A Ynet news article discusses data obtained through a Gallup "global wellbeing" survey ranking countries on a "happiness index." The survey ranked 124 countries based on the happiness of their residents. Results from the poll only considered 19 countries, out of the 124 surveyed, as "thriving" on the happiness index. Gallup put these rankings into 3 different classifications: thriving, struggling, suffering. "People are considered thriving if they rate their current lives a 7 or higher and their lives in five years an 8 or higher."
Results were obtained through face-to-face and telephone interviews with adults, aged 15 and older. These interviews were conducted in 2010 in 124 countries and the data was analyzed through participants rating their lives, at the current time, as well as expectations for the next 5 years. In 67 countries, less than 25% of people were thriving and was lowest in sub-Saharan Africa. No country in the region had a thriving percentage higher than 19%.
The poll was conducted to show world leaders that factors like happiness and satisfaction are also important indicators of residents' well-being. This proves to leaders that they cannot rely on GDP alone as an indication of how the citizens are doing. It is important to monitor behavioral economic measures to better the lives of all residents.
Israel was ranked 7th, showing that 63%, or nearly 2 out of 3, Israelis are "satisfied with their lives." Israel was the highest score on the happines index in the Middle East. Israel surpassed the United States, Britain, Holland, Ireland and Brazil. The remainder of the Israeli population was found to be 34% struggling and only 3% suffering.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Israeli Innovative Health Technology
One of Israel's most developed sectors is science and technology field. The amount of money spent on research and development of such technologies is one of the highest in the world. Israel was ranked 4th in the world for scientific-related activity, measured by the number of scientific publications. Advances in the field are based on "real-world" computer programming and artificial intelligence, fields in which Israeli researchers exceed the international landscape.
In an article titled Scientists find key to reversing the aging process, it was announced that "Israeli researchers claim they have discovered a way to reverse the aging process by removing B lymphocytes - a kind of white blood cell in vertebrate immune systems - from old mice and forcing the production of young cells to replace them." Israeli researchers from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa used old mice to show how removing these B cells causes the body to reproduce B cells at "a similar rate to yong mice." They also found that through this proccess there was up to a 400% improvement in the ability of the treated mice to respond to vaccinations, something that naturally decreases with age. Lead researcher, Professor Doron Melamed said, "We have succeeded in showing that it is possible to turn back the aging process," continuing, "This shows - for the first time - that physiological aging is a regulated process that can be reversed." Not only does this research prove to reverse aging, it can also revitalize the immune system and improve effectiveness of vaccination among the elderly. These findings were published this year in Blood, a scientific journal.
In another article, Israeli robots are described as being able to "do it all." They are revolutionizing the use of robotics to program inventions to perform tasks better than humans can! Professor Moshe Shoham, also of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, created the ViRobe (picture to the right), a one-millimeter robot that has the capabilities to "deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells or take snapshots of a body’s internal organs." Shoham also invented the SpineAssist which is the only robotic tool for back surgery to date. The SpineAssist is the "smallest of five medical robots in daily use in countries including the United States, Holland and Israel." Shoham is currently working on a small robot that can diagnose fetal abnormalities, by moving through the amniotic fluid, and can assist in performing in-utero surgery. Another professor, Gal Kaminka, is the head of the "highly regarded" robotics team at Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan. Kaminka focuses on "the brains behind robots, developing the algorithms - detailed mathematical instructions -- to really make them think in a human way." Israel is already a "leader in algorithm software development." His lab annually competes in RoboCup, the international robotic soccer competition where multi-robots are programmed to work together "like a real team." These multi-robots can also be applied to security and defense - they can event patrol borders.
In another article, technology giant Google is funding a venture initiative with Tel Aviv University researchers to alter the way computers "prepare for the future by making them take a good hard look into the past." In a TAU press release it was said that Google wanted to fund the project in hopes that the research could be used "to improve its own online technologies and businesses." The research team is able to "change and influence the decision-making of computers in real-time," stated Professor Yishay Mansour, who is leading the research. The algorithm being developed would react to the situation at hand. Of course, more Israeli technology research with more advanced Israeli algorithms. "Israelis are building very good software and that's Israel's future if you look at high-tech development. It has all the resources to be a leader in robotics," expressed by Kaminka, the head of the robotics team at Bar-Ilan University. Israel's research and developmental contributions to scientific technology have been and continue to be the most high-tech, cutting-edge innovations to this sector. This knowledge and equipment is beneficial to Israel and for the well-being of the world. There is no sign that this growth will slow anytime soon and only the most modern technology is being produced in the Israeli market.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Volunteers for Israel: Beneficial Experiences for Israel and Participants
This is a continuation of my previous post about the IDF. I studied abroad at Tel Aviv University from January until May of 2010. I stayed in Israel for two more months after TAU, visiting family. I wanted to do something beneficial for Israel so I decided to volunteer with sar-el. This is a 3-week program where non-Israelis, ages 17 and older, can volunteer in the IDF. Sar-el means service for Israel. A description from the IDF page about sar-el states: "Volunteers will work alongside or under the direction of soldiers and perform duties such as packing food rations or medical kits, cleaning tanks, painting helmets, radio repairs, gas mask refurbishment, changing spare parts, gardening, or cleaning." This experience was probably the best thing I did in the 6 months I spent in Israel. Tel Aviv was great, but it is like any Westernized metropolitan city and I was looking to experience a more real aspect of Israeli life. I was on a base in the North which was historically Druze and Bedouin. Until the mid-80s non-Jewish minorities tended to serve in the cleverly named "minorities unit" which was known as Unit 300, the base I was on. We would sleep and eat our meals there, but during the work day we would go to a nearby outpost.
While we were not doing secretive IDF work, we were helping do menial tasks. We were required to wear uniforms, uphold base rules, and work in the kitchen - like all IDF soldiers. In the evenings we had educational group sessions about the different units in the army, Israeli pop-culture, roles of the IDF, current events, etc. At the outpost we had various duties: removing the old camouflage, filling and arranging sandbags, and the most enjoyable of all weeding. We were able to experience things such as going inside a tank, shooting an M16, having a party with miluim (reservist soldiers), and attend Druze Day (a day honoring Druze soldiers - speeches from President Shimon Peres and former Chief of General Staff Gabi Ashkenazi included.) We also went on a trip to Rosh Hanikra (grottoes on the Mediterranean) and had a pool day at a nearby kibbutz. 
To the left is my group which consisted of: 2 IDF soldiers as our group leaders (1 Israeli, and 1 British who made Aliyah); Jewish Americans, Canadians, French, Swedes, British; 2 non-Jews that wanted to support Israel: 1 from England and 1 from Germany; and 2 IDF soldiers from the base we were located at. On this trip I made some great friends from abroad, which I am still in contact with. Also, I became really close with a few soldiers from the base, who also keep in contact with. This program allowed me to create permanent bonds with Israelis and Israel supporters from all over the world. It was a bit of work, a lot of fun, and allowed us to support Israel in a very meaningful way. It increases soldier morale to see people volunteering to do what they are required to do.
I will share with you a funny little anecdote. One of the IDF soldiers from the base we were staying on was wondering around as I watched him. He was clearly gay, which is not a problem to me, but was simply bewildering. I turned to another soldier and asked "Is it okay that he is walking around openly gay?" She replied, "Of course! Why wouldn't it be?" At this point, it was June 2010 before the American "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was repealed. So of course, based on our laws I said, "In our military, people aren't allowed to be openly gay." Her reply was, "Really? But it's America!" It was astonishing to me that people think the U.S. is the freest country, yet someone's sexual orientation was not free in our military. I learned that since the 90s, Israelis serving in the IDF are allowed to be open with their sexuality. Israel is only one of 24 nations that allow this. I am really proud that, now, our military has the same policy!
Does Serving in the IDF Define an Israeli?
Israeli Law requires that females aged 18-20 and males aged 18-21 serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. Their system is very different from the volunteer military we have in the United States. Everyone in the country is closely tied to and involved in the military in some way. Of course there are exceptions - Ultra Orthodox men and women are not required to serve if they meet certain exemption criteria. The men can defer service while participating in Talmudic Studies at Yeshiva, or take part in the Hesder Program which includes 2 years of religious studies, 1.5 years of military service, and another 1.5 years of religious studies in which they can be recalled to
active duty, if needed. Ultra Orthodox women are not required to serve, but often serve the country with national service, or Sherut Leumi in Hebrew. Muslims and Christians can volunteer or they can serve in the Israel Security Forces instead of traditional IDF service, but they are not required to serve. There are many non-Jewish members of the IDF as well. Druze men are required to serve and Bedouins and other Arab communities can volunteer to serve. There are certain groups of Druze in the Golan Heights that do not serve because they are anti-Israel and are loyal to Syria. I learned in my research that Israel is the only nation to conscript women, which I found very interesting and surprising that it is the only one.Above: my cousin, Ron who is currently serving in the IDF.
Below: my friends Najeeb - a Druze IDF soldier, and Ehud with their officer, Gal, at an outpost on the Lebanon border.
My reason for writing this post is not to praise the IDF or discuss any of its actions. I had an interesting experience while in Tel Aviv last spring when a cashier at SuperPharm, the Israeli equivalent to CVS, asked me if I was Israeli. I responded, "Half." He asked me if I had served in the army and I explained that I had not because I am a university student back home in the States. His reply, blunt and honest (in true Israeli form), was "Then you are only a quarter Israeli." This statement hit me rather hard.. was I considered less of an Israeli because I did not serve the country? At first, I was in a bit of shock and did not know how to properly respond, so I didn't. And then I thought that this could actually be true public opinion. However, since I am not a resident, or even a citizen of Israel I am not required to serve. I decided not to take this comment to heart because in public Israeli view I am not required to serve, thus should not feel guilty about not serving. Although, it is true that people are almost looked down upon, both socially and legally, for not serving in the army. The IDF is one of the largest commonalities among Israelis. It is almost a conversation starter: "What unit were you in," "Where did you serve," etc. It is the equivalent to Americans asking "Where did you get your bachelors degree from?" Service in the IDF is a huge bond that Israelis share. So many times an Israeli friend would introduce me to someone as "a friend from the army" which is equal to "my college roommate" in the U.S. This bond, for better or worse, is blatantly evident to any outsider. Not serving, while allowed for some groups, is looked down upon in Israeli society, whether right or wrong it is the truth. Not serving your country makes others wonder why they are fighting to defend it while others do nothing. Alternative service routes are viewed as the same as serving. Volunteers in the IDF are praised for defending Israel when not required to do so.
Essentially, I do think that serving in the IDF is a huge component of being Israel, but is not synonymous with being Israeli. While I would love to have served in the IDF, unfortunately at the age of 22 I am considered "too old" to serve. However, serving the country is important to me and I will do so in other ways than through military service. My father served in the Israeli Air Force for over 10 years, so I believe that he served enough time for the both of us! :)
Friday, April 22, 2011
Being Jewish does NOT Equate Being Zionist
For my crisis management class I had to complete a "crisis vulnerability assessment" for an organization of my choice. This assessment consists of all possible internal and external opportunities and threats to the organization and the potential crises that stem from them. I chose to do my crisis vulnerability assessment for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, better known by the acronym AIPAC. This organization is the largest pro-Israel lobby in the United States. This organization is my ideal employer because I hold the same missions to advocate on Israel's behalf.
While preparing my assessment, I discovered a very interesting external threat. AIPAC annualy hosts a Policy Conference consisting of many political leaders, diplomats, advocates, etc. At this conference there are always opposition groups rioting outside of the Washington Conference Center, in Washington D.C. Of course when an organization is pro-Israel there are absolutely going to confront opposition groups. However, I was astonished to find a particular group called Neturei Karta, which protest this policy campaign every year. This is a group of orthodox Jews that are anti-Zionist, meaning against the existence of Israel.
After learning about this group, I had to learn more. I knew that there are factions of orthodox Jews, even living in Israel, that are anti-Zionist but I never knew the ideology and network of support behind this movement. Neturei Karta was founded in Jerusalem in 1938. On the organization's homepage it is described as "a group of Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem who refused (and still refuse) to recognize the existence or authority of the so-called 'State of Israel' and made (and still make) a point of publicly demonstrating their position, the position of the Torah and authentic unadulterated Judaism." Below is a picture of one such demonstration, that is also displayed on the organization's homepage.
Many members of the organization left Israel, what they consider Palestine, because of their opposition to living under the Israeli government. The group puts it as "being exiled by the Zionist government for [our]insistence of remaining independent of the illegitimate heretical regime."
"Neturei Karta oppose the so-called 'State of Israel' not because it operates secularly, but because the entire concept of a sovereign Jewish state is contrary to Jewish Law."
Although I have an opposing view to that of the Neturei Karta, I am still deaply fascinated by this group and others like it. There passion and aggression is so interesting. I admire that the group takes a position and advocates strongly on its behalf. I think their method of propaganda is a bit extreme, and to me seems ineffective. Yet, this is a position I never knew about and am eager to learn more about.
While preparing my assessment, I discovered a very interesting external threat. AIPAC annualy hosts a Policy Conference consisting of many political leaders, diplomats, advocates, etc. At this conference there are always opposition groups rioting outside of the Washington Conference Center, in Washington D.C. Of course when an organization is pro-Israel there are absolutely going to confront opposition groups. However, I was astonished to find a particular group called Neturei Karta, which protest this policy campaign every year. This is a group of orthodox Jews that are anti-Zionist, meaning against the existence of Israel.
After learning about this group, I had to learn more. I knew that there are factions of orthodox Jews, even living in Israel, that are anti-Zionist but I never knew the ideology and network of support behind this movement. Neturei Karta was founded in Jerusalem in 1938. On the organization's homepage it is described as "a group of Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem who refused (and still refuse) to recognize the existence or authority of the so-called 'State of Israel' and made (and still make) a point of publicly demonstrating their position, the position of the Torah and authentic unadulterated Judaism." Below is a picture of one such demonstration, that is also displayed on the organization's homepage.
Many members of the organization left Israel, what they consider Palestine, because of their opposition to living under the Israeli government. The group puts it as "being exiled by the Zionist government for [our]insistence of remaining independent of the illegitimate heretical regime."
While I certainly understand that being Jewish does not make someone Zionist, and vice-versa, the words utilized in these messages sound much more like propaganda than anything else. Words like exile, regime, herecy are strong words that make the message over-dramatized and uncredible - in my view. Additionally there are bolded phrases on the homepage, statements like:
"Neturei Karta oppose the so-called 'State of Israel' not because it operates secularly, but because the entire concept of a sovereign Jewish state is contrary to Jewish Law."
"The true Jews remain faithful to Jewish belief and are not contaminated with Zionism."
"The world must know that the Zionists have illegitimately seized the name Israel and have no right to speak in the name of the Jewish people!"
Although I have an opposing view to that of the Neturei Karta, I am still deaply fascinated by this group and others like it. There passion and aggression is so interesting. I admire that the group takes a position and advocates strongly on its behalf. I think their method of propaganda is a bit extreme, and to me seems ineffective. Yet, this is a position I never knew about and am eager to learn more about.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Taglit-Birthright Israel: One Way of Connecting American Jews to Israel
The need for American Jews to feel connected to Israel is essential for Israel's existence and survival. From what I know, huge private donations to Israel come from American Jews. These donations are essential for allowing advocacy and education programs in Israel for Americans. Taglit-Birthright Israel, for example, creates a connection between diaspora Jews (Jews living outside of Israel) and the Jewish Homeland, Israel.
On the Birthright about us page it states "Taglit-Birthright Israel's founders created this program to send thousands of young Jewish adults from all over the world to Israel as a gift in order to diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants' personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people."
This program is a 10 day, all expenses paid, group trip to Israel. It is for people ages 18-26 who are of Jewish decent - meaning people don't need to be practicing or even raised Jewish. It is an educational tour of the country - stopping at all of the historical, religious, and cultural sites. On this trip, conquering the whole country in just 10 days, the tour bus becomes a second home and your best friend. To view a quick overview of what participants do on the trip, please see a video called "Birthright Israel 10 Days in 10 Seconds" from Sachlav, the organizer I went through for my Birthright trip in January 2009.
For a portion of the trip, Israeli soldiers are assigned to travel with the group. This is a really significant experience because guys aged 18-21 and girls 18-20 are required to serve in the army. It is really unique to learn about their experience first-hand because they are around the age of the participants and are leading a totally different life than American college students. Also, this allows participants to create permanent bonds with people living in Israel. With today's constant communication through social media it is easy to maintain friendships with people in other countries.
I get somewhat frustrated because we have such a wonderful opportunity to go on this amazing trip, yet so many people don't take advantage of it. I don't understand why because: it is a FREE trip, it is an amazing experience to travel and learn about the birthplace of our modern world religions, a place of rich history and culture - yet I understand most people in this age bracket probably don't care about history. However, there is more to see and experience such as beautiful beaches, fun nightlife, and a lot of outdoor activities like hiking, water-sports, and exploring other natural wonders in the diverse topography of the country. I have heard too many people saying "I don't know if I want to go," "I am not sure if it is safe," and "Maybe next year I'll sign up." NOW is the time, while we are still within the required age restrictions and while there are still funds for trips to continue.
From a public relations perspective, the concept is ingenious. The promotion and education of the program is huge. The stewardship and continued communication after one attends this trip is immense. I am constantly receiving emails updating me about the program, informing me of alumni events, and other programs in Israel.
Ultimately, this trip really changed my life and is what inspired me to study at Tel Aviv University for my spring 2010 semester. I do my best to encourage all of my friends and family to sign-up for this trip and to teach them that it is a truly amazing gift that we are privileged to be able to participate in and that it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.
On the Birthright about us page it states "Taglit-Birthright Israel's founders created this program to send thousands of young Jewish adults from all over the world to Israel as a gift in order to diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants' personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people."
This program is a 10 day, all expenses paid, group trip to Israel. It is for people ages 18-26 who are of Jewish decent - meaning people don't need to be practicing or even raised Jewish. It is an educational tour of the country - stopping at all of the historical, religious, and cultural sites. On this trip, conquering the whole country in just 10 days, the tour bus becomes a second home and your best friend. To view a quick overview of what participants do on the trip, please see a video called "Birthright Israel 10 Days in 10 Seconds" from Sachlav, the organizer I went through for my Birthright trip in January 2009.
For a portion of the trip, Israeli soldiers are assigned to travel with the group. This is a really significant experience because guys aged 18-21 and girls 18-20 are required to serve in the army. It is really unique to learn about their experience first-hand because they are around the age of the participants and are leading a totally different life than American college students. Also, this allows participants to create permanent bonds with people living in Israel. With today's constant communication through social media it is easy to maintain friendships with people in other countries.
I get somewhat frustrated because we have such a wonderful opportunity to go on this amazing trip, yet so many people don't take advantage of it. I don't understand why because: it is a FREE trip, it is an amazing experience to travel and learn about the birthplace of our modern world religions, a place of rich history and culture - yet I understand most people in this age bracket probably don't care about history. However, there is more to see and experience such as beautiful beaches, fun nightlife, and a lot of outdoor activities like hiking, water-sports, and exploring other natural wonders in the diverse topography of the country. I have heard too many people saying "I don't know if I want to go," "I am not sure if it is safe," and "Maybe next year I'll sign up." NOW is the time, while we are still within the required age restrictions and while there are still funds for trips to continue.
From a public relations perspective, the concept is ingenious. The promotion and education of the program is huge. The stewardship and continued communication after one attends this trip is immense. I am constantly receiving emails updating me about the program, informing me of alumni events, and other programs in Israel.
Ultimately, this trip really changed my life and is what inspired me to study at Tel Aviv University for my spring 2010 semester. I do my best to encourage all of my friends and family to sign-up for this trip and to teach them that it is a truly amazing gift that we are privileged to be able to participate in and that it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Israel, a Beautiful Country
For my first entry I'd like to start on a rather "light" topic, if you will. Many people think that Israel is just vast desert, and while a large portion of the country is desert, the country's landscape has a lot more to offer that seems to be unknown to outsiders. For starters, Israel's western border is the Mediterranean Sea, the entire western frontier consists of beautiful beaches and coastline. I took the picture to the right in January 2009, it is a view of Tel Aviv from Yaffo, or Jaffa in English. 
Another city on the coast, further north than Tel Aviv, is Haifa. This picture was taken in July 2010, from the Bahai Gardens. It is beautiful places like this that are little known to people because most people don't care. People believe what the news tells them and search for little else beyond that. This is why I am sharing the beauties of Israel with the blogosphere.
If we go further north, we find a luscious green, mountainous region. Who would know that in the "desert" that is Israel, we would find greenery and vegetation?
Let's move down south, to the actual desert - the Negev. Here it is, as I am sure most of you expected Israel to look like. Yet within this vast desert region, there are oases and unexpected landscapes. Ein Gedi, for example, which is west of the Dead Sea. 
Here I am with two friends, taken in March 2010, in front of the Ein Gedi waterfall and oasis. Who knew that such a place would exist in ISRAEL in the middle of the desert? But it does, and these are just some of the little known beauties that Israel has to offer.
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