On the other hand
The fake cease fire with Hamas spreads an illusion that peace and quiet is breaking out…writes Michael Kuttner.
On the other hand, Israel’s continuing innovative achievements are no mirage and instead contribute to real progress.
SPINAL CORD BREAKTHROUGH
An Israeli study shows great promise for improving the outcome of spinal-cord injuries, which often cause permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions.
In experiments with mice, scientists from Tel Aviv University found that injecting a potent enzyme hours after spinal injury can put the brakes on a cascade of pathological events responsible for neuronal death, such as inflammation and scarring.
“Primary mechanical damage to spinal-cord tissue kills a certain amount of neuronal cells. But there’s secondary damage due to the release of excess glutamates, which are responsible for additional functional disability,” explained Dr. Yona Goldshmit of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University.
“The main idea is to reduce the secondary damage as soon as possible — to block the body’s natural reaction to spinal cord trauma. This is the role of the enzyme injection we devised,” he said.
EXCITING NEW PROJECTS PLANNED
A new expansive tourism center is on the drawing board for Ein Bokek, the hotel and resort district on the Dead Sea, the Ministry of Tourism and the Israel Lands Authority announced last week.
Designed by the renowned Israeli-American architect Moshe Safdie, the Dead Sea Valley Tourism Complex is to include a convention center, visitor center, two low-rise luxury hotels and more to come later, entertainment and culinary venues, world-class spa, shopping mall and other attractions.
The goal is to appeal to “international elite tourism,” according to a promotional brochure.
The existing hotels in Ein Bokek on the sea’s southern basin offer a combined 4,000 rooms. There hasn’t been additional hotel construction in about two decades. The number of rooms will nearly double in coming years between new construction and expansion of existing hotels. The first two hotels will add about 400 guest rooms to the mix.
The lowest place on earth, at 420 meters (1,377 feet) below sea level, the Dead Sea enjoys a unique micro-climate beneficial for people with skin, joint and respiratory conditions.
SPECIAL NEEDS YOUTH MOVEMENT RECOGNIZED BY UN
The United Nations recently honored Israel’s Krembo Wings, a youth movement that helps children with and without disabilities to form lasting bonds with one another, by designating the group as a “Special Advisor” organization, recognizing the youth movement as a world leader pioneering the integration of disabled children with those who do not face health challenges.
The status of the Special Advisor to the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) gives the movement special recognition for its work in Israel and around the world. Krembo Wings, established 16 years ago, has developed an innovative and unique inclusive model that integrates children with severe disabilities with able-bodied youth from ages 7 to 22.
The movement operates 65 branches throughout Israel, from Eilat in the south to Kiryat Shmona in the north, and welcomes more than 6,000 active members each week.
Krembo Wings operates branches in all segments of Israeli society, including with the Druze, Muslim, Christian and Bedouin communities, where acceptance and inclusion of all abilities is the guiding principle.
Krembo Wings described itself as a safe and judgment-free environment for youth.
QATAR’S BDS BID FAILS SPECTACULARLY
When Qatar tried at the recent European Debating Championships to boycott Israel by pretending to champion the Palestinian Arab cause it came a “cropper.” Watch this news report and see how it ended.
