our countries today.

17 That begins with our commitment to divisive messages on our university first commercially available upright families. fairly and normally by all. strides with renewables – securing Israel’s security. On my last visit here campuses and we’ve excluded more walking technology which enabled a the future needs of their peoples for But people come to this Parliament On security, imagine a peace deal I took a helicopter ride heading north foreign preachers of hate on the British paraplegic woman to walk the a time when their economies can no from all over the world and talk about that would leave Israel more secure, over Israel. basis of our strategy for preventing 2012 London Marathon. And together longer rely on carbon. maps and population numbers and not less secure. extremism than ever before. British and Israeli technical expertise Looking right to the Jordan River and processes and deadlines. They tell Imagine the agreements ready to be can achieve so much more. Not a temporary deal, broken by left to the Mediterranean Sea, I really We said no to Zakir Naik. We said no you how to run your peace process. signed off with every major trading Hamas firing rockets at you or Iranian appreciated for the first time just how to Yusuf Qaradawi. And we said no From our scientists working on stem I will not do that. You know I want bloc in the world. proxies smuggling weapons through narrow and vulnerable this land is. to Dieudonne M’bala M’bala whose cell cures for some of the worst peace and a two state solution. the Jordan Valley. Committees deliberating not on what abhorrent displays of anti-Semitism diseases on the planet to our hi-tech A vulnerability that has already seen You don’t need lectures from me products to stop from Israel – but on have no place in a tolerant and specialists who are making a reality But a proper lasting peace that 38 missiles from Gaza this year alone. about how to get there. what products they can bring in. inclusive Britain. of the UK/Israel Tech Hub – the first allows a strong moderate Palestinian A vulnerability that just this week of its kind in the world - I hope this What I want to say is something government to end the fears of a Imagine too how this new future I’ve stood up to protect Jewish has seen the interception of the visit can lay the foundation for even different. What I want to say is this: failed state on Israel’s border. would feel. practices too. The Jewish community Klos C ship – yet another despicable more collaboration and even more has been an absolute exemplar in Imagine what this land would be like A deal that means an end of all claims Because this isn’t just about security attempt by the Iranians to smuggle business between our countries. integrating into British life in every if a two state solution was actually – and an end of all conflict. and prosperity – as important as more long-range rockets into Gaza. A way but integration doesn’t mean And to those who do not share my achieved. those are. vulnerability that has too often seen Israelis and Palestinians no longer that you have to give up things that ambition who want to boycott Israel I nearby Palestinian schools being Think of all the aspects of life that each other’s enemy, but actually This is about justice for two peoples. you hold very dear in your religion. have a clear message. Britain opposes named in honour of suicide bombers. would change. working together to maintain security boycotts. Whether it’s trade unions Dignity for the Jewish When people challenged kosher It gave me a renewed understanding campaigning for the exclusion of Israel’s relationships people and yes, dignity Shechita. I have defended it. I of what it must be like to be afraid in Israelis or universities trying to stifle with the world. Its for the Palestinian fought as a back-bench Member of your own home. academic exchange, Israel’s place as security its long-term people too. Parliament against the last attempt a homeland for the Jewish people prosperity and the So let me say to you very clearly: with to do something to change this. And Generations of Jewish will never rest on hollow resolutions quality of life for all its me, you have a British Prime Minister there’s no way I’m allowing that to and Palestinian passed by amateur politicians. people. whose belief in Israel is unbreakable change now I’m Prime Minister. On children for once and whose commitment to Israel’s my watch Shechita is safe in the UK. It is founded in the spirit and strength On Israel’s growing up in hope not security will always be rock solid. of your people. It is founded in relationships, imagine, fear. I am proud to be pursuing the international law. It is founded in the as John Kerry put it: I understand the concern of Israelis strongest and deepest possible Israel is a nation where resolve of all of your allies to protect “mutual recognition of who have seen land that Israel has relationship between our two around every corner an international system that was the nation state of the pulled out of, becoming a base for countries. there is a memorial Palestinian people and terrorist attacks. And I will always forged in our darkest days, to put and a reminder of those From our trade – which has doubled the nation state of the stand up for the right of Israel to right historic wrongs. It is founded in who fought to create a in a decade and is now worth £5 Jewish people” defend its citizens. A right enshrined the achievements of your economy modern Israel from the billion a year to the world leading in international law, in natural justice and your democracy – a country Let’s be clear what that human tragedies of the partnerships between our scientists, and fundamental morality, and in pledged to be fair and equal to all means. past. academics and hi-tech specialists. decades of common endeavour its citizens whether Jewish, Muslim, An end to the But those sacrifices between Israel and her allies. Britain and Israel share a Christian Arab or Druze. outrageous lectures on human rights against those who would seek to were not just to build a State that was commitment to driving the growth of It is your destiny. Delegitimizing the When I was in Opposition I spoke that Israel receives at the United harm us all. physically secure. high-tech start-ups. In Britain we’ve out when – because of the law on State of Israel is wrong. It’s abhorrent. Nations from the likes of Iran and introduced huge tax breaks on early On prosperity, the possibilities of They were to build a state that would universal jurisdiction – senior Israelis And together we will defeat it. North Korea. stage investment and special visas peace are extraordinary. fulfil its rightful moral position in a could not safely come to my country, for entrepreneurs and in just three Let me turn to my hope for Israel’s An end to the ridiculous situation region where security, dignity and without fear of ideologically motivated This is a region where demographics and a half years we have grown our future. We all yearn for a lasting and where last year the United Nations mutual respect would be the new court cases and legal stunts. When I are demanding 40 million jobs in the Tech City in East London from 200 secure peace between Israel and its General Assembly passed three watchwords. became Prime Minister I legislated to next decade, to keep pace with the digital companies to more than 1300 neighbours. times as many resolutions on Israel change it. rising expectations of young people. For Israelis, a life free from the today. as on Syria, Iran and North Korea put Britain fully supports the great work everyday fear of terror. My country is open to you. And you together. A region where the thirst for higher Israel is the start-up nation – with the that American Secretary of State are welcome to visit anytime. education today will need to be met For the Palestinians, finally, the second highest density of start-ups John Kerry has been leading. And No more excuses for the 32 countries with the jobs of tomorrow. chance to live autonomously in a When I saw the threat that Hezbollah in the United Nations who refuse to outside of Silicon Valley anywhere we believe that in Prime Minister state of their own. represented to Israel and beyond I in the world. As the inspirational Netanyahu and President Abbas you recognise Israel. So imagine the engine of Israel’s forged a Europe-wide consensus to Imagine if you could look your President Peres has put it: Israel has have leaders who want peace too. And for the Arab League, how many economy fully unleashed to work in proscribe its military wing, a key step gone from oranges to Apple. There the region – and to meet the needs children and grandchildren in the We back the compromises needed of those States today yearn for a in the fight against this enemy on are now more than 60 multinational that are common to all. eye and know that your hope could – including the halt to settlement different relationship with Israel – your borders. companies with research and become their reality. activity and an end to Palestinian which the peace agreement would How to make the best use of land development facilities in Israel. I have led the fight against anti- incitement too. enable them to deliver? and technology to feed a rising These are the dividends of peace that Semitism and extremism in Britain. Israel’s technology is protecting population? I long for in Israel. And we recognise the difficult and Think of the capitals in the Arab British and NATO troops in We’ve removed over 26 thousand courageous decisions both sides are world where Israelis could travel, do How to harness water resources so And I will do everything I can do help Afghanistan. It is providing Britain’s pieces of illegal terrorist content taking not least with Prime Minister business, and build a future. precious to all? bring them about. National Health Service with one in six from the internet, worked with Nethanyahu’s decision to release of its prescription medicines through Imagine Israel – like any other Imagine Israel’s technology working At the same time, we must be the police and with universities to terrorist prisoners, with all the Teva and it has produced the world’s democratic nation – finally treated hand in glove with those making constantly vigilant about the wider stop extremists spreading their anguish that can bring for affected

19 challenges in the region. That is what Britain’s approach to evolution of effective and accountable anti-extremism is all about. government and backing people in These are challenges we all face. their search for a job and a voice. No country knows more about the The threat of a nuclear-armed Iran threat of terror justified by this grim Third, we must be patient and resolute. and perhaps the greatest challenge of Islamist mind-set than you do here in We are in the middle of a generational all, the poisonous ideology of Islamist Israel. struggle against a poisonous ideology extremism. which is an extreme distortion of the But we too have paid our own price And to people who try to say that Israel Islamic faith – and which holds that on the streets of London, elsewhere is the cause of these problems. I say terror and mass murder are not only in the country and around the world. that fundamentally misunderstands acceptable but necessary. what these problems are about. So we share your resolve to overcome I am convinced we will be fighting this evil. And I believe that like our Take Iran. Israel is not the cause of Islamic extremism for the rest of my closest allies, Britain and Israel have the shadow that Iran casts over the political lifetime. the history, the values, capability and world. There is no rule that says if – yes – the historic responsibility to We must tackle this poisonous Israel and the Palestinians make take this on. thinking at home and abroad and peace, Iran is somehow going to resist the ideologues’ attempts dismantle its despotic regime or We need a response that is tough, 44 Baker Street, London, W1U 7AL to divide the world into a clash of abandon its nuclear intentions.” intelligent and patient. civilisations. Highgate, 14 Muswell Hill, London, N6 5UG That can only be done through Tough – in that it demands a The underlying conflicts and sustained international pressure. strong security response. Whether grievances that are exploited by I share your deep scepticism and that’s military action to go after terrorists are in many cases long- great concern about Iran. I am not the terrorists, or international standing and deep. starry eyed about the new regime. A co-operation on intelligence and “With every good wish from Streathers Solicitors LLP” nuclear armed Iran is a threat to the counter-terrorism. And the building blocks of democracy, whole world – not just to Israel and which are a big part of the solution, To make sure that the Taleban don’t with Israel and all our allies, Britain take time to put in place. take over Afghanistan. To support will ensure that is never allowed to AMISOM against Al-Shabab in But this tough, intelligent and patient happen. Somalia. To support the government approach is the best way to defeat Similarly, while of course, extremism in Libya to build new and effective terrorism and ensure our own feeds on conflict in the Middle East security forces. To support the people security. and elsewhere Israel is not the cause of Mali, together with their neighbours And we must – and will – pursue it of the poisonous ideology that fuels and our French allies to prevent a with an iron resolve. terrorism across the region and new terrorist haven developing on across the world. our doorstep and yes, it requires a Later this week you will celebrate tough, strong security response to Purim. We must be clear what we mean by defeat the Al Qaeda linked extremists this term – the poisonous ideology of You will recall the time when the in Pakistan, in Syria, in Sinai – and Islamist extremism – and distinguish Jewish people were under threat of wherever else they are found. it from Islam. Islam is a religion extermination in ancient Persia. observed peacefully and devoutly by But second, alongside a tough security And you will experience a day of joy over a billion people. response must be an intelligent in memory of the way the Jewish political response. We know that Al Islamist extremism is a warped and people were saved and freedom was Qaeda franchises thrive where there barbaric ideology that ties to set delivered. is political instability and weak or our societies against each other by dysfunctional political institutions. All of us here long for the day that the radicalising young Muslims all across Jewish people can be free and safe in the world. So we must match a strong security their homeland. response with a political approach At its furthest end are those who that addresses these issues. I know the challenges in getting back terrorism to promote their there are great. But far greater is the ultimate goal: an entire Islamist That means supporting the building friendship I bring from Britain – and realm. Governed by an interpretation blocks of democracy – the rule of law the strength of our collective resolve. of Sharia. and the independence of the judiciary, the rights of minorities, free media So as I stand here with you and look to Move along the spectrum and you and association and a proper place in the future, my message to you today find people who may reject violence, society for the army. is simply this: we’ll be with you every but who accept various parts of the step of the way. extremist world view, including real I’m a Conservative. I don’t believe in hostility towards Israel and the West, dropping these things from a great Anachnu Beyachad [We are with towards our democracy and liberal height. Every country must make its you].” values. own way. But we should never forget those values that are at the heart of They provide succour for the men and our own progress. women of violence – and we must confront and challenge them too. And that means supporting the The discussion must be informed by the following basic facts:

1. The Oslo agreements grant the Palestinians the right to draw 70 million cubic metres from the Eastern Mountain Aquifer (ground water reservoir). Yet this water resource is not currently being capitalized on by the Palestinians; the waters spill untapped underground into the Dead Sea. As per the Israeli-Palestinian agreement, some 40 sites were identified for drilling into this aquifer in the eastern Hebron hills region, and permits were granted to the Palestinians by the Israel-PA Joint Water Committee. Nevertheless, over the past 20 years, the Palestinians have drilled at just one-third of these sites, despite the fact that the international community has offered to finance the drilling of all sites. If the Palestinians were to drill and develop all these wells, they could have completely solved the existing water shortage in the Hebron hills region. But the Palestinians have preferred to drill wells on the Western Mountain Aquifer, the basin that provides groundwater to the State of Israel

2. Up to 33 percent of water in Palestinian cities is wasted through leakage. Upkeep on the Palestinians’ urban water infrastructure has been completely neglected. By comparison, leakage from Israeli municipal water pipes amount to only 10 percent of water usage.

3. The Palestinians have not built water treatment plants, despite their obligation to do so under the Oslo agreement. Sewage flows out of Palestinian towns and villages directly into local streams, thereby polluting the environments and the aquifer and causing the spread of disease. Despite the fact that donor countries are willing to fully fund the building of treatment plants, the Palestinians have not built such facilities. (Only over the past two years has Israeli pressure moved the PA forward a bit on this matter.)

4. The Palestinians absolutely refuse to irrigate their agricultural fields with treated sewage effluents. By comparison, more than half the agricultural fields in Israel are irrigated with treated waste water. Irrigating Palestinian agricultural fields with recycled water instead of fresh water would free up large amounts of water for home usage. This would greatly reduce the water shortage in many places.

The truth behind 5. Some Palestinian farmers irrigate their fields Palestinian water issues by flooding, rather than with drip irrigation technology. Drip irrigation, as practiced in Israel, brings water directly to the root of each plant, A significant public debate has been sparked by the thereby reducing water consumption by more assertion of European Parliament President Martin than 50 percent. Flooding fields causes huge BY HAIM GVIRTZMAN Schulz that the amount of water available to the average water evaporation and leads to great waste. Israeli unfairly overwhelms the amount of water Prof. Haim Gvirtzman is a professor of hydrology at the Institute available to the average Palestinian. The main issue 6. The international community has offered to of Earth Sciences at the Hebrew University: that should be discussed – and has not been sufficiently build a desalination plant for the Palestinians analyzed – is: What are the causes of Palestinian water in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians have refused supply problems? this gift. A desalination plant could completely

23 solve the Gaza Strip’s water shortages. The has continued to rise at an alarming pace. This has caused rather, they seek to perpetuate the shortages, and to Palestinians refuse to build this plant because a reduction in the natural discharge of water in the Beit blame the State of Israel. they claim they have the right to access the fresh Shean and Harod valleys, forcing Israeli farmers to reduce groundwater reservoir in Judea and Samaria, and their agricultural plantings. Ultimately, the State of Israel Unfortunately, President Schulz’s Knesset address, with they are prepared to suffer until they realize this has been forced to reduce its pumping at the Mountain its seemingly-straightforward but baseless accusations dream. In the meanwhile, Gaza residents suffer aquifer from 500 million cubic meters per annum in 1967 against Israel, suggests that the PA is succeeding in this from severe shortages of water. to about 400 million cubic meters per annum today. effort to befuddle international observers and besmirch Israel. These basic, undeniable facts are extremely important The Palestinians also divert water by pirate tapping because they have wide-ranging consequences. into pipes belonging to Mekorot, Israel’s national water Beyond the conclusion reached above, it is worthwhile company. As a result, Mekorot’s ability to supply water to consider a broader perspective on the water situation Today, the Palestinians consume some 200 million cubic to Israelis and Palestinians alike has been compromised. in the Middle East. The Palestinians live in the shadow meters of water per annum in Judea and Samaria. The This water is used mainly for agriculture, not for home of the State of Israel, a world superpower in terms of Palestinians could easily raise that amount by at least 50 usage. water technologies. Consequently, the Palestinians enjoy percent, without any additional assistance or allocation a relative Garden of Eden. Only in Israel, in the West from the State of Israel. This would require several simple Sustainable development: The PA purposefully flaunts the Bank, and in Gulf States does sufficient, safe, drinkable actions: principle of “sustainable development” – a core standard tap water exist in 96 percent of households. Residents of effective and modern economic management – in every in almost every other country in the region suffer from If the Palestinians were to begin drilling the Eastern way. Authorities that do not fix water leaks, do not collect terrible water shortages. Mountain Aquifer, at the sites already approved for and treat sewage, refuse to conserve water used for drilling, they very quickly would secure an additional 50 agriculture, and do not collect payment for water usage In Amman, the Jordanian capital, water is supplied million cubic meters of water per year. are in flagrant violation of this principle. to private homes just once every two weeks. In Syria, agricultural fields in the Euphrates Valley are drying up If the Palestinians were to reduce urban water waste from Which brings us to another point about the Palestinians: due to the upstream diversion of water by the Turks. In 33 percent to 20 percent by fixing the main leaks in their most West Bank and Gaza residents and businesses do not recent years (before the “Arab Spring” began), about urban water pipes (something that can be done without pay the PA for the water they use, in either their homes or three million farmers migrated from the Euphrates Valley great effort), they would immediately benefit from 10 fields. There are simply no water meters on pumping wells to the outskirts of Damascus because their lands had million additional cubic meters of water per annum. and no water meters at the entry to most homes, so it is dried up. In Damascus, too, the water running in the river impossible for the PA If the Palestinians beds, which was used for drinking, is mixed with sewage. to measure the amount were to collect and In Iraq, agricultural fields are drying up because waters of money owed by treat their urban waste If the Palestinians were to begin drilling the upstream on the Euphrates and Tigris rivers are being individual consumers. water, they would gain Eastern Mountain Aquifer, at the sites already diverted by the Turks. There too, millions of farmers lost This, of course, leads at least 30 million cubic their lands. In Egypt, enormous amounts of water are lost approved for drilling, they very quickly would to widespread water meters of water a year. due to flood irrigation. The Nile provides 30 times more waste. People who This would free up 30 secure an additional 50 million cubic meters of water than Israel’s annual usage and Egypt’s population don’t pay for their million cubic meters water per year. is just 10 times greater than Israel. Therefore, we would water usage have no (per annum) of fresh expect to see a water surplus. Nevertheless, Egypt suffers motivation to conserve. water, currently used from severe hunger and thirst due to severe wastage of for agriculture, for home usage. This would allow them water. In North Africa too, there are insufferable water Reliance on Israel: The Palestinians purchase about 50 shortages. both to improve their urban water supply and to expand million cubic meters of water from Israel’s Mekorot water agricultural lands. company each year, but the Palestinian Authority does not By contrast, the State of Israel creates artificial water pay for this water directly. Rather, the State of Israel pays If the Palestinians were to adopt drip irrigation technology, (desalinated seawater and recycled sewage) and Mekorot, and then deducts the costs of the water from the they would save 10 million cubic meters a year. This would behaves frugally and effectively, and as a result there is customs and tax monies that Israel collects on behalf of allow them to expand their irrigated lands. no shortage of water, despite having experienced many the Palestinian Authority at Israeli ports. However, it must years of drought. Furthermore, the State of Israel is a net In the Gaza Strip, too, the Palestinians could easily be noted that the Palestinian Authority pays Mekorot for exporter of water! Israel supplies 55 million cubic meters double the amount of water available, without additional just 80 percent of the actual cost of the water it consumes. of water each year to Jordan, and sells 50 million cubic assistance from the State of Israel. If the Palestinians Negotiations to raise water prices have dragged on for meters to the Palestinians. agreed to build a desalination plant on the Gaza coast more than 10 years, and Israel has given up many times. (funded entirely by the international community), they In the future, if and when peace is achieved, and Because the water market is administered in an opaque would increase the amount of water available by 60 to cooperation is truly desired, the State of Israel will be fashion, the Israeli consumer effectively subsidizes 100 million cubic meters a year. If they fix leakages, treat ready and able to assist its neighbours in overcoming the Palestinian consumer. The average Israeli pays and recycle sewage, and adopt drip irrigation, they would their water shortages. approximately 10 shekels per cubic meter of water. double their water allocation, as well. About 0.2 shekels of that fee goes to subsidize the water This article was originally published by the Begin-Sadat Unfortunately, the Palestinian Authority’s deleterious provided to the Palestinians below cost. Center for Strategic Studies. policies – as evidenced in the six facts listed above – are The sum total of the situation described above is that the a function of the Palestinian water war against Israel. Palestinian Authority is using water as a weapon against The warlike strategy adopted by the Palestinian Authority the State of Israel. It is more interested in reducing the regarding water explains several additional realities. amount of water available to Israel, polluting natural Illegal drilling of wells: As of 2010, the Palestinians had reservoirs, harming Israeli farmers, and sullying Israel’s drilled about 250 unauthorized wells into the Western and reputation around the world than truly solving water Northern Aquifers, in violation of the Oslo agreements. problems for the Palestinian people. The Palestinians are Since 2010 the number of unauthorized wells being dug not interested in practical solutions to address shortages;

25 start-ups are so prominent, and in the United Kingdom, where the history of democracy, public discourse and debate are so deeply rooted, these discussions can be even more illuminating. Speaking on behalf of the Israeli participants at the AIA colloquium I would like to thank the association for pulling us all together for this fantastic event. The organization was flawless, the friendships struck and revived are heart-warming, and the discussion THE TENTH was edifying and enriching. ANGLO-ISRAEL COLLOQUIUM We enjoyed very much the opportunity to discuss openly some of the deepest and furthest reaching issues developing in the context of social networks. While not all gaps were bridged here either, and while differences ETHICS AND between and among us were discovered, I believe all the participants emerged very grateful for the opportunity to RESPONSIBILITY IN strike up conversations and relations. Through this event and its participants, the AIA formed another social network AN INTERCONNECTED that will benefit its members and hopefully others. For Anglo-Israel relations, we believe this event did in fact WORLD shrink distances and build bridges over differences. The Colloquium was held in the inspiring, historical and symbolic environment of Mishkenot Sha’ananim.

David Aaronovitch the UK Chair of the Tenth Colloquium MISHKENOT SHA’ANANIM, had this to say – JERUSALEM, Sheizaf Rafaeli says, and it is the enduring truth, that despite the extraordinary capacity we have to contact 14-16 NOVEMBER, 2013 each other over distance, speaking face to face, eye to eye has a value that cannot quite be replicated by the virtual world. Breaking bread together – Israeli and Briton – as we symbolically did on the Friday night of the Colloquium and with pleasure at other meal times, or standing in the break-time sun at Mishkenot Sha’ananim, gave us an awareness of the “other” that electronic contact couldn’t. Not least because we, as Britons, could see how our Israeli counterparts talked and inter-acted with each other. he Anglo-Israel Colloquium was launched in 1997 at the initiative of the Anglo-Israel Association in London with the aim of bringing together every one or two years, a select number of people from I add my compliments to Sheizaf’s on the organization Great Britain and Israel, to discuss a particular topic which varies from year to year. The hope is that of the event and want to add a note about the spirit of the participants, drawn from many walks of life, some of them experts in the field under discus- that organization. Never didactic, never propagandistic, sion, others having a wide general interest and a breadth of experience, will be able to share ideas, always allowing what would develop to develop, the thoughts and practical knowledge, in the hope that the results can be to the mutual benefit of both Colloquium’s organizers were far more notable for their countries. Our discussions at past Colloquia have frequently led to continued contacts, joint activities warmth than for their political intention. I had unspoken and sharing of information. fears before the Colloquium of an attempt to co-opt us and the discussion for the benefit of a stance on Israel. TThe Colloquia are organized by two steering committees, Social networks, and their physical infrastructure That never happened and my fears were unfounded. one in London and one in Israel, under the auspices of the of computers and channels, are said to be part of Anglo-Israel Association, in keeping with its objective of our globalising era. They are a huge and growing And, as it happens, I also learned a lot from both my helping to develop wider understanding between British phenomenon, present in all walks of individual and social Israeli and British colleagues about probably the most and Israeli people. life. There is a promise of shrinking distances, bridging hotly contested phenomena of the current era. In every over differences, and growth in communication from near way I felt enhanced by the experience. Last year’s Colloquium centred on one of the most topical and far. The actual experience of recent years, though, – sometimes worrying and always controversial – effects is that in computerized and social networks distances of the social media such as Facebook, and Twitter and still matter. Cultural heritage, predispositions and prior A full report of the Colloquium can be found on the AIA others, on the lives of each of us, on our freedom and expectations are still very much present. For better or website at www.angloisraelassociation.com by clicking on our future, and on our children. While the internet has worse, technology has not (yet?) made us all equal and ‘Events’ in the main menu. opened information vistas that could not even have been symmetrically connected members of a frictionless imagined a generation ago, the increasing impact upon us global village. The subject matter is, therefore, all the of the social media is one that needs constant study and more interesting and intriguing. research. For this reason it is so important and helpful to have Prof. Sheizaf Rafaeli, the Israeli chair of the Tenth face-to-face meetings of concerned parties from other Colloquium summed up the proceedings as follows:- countries. In Israel, where Hi-Tech and internet-related

27 t was the second day of our that this visit would not only allow each he would be asked to get out of visit to Israel. We had travelled us to retrace Jesus’ footsteps, which the car to show his papers. south to the Gaza border. Abi, we did in Bethlehem, Galilee and A subsequent trip to the Palestinian Israeli soldier and Director of Jerusalem, but would allow a behind- I territories included a meeting with the crossing point at Kerem Shalom the-scenes look at the contemporary the redoubtable Johnny Shahwan. spent a passionate hour describing political scene, with the opportunity His Christian faith is of a different the meticulous, military precision for unfettered questioning and hue from mine, but bears very visible with which he controlled the safe flow debate. Given that the group included fruit. Johnny had left his native Beit of goods in and out of Gaza. For this a former MP and member of the Jalah, very near Bethlehem, to move group of Anglican clergy, it was clear Foreign Affairs Select Committee, his family first to Canada and then that his was more than a job. Abi an ex-military lawyer, a Kurd from Germany where he was granted faced potential danger every day, yet Iraq, and Church of England Advisers citizenship. But he was called was fired up by the desire to deliver on International Affairs and Ethical to return home to do something to the people of Gaza the goods they Investment, the informal discussions remarkable for his people, which needed for daily living, to protect over meals or a drink in the bar were was the establishment of the Beit Al his staff team of Israelis and Arabs, more robust and certainly better Liqa’. This ‘House of Meeting’ started and to safeguard his fellow Israeli informed than might be expected in rented rooms in 1996, but is now a citizens. We asked what motivated of the usual group of English vicars fine four storey building, housing a him so. He rolled up his sleeve and on tour (though the party wasn’t vibrant youth and community centre. pointed to his forearm. “I never want completely devoid of Panama hats Johnny told us: “Withstanding all to have a number tattooed on my arm. and khaki shorts). common sense, God gave me the Nor on my sons’ arms. Israelis have PANAMA We crossed through the ‘wall’ about mission to build a house in the midst to look after our own security. We’ve which we had heard so much, officially of war. I simply did what he told me learned from history that no one else the Israeli West Bank barrier, built to do.” will take care of us,” For lunch, we to reduce the number of Palestinian travelled the few miles to Sderot, the My first trip to Israel was in 1979, suicide bombing attacks. We had to closest city, where the bus shelters when a group from my school stayed HATS & leave behind two Israeli passport lining the street are in fact refuges at Degania Bet, a kibbutz to the south holders, and well ordered Israeli life, against rocket attacks from Gaza, of the Sea of Galilee. Most kibbutzim and were plunged into the bustling and where the police station has have since been privatised, no longer heart of the Palestinian Territories a display of burned out shells and sharing meals or pooling salaries at Ramallah. Our meeting with the KHAKI rockets collected from around town. or welcoming volunteers. But this Palestine Liberation Organisation The visible vulnerability of Sderot’s trip included a visit to Kibbutz Sde set out in an ordered manner their citizens helped us understand Eliyahu, home to 300 members and rationale for the illegality of the something of Abi’s mission and an equal number of children, and present Israeli occupation, and fervour. combining an Orthodox Jewish way their pursuit of a two state solution, SHORTS: of life with the traditional principles The previous day we had spent in with a return to pre-1967 borders. of kibbutz life and a commitment the so-called Israeli settlements on Father Ibrahim, who welcomed us to the land and people of Israel. the West Bank, or Judeo-Samaria to St Andrew’s Anglican Church in The kibbutz has created a Bio-Bee as it’s known by the Jews who live Ramallah, was much more animated. organic pest control system which is there. Over lunch in Shiloh, capital He told us of the precarious future now sold around the world. Sarah, of Israel for three centuries, Dani for Christians in the Middle East. VICARS our dynamic and engaging guide, Dayan, Chair of the Settlers’ Council, A generation ago, the Christian had moved there with her family whose oratorical style was loosely population numbered 10% of the from the United States, and during modelled on that of his hero, Winston Palestinian population. Now it is our relatively short visit shared full- Churchill, described his sitting room 1%. This is due in part to the rapidly on faith, energy, and devotion to her IN THE at home. “From one window, I gaze increasing Moslem population, and to new homeland, though of course she on this historic city, Shiloh, which we the hostile local environment in which had always believed Israel to be her Jews must never again abandon. And some Christians find themselves. cultural and religious home. from the other, I look at Tel Aviv, our Consequently many have moved, HOLY LAND country’s commercial centre, such and continue to move, overseas Several months have passed since a short distance away. If ever we ‘just because they can’ (thanks our study tour, but I have two abiding were to walk away from these lands, to family and other connections impressions. The first is of the people. we would be left with a country just abroad). Father Ibrahim shared his So many of those we met, Israeli seven miles wide: far too narrow for doubts about a two state solution, and Palestinian alike, and here I’ve us to defend.” It was very obvious preferring rather that all citizens managed to mention just a few, were that many settlers have no intention should learn to love each other and people of passion and conviction, of leaving the place they now call live together. But he tempered this achieving remarkable things in spite home. ambitious vision when he told us of, or more likely because of, the that on his journey home to Nablus, daily pressure under which they live. The trip was described as ‘part study still in the Palestinian Territories, he Every one we spoke with is of course tour, part pilgrimage’. For those of us could expect the inconvenience and conscious of the political turmoil and who had travelled to the Holy Land humiliation of being stopped at three potential military danger of daily previously, it was increasingly clear or four Israeli checkpoints, and at life, but far from subduing them, it

29 seems to raise their energy levels and their desire to make a difference. I came back wondering how we can be motivated to live with the same determination and drive in the relative calm of West Yorkshire. Maybe it was because of all these passionate people, however, that I became less confident about the TIME FOR ALL peace process, and the two state solution that we heard many people arguing for on both sides of the divide. It began very quickly to strike me that ISRAELIS TO TAKE Palestinian and Israeli concerns are so strongly held and so very far apart. Both are clearly seeking peace, but RESPONSIBILITY while Palestinians want peace with justice, I cannot see many of the Israelis we met ever settling for peace without security. Those two versions of peace seem to me to be very differently shaped. It is unsurprising ever before has a call for responsibility between all that Palestinians resent being walled Israelis been more relevant or more important than up physically and emotionally, but in these painful and trying days. In these moments, it is equally unsurprising that the we who live here, Jews and Arabs, look at each other Israelis should seek to protect N with suspicion tempered by fury. themselves when Hamas and others have declared themselves committed We have all the right reasons to entrench ourselves in our self- to the eradication of the Israeli state. Op-ed: President Reuven righteous ways, to stick to loathing, to allow fear and hatred to We were privileged through our visit to Rivlin calls for Jews dictate the direction of our relationship. have the opportunity to listen to voices and Arabs to denounce from both sides, but it was far from violence, seek new But now, more than ever, we must ask ourselves – honestly simple to find an easy reconciliation. – if this is the future we have in mind for our children. And if, It is as if two people are sharing the avenues for respectful alternatively, we are willing to accept that our destinies are same conversation, but in a different dialogue. Reuven Rivlin intertwined forever, we must now make that fate our goal. language. Sometimes the result is challenging; sometimes incoherent. As a society, the most pressing task we face is the creation So I came away believing that this of a new space for dialogue, a space that would allow Israeli conversation has probably to reach citizens to talk to one another but – mainly – to listen to one its own conclusion. It won’t work another. In these times we must learn anew how to talk, how for those of us who live elsewhere to converse, how to dissent without rejection, how to argue, to seek to impose our ready-made even if we do not agree. solutions, however neat they may be, on this exciting but troubled land. The tensions in Israeli society do not occur in a vacuum. The State of Israel lives in a harsh, violent neighborhood and within At St George’s Anglican Cathedral us difficulties abound. in East Jerusalem, they use the prayer: “Pray not for Arab or Jew, We lose sons, we lose brothers, and we lose friends. The for Palestinian or Israeli, but pray society we live in is far from logical. Despite everything, and rather for ourselves, that we might maybe because of it, we must decisively declare that violence not divide them in our prayers, but is not our way. Violence is not the way for the State of Israel. keep them together in our hearts.” Violence is not the way of the people of Israel. Since my visit, this is a prayer we now use regularly in our cathedral in The time has come for us, the Jews and Arabs of this country, Wakefield. It feels as though it is the to take responsibility for our lives, our futures, our homes, our most positive thing we can do to work streets, and the community. Responsibility for our entire lives for peace in Israel and throughout the here as citizens. Responsibility for the state that we live in and Middle East. within the civil framework which unites us.

THE VERY If we do not shoulder the responsibility, no one will do it for us. REVD JONATHAN GREENER DEAN OF WAKEFIELD First appeared on Ynet news.com

31 “The tour provided a helpful and creative way into understanding Israel’s security CLERGY VISIT concerns and the narrative that supports JANUARY 2014 them”. Charles Reed “The study tour has TO ISRAEL been the experience of a life time” ishop Alistair Magowan, Bishop of Ludlow and The Revd Dr Sebastian Acting Bishop of Hereford led our 4th briefing tour T Mattapally of Israel. The Briefing tours take senior Church Bleaders to Israel and the West Bank to get a better and informed understanding of the current situation. They travel the length and breadth of the region including the Golan Heights, the Gaza Kerem Shalom crossing, Sderot, “The uniqueness of this trip lies in the variety of experiences it has Ramallah as well as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. offered (political, spiritual, historical), alongside access to such a remarkable range of people and places” They hear a cross section of voices and narratives from the community in Shiloh to the PLO in Ramallah and It was a powerful and perspective-changing visit, for which I am everything in between. We organise these visits jointly with immensely grateful to you and your very generous sponsors”. the Council of Christians and Jews and the Greenwood Very RevdJonathan Greener Trust. Here are some of the comments we received after “Without the visits to Gaza/West Bank and the this year’s visit: ability to hear various voices within the Palestinian “My only suggestion would be to do a little less and so allow more Authorities there would have been an acute sense ‘The uniqueness of this trip lies in the variety of space for reflection. However, having said that, I’m not sure what I that we were being shielded from many of the experiences it has offered (political, spiritual, historical), would want to miss out on! Part of what was so good about the tour problems that beset the State of Israel. The fact alongside access to such a remarkable range of people was the shear amount of places/people visited”. Revd P J Guy that we were given access to Palestinians and and places. I think we in the West have to be very cautious Christians within the occupied territories and could before pronouncing apparently simple solutions to this freely hear their opinions was of considerable most complex political world’ credit to our sponsors” Revd Nicholas Mercer ‘The variety of the group, with their wide range of “I came backgrounds and experience, provided not just friendship away with a but also a very helpful forum in which to tease out our strong sense developing impressions and reflections. It was a powerful of Israel’s and perspective-changing visit for which I am immensely encirclement grateful’ and lack of security and ‘We could not have been more privileged to have such a how security wide spectrum of views on the tour. From the PLO to the will be a crucial Settler, from political and religious leaders and from both aspect of the young and old, religious and secular civilians’ current talks” ‘When the historical and political elements of the tour are Gregory Pope combined with the religious insights of the participants this should and did provide a very informed and balanced platform for debate both now and in the future. This tour exceeded my expectations. It severely challenged my existing preconceptions of Israel and through the power “It was the most amazing experience and I loved and weight of dialogue (and the quality of participants) the every minute of it. I learned so much both about the tour enabled me to re-evaluate and deepen my position. geography of Israel and how the Biblical sites all fit I came away with an enhanced sense of engagement with together, and also the political situation, and have the Jewish people and great respect for their struggle for “I am most grateful for the fascinating experience come home with a very different perspective on Israel justice and acceptance. The real strength of the tour was that this tour has afforded me. David, Jacob, than I had before I went” Revd Simon Allerby to allow this to happen naturally and not attempt to force Ruth and Alastair worked so hard to look after participants into a particular line of thought’. us all, and each brought valuable insights. A “I loved the trip. I value the effort which you guys “I have been to Israel before, but this tour gave me a particular highlight and feature of the tour was have put in it, the people were great and I came away completely fresh perspective, which will enrich my the remarkable group of fellow participants, who learning many new things, a lifetime of reflection will preaching and my prayers” each contributed so much from their own life follow” experience”. Revd Mark Ireland Revd Timothy Ezat

33 The 5th AMBASSADORS’

THE 5TH AMBASSADORS’ The one day conference jointly run by the AIA and Weizmann UK provided an opportunity for participants to ROUNDTABLE IN ASSOCIATION identify opportunities for Anglo-Israel co-operation in the WITH WEIZMANN UK ON FOOD all important field of food security. SECURITY: THE MISMATCH BETWEEN The conference discussed various food security challenges, POPULATION AND THE ABILITY TO advances in plant biotechnology, farming systems, PROVIDE ADEQUATE NUTRITION modern agricultural technology and transforming small holder agriculture – ensuring food for all in a resource The 5th AIA Ambassador’s Round Table on Food Security constrained world. held in the Great Gallery in Lancaster House on Wednesday 26th February, gathered over 60 scientists, entrepreneurs, The conference was opened by AIA’s Chairman Lord Bew diplomats, parliamentarians and academics from both who chaired the first session. The opening remarks were Israel and Britain. given by HE Daniel Taub, Ambassador of Israel to the UK.

35 • 3RD BIG UK WATER CONTRACT FOR ‘BUBBLE TECH’ START-UP • COMMONSENSOR WIRELESS DEVICE WORKS WITH THE AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM TO WATER CROPS ONLY WHEN THEY’RE THIRSTY.

WATER TECH- NOLOGY

37 he startup nation is not exclusively a phenomenon Over the years, the CommonSensor device has been of youth culture. transformed and updated. Tzori is seeking distributors for his latest model. He also plans to meet with universities 3RD BIG UK WATER TConsider the 79-year-old farmer Moshe Tzori, and research institutions that might be willing to use it in founder of CommonSensor, a watering sensor company research. based in Lachish. CONTRACT FOR For many years, Tzori’s farm of 60 dunams (approximately Born in 1935, Tzori studied farming like the pioneer 15 acres) has yielded peaches, grapes and even turkeys, Zionists before him. His alma mater, the Kaduri School in and doubled as a living laboratory for Israeli researchers the Lower Galilee, is the same field school that educated ‘BUBBLE TECH’ START-UP from the Weizmann Institute and the Volcani Center- Israel’s late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Agricultural Research Organization run by the Israeli “My age can give hope to people who want to start Ministry of Agriculture. MAPAL GREEN ENERGY’S startups,” says Moshe The idea for CommonSensor came up around the time Familiar with cloud technology and wireless capabilities, Tzori retired at age 65. Tzori used his practical experience to create a technology ISRAELI-MADE AERATION “I wanted to start a new circle in my life. This is something that senses the thirst of all kinds of fruit trees and you can do only when you go to retirement. Before that, vegetables that a farmer might grow. you are in a framework that doesn’t really let you start new RECYCLING SYSTEM NOW His wireless devices can be placed in various parts of the things, or which allows you to do the things that you really orchard to determine when the trees need watering. They enjoy. But one of the things that a farmer asks himself work in coordination with the automatic irrigation system is ‘How much should I water?’ This is a big question in SERVES SOME 30 MILLION so that the plants essentially choose when to drink. intensive agriculture, and you can’t get around it.” “Of course plants don’t really drink like people do,” says The CommonSensor wireless device registers how much Tzori. “We can drink a coffee or a soda even when we are water is in the soil, rather than measuring pressure or BY DAVID SHAMAH BRITONS not thirsty. Plants don’t behave like this. They take in humidity. According to Tzori, this basic parameter can be water only when they need it.” crunched in such a way to understand many things about plant behaviour. nited Utilities, the UK’s largest listed water Those energy savings also impressed British Water, He explains that there is harm in both overwatering and company, is the latest water utility to sign a which invited Mapal to join its exclusive club. British under watering. Farmers generally use educated guesses For a farm about the same size as his, one unit might contract with Israel’s Mapal Green Energy for Water not only represents the interests of members to the to maintain the proper balance. be enough to support the smart watering system, says U Tzori. Each unit costs in the ballpark of $1,000 and can be wastewater treatment. United Utilities is now the third UK government and regulators, but it is also a facilitator for CommonSensor allows farmers to use less water while water provider to purchase Mapal’s bubble aeration water the presentation and marketing of new technologies in the enlarging their planting region. Doing more with less is ordered directly through Tzori’s website. purification system for use in municipal and regional industry via its networks of manufacturers, consultants the key, especially in drought-prone areas like California. The patented device can even work on rooftop urban water supply systems. and contractors. The device also offers the farmer handy graphs and gardens. The deal is set to supply Mapal-purified water to outputs to reveal conditions such as plant stress. The Hebrew version of the children’s song “Old approximately 7 million northwest England homes. Mapal A LIVING LAB MacDonald” is “Dod Moshe” or Uncle Moses. This Moshe last year signed deals with Anglian Water and Thames is more than an uncle. He’s a grandfather to 14. And age Water, two large water suppliers in southern England. As CommonSensor was officially founded in 2001 by Tzori in Israel is really relative. a bonus, Mapal has been accepted as a member of British with three of his sons, all graduates of the Technion-Israel Water, the UK’s leading trade body. Institute of Technology. A fourth son went on to become a lawyer. In a Mapal system, water bubbles infused with air are used to clean water as part of aeration systems, removing pollutants and separating sludge from water. The treatment removes most solid waste and pollutants, The wireless device allowing water providers to purify and recycle water can be placed all COMMONSENSOR WIRELESS quickly and efficiently. Mapal’s technology eliminates around an orchard. many problems that have stymied adoption of the more effective and less expensive bubble purification DEVICE WORKS WITH THE technology. “Within several months we have signed three contracts Energy efficiency is what closed the deal for them to buy with the biggest water companies in the UK. In addition Mapal’s system, said officials of United Utilities, which has to the current installation, Mapal has provided its AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION tens of millions of customers. “The system will provide a technological solutions to Anglian Water, supplying number of benefits in addition to attractive power savings around 6 million homes, and Thames Water supplying and may provide a financially viable lower cost solution around 14 million customers in the London area,” said SYSTEM TO WATER CROPS compared to traditional installations for small to medium Fisher. “The last couple of installations have proven the sized surface aeration plants,” said Dale Walker, a senior technology beyond expectations, which is why we keep engineering manager at United Utilities. getting more requests from British water organizations ONLY WHEN THEY’RE and manufacturing enterprises interested in our system, to achieve significant savings of operation costs.” THIRSTY.

39 The connection between health problems and fragmented think about our next research project. So we decided to sleep is already known, says Hakim. For example, ask how it happens and why.” children who don’t get enough sleep exhibit memory and cognition difficulties, and have a greater tendency Hakim and his research team experimented on two groups to attention deficit disorder. Hakim wanted to know why. of mice. The control group was allowed to sleep normally. His groundbreaking study on the effect of interrupted The other group was wakened repeatedly. After a week, sleep on tumour growth was published in the January cancerous tumour cells were injected into all the mice. 2014 issue of the Journal of Cancer Research Within four weeks, the volume of the tumours – as well as SLEEP LESS, EAT MORE the amount of cancer cells — in the mice whose sleep had been interrupted was double that in the mice that slept soundly.

And the tumours in the sleep-disrupted mice were more invasive; they spread into the adjacent tissue, muscles and bones. The tumours in the mice that had slept better, meanwhile, were better contained.

“To understand why, we looked at the tumour micro-environment,” says Hakim. Hakim, 40, is a Christian Arab-Israeli who was born, “When you have an invader in your body, your immune raised and still lives in Nazareth. He is married to a system tries to attack it. The cells that eat invaders, like dentist, also from Nazareth, whom he began dating bacteria, are called microphages. Tumour cells have two when the two were students at the Hebrew University kinds of macrophages — M-1 and M-2. M-1 helps the in Jerusalem. The couple have two sons, 11 and 7. immune system; M-2 helps the invader. In the sleep- His father, a civil engineer, pushed him to excel in his fragmented mice, instead of having more M-1 cells to studies. Hakim participated in several educational help the immune system fight the tumours, the M-2 cells programs and summer camps in Israel for gifted children. came out to help the tumours.” He completed his degree in medicine in 2000, and has worked at Rambam ever since. TAKE SLEEP SERIOUSLY

In 2010, Hakim received a joint American Physicians Hakim’s team discovered that these M-2s were sitting on Fellowship/Israel Medical Association Fellowship grant the edges of the tumours and calling other macrophages that took him and his family to Chicago. to the area by sending messages to the TLR4 receptor – a protein that activates the immune system. The first topic he examined there, under the tutelage of paediatrics chairman David Gozal, was the correlation “What we found was that the TLR4 in the sleep-deprived between poor sleep and conditions such as hypertension mice was highly activated,” Hakim says. “So we decided to and metabolic syndrome (obesity). knock out the TLR4. And we discovered that the tumours in the mice in which we knocked out the TLR4 did not grow “People with sleep disorders tend to eat much as quickly.” more,” says Hakim. “This creates a vicious cycle, because they keep gaining weight, and if they It is this discovery which suggests pharmaceutical become obese, they are prone to sleep apnea.” possibilities that has the scientific community buzzing.

More waking hours mean more trips to the fridge because For the rest of us, the take-home message is that we need brain receptors for the appetite-suppressing hormone to take sleep seriously. leptin cease working in people whose sleep is fragmented. “Sleep fragmentation is widespread, even among healthy Hakim’s first year in Gozal’s lab was devoted to this issue. people, but it has negative long-term effects,” Hakim His second was spent researching the connection between says. “Thomas Edison did not realize when he invented fragmented sleep and cancer. the light bulb that this would mean we would never be in complete darkness.” Possible new treatment approach suggested by Arab- But Hakim, a paediatrician and paediatric pulmonologist SLEEPLESS MICE Israeli pediatrician’s discovery of how interrupted sleep at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, as well as a Hakim stresses the importance of preparing properly for speeds the spread of cancer. private practitioner in Nazareth, spends his waking “We knew from epidemiological studies that people whose sleep. “Sleep is not the default of being awake; you don’t By Ruthie Blum hours efficiently and wisely. Sleep research he conducted Circadian rhythm is disrupted – like night-shift workers – just unplug yourself and go to sleep. It is something that during a two-year stint at the University of Chicago Comer have a higher incidence of cancer,” says Hakim. requires taking a kind of action, such as creating the right Dr. Fahed Hakim laughs while admitting that he is remiss Children’s Hospital led to a discovery that is causing atmosphere before getting into bed. Calming down by at taking his own advice about getting a good night’s genuine excitement in the scientific community. “We also knew that sleep apnea sufferers, who snore and reading or taking a shower or whatever works for you.” sleep. As is the case with so many of us, his grueling work wake up dozens of times a night, have a higher tendency to schedule, coupled with a full family life, takes its toll on “We found a new pathway that could drive medication in cancer. In other words, the more hypoxic a person is – the his ability to get sufficient shut-eye. cancer treatment,” lower the levels of his oxygen – the more he is disposed to cancer. Studies on this emerged just when we began to

41 ISRAELI TECHNOLOGIES POWER RURAL AFRICAN VILLAGES.

icture a remote African village Expo in Nairobi. American Jews. running of the NGO. All our salaries the entire endeavour would die where women and children and overheads are paid through within four years – the life span of the Sivan Ya’ari teaches the women how to Since its establishment in New York in In 2009, the couple left New York to spend hours every day finding, foundations.” batteries for the solar panels. She had charge cell phones to pay for light bulbs 2008 with funding from foundations, settle in Israel and now have three collecting and carrying water to figure out a way for the villagers to P philanthropists and individuals, children. One private contribution they It is this kind of fiscal efficiency and location. This box registers electricity and wood back to their homes. earn the money to keep the system Innovation: Africa has transformed have taken on themselves is providing responsibility that Innovation: Africa use and malfunctions. Ya’ari can follow Envisage these villagers standing in going. 71 famine-ridden villages in Ethiopia, shoes and mattresses for African is trying to instill in the estimated this from her computer in Israel. And long lines for the privilege of digging Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda and South orphans. 540,000 villagers it has directly helped She began noticing that many when something goes wrong, she into muddy holes with their hands Africa into budding communities with so far, and in those on the agenda for villagers had cell phones but nowhere receives an automatic alert. to scoop dirty water into Jerry cans, The system of bringing solar energy hope for the future. assistance. This year, the team plans to charge them. So she created and later, searching for twigs and to schools, medical clinics and “Only in Israel!” she says proudly, to install the system in 38 additional cell-phone charging stations within branches with which to build fires. SOLAR POWER AND WATER TO orphanages in the most remote pointing to another Israeli patent that villages, if funding is found. each school, clinic and orphanage, SCHOOLS, CLINICS villages is one that Ya’ari calls “simple has been invaluable to the project: a It was just such a sight that Sivan and taught women villagers how to but highly effective.” And it also Once a village has clean water and special lock for the solar panels, to Ya’ari could not get out of her mind charge the phones. The 5 to 15 cent benefits Israel, another of the NGO’s electric light at its disposal, immediate prevent theft. after visiting Africa as part of her job fee (depending on the country and goals. change takes place. The children can at an international clothing company. the village) goes into a bank account If a village does not uphold its end of bathe and go to school. The schools, Ya’ari first locates a problem area by earmarked for purchasing light bulbs the contract with Innovation: Africa, A few years later, her master’s degree suddenly overcrowded from the influx consulting with government ministers. and batteries. the system is moved to a different in international energy management of students, have lighting, which She then meets with village elders, village. and policy from Columbia University’s enables them to stay open for evening “The good news is that most of them who provide her team with a list of all School of International and Public classes. The adults begin using the earn more money than they need for One time, Ya’ari noticed that a the clinics, schools and orphanages Affairs led her to an internship at water to grow crops, and within this purpose,” says Ya’ari. “This gives particular school was not turning that have no electricity or water. the United Nations Development months are able to sell them. them incentive to invest the extra on the lights in the evenings, which At her Tel Aviv offices, donated Program. With solar panels purchased in Israel funds in the clinics and schools to buy meant no night classes were being recently by the Nakash brothers, The same applies to the clinics. With and drilling machines rented from additional equipment. And it has been conducted. She discovered that the From here, it was not a far leap to owners of Jordache, Ya’ari explains electricity, they can be equipped capital cities, the Innovation: Africa a boost to the women, who are now village “witches” threatened to hex establish Innovation: Africa (originally that her goal was this: “Figure out how with refrigerators in which to store team and local contractors pump clean running these small businesses.” anyone who used the electric lighting, called “Jewish Heart for Africa”), to draw water from the aquifer under medication. Then, doctors from the water from the aquifers and pump it as they claimed that it was sapping a non-profit organization whose the desert with which to grow food.” cities are more willing to relocate to With the income from these to water stations close to surrounding their powers. mission is to bring sustainable Israeli villages they had previously shunned businesses, the villagers will even be Ya’ari, 35, not only found her calling villagers. All this is accomplished for technologies to rural African villages. for lack of proper work conditions. able to replace solar panels after their “I learned my lesson from that through this endeavour, but also met just $1 to $3 per person. lifespan of about 25 years. experience,” she says. “Now I always In summer 2012, the organization was her future husband, David Borowich CELL-PHONE CHARGING STATIONS The money for these projects is raised make sure to ask whether a village granted special consultative status (now David Ya’ari), an American- Though each village has a local through donations. “One hundred Yet, in spite of the positive snowball has a ‘witch problem’ before beginning to the United Nations Economic and Jewish financier and social activist manager employed by Innovation: percent of it goes to Africa and to the effect, the system is far from glitch- a project there.” Social Council. On November 1, 2013, who founded organizations including Africa, monitoring of this process is Israeli companies whose technology free. One main problem that Ya’ari it won the Innovation Award at the Dor Chadash, which hosts exchange done through an Israeli computer and equipment are purchased,” says faced was replenishing supplies, UN Global South-South Development programs between Israeli and program hooked up to a box in each Ya’ari. “Not a penny of it is spent on the including light bulbs, without which

43 off their new skills,” she explains. Pavis says half the NIS 1.7 million annual budget comes from the Then there was “Maya,” who has government, and the other half from attention-deficit hyperactivity donations ([email protected]). disorder. Her parents bought her Rescued dogs a dog for her 11th birthday and The paid staff includes four people in approached Dogs for People to help the office, three people with special rehabilitate motivate her to concentrate on a needs who work in the kennel, and people in worthwhile activity. 10 guides. Four National Service volunteers are helped by convicts a unique “With time, she became pretty good doing community service, as well as therapeutic at handling her dog, and competed in at-risk youth. program our agility competitions. She became devised by an very enthusiastic about the training “We encourage some of the at-risk Israeli trainer and very active in every volunteer teens we work with to join us as area she could,” says Pavis. “Now volunteers in activities for kids with for at-risk and she is 16 and is a guide herself — special needs,” Pavis says. “These special-needs one of our best. Using the tools she youth, who have been unsuccessful in youths. got here, she’s able to be a leader in school and life, really connect to the other parts of her life, too.” kids with special needs. The program benefits each participant, because AUTISTIC CHILDREN SPEAK no matter where you come from, you Maya’s progression to leadership always have something to give back.” began when the How Dogs for People help special-needs youth!

organization’s guides began taking her along to work with autistic y age 15, “Rina” had already participated in Dogs for People’s 70 youth who develop a deep connection PUPS HELP WITH PTSD children. lost her father to drugs and weekly activities in 13 cities. with the dogs, and through that the Because Dogs for People is situated her mother to suicide. While kids work on themselves.” “We often work with “We have five vehicles in which we in the coastal area that often living in an Israeli facility for children who have autism, B take 12 dogs each, going throughout The method rests on the principle experiences the trauma of rocket fire troubled girls, she met the dog that retardation or mental Israel visiting many kids in hostels, that teaching children to deal with from nearby Gaza, many clients are changed her life. disabilities,” says Pavis. schools, kindergartens and dogs assertively and calmly requires suffering from post-traumatic stress The pivotal pup is one of 60 therapy community centres,” Pavis explains. them to learn how to strike a fine disorder (PTSD). Autistic children respond dogs, themselves rescued from the balance between aggressiveness and well to the highly This unique program was the Pavis tells of eight-year-old “Leor,” streets or shelters in Israel at Dogs passivity for themselves. communicative canines. brainchild of Elmakes, who realized whose house was hit several times by for People in a small Israeli town “This is good for kids who early in his career that solving a pet “They have to find this middle place missiles. He became so fearful, she between Ashdod and Ashkelon. have trouble expressing dog’s discipline problem must involve that is the right way to treat the dogs, says, that he couldn’t bear to be alone Founded in 2006 by trainer Paul themselves to the outside the entire human family. If the owners because the dogs will only listen that and frequently got into scrapes at Elmakes, Dogs for People uses dog- world. The dog gives them learn to be more assertive and calm, way,” Pavis says. “The dogs are the school. Dogs for People first assigned handling courses to build human a reward and motivation the dog will mirror their behaviour. main therapists in this relationship.” him to its smallest dog because he participants’ self-esteem. to keep trying to reach out was afraid of the animals. “The more he worked with families Behavioural modifications are easily and connect and not stay “Through the happiness and joy that and kids, the more sure he was that seen in program participants as well “Then he went on to bigger and bigger in their bubble. We see Rina received from the dog, she was dogs can be used as a therapeutic as in their canine partners, who in dogs as he learned to overcome his that children who didn’t able to find the strength to fight her tool,” says Pavis, who comes from a the process are trained to perform in fear, and used those same techniques speak a word are starting own battles, and eventually took a social-work background. “He started competitions. Both outcomes result to overcome his social fears and his to speak to the dogs.” professional course for dog trainers some groups for youth at risk and from the unique relationship each fears of bombings,” says Pavis. “He sponsored by one of our donors,” The non-profit autistic kids, voluntarily at first, to child builds with these mixed-breed can use this tool in all aspects of life.” says Elmakes’ business partner, Asia organization works in find out for himself what works and animals that had previously been Pavis. Last year, at age 12, Leor again found close collaboration with what doesn’t.” abandoned. his hometown under attack. “That the Israeli ministries of Rina is now 18 and working part DOGS ARE THE THERAPISTS “What matters is not the breed, but was this kid’s big test, and it was health and social welfare, time at Dogs for People and also as how tolerant and easygoing the dog is, amazing to see how he managed and with local authorities a veterinary assistant. She hopes to The therapeutic and educational so that we can take them to activities controlled his fears,” says Pavis. He and with national serve in the Israeli military’s canine model eventually devised by the two without any risk to participants,” even won a gold medal in one of the organizations such as unit. 30-somethings is “a kind of circle in says Pavis. “These are dogs that are agility competitions that Dogs for which each part develops with the Kedum Noar, AMEN, Pavis has no shortage of similar not exactly good-looking and fancy; People holds several times a year. other,” says Pavis. “We save dogs, the Israel Association success stories. Some 6,000 Israeli they’re the leftovers.” rehabilitate them and train them to “All the participants in our projects for Community Centres, children and youth, both at risk be therapy dogs, then we take them to meet at these competitions to show and the Karen Karev and with special needs, have so far Foundation.

45 INNOVATIONS from israel.

47 6. Most Israeli flying on magnetic waves,” he explains. startups “I had a feeling IAI would be our best partner because cannot say of its innovative outlook and great engineering depth. israeli INNOVATIONS that they have We hoped they would be receptive to paradigm-breaking reinvented the concepts simply because they are Israelis. We were wheel, but this delighted to find they were receptive and spent a lot of 7 UNUSUAL WAYS OF GETTING AROUND and distributed. is the actual resources checking the feasibility of the concept.” Taga can turn tagline for Sanders hoped to have the first skyTran system installed Folding cars and scooters, a cardboard bike, a no-impact into a stroller Soft Wheel. in Israel within two years. He is still optimistic that the wheel and a ‘floating’ rapid transit system are here or to, especially The game- first seven-kilometre installation near Tel Aviv University soon to appear in Israel. convenient in changing will happen fairly quickly, followed by a 125-mile network cities with small technology is a three-prong suspension system built covering all of central Israel. The first phase is expected Israelis like to get around. They live fast, they move faster, spaces between inside a bicycle wheel and a wheelchair wheel and other to cost $50 million to $80 million. and they’re lucky that their Mediterranean nation doesn’t aisles and on applications are expected to follow. It shifts position to have snow, tornadoes or raging ice storms to slow them pavements. absorb impact, so that cyclists and people with motor down. The additional disabilities can ride without bumps and instability. Watch wooden box it go downstairs, without a thump. Dealing with heavy intra-city traffic can be stressful, but with seats for Israelis have made applications like Moovit to help you two kids makes it a dream ride for parents and tots alike. 7. Sky TRAN - Order a skyTran two-person transport find a bus faster, and GetTaxi to eliminate the need to pod, punch in your destination and soar above traffic on a hail a cab. In Tel Aviv, short-term Tel-O-Fun bike rental 4. Staying in magnetized guideway. A demo system is going up at Israel stations are set up all over the city. theme with the Aircraft Industries, and soon in Tel Aviv and beyond. slick, foldable and Local innovators are designing their own modes of urban electric, a couple NASA Space Act company skyTran has signed a deal with locomotion. Let’s look at seven of the coolest inventions of Israelis have Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to construct a 400- to hitting the pavement and the air in Israeli cities. developed Muve , 500-meter loop demonstration system of its proprietary a new kind of magnetic levitation-powered high-speed, low-cost, foldable electric elevated personal rapid transit at IAI’s corporate campus. scooter where “The systems are very profitable and can attract bond both feet stay money and private investment, and are much cheaper onboard. This one to build than traditional public transportation,” Sanders is a sturdy ride says. that goes compact when you need to The cost of implementing skyTran is estimated at $9 pull it onto the bus million per mile, as opposed to $100 million per mile for a or into the office light-rail system and $20 million per lane for buses – with elevator. The sporty, three-wheel scooter, also promoted the added benefits of energy conservation and low setup, 1. The City Transformer is an electric two-seat car that as MUV-e can interface with your communication device installation and maintenance costs. folds down to fit in parking spaces for motorcycles. Still of choice, so navigation and communication tools and in the prototype stage, and needing further investment, apps merge as one when you wind around your city. “The only holdup is government bureaucratic approval,” this mini folding car weighs about 880 pounds and could Sanders says. “This plan is supported by every solve the parking and emissions problems in Israeli 5. The mind-boggling but strong and rain-resistant If it’s successful, the next installation will be in Tel Aviv. government ministry in Israel. But it requires changing cities. Foldable cars were already imagined in the 1940s, cardboard bike designed and developed by Izhar Gafni is After that, the sky’s the limit. Israel’s Transport plan to include skyTran because it but today’s minds and materials may make them a real yet to go commercial, but it certainly has caught the CEO Jerry sanders explains “As soon as the first system now includes only rail, and there is no quick shortcut to possibility. world’s curiosity. Gafni reportedly has acquired venture is built, we intend to replicate it in Israel and around the changing regulations.” “However, the Ministry of Finance funding and is establishing a factory to produce the bikes, world,” has already allocated funding,”. 2. Young Israelis which could be made at a cost of $9 to $20 a piece. He’s love electric bikes also working on a cardboard wheelchair. skyTran is a patented system of computer-controlled, Simpler than LEGO and scooters. two-person “jet-like” vehicles developed at the NASA MyWay has The planned Ames Research Center in California. The system is meant Other skyTran routes in advanced planning are in designed an cardboard bike to revolutionize urban and suburban commuting in a fast, Toulouse, France; Kerala, India; and the San Francisco attractive, foldable, is glued together safe, green and economical manner. Passengers will be Bay Area, California. city-style electric with resins and able to tap a smart phone icon to order a vehicle to meet “Once the Israeli system is up and running, people from scooter that fits in polymers, and has them at a specific station. Inside the pod, passengers all over the world will come to see it,” predicts Sanders. a backpack, perfect no metal, wooden choose a destination from an on-board console. About “Folks from India to Latin America are waiting to buy it but for the last mile, or solid parts. The 12,000 commuters can be transported on each guideway they want to see a system in action first.” whether it’s from cardboard forms per hour. The demo system will travel at up to 70 He says that future skyTran systems would take a short train station to office or bus stop to library. MyWay, already the base material kilometers (43 miles) per hour, while the commercial time to build, as opposed to the demo system at IAI that for sale, aims to be the convenient scooter of choice. of this attention- system is expected to move as quickly as 240km (149 must be constructed by hand. grabbing bike, miles) per hour. 3. Nimrod Sapir, designer of the MyWay scooter, also which could serve “Once the first vehicle and guide ways are up, you turn on developed the Taga cargo bike. Matthew McConaughey a world population Little airplanes a production line and it moves very quickly. All we do is a has been spotted with his son on one, as have well-to- that lives on a few dollars a day. It could be made locally Sanders says it made sense to seek an aviation partner very simple construction process. When the land survey is do Tel Avivians who have found a way to import them from recycled materials, and when its life is over, go back to help skyTran design and build the futuristic transport done, we embed poles in cement and hang the guide ways from the Netherlands, where they are being marketed to the recycling hub. pods, “because our vehicles are in fact little airplanes on the poles. It’s simpler than LEGO,” says Sanders. 49 10 MOST EXTRAORDINARY MEDICAL 5. Oramed Pharmaceuticals seeks to change Type 2 10. NeuroQuest has started clinical testing in the United vaccines and treatments. DEVICES AND PHARMACEUTICALS THAT diabetes treatment from a daily injection to a daily States, under the auspices of Harvard Clinical Research pill. Its oral insulin capsule recently received patent Institute, for its groundbreaking blood test to detect early- The Israeli company’s role in this $260 million study is its PROMISE TO REVOLUTIONIZE GLOBAL approval in the EU, and is in Phase 2 clinical trials under stage Alzheimer’s disease. Initial trials in Israel showed unique capability for fast and automated data analysis. HEALTHCARE. an Investigational New Drug application with the FDA. NeuroQuest’s test – based on research by Prof. Michal Cohen explains that real-time PCR (polymerase chain Jerusalem-based Oramed is also moving forward with Schwartz of the Weizmann Institute of Science – to be 87 reaction) is the most popular molecular diagnostic clinical trials of a capsule to treat Type 1 diabetes. percent accurate with an 85% specificity rate in detecting technique in use today, accounting for more than $2.8 Alzheimer’s and ALS, two common neurodegenerative billion in sales. 6. Premia Spine developed diseases. the TOPS (Total Posterior There are three steps to this process: extracting the DNA Solution) System, aiming NEW DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY from the urine or blood sample, testing the DNA, and to revolutionize the spinal analyzing the results. The first two steps were automated implant market with an DEVELOPED BY ISRAELI START-UP AZURE before Azure PCR came on the scene. artificial joint in the same PCR COULD MAKE DIAGNOSIS OF ILLNESS – way that total hip and total WHETHER IT’S VIRAL, BACTERIAL OR EVEN Their breakthrough is automating the analysis step – knee replacement systems FUNGAL – INSTANT. greatly speeding up the process, removing the need for made hip and knee fusions specially trained technicians (a particularly acute issue 1.Na-Nose can detect lung cancer from exhaled breath a thing of the past. TOPS is for developing countries where skilled professionals and will be commercialized in a joint venture with Imagine waking up one morning with a cough or a sinus available already in Austria, Germany, the UK, Turkey and can be hard to find) and eliminating room for error in Boston-based Alpha Szenszor – after a few more years headache. Should you go into the office? Instead of Israel. An FDA study is now in the follow-up phase. TOPS interpreting results. of development and testing by the US Food and Drug trying to get a doctor’s appointment to find out if you are is revolutionizing the spinal implant market. Administration (FDA). Invented by Technion Prof. Hossam contagious, you go to the nearest pharmacy for an instant “We make the subjective objective,” says Cohen, who Haick, Na-Nose (the “na” is for “nanotechnology”) has test to determine what kind of virus, bacteria or fungus 7. Mapi Pharma recently won US patents for two promising founded the company with CTO Ze’ev Russak. “We can been proven in numerous international clinical trials to you may have. differentiate between different types and classifications slow-release platforms for drugs to treat multiple provide standardized results without the need for skilled of cancer with up to 95 percent accuracy. sclerosis symptoms and pain. “We believe in two to three personnel.” years they could be in the final stage of development, and 2. Hervana non- about three years to market,” says Mapi Pharma president Disease early-warning system hormonal, long- and CEO Ehud Marom. Another slow-release platform for acting contraceptive a schizophrenia drug is next in the pipeline. The company is The ability to provide near-instant answers could enable suppository won participating in the much faster appropriate treatment for everyday maladies a $1 million 8. Discover Medical introduced largest-ever child- such as respiratory or urinary infections. the SomnuSeal Mask for health study. Image development grant via Shutterstock.com last year from the CPAP machines used widely More globally, it could allow future pandemics to be Bill & Melinda Gates by sufferers of sleep apnea in managed using immediate information rather than almost Europe. If sales are successful, useless data from two or three days earlier. Foundation. The This scenario is not far from becoming reality, thanks the US market will be next. Automated analysis provided by Azure PCR can be fed into Gates Foundation is banking on the product’s potential to to the Jerusalem-based subsidiary of Azure PCR. The Because SomnuSeal is more a database to help world health authorities stay on top of provide a more accessible, cheaper and socially acceptable company’s disruptive technology has streamlined the comfortable than the current masks used with the deadly disease outbreaks. family planning option in developing countries, though it process of detecting, diagnosing and tracking infectious machine, compliance could be much greater. Plus, the would be marketed in the United States and Europe as diseases. well. device does not put strain on the heart as the current “With major global pandemics such as SARS and swine mask does. A more comfortable, safer mask for treating flu, we saw a six- to 18-month lag in diseases that start in “This is really important in terms of drug-resistant sleep apnea. developing nations until spreading to the West, so being 3. Vecoy Nanomedicines nano-scale virus-traps (“vecoys”) diseases,” says British-born CEO Aron Cohen, recalling able to track these in real time can make prevention how Muppets founder Jim Henson died in 1990, at age 53, 9. Real Imaging is in the midst of European clinical trials through vaccination and other methods possible,” Cohen from a drug-resistant bacterial infection before doctors of RUTH, its radiation-free, contact-free, inexpensive and explains. had time to pinpoint the disease strain. “Had he been advanced imaging system for early detection of breast diagnosed right away, he might still be alive today.” cancer. The system, which has won patent approvals “Putting early warning systems in place can improve in several countries, analyzes 3D and infra-red signals people’s lives and cut down on the cost of universal At this early stage, however, the company is not focusing emitted from cancerous and benign tissue, generating healthcare. If we know there is a disease spreading from capture and destroy viruses before they can infect cells, on that future consumer application but on using its an objective report that needs no interpretation. Founder a town and can map its distribution patterns, targeted offering a huge advance over antiviral medications and automatic DNA analysis technology in major global and CTO Boaz Arnon presented RUTH at the most recent vaccination can prevent it from spreading. Prevention is even vaccines. Through the MassChallenge startup collaborations aimed at curbing the spread of viruses conference of the Radiological Society of North America. always better than cure.” accelerator program last November, Vecoy’s platform such as H1N1 or avian flu, in real time. was chosen to be tested in zero-gravity conditions on an Initial release of the product will likely be in Europe sometime in 2015. RUTH, a hands-off breast cancer Since 2010, Azure PCR has worked with institutions such upcoming NASA space mission. Global child health study detection alternative. as Harvard Medical School and the UK government’s National Health Service hospitals to validate their 4. CartilHeal Agili-C cartilage regeneration solution for Azure PCR is participating in the largest-ever child health method’s accuracy for diagnosing swine flu, hepatitis B knees can regenerate true hyaline cartilage (the most study, the Johns Hopkins-based PERCH (Pneumonia and many other viral and bacterial diseases. abundant type of cartilage in the human body) after six Etiologic Research for Child Health), bankrolled by the months, according to clinical results so far. Based on Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. research at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the “We’ve tested over half a million samples,” says Cohen, “and we are in the process of putting together articles implant has earned the European Union’s CE Mark of This multi-country study of hospitalized paediatric for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, along approval. Further clinical studies could lead to FDA patients with severe pneumonia intends to advance new with a number of partners.” approval in the coming years. lab techniques in order to better determine causes and risk factors, as well as guide the development of new

51 The company is also working with laboratories to This pioneering technology grows and regenerates 3D PINK PERFECT communicate, do business and play. demonstrate how its technique can reduce the amount of high-density bone graft from fat cells. Growing bone labour that goes into analysis, thereby reducing the cost graft from a person’s own DNA, Meretzki explains, also After a mastectomy, Michelle “Open Sesame” comes to mind when one wants to of testing, “avoids any possible bone rejection from the body since it Kolath-Arbel of Israel open closed doors. Sesame Enable is meant to conjure is accepted by the immune system right away.” learned to make lifelike something similar, but for people with disabilities. “We are showing labs that they can make more money silicone nipples, and founded by using our technology, and this will provide our early- Making it fit Pink Perfect to sell them “Giora told me that he can’t operate his hands or feet. stage revenues.” worldwide. Could I make him a phone he could use?” Ben Dov To construct the new explains. “I jumped on the opportunity because it is a bone, Bonus BioGroup About 200 people in Israel and worthwhile cause and there is a do-good feeling there receives samples of elsewhere have prosthetic that is priceless.” the patient’s fat tissue, nipples that look and feel extracted through natural – all because of an “We set out to make a proof of concept, and when we saw liposuction, along with a Israeli woman who wasn’t it was working, we developed it further and today there CT scan of the damaged willing to live the rest of her is an SDK, a software development kit. This means that bone. The team then life without one. people can develop on it or with it.” constructs a scaffold Michelle Kolath-Arbel’s self- The company will also offer the application inside made of biodegradable funded company, Pink Perfect, was founded for people new phones, sold through cellular operators or phone sponge-like material, who are missing a nipple because of cancer surgery or any manufacturers. where a live bone can other reason. The nipples are handmade from platinum- CEO Aron Cohen: “We can provide standardized results grow, a procedure that takes about a month. The platform turns a Smartphone or iPad into a machine without the need for skilled personnel.” grade silicone to match the client’s skin tone, and are attached with a medical-grade adhesive strong enough to that recognizes face movements and hand gestures, Using three dimensional scans of the damaged bone to wear in the pool or shower. without extra tools or add-ons. The application is being build the gel-like scaffold means the team can create tested by Livne, who is using his extensive contacts to The company leaders expect that as studies are published bone that matches the exact shape needed. Once the bone Ready-made or custom-made help bring the tool to the hands of so many who need it. and uptake increases, there will be a knock-on effect in is created, the scaffold decomposes naturally and what an industry where arguably reputation is everything. remains is the live bone, which is then sent back to the Not just Candy Crush hospital for the patient to undergo the transplant. “We want to be a company that will increase access to molecular diagnostics to improve human health,” says Grows like any other part of the body Cohen. “We want to take it out of the lab and put it in the hands of users.”

ISRAELI COMPANY GROWS NEW BONES FROM PATIENTS’ FAT BY SHIRI WASSERMAN, Pink Perfect nipples can be purchased ready-made and custom-made. Each comes with a one-year warranty, The average person has two broken bones in their although with proper care the silicone nipples can last for lifetime, which can be caused by everything from arthritis, years, says their inventor. osteoporosis, accidents and side effects of medications. So it’s no surprise that trying to heal broken bones is as A woman testing the Sesame Dr. Yoav Barnea, director of breast reconstruction at Enable prototype. old as medicine itself. Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, says that Kolath- “This is a better solution for the body than plastic or metal Arbel “essentially completed our breast reconstruction But while repairing bones with casts or synthetic or pieces,” Meretzki claims. These bones are “active live operation. Michelle provided a solution to build a nipple Sesame Enable is a new window of communication for autologous bone grafts (bone harvested from another part bones that can grow; remodel and change as your body that looks like the other one in shape and colour, and people who are paralyzed or suffering from Parkinson’s, of the patient’s body) is common, these can be inadequate does.” Even with young children, when the bone graft is avoids surgery.” ALS or cerebral palsy. It enables them to read through an solutions. surgically inserted, the new addition adjusts and grows article by nodding slightly left or right, or navigate with a like any other part of the body. FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, SESAME downward or upward look. The same principle works for That is where Israeli biotech company Bonus BioGroup dialling numbers on a keypad, or even turning the device comes in, with a revolutionary procedure that can grow Located in Haifa, ENABLE TURNS A SMARTPHONE OR IPAD on or off, says Ben Dov. new bone from a person’s fat. Israel, Bonus INTO A MACHINE THAT RECOGNIZES FACE BioGroup’s facility MOVEMENTS AND HAND GESTURES. Using a prototype, testers are happily playing Angry In February the company received approval to transplant contains a team Birds and Candy Crush, phoning their friends and doing in vitro-developed bone implant into humans and of thirty highly Oded Ben Dov from the Israeli company Sesame anything that once required digital dexterity. Ben Dov performed the first bone transplant soon after. trained biologists, Enable developed a way to use face movements to control hopes the final version of the application will be launched chemists, and video games. Four years ago, he did a demo on national in a couple of months. “Cutting bone from one part of the body and putting it in engineers. They Israeli TV, and caught the eye of Giora Livne, a quadriplegic another part is a painful and costly procedure,” says Shai work in sterile family man now in his 50s. Ben Dov met an eight year-old paralyzed from a car Meretzki, CEO of Bonus Biogroup, which was founded in laboratories in order to grow, control and analyze each accident at a special-needs school. “Of course I feel sorry 2008. In addition, he says, it is sometimes impossible to individual bone. Livne immediately placed an assisted call to Ben Dov, for the boy, but I also feel joy when I see him using the graft the amount of bone needed. “So we thought, ‘why asking him if the same technology could help people phone with our technology. For him, he’s just an eight- don’t we grow new bone by using cells from patients?’” with disabilities to use the phone. The duo ended up co- year-old playing a game. Now he can control the game by founding Sesame Enable to provide a hands-free way to making gestures with his face.”

53 TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION – patient will respond more strongly, enjoy it more, and seek Stamper . Three pairs of B-Shoes being tested in gait “Traumatic brain injury is not confined to one area,” A NEW CURE FOR DEPRESSON? to repeat the experience. By intensifying sensitivity this laboratories of leading Israeli hospitals have an internal Bar-Haim explains. “It starts a link of damages that causes the patient to respond normally to the environment. processor and real-time clock that collects user data to continues for many years. We think that improving

share with the doctor. walking and balance is the key to stopping that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation stimulates a specific What makes the device so unique in terms of treatment is process. One way to do that is to alter the environment area within the brain, rather than the whole brain or that unlike ECT or drugs, it stimulates a specific area within “The main electronic mechanism is in the heel, and the so that the person has to problem-solve and walk in body. Approximately 18.8 million American adults suffer the brain, rather than the whole brain or body. This is a well- rechargeable battery will be embedded in the sole along an unexpected environment, which challenges the from depression, the leading cause of disability in the known problem for drug therapies used to treat depression. with the pressure sensors,” Stamper explains. brain’s areas in balance and navigation. This can cause United States. Yet only about half the patients who take Both ECT and drug treatments affect the entire body, even changes in areas of the brain responsible for walking.” common medical treatments like antidepressant drugs though the intention is to only stimulate certain locations “The sensors can detect that the centre of pressure is going actually see a therapeutic effect. Moreover, they suffer a deep within the brain which are thought to be the active beyond the back line of support. If there is no reaction from Step of Mind has completed clinical studies involving CP broad range of undesirable side effects including weight agents for depression and other psychiatric illnesses. the wearer for more than a few milliseconds, the shoes and stroke patients in the Middle East and Europe, and gain, sexual dysfunction and even suicidal behaviour. begin moving backwards five to seven centimetres until now is starting a major functional MRI study to see if

Uzi Sofer, Brainsway’s CEO, believes the company’s device stability is regained. People who tried it said they felt it’s using Re-Step really does stop deterioration. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a far higher could become the first line of treatment for depression, a improving their balance and it’s not a scary movement.” The shoes are priced so that individuals can buy a pair to success rate, with some 80% of patients responding replacement not only for ECT, but also for anti-depressants use at home after they’ve been trained at a rehabilitation positively. ECT, however, is a highly invasive treatment themselves. “It may become the safe and effective treatment facility. involving general anaesthesia, with many serious for a person’s first depressive episode,” he predicts. side effects ranging from dizziness and headaches to Along with her partners, CEO Jacob Witkowsky and CTO temporary or even permanent memory impairment. Brainsway is now meeting with the FDA to approve its Mark Belokopytov, Bar-Haim is seeking an investment.

clinical strategy. The company hopes to receive FDA Until now, the company has been running on self-funding Now an Israeli company, Brainsway, has developed a new approval and CE approval at the same time, enabling and grants. non-invasive deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation the company to begin sales in both Europe and the (TMS) treatment that it claims can effectively treat United States. The company’s goal is to start by targeting She adds that an important side goal for her is empowering depression without any of the negative side effects of depression, and then move to other areas of mental health. women. “I am the principal investigator in all the studies, drugs or ECT. The treatment, which Brainsway’s founders and I stipulate that half the researchers and clinicians believe could revolutionize the whole psychiatric must be women, and that half the study subjects must be care market, does not require anaesthetic. Instead, TWO NEW MADE-IN-ISRAEL SHOE women.” users describe the experience as a gentle shaking or TECHNOLOGIES TO HELP PEOPLE AVOID tickling of the scalp. “A bit like a massage,” explains FALLS AND REGAIN PROPER GAIT AFTER For more information on these technologies, Dr. Abraham Zangen, one of the inventors of the device. see www.b-shoe.com and www.stepofmind.com. STROKE AND OTHER INJURY.

TMS is still a relatively experimental area of medicine that is primarily being used for research purposes and clinical B-Shoe (the ‘b’ is for balance) After winning US and Israeli patents, B-Shoe launched trials only. Though widely recognized as a potential a crowd funding campaign to get the product into mass treatment for a number of mental disorders including B-Shoe Technologies addresses the grim statistic that production. depression, the problem until now has been that existing every year, one out of three people aged 65 and older TMS devices can only penetrate about half an inch beneath takes a spill in the United States alone. Closer to age 80, With sufficient investment to complete the regulation the surface of the cortex. This is deep enough to treat the risk affects nearly everybody, and these falls often process, miniaturize the entire mechanism and start some disorders like migraine (a new TMS device to treat result in hospitalization and decreased life expectancy. mass production, B-Shoe could be on the market in two migraines is now being tested in the US,) but not deep Related healthcare costs are estimated in the billions. years. Stamper is already in contact with the US Food and enough to treat more difficult mental health conditions. Drug Administration, and is seeking a strategic marketing For biomechanical engineer Yonatan Manor, these partner. Brainsway’s founders, however, have invented a new TMS epidemic-like stats hit home as his father aged and coil configuration that has been designed to generate began to fall frequently. Observing how elderly people Step of Mind’s Re-Step System sufficient magnetic field strength to stimulate neurons walk and stand, he theorized that the biomechanics of which are located 5 to 6 cm. inside the brain mass without stability – just like vision and hearing – deteriorate with Another innovative footwear company is ‘The Step of posing a hazard. This, according to Zangen, means the age. The muscles and reflexes cannot manage the little Mind’ Company which makes Re-Step high-tech shoes device can potentially be used to treat a wide range of unconscious adjustments to maintain optimal centre of used by physical therapists to train cerebral palsy (CP) mental illnesses including depression, Alzheimer’s, pressure in the heel area. The correcting step backward patients, stroke and brain injury patients how to walk. Parkinson’s disease, addiction, stroke, drug abuse, Post comes too late, in the wrong direction or not at all. Founded in 2006, Step of Mind introduced Re-Step to Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. rehab staff at Tel Aviv’s Reuth Medical Center and at Confirming his theory with physiotherapists and doctors several clinics in Turkey. The system is already sold in The magnetic coil, which is placed on specific areas of the and through studies at Ben-Gurion University’s Center for the two countries, and negotiations are in progress with patient’s scalp, sends strong directed magnetic pulses Multidisciplinary Research in Aging, Manor and electronic France and the United States. through the brain to stimulate the Nucleus Accumbens engineer partners Abraham Stamper and Aharon Shapiro (the part of the brain responsible for positive stimuli) dug the heel out of a sneaker and installed a sensor-driven Scientific Director Dr. Simona Bar-Haim, head of and the neurons connected to it. “By repeated artificial motorized mechanism that can drive the shoe backward Ben-Gurion University’s Lab for Motor Control and stimulation of electrical activity created by the coil, we in a controlled and gentle manner to prevent falling. Rehabilitation of Walking, explains that the system’s boost the sensitivity of these circuits so they will work innovation is based in a neuroscience field connected more efficiently,” says Dr. Hilik Lewkovitch, at Brainsway. Six years ago, B-Shoe began developing this prototype to chaos theory. Re-Step shoes alter foot angles and with support from the Office of the Chief Scientist, and sole height randomly to foster brain elasticity. Software The result is that the next time natural stimulation occurs, continued in a Haifa start-up incubator. measures gait parameters and displays progress and such as something pleasant that the brain responds to, the “We built prototypes of shoes that can save lives,” says recommendations.

55 The AIA Educational Trusts

Engineering, University of Sheffield. The AIA Kenneth Lindsay scholarships can make a huge difference to someone’s life, as the experience of - Polina has been one of the most highly studying abroad will utterly impact on their academic motivated PhD Students in my relatively large or professional career. But it changes much more than “The value of a programme, which conducts top-notch research merely one student’s life – it can change their surrounding in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering environment as well. college education and bio-sensing. Since the beginning of her PhD, Polina has presented outstanding research skills, The only way to combat boycotts and hostility is for British knowledge and achievements Moreover, within students to have the opportunity to talk with Israelis, ask is not the the last year and a half she has achieved great them their questions, and receive a ‘first hand’ impression results and has made significant progress. – Prof. of the country and its people. Many of our KL scholars Molly Stevens, Professor of Biomedical Materials have reported that for many British students it was the learning of many and Regenerative Medicine, Imperial College first time they had met an Israeli and gave an opportunity facts but the London. for perceptions to be changed. - Iddo Gruengard has just completed his MA This year we received over 70 applications The Israeli in Performance, Design and Practice at the students are mature and often bring with them a spouse training of the Central Saint Martin’s College of Arts & Design, and young family. With the cost of living and university University of the Arts, London. (UAL). As part of fees constantly rising, more funding is urgently needed. his graduation he had to produce a play for which Israel’s future lies with these young people and we would mind to think.” he received an outstanding review. The critic appeal to our members to consider sponsoring a scholar concluded “Such is the difficulty in catching one and help them to achieve the highest levels of excellence. of Gruengard’s productions, several members of the audience sat on the floor, as the seats were WYNDHAM DEEDES SCHOLARSHIP all taken. With “Metamorphosing” marking the end of his MA, Gruengard of course has further to We encourage British students to study in Israel to see go on his journey, but he knows where he wants for themselves what Israel is really like. They come to go and has an unconventional, exciting future back full of enthusiasm and with a changed perspective. ahead.” The AIA awards a limited number of Wyndham Deedes scholarships each year. The objective of the award is to The AIA just doesn’t have enough money to satisfy the enable graduates of British Universities, who are normally number of applications we receive. Israeli students are resident in the UK to make an intensive study of some having a very tough time trying to secure sufficient grants aspect, (sociological, scientific, cultural, economic, etc.) to enable them to study here. In these desperate times of life in Israel. We do not fund full-time degree courses we need to help them more. As one of our scholars wrote: at Israeli Universities but a short course or activity at an Israeli University is permitted if it forms part of a degree “The Kenneth Lindsay Scholarship helped me to have course at a British University. the opportunity to achieve a very significant milestone of my professional life. As a young researcher, leaving my Last year the applications were of a very high calibre and country for several years is mandatory in order to improve we awarded 3 scholarships: or many years now the AIA has prided itself on the talented, inventive, creative, and original and contribute my academic and professional experience and contribute success of its educational trusts. We administer two enormously to any university department they join. to the progress of my country.” Yaelle Ester Ben-David used the scholarship to enable Ftrusts, the Wyndham Deedes Travel Scholarship her to pursue a Summer Internship in Israel at the Peres Trust, named in honour of our founder, which provides We include just a few of the phrases used by professors Although relatively small, the scholarships are deeply Center for Peace in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. She worked primarily scholarships for UK graduates to undertake research about our recent KL scholars : appreciated by our scholars. The scholars are good in the Business and Environment Department which in Israel and the Kenneth Lindsay Scholarship Trust ambassadors for Israel and use their time not only to focuses on economic collaboration and co-operation commemorating a former Director of the Association - Shaul is proving to be an exceptional researcher study but also to engage in Israel Societies and to help amongst Israelis and Palestinians, with the overall aim which awards scholarships to Israeli students wishing to and has already had a paper accepted by one counteract the vast anti-Israeli sentiment present today of fostering a cohesive and prosperous society and thus study in UK universities. of the leading international journals in our in most of our universities. The scholarships are open an environment conducive to a positive and permanent field. Besides his excellent research progress, to all Israelis whatever their religion or ethnic group peace. We receive many outstanding applications, in fact this he has been invaluable in assisting me in the within the modern day Israeli society and a number of our year it has been impossible to choose amongst them as development of a new laboratory based set of former scholars have come from the Bedouin and Druze On her return she said “ This experience was insightful the quality is so high. The students do exceptional and projects. Prof. Visakan Kadirkamanathan, Head communities. and rewarding, both personally and professionally. I was often world changing research and development, they are of Department, Automatic Control & Systems able to learn more about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,

57 gaining a better understanding of the challenges as well had the opportunity to consider so directly the practical Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University of their lungs to the cells of their bodies; it increases their as contributing positively to the situation. Furthermore, implications of abstract legal theory and normative Jerusalem and the International Institute of Leadership in circulation by increasing their heart rate and reducing the internship directly complemented my desire to forge inquiry.’ Israel. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Israel and whilst I their blood pressure; it aides their digestion and reduces a future career within the international sphere of conflict would not claim to have now a thorough knowledge of the their stomach acid; it boosts both their innate and their resolution. Her full report may be found on our website. ‘During my time at the Court, I gained exposure to some complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict, I at least have adaptive immune systems. In all these ways it speeds up of the most difficult legal, social, and political questions a better idea of the right questions we should be asking the healing process. when trying to understand it. Her full report may be found on our website. Laughter reduces secretion of children’s stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and dopamine. It increases Two years ago we awarded a Wyndham Deedes Scholarship release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, that to Dr Karen Leighton who as part of her final year spent 4 increases their sense of well-being. Laughter reduces weeks at the Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital. Her stress, tension and muscle tension and stimulates muscle long interesting report can be found on our website but relaxation. Again all help them to get well more quickly. here is an extract on Israel’s Medical clowns: Laughter assists in children’s pain management. It Entertainment, recreational and / or educational activities increases release of endorphins (the body’s natural provide some normality to the child in hospital, helping analgesics), relaxes muscles and breaks the pain-spasm them to stay the boredom, ease the pain and keep the cycle. Via the psychological phenomenon known as ‘facial child in touch with their peers. But alone they fail to feedback’, the simple act of smiling increases a child’s meet their objectives. By contrast, medical clowns are mood. By expressing a smile a child experiences the Cambridge University wonderfully successful. They connect with children, even those who are extremely ill. They enable children to connect with others who are trying to help them. Alexander Rodney – is a graduate of Cambridge University that occupy Israeli society. Although to a certain extent and Harvard University with an interest in law and ethics. these questions were similar to those that many other Israel is a global lead in medical clowning. He was invited to the Chambers of the Hon. Asher Grunis, democratic societies encounter every day, the debates Clowns began working in the paediatric Oxford University Chief Justice of Israel to develop his research into surrounding (and the consequences attending) their department at Hadassah Ein Kerem questions of transitional justice. Trained in both England resolution seemed to be particularly significant in Israel. September 2002. The programme was and the United States he was hoping to bring rigorous For it is at a high level of appellate adjudication that so successful, that Clowns now work in legal and philosophic training to his role of law clerk at one frequently encounters those difficult questions that 22 of the 47 hospitals in Israel and since the Supreme Court of Israel. become a proxy for the fraught debates that democracies 2006 medical clown degree programmes In his report he said: face in deciding how to constitute themselves and, in the (BA and MA) have been available at Haifa resolution of which, they affirm their national identity and University. ‘For the past five months, I have had the privilege civic character.’ of working as a law clerk for the Chief Justice and Clowns are invaluable in pediatric Deputy Chief Justice of Israel at the Supreme Court in ‘I am immensely fortunate to have had the opportunity treatment units, waiting rooms and on Jerusalem. It was socially, intellectually, and vocationally to spend the past five months in Israel. The ideas I have wards. They re-introduce fun and laughter – a wonderfully enriching experience. While I have always exchanged and relationships I have formed with my to children reminding them that life is been stimulated by my academic studies by the rich brilliant colleagues at the Court, mentors in the academy, more than their illness. By playing games array of curricular and extracurricular offerings that and friends throughout Jerusalem, will remain with me for with them, performing magic tricks and I relished during my time in law school at Cambridge life. I am truly grateful to the Anglo-Israel Association and generally goofing around, they lessen and Harvard, and by my research interests that lie at the the Wyndham Deedes Memorial Trust for their generous pain, reduce stress and enable them to intersection of law and political philosophy, I have never support without which these inspiring experiences that I cope better with difficult situations. Their have sought to convey would not have been doses of fun relieve a whole range of possible.’ emotions such as fear, anxiety, loneliness and boredom. They are a priceless asset Supreme Court His full report may be found on our website. and an integral part of the medical team. in Jerusalem Miss Joanne Reilly is a graduate from the Medical clowns forge deep connections University of Oxford with a double first class with chronically sick youngsters, even degree in Philosophy and Theology and is those who are withdrawn and remote. presently pursuing a Masters Degree at Once clowns are able to reach children, Harvard University. She went to Jerusalem to nurses and doctors can do the same. participate in an academic field programme Clowns make them giggle, motivate them, on “Co-existence in the Middle East”. On her reassure and encourage them and reduce return she wrote: their pain, in an environment that can otherwise seem strange and hostile. How I would like to extend my most sincere thanks do they do it? to the Trustees of the Wyndham Deedes Memorial Travel Scholarship for their A clown in hospital is a joke. But the generosity in supporting my participation laughter they bring is healing. It stimulates in the “Coexistence in the Middle East” children to breathe more deeply, taking summer programme organized by the more oxygen into their lungs and via

59 positive feelings associated with a smile. This in turn lifts his / her mood and reduces his / her pain and stress. Medical clowns can stimulate children to cooperate with List of Kenneth Lindsay occupational or physiotherapy procedures that they may find uncomfortable or tedious. In his / her excitement the child reaches to burst bubbles the clown is blowing. The stretch required is therapeutic; it is just the movement he Scholars for 2014 / she was resisting earlier. And it encourages children to think positively, feeling that there is something in this YAEL LEVY ARIEL LANA TATOUR hospital experience for him / her. Mrs Ariel is doing her PhD in Law at UCL and is hoping to Lana Tatour is at University of Warwick for a PhD in complete in 2015. Politics and International Studies and hopes to complete in September 2015. For those wishing to learn POLINA BRANGEL more about these scholarships Polina Brangel is in her last year of her PhD in Materials ORLI TURGEMAN please visit our website at Research at Imperial College, London, specialising in the Orli Turgeman is presently in her first year at the medical www.angloisraelassociation. detection of bladder cancer. school in the University of Birmingham studying in the com where application forms clinical and experimental medicine department for a PhD can be downloaded. LIOR EREZ completing in 2016 Lior Erez is presently in his third year at UCL to read for a PhD in Political Theory. STAV ZALEL More and more students Stav Zalel is currently in her second year at Imperial are applying to the AIA for YUVAL ETGAR College London for a full time BSc in Physics with scholarships. With more Yuval Etgar is studying for a DPhil in History and Theory Theoretical Physics and will complete in June 2015. funds we could grant more of Contemporary Art at the Ruskin School, Oxford scholarships and educate University. NIR GOREN some of our future leaders. Nir Goren is currently at UCL doing a PhD research degree Medical Clowns We are urgently looking AMIR FRUCHTMAN in Medical Physics and bioengineering completing in 2016. for sponsors for a Kenneth Amir Fruchtman is a research student studying for a Doctor of Philosophy in Materials at University of Oxford. Lindsay or a Wyndham Deedes scholar, please contact us at: IDO GIDEON info@angloisraelassociation. Ido Gideon is a full-time research student in the Faculty Clowns bring a sense of control to the ailing child. Other com or on telephone number of Humanities and Social Sciences to undertake an MPhil/ staff come and go, according to their own timetables. By 020 8458 1284 PhD programme in Education and is due to complete in contrast, medical clowns come if the child wants them September 2015. to and stay only as long as they are welcome. The child decides. This gives the child a sense of security and YEHUDA INBAR control that is often absent from the hospital environment. Yeduda Inbar is at the Royal Academy of Music studying for his Masters – Performance (AIS Piano) completing in From a cross-cultural perspective the hospital June 2017. environment can be scary. Children may dwell in self- sufficient communities that have little contact with the MICHAL NACHMANY outside world. They may be new immigrants unfamiliar Michal Nachmany is at the LSE for a full time MPhil/ with western medicine. They may be challenged by PhD in environmental Policy and Development, which apparent religious, ethnic or national affiliations of completes in September 2015 doctors or nurses caring for them or of fellow patients sharing a ward with them. Clowns can help children (and SARIT COHEN- RABBIE adults!) build links across these cultural divides. Their smiles, fun and laughter are ‘culture-less’ bridges that Sarit Cohen-Rabbie, originally at the School of Pharmacy, inspire trust and calm fears. They open the way for other University of London, for a 3 year PhD in the Dept. of team members to bring therapeutic remedies. Pharmaceutics. She is now writing up her thesis and hopes to complete in July 2015.

SHAUL SALOMON Shaul Salomon is at the University of Sheffield for a PhD in the Department of Automatic control and systems engineering and will complete in 2015.

ODED STEINBERG Oded Steinberg is at Lincoln College, Oxford University for a DPhil in History and hopes to complete in 2015.

61 TECHNION TO LAUNCH The Directors of Corob Group First “Massive Online Open Course” (MOOC) in Arabic are pleased to support Prof. Hossam Haick of the Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering - has pioneered a massive open online course (MOOC) in Arabic The Anglo-Israel Association

housands of students from Arab countries have “Nanotechnology and Nanosensors” will cover some registered for the first-ever Arabic language of the fundamental principles behind nanotechnology “massive online open course” (MOOC) to be and nanomaterials and their vital role in novel sensing launched on March 2 by the Technion - Israel properties and applications. Students will gain an Institute of Technology. understanding of the fabrication, characterization, and T manipulation of nanomaterials, nanosensors, and how The ten-week course, offered on the Coursera online they can be exploited for new applications. education platform, will be taught in English and Arabic, marking the first time ever in the world that a MOOC has Class titles include, “Introduction to Nanotechnology, been taught in Arabic. “Introduction to Sensors Science and Technology, “Nanowire-based Sensors, “Carbon Nanotube-based So far, some 4,800 students have signed up for the Arabic- Sensors,” and “Arrays of Nanomaterial-based Sensors.” language version of the course, including registrants from Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Prof. Haick attributed the successful enrolment of over Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, Pakistan, the United 30,000 students to the appeal of the course’s topic. Arab Emirates and the West Bank. “Nanotechnology is a futuristic subject, and people are deeply curious about how the future will look.” He is In addition, some 25,800 have signed up for the English- encouraged by the widespread response to the course language version, including students from Iran. offering in Arabic, which he says “demonstrates that The course, which was initiated by Technion President people in Arab countries and Iran, especially the young Professor Peretz Lavie, will be led by Prof. Hossam Haick generation, are thirsty for knowledge and education that of Technion’s Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering offer a wide spectrum of opportunities for success, for and the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute. Prof. research and development, and to be part of world-wide Haick, a Technion alumnus and an Israeli Arab, recently technological trends.” The management of your wealth requires made world news with the creation of nanosensors that Support for the course is being provided by Associate specialist investment expertise. Our private could one day be used to create electronic skin that Prof. Miri Barak of Technion’s Department of Education client team, supported by the global strength senses touch, heat and humidity. in Science and Technology, who serves as pedagogical of the Schroder Group, has the knowledge Technion President Lavie said, “The Technion believes advisor, and by Technion’s Center for Promotion of and experience to help you. in building bridges around the globe through education Teaching, headed by Dr. Abigail Barzilai. Additional and sharing knowledge. This course will provide the support has been provided by doctoral students Abeer opportunity to learn about nanotechnology, and at the Watted, Meital Segev and Nasreen Shehadah. Call Mary-Anne Daly on 020 3479 0300 same time inspire an appreciation for Israeli science and or email [email protected] academic culture.” cazenovecapital.com

Issued by Cazenove Capital Management which is a trading name of Schroder & Co. Limited. Registered Offi ce at 31 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QA. Registered number 2280926 England. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. For your security, communications may be taped or recorded. K14010.

K14010_advert_anglo israel_A5L_v2.indd 1 10/11/2014 11:13 Over 50,000 Pelicans migrate over way. Physiological research and crossing the deserts of Sinai and combat the feathered invaders, many been trying to prevent the conflict by In 2011 and 2012 the Israel Israel every autumn and spring. This satellite-telemetric monitoring of the Egypt. farmers took to illegally shooting the providing highbred fish at different Ornithological Center and the Hoopoe is the entire population of the species Pelicans in Israel have shown that a birds in the hopes of deterring the sites in the Hula Valley, the Bet Shean Foundation have helped to fund The flight path of these large birds that breeds in Europe and Western high percentage of the Pelicans that feeding frenzy. valley, the Carmel coast and the area the project. All the statistics show brought them to seek the easily Asia. Their wintering sites are in East reach Israel have to rest here and eat near Acre. During the last few years that, in spite of the difficulties that accessible fish farmed by breeders in The farmers were mostly unsuccessful Africa, mainly in the Sudd marshes on in order to continue their migration the Nature and Parks Authority it entails, the management program commercial fisheries in Israel, many in their efforts, as hungry pelicans the Nile, which are about 5,000 kms journey to east Africa. has been managing the project. carried out by the Nature and Parks of them in the Hula Valley region. ended up staying longer in Israel south of their breeding sites. This is The Authority supplies fish to the Authority is the only way to enable the The draining of many wetland areas This depletion of stock negatively looking for food, feeding at night, and a huge distance for a migrating bird Hula Reserve, the Heffer Valley on Pelicans to continue their migration from Turkey southwards means that impacted the farmers to the tune ultimately eating commercially bred with a body weight of about 9.5 kg the Mediterranean coast and in the to their wintering sites in East Africa Israel is the last stopover site where of two million shekels and caused fish for a longer period of time. to fly, so it is absolutely essential region of the Bet Shean Valley. without harming Israel’s commercial they can refuel and feed before prices to rise for the consumers. To for them to stop and refuel on the Since the 1980’s the Israelis have fisheries.

65 ounded in the early 1950s by the extraordinary vision and determination of Mrs. Ruth Dayan, Maskit became the one Fand only Israeli fashion house. These worldwide artists created a tradition of uniqueness and authenticity never seen before. With the help of head designer Fini Laintersdorf, Maskit soon became a global phenomenon. The rapidly growing Maskit drew the attention of talented designers such as Pauline Trigere and fashion houses including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Givenchy resulting in several collaborative efforts. It was also sold internationally in high-end department stores. Maskit became a lifestyle statement, its dresses worn by celebrities and politicians alike, a hallmark of the arts and crafts. Told through fashion, Maskit is the story of Israel. Through its textiles, embroideries, craftsmanship, and designs, Maskit takes you through the most striking characteristics of the State of Israel, its landscapes, its people, and its flair to turn history into something that lives and breathes. What gives the country these qualities is its place in geography, its multitude of newcomers originating from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, and its biblical panorama and heritage. Since its inception, these were the qualities that inspired Maskit. Today, the Maskit magic lives on. A two- year journey of research and revival has led the team throughout the captivating Israeli landscapes to reconnect with Maskit’s original artists and roots. At the age of 98, Ruth is working with the extremely gifted designer, Sharon Tal to re-establish the brand and continue its legacy. A graduate of the Shenkar School of Design, Sharon went on to work in Paris with Albert Elbaz at Lanvin, and then proceeded to become the head of embroidery at Alexander McQueen. Together, Ruth and Sharon are driving the future of Maskit, infusing its rich heritage with modern fashion and remaining focused on delivering top quality and exclusive designs. The first collection, called Hommage 2014, incorporates Maskit’s 40 years of activity while bringing it to 2014. It includes updated versions of Maskit’s iconic items, such as the desert coat and the egg coat. The collection draws on Maskit’s traditional designs while using new materials and the highest quality of fabrics. MASKIT

67 Beverley-Jane Stewart

“Beverley-Jane Stewart’s unique style of painting looks in intricate detail at how Jewish heritage operates in contemporary multi-cultural society.”

69 everley-Jane Stewart’s When I was an art student, I became unique style of painting very interested in the importance of Beverley-Jane’s work includes oils looks in intricate detail buildings and people and how the on large-scale canvas, etchings and at how Jewish heritage relationship between the two affected print-works, a technique Beverley- operates in contemporary individuals and communities. I Jane has began to explore more Bmulti-cultural society. Her debut was aware of the role played by recently bringing an added dimension solo exhibition, ‘Spirit Recaptured’, different spatial environments in the to her work.

everley-Jane everley-Jane Stewart’s which ran from 8th-17th September production – not merely the reflection B 2014 at London’s Trinity House, is – of identity. I really wanted to tap into Beverley-Jane continues, “I describe now set to move to Trinity House New the way in which, historically, British myself as a visual writer. I’m not York in 2015. At present Beverley- Jews have engaged with architecture putting material down in words, Jane is also writing a book linking as a means of constructing a positive rather, I model it in images, fusing her artwork with the text on the role identity within the context of British facts with emotions. I have a very of the synagogue in Anglo-Jewry. society.” multifaceted approach. I try to assemble fragments and weave Brought up in South and East London, The latest phase of Beverley-Jane’s them together in a unified tapestry Beverley-Jane is now based in St work goes beyond the buildings, and I play around quite a lot with John’s Wood. Her early experience linking the synagogue with local perspective because we are always as a state school art teacher enabled history and community. The historical on the move – our angles change. her to develop an understanding with association of being an immigrant The use of bold, expressive colour a variety of communities. Helped and contributing to British society is also very important to me when by her own Jewish background and is heavily researched applying the building up layers of meaning, by the fact that her grandparents were past to present, expressing facts thinking of a psychology of time immigrants themselves, she was with emotions shown in bold colours I am endeavouring to show how able to research with sympathy communities build up the layers different groups and how they of their personality. In many of settled and integrated into “From a very young age my paintings, black imagery or Britain. I was aware of the social cold, sombre blues accentuate the darker times the Jews Beverley-Jane’s early work and religious values the suffered, with light, warmer col- shows London life scenes and ours highlighting the move into the relationship of buildings synagogue provided, values a more enlightened, tolerant to people. With this work period. she received ‘The Artist Book that would later inspire much Club Award’ and the ‘Evening of my work.” My work is telling a story, the Standard Art Award’ for London story of the Jews from the past to at Play. In later years, she has the present, and I’m doing it in a concentrated on Synagogue services, and strong lines interwoven with her visual way, exploring the possibilities her unique style of figurative painting personalised figurative style. and pushing the boundaries of visual combined with the splendour of these language. When you read a book buildings make these services come Talking about her painting, ‘East End you follow the lines, you follow the alive. Story’, Beverley-Jane continues, chapters through to the end. The “This painting was the spark which chapters of the story I am trying to Her commissioned painting on 125 changed the direction of my work narrate are all brought together years of United Synagogue has had and how appropriate this should be and connected on one canvas – time numerous publications, including as the East End is such a landmark builds, shifts and flows through each the cover for the Former Chief in Anglo Jewry. The majority of painting.” Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sack’s Book Jews settled here when fleeing from ‘Community of Faith’. Examples persecution in Eastern Europe at www.beverleyjanestewart.com of her work have been included in the end of nineteenth century. It was Twitter: @beverleyjstewar Sharman Kadish’s Book on ‘Building this area which made me think more Jerusalem’, an etching is on the cover deeply about the relationship of the of ‘Alderney Road Jewish Cemetery’ synagogue and the developments by Rabbi Bernard Susser, a series of occurring outside. fun designs for the Simcha Magazine. Her ‘East End and Tottenham Home “My grandparents originated from the for Incurables’ work was featured in East End and I felt a need to capture ‘Jewish London’. the Jewish story combining it with today’s modern society. Community Beverley-Jane comments, “From characterisation develops through its a very young age I was aware of history and the East End with its influx the social and religious values the of immigrants, professional and synagogue provided, values that artisans, creates a unique area which would later inspire much of my work. has become vibrant and diverse.”

71 interested and passionate sets for my clients all around the about design and art and world. It is a fun and creative process working with my hands. that I enjoy. Irit Was it a family business? Did you study your art in another When did you open your country – did you go to university/ first shop? Why did you college in Israel? Goldberg – choose Jaffa for your shop? I trained both in nursing and design. At the beginning of my career I studied Yes, it is a family nursing, where I worked at the Cardio Ceramics business; it started when ER at Ichilov (Tel-Aviv Hospital). Later, I opened my gallery in I started studying advanced pottery Old Jaffa about six years techniques, storefront and garden ago. At first, I started design. giving a making pottery in my studio in my backyard, My training as a nurse provided me and over time I expanded with the skills on how to work hard my tools and techniques. and under pressure, which I combine whole new In the beginning I only today with my love for design and the sold to friends and family creative process of my work. who loved my designs and appreciated my Are you married - have children – lifestyle. home collection and does your family work in the business encouraged me to open with you? my own gallery. In old Jaffa there is a delightful studio/ Yes I am married, and I have three shop which is a must on your itinerary. I chose Old Jaffa to open my shop amazing children, two daughters and At the Irit Goldberg Studio you will find because of the unique and diverse a son. her collection of stylish yet functional atmosphere here. The gallery is items, her private workshop, located in a store that was built more My Husband, Moshe, helps me with producing each piece individually by than 200 years ago and has a romantic many aspects of the day to day hand, with items in various colours and intimate feeling. The gallery is operations of the gallery, such as and extraordinary textures in a colour only a few steps from the sea. When international shipping. We handle scheme that spans cream, white, grey you combine these environments all of our international shipping and turquoise, with elements of gold together you get a serene and magical ourselves, which has increased in or silver. place, which I would not replace with volume significantly in the last couple any other location in the world. There of years and requires special skills to In addition, the gallery has items is also some family history in Jaffa make sure that everything arrives in from antique shops and markets as my mother-in-law used to have a perfect condition. worldwide such as a selection of jewellery gallery in Old Jaffa in the vintage treasures from the 1920’s, 70’s, so it was a nice continuation of My daughters are also involved in the 1930’s and 1940’s that she culled with our heritage. daily routine of running the store. My impeccable taste. Silver tableware, daughter Danielle has a B.S and M.S crystal jars and other objects d’art sit Where do you get the inspiration for in art history. She opened the gallery alongside Irit’s handcrafted ceramics, making your lovely designs? with me, and she is responsible for forming a pleasing juxtaposition updating and designing the store’s between old and new. And what’s I am mostly inspired by the atmosphere web site (www.iritgoldberg.co.il) and more, except for those pieces with in Jaffa, the sea, and from my love of our Etsy store. Alona, graduated from elements of gold or silver, every piece fabrics. I love working with cottons, Bezalel Art Academy, she has been is heat-resistant and oven proof. We linens and laces from the 1930’s-60s. assisting me with the photography of were intrigued to learn more about In my art, I try to merge the old and the the ceramic pieces, the gallery’s logo the person behind the designs. new, while emphasizing the delicacy and business image. of the clay. My collection is above all Irit are you a Sabra or if not when did unique, and each item is a one-of-a- My son, Yoni, and his wife, Rachel, who you come to Israel.? kind piece with its own character and live in the US are also involved and charm. help me in different aspects of the Yes I am, I was born in Jaffa. store operation. Would you design a complete dinner When did you first become interested set for someone? Irit sums up her business saying - It is in designing and making pottery? truly a family business that shows our One of my biggest loves is to design love and hard work through the many I started to make pottery about complete perfect and cohesive sets. details in my art. twenty years ago. I have always been I designed many customized serving

73 The Machneyude Group is synonymous with curiosity, creativity, entrepreneurship and social awareness

The Machneyuda Group includes three chefs – Uri Navon, Asaf Granit and Yossi Elad, who started their endeavour because they were highly influenced by the Machne Yehuda market and its proximity to where they designed their restaurant. Machneyuda’s food is based on contemporary Jerusalem cooking and what the market has to offer during each season of the year.

Expect plates straight from the kitchen of Uri’s grandmother and glasses found in the HIS Granit family’s attic. The open kitchen provides diners with an interesting view of what’s T going on and the chef’s bar offers a glimpse that’s even more intimate. The group now K N includes Machneyuda, Yudaleh (the little brother), which opened in 2012; Mona, also O opened in 2012; and Hasadna (The Workshop), which started last year. Hataliba, having O opened this year, is located below the Jerusalem Theatre (Talbiya, 5 Shufen, Jerusalem, W 02-6222283). O Polenta Machneyuda with Mushroom Ragu, Asparagus and Poached Egg Ingredients For polenta: 500 gr corn flour C : 1½ litres milk 200 ml. sweet cream 1 tbs butter 1 tbs grated Parmesan salt For mushroom ragu: 200 gr of each, torn by hand – champignon Portobello, forest or Jordan mushrooms P Salt and pepper u 1 tsp chopped thyme o g For poached eggs: l a 6 eggs e ¾ cup white vinegar (wine vinegar preferred) n R For serving:

t 6 stalks asparagus a m peeled and lightly blanched (under ½ minute) 100 gr Parmesan, sliced with a peeler M o 2 tsp truffle oil or olive oil o ac hr Preparation: h s Preparing the polenta: Bring sweet cream and milk to boiling point, pour in corn flour, ne Mu stirring constantly until reaching a silky texture, add remainder of ingredients and mix. yu Preparing the ragu: Warm frying pan or low-sided wide pot, add butter and remainder da with of ingredients. Cook over low heat until mushrooms give out all liquid and blacken, with concentrated taste. Poaching the eggs: Boil two litres of water with the quarter cup vine- gar. Stir with the aid of a mixer, gently break one egg and place in centre. Lower heat and cook 3½ minutes. Repeat with each egg. To serve: Blanch asparagus 20 sec, season with a little salt, pepper and oil, cut in thirds.

In a small bowl or jar, arrange 3 tbs polenta, overflowing tbs mushrooms, 3-4 asparagus thirds, 1 poached egg, season with salt and pepper. Bring to table, count to 10, open yolk and enjoy.

75 SINGLE MALT WHISKEY FROM ISRAEL Crowe Clark Whitehill’s Private Client team Best wishes from wishes the Anglo-Israel Louise and David Association well for their Wolfson 65th Annual Dinner. Milk & Honey Distillery founder: ‘We’ve seen how The ingredients used in producing the whiskey will be Israeli wine has done great things for Israel’s carefully selected and mostly locally sourced. reputation and we’d love our whiskey to achieve the same.’ A dream come true

The year is 2014 and you’re in search of a traditional, Simon Fried, co-founder of Milk & Honey Distillery, fine, single-malt whiskey. Pick the bottle with the was out drinking with five other whiskey devotees in logo of a cow decked out in honey-bee colours. A look 2012 when one of them threw out the idea that Israel at the label and you’ll find this Highlands-inspired should have its own whiskey. That proposal sparked flavourful whiskey comes from Israel and is kosher. grander plans and today the six-member team is putting final touches on blueprints for a distillery and The Milk & Honey Distillery, Israel’s first single visitors’ centre near Mikhmoret, about 30 minutes malt whiskey distillery, is not a fantasy. The Israeli north of Tel Aviv. spirit enthusiasts behind it are so serious about their traditional craft whiskey distillery that they’ve “We plan to start with the single-malt whiskey, but www.croweclarkwhitehill.co.uk invested nearly $1 million of their own funds and ran we also hope to make Bourbon-style whiskey and a crowd sourcing campaign for single-malt vodka one day,” another $65,000. Fried explains, adding that the whiskey will be kosher. “We are dedicated to using traditional craft distilling Fried says the traditional craft techniques to make a high- whiskey distillery will make quality whiskey in the Holy Land. use of local ingredients where The “Milk & Honey pact” on the possible, without going too far team’s website states:” We want off on a tangent. Thanks, to make an Israeli whiskey that we can all be proud of.” “We’re whiskey geeks; we want to play it straight and narrow,” to an They’ve got a seven-metre-tall he says. copper 3,500-L spirit still, now being handcrafted in Germany and another handmade Fried’s team members come from diverse anonymous 9,000-L wash still waiting to be used in a warehouse backgrounds including beer brewing, working for near Ashdod port. Scottish distilleries, food chemistry, IT systems, renewable energy and project management. donor And while the Israeli team is made up of whiskey enthusiasts, they made sure to hire a master distiller Two things unite them: whiskey and the desire to – world renowned James (Jim) Swan. Swan, who create one in Israel. hails from Glasgow, has detailed knowledge about making the golden beverage and is the leading expert “We love whiskey so much and we think it’s a great on whiskey production in warmer climates. way to project something different outwards from Israel,” says Fried. “We’ve seen how Israeli wine has “It will be a signature single-malt whiskey – not done great things for Israel’s reputation on the world peaty, but rich flavourful Speyside-style,” says Swan. stage and we’d love our whiskey to achieve the same.”

77 .

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