IsraGood

Video: Happy 60th Israel!

2008-05-08T18:40:00.003-04:00

Happy 60^th Israel! Here is wishing you another 60 years of success, and hopefully peace as well!

In the meantime, here is a cool video from Aish.com, celebrating 60 years of Israel in 60 seconds.

Note: Be sure to check out the other video via Israel 21^st Century.

Video: Celebrating Israel At 60 (A New Soul)

2008-05-08T14:13:00.004-04:00

(Hat Tip: Harry Rubenstein)

While there have been several video's displayed here at IsraGood portraying the Jewish state, this by far seems to have been the best one made.

Note: The theme song used in the video is by Yael Naim, a rising Israeli star in both the holy land as well as the US.

Update: Oh, and just in case anybody in the states does not know, today is Israel's Independence Day! Happy 60^th Israel! I look forward towards your 70^th birthday!

Video: Israel's Conceptic Helping Restaurants Go High Tech

2008-05-07T11:40:00.000-04:00

Probably one of the most stressful parts of ordering food at a restaurant is...well the ordering!

While many (if not most) waiters/waitresses are excellent at receiving orders from their customer, there is always a chance that a mix up can occur--especially if someone orders one thing while expecting something completely different.

Conceptic, a company based in Israel hopes to change all of this by offering a hi-tech solution in order to avoid a potential problem.

(Video: Conceptic has developed new e-menus that allow restaurant customers to order their meals from a touch screen. Credit: Israel 21^st Century)

Conceptic is fairly confident that this technology will benefit not only food lovers, but the respective restaurant owners as well.

Cell Phones Can Aid Medical Personal With A Diagnosis?

2008-05-07T10:25:00.000-04:00

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then an image capturing a disease is probably worth a million, especially if it can help save someone's life.

Unfortunately many medical facilities do not have either the technology, funding or training to take advantage of imaging a disease, a fact all to familiar to those living in third world countries.

Despite this fact, many of these doctors, nurses, etc. do have cell phones, and one Israeli scientists is trying to take advantage of that in order to help these medical professionals aid their patients.

(Israel 21^st Century) Israeli researchers have discovered a way to transmit medical images via a cellular phone, opening up the possibility of providing sophisticated diagnosis and treatment to millions of people who live a long distance from modern medical centers. [...]

"Imaging is considered one of the most important achievements in modern medicine," said Rubinsky. "Diagnosis and treatment of an estimated 20 percent of diseases would benefit from medical imaging, yet this advancement has been out of reach for millions of people in the world because the equipment is too costly to maintain. Our system would make imaging technology inexpensive and accessible for these underserved populations."

Using Rubinsky's technology, an independent data acquisition device (DAD) with limited controls and no image display, at a remote patient site, would be connected via cellular phone technology with an advanced image reconstruction and hardware control multiserver unit, at a central site (which can be anywhere in the world).

According to Rubinsky, this technology should also help bring down the cost, which will make these tests more affordable (and hopefully conducted more frequently) for medical outposts in remote areas.

This technology has the potential of helping not only doctors located in remote places around the world, but also disaster sites (which are often located in isolated regions due to the disaster or geography).

(Image Credit: Nicky via Israel 21^st Century)

Din Din Aviv: Using Music To Connect US Jews To Israel

2008-05-07T09:15:00.001-04:00

While there have been several Israeli musicians profiled on IsraGood who help the world connect to Israel (or at least present a new image of the Jewish state), it looks as if one Israeli is using her music to help Jewish Americans reconnect with their homeland within the city that never sleeps.

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency) Though it is her New York debut concert, Israeli singer-songwriter Din Din Aviv is no stranger here. The performance hall at the Museum of Jewish Heritage is packed with Israeli fans of Aviv who live in New York and American Jews clutching her CD. [...]

It's the kind of scene that brings a smile to the face of David Borowich, the founder of the American-Israeli group that organized the concert, Dor Chadash. [...]

"Music is a natural bridge," Borowich says. "People are looking for ways to connect to Israel. If you can't bring them to Israel, then bring pieces of Israel to them."

Hopefully this will convince a few Jewish fans to make Aliyah (or migration) towards Israel, in order to enjoy similar artists like Din Din Aviv, who was warmly received in New York by the crowd.

Note: For those looking to hear more of Din Din Aviv's music, you can visit DinDinAviv.com for more details.

Israel Tech Could Help Reduce Heart Attacks

2008-05-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

When it comes to avoiding heart attacks, a healthy diet and even good old fashioned exercise can help keep ones heart happy, healthy and (most importantly) beating at strong rhythm.

Unfortunately this may not be enough for some people--especially for those suffering from endothelium dysfunction (also called ED).

Fortunately for these patients, there is a new device that may help them and their doctors detect this in order to avoid a potential heart attack.

(Israel 21^st Century) Before now, there were only two real techniques to measure ED - neither of which were very practical according to Amitzur, one of Israel's top cardiovascular experts, and the inventor of the Endotect.

In one method, an invasive operating procedure is necessary, and in the other, an expensive, complicated ultrasound-type device is used to measure the endothelium, requiring a large investment and intensive training for proper use (Israel, for all it's advanced medical infrastructure, has only one medical center with the device).

The Endotect, on the other hand, is relatively inexpensive, and easy to use - so easy that any doctor will be able to run tests in their offices, in as little as 15 minutes. The Endotect determines the condition of the endothelium by non-invasively measuring the pulse at two main points on the arm (radial artery and brachial artery), comparing the pulse before and after pressure is applied to the arm.

According to the article, this device is very close to being approved by the FDA, so your local heart physician probably does not have access to one of these--at least not yet.

Hopefully once approved, Endotect will be able to not only help reduce the number of heart attacks by providing early warning of ED, but potentially the cost of doing these tests (which could translate into lower bills for patients).

(Image Credit: Cardiatec, via Israel 21^st Century)

Israel Celebrates 400 New Immigrants (Aliyah)

2008-05-06T23:47:00.003-04:00

It looks as if the government of Israel has decided to celebrate International Aliyah Day with 400 Jewish immigrants who decided to leave their former homelands in order to settle within the holy land.

(Haaretz.com) The Immigration Absorption Ministry and the Jewish Agency on Monday welcomed some 400 new immigrants from around the world in a gala ceremony marking International Aliyah Day.

The ceremony was held at 3 P.M. at Ben Gurion International Airport in honor of the hundreds of immigrants who arrived from 23 countries including the United States, Canada, South Africa Russia and France.

Immigrants who arrived Monday were eligible for a package of special immigration benefits, including extra baggage allowance, temporary free housing for young olim, 60 hours of guided tours around Israel, as well as a number of other excursions and events.

Israel has been recently increasing their efforts to encourage Jews to make Aliyah (or move to Israel), especially from the western world (where the temptation to stay is much greater due to the ease of life--at least in the US).

Hopefully some of them will consider, as they have the potential of greatly impacting the nation financially, if not culturally as well.

Israeli Flag, Super Sized!

2008-05-06T23:11:00.003-04:00

Weighing at 5.2 tons and stretching out at 200 meters by 100 meters, this may be the largest Israeli flag ever made (if not within the top five).

(One Jerusalem) When you're driving to and from Jerusalem, in a field in the Latrun area there is a huge flag recently laid out for the upcoming 60 Independence Day Celebrations[.]

Note: Is it me, or does this flag look almost like the one made by the Filipino business woman?

Image Credit: Parks.org.il, who was also responsible for rolling out the flag.

Israeli Science: Cranberries Can Indeed Heal

2008-05-03T16:15:00.000-04:00

(Image: Cranberry harvest in New Jersey, Credit: Keith Weller / USDA Agriculture Research Service)

It looks as if an Israeli researcher has helped turn a common folklore into scientific fact. Often seen as nothing more than "folk medicine," Israeli scientists have now proven that cranberries can in fact help those suffering from urinary tract infections(or UTI)--at least for women.

(Israel 21^st Century) "Cranberries started as a folk medicine in the US," Ofek told ISRAEL21c. "Every fourth American in the '60s knew it was good for urinary tract infection." Ofek's goal was to find out the truth behind the myth.

With his research funded by the cranberry juice-producing monolith Ocean Spray, Ofek recently published his findings in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. There is only one snag: the benefits of cranberries, though prodigious, appear to apply only to women.

"It appears that in certain infections, such as ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria, a clinical trial showed that the cranberry has beneficial effects for women only," says Ofek. "In urinary tract infections (UTI), the cranberry has been tested only on women and has proven to be beneficial, although UTI is primarily an infectious disease most common in women."

This research will no doubt boost sales for cranberry juice, especially Ocean Spray, who is already promoting this fact on their website.

Although this is great news for doctors and women around the world, hopefully Ofek can find something similar for the other half of humanity (note: as us guys feel left out).

Video: Israel's Guardium (Think Batmobile Minus Batman)

2008-05-03T15:30:00.000-04:00

(Hat Tip: Gizmodo)

As any Israelis soldier knows, their is nothing "romantic" about patrolling a hostile border along the Israeli security fence. Especially when you have insurgents focused on causing you harm.

But instead of sending out soldiers to confront those who seek to trespass the security fence, Israel may end up sending a robotic rover courtesy of the Israel Aerospace Industries.

(Video: Animation coupled with real footage showing how The Guardium can help thwart potential terrorist attacks. Credit: Israel Aerospace Industries)

(Fox News) The Guardium, an unmanned ground vehicle commissioned by the Israeli military and shown to The Associated Press on Monday, is essentially a robotic soldier, among the first in the world to be operational. It can replace human soldiers in dangerous roles, cutting casualty rates.

Like the pilotless drones that have become a mainstay of air forces in Israel, the U.S. and elsewhere, the four-wheeled Guardium is operated from a command room that can be far from the front line.

It can be mounted with cameras, night-vision equipment and sensors, as well as more lethal tools like machine guns.

Following pre-programmed routes, it can navigate alone through cities — the vehicle knows how to deal with intersections, traffic and road markings. It can patrol borders, its cameras scanning 360 degrees at all times, and alert operators if it spots anything suspicious.

The Guardium costs around $600,000 for the vehicle alone--millions more if one includes ammunition and software to run this vehicle.

Even though its not battle tested yet, hopefully the Israeli's will be able to launch several dozen of these (note: with a group discount included) as it could not only save lives for Israeli Defense Forces patrolling the border, but also their enemies as it may prove to be a useful deterrent.

Israel: Turning Garbage Into Energy

2008-05-03T14:45:00.000-04:00

Like most countries, Israel has to deal with the problem of land fills. While recycling helps reduce the amount of trash that ends up in land fills, its affect is minor at best in countering how much garbage people put out (especially for cities).

However it looks as if a new Israeli startup called TGE Tech has found a unique way of turning trash into gas--which is good news for major cities everywhere.

(Israel 21^st Century) But with the TGE system, "the trash is turned into syngas, which can be burned for fuel like any other material. The trash is gone, and in its place is electricity, which can then be used to supply power to a whole neighborhood or small city," says Ohayon.

Syngas is not as effective as oil or coal, Ohayon realizes; it only has about 15% of the calorie (energy) power of its authentic siblings. However, Ohayon explains, that level of energy is more than enough to power the gasifier, the waste treatment plant, and probably all the streetlights and traffic lights in a city on any particular day.

"One ton of garbage can generate 0.4 kilowatts of electricity an hour, which isn't a huge amount, but can definitely contribute somewhat to the energy pool in a locality," he says. And at the same time - the garbage is gone.

Even though this technology would do nothing to help lower gas prices (something Israel's scientists are trying to do via hydrogen), it may help lower taxes for citizens paying for garbage pickup.

Energy benefits aside, this technology may help many communities remove the ever expanding problem of landfills, making our planet a greener place for future generations.

Israel And Europe Reach Agriculture Trade Agreement

2008-05-03T13:33:00.004-04:00

(Image Credit: Jerusalem Baskets)

It looks as if Israel will have an easier time exporting fruits and vegetables towards Europe thanks to a new trade agreement between the Jewish state and the European Union.

(Globes Online) The European Commission and Israel reached a common understanding today on mutual trade concessions in the fields of agricultural products, processed agricultural products and fisheries. [...]

The Delegation of the European Commission to the State of Israel's announcement said, "Once adopted, the agreement will create new trade opportunities for EU exporters in a range of products that could not previously reach the Israeli market. On the other hand, Israel's major exporting sectors will benefit from further liberalization and better market access. The result is a balanced deal ." [sic]

This should help expand Israel's agricultural market which has been gaining international attention as many countries seem to be seeking Israel's advice on raising crop--especially in hostile climates.

Yad Vashem Goes Hi-Tech To Convey Holocaust Message

2008-05-01T23:54:00.005-04:00

(Image Credit: Rachel of Israel 21^st Century)

Yad Vashem, a museum in charge of insuring that the world remembers the tragedy of the Holocaust (so that it is never repeated) has decided to use the internet to help enlighten the world about the horrors of the past.

(Israel 21^st Century) Today, May 1, which is Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day in Israel, Yad Vashem will upload its 130,000-image photo archive to its website. The collection, the largest of its kind in the world, includes photographs taken in the ghettos, during the deportations, images that illustrate slave labor, the camps, liberation and more. [...]

"This will allow the public at large direct and simple access to the vast collection of resources collected by Yad Vashem over the past half century," says Avner Shalev, chairman of Yad Vashem. "We are hoping that it will increase public awareness of the archives' tremendous importance, and encourage people who have similar photographs and documents to confer them to Yad Vashem for safekeeping."

Users can search the photo archive by clicking over here in order to see the images for themselves.

Yad Vashem has also launched a YouTube channel in English as well as Arabic for the middle east.

Users interested in learning more about this Museum, and why they should visit (as everyone should at least once in their life) can visit here for more information.

Update (5/3): Google just highlighted Yad Vashem over on their corporate blog.

Video: Remembering The Holocaust

2008-05-01T16:13:00.002-04:00

(Hat Tip: Israelity)

Even though different countries hold this on different days, Holocaust Remembrance Day was held today in Israel.

Upon hearing the siren, citizens stop whatever they are doing in order to honor those who were killed without mercy during World War Two.

Never again.

What CNN Forgot To Tell Me About Israel

2008-04-25T21:12:00.003-04:00

Darnell Clayton is a non-Jewish American was surprised to see how modern Israel was after a brief visit of the country when he was a teenager.

He currently resides in the US, and highlights some of the innovative (and interesting) technologies pouring out of the Jewish state over at IsraGood.com.

A long, long time ago, in a place not so far away, I was a 16 year old naive punk who pretty much believed that he knew everything he needed to know about life (and then some).

Back then your view of the world came mainly from three sources--family, friends and television.

It was during that time I had the opportunity to partake on a journey to visit Israel, which was according to friends and family a place full of angry people, war, and a few holy sites (after all, two major faiths were founded there).

Since none of my friends and family had ever visited Israel, I had to turn towards CNN (and other media outlets) for advice on what Israel was all about.

While they had no war news to broadcast about Israel at the time (as it was during the Clinton "peace talks"), the media outlets did highlight the many "angry faces" there, not to mention a few ancient holy sites.

As there was no current war going on, I decided to at least visit the holy land while it was "still safe."

After arriving in Israel (with a group of other teenagers and adults), the first thing I noticed was how normal everything looked. Except for the fact that half of the signs were in Hebrew, you probably would not have realized that you were half way around the world in another country.

Whether you were walking the streets of Tel Aviv, or running along the never ending beaches (which were surprisingly clean of litter by the way), Israel pretty much mirrored what one would expect from a country guided by what some would call "western values."

Heck, Israel even had a McDonald's (which was perplexing as I knew most successful restaurants do not set up shop inside war zones).

Most Israeli's that I encountered (if not practically all) were very helpful, friendly, and "slightly geeky" as it seemed that everyone man, woman and child had a cell phone (this was in the era when beepers were all the rage in the US).

Throughout my 30 day stay in the holy land, the only problems that I encountered was when I found out I had to pay a shekel to use the public bathrooms (all I had was paper cash on me) and that my love of Falafels was bigger than my wallet.

Oh, and there was that Dead Sea mud dilemma, as one of the girls who went with our group found out that the mud has a habit of turning blond hair green (I kid you not!!).

While many of my friends and family in the US were disappointed about the lack of adventure from visiting a "dangerous country," I came away with a broader perspective about Israel, the media (or rather what they filter), and a huge craving for some juicy Falafels (which thanks to Google I can now enjoy in America).

The 60 Bloggers project is co-production of Jewlicious.com and the Let My People Sing Festival. It is published daily for 60 days to celebrate Israel's 60 birthday.

Hebrew Name For My Facebook (80,000 Installations And Growing)

2008-04-25T14:24:00.000-04:00

While there are many cool Facebook applications to checkout (such as Wipeer), one that may appeal to many Israeli's (and those aspiring to learn Hebrew) is Jacob Richman's My Hebrew Name, which recently surpassed 80,000 installations.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find my Hebrew name (which is דארנל if you sound it out phonetically), although hopefully I'll be able to "add it to the list" in a future version, despite its English origin (hint, hint).

JDate Named As Honoree For Webby Awards

2008-04-25T13:30:00.003-04:00

(Hat Tip: Haaretz.com)

JDate, a site dedicated towards helping Jewish singles find their perfect match has been selected as an honoree for the Webby Awards, which is basically like the Oscars for internet sites.

(JDate Press Release) JDate, the leading online community for Jewish singles, has been selected as an Official Honoree for the Social Networking category in the 12th Annual Webby Awards, the leading International award honoring excellence on the Internet. Of the more than 10,000 entries submitted from 60 countries and all 50 states, JDate was among the less than 15 percent recognized as an Official Honoree, a distinction that acknowledges work exhibiting remarkable achievement.

"The Webby Awards honors the outstanding work that is setting the standards for the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of The Webby Awards. "JDate’s Official Honoree selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators."

Congrats to the team over at JDate, as well as to the many couples who have found true love through the site.

Note: The rest of the honoree's can be seen over here.

Kosher Silicon Valley, With A Medical, Agricultural Twist

2008-04-25T12:45:00.004-04:00

Image via Wikipedia To those who only glimpse the Jewish state through an average media portal, the holy land at best is a place full of ancient religious relics or at worst a region full of conflict.

But what many of them may not realize is that Israel is actually a land full of innovation--affecting the world both in cyberspace, as well as offline.

(Jewish Exponent) But perhaps a sampling of innovations that originated in Israel conveys the story more powerfully. Beginning with modern drip irrigation -- an agricultural technique that has been replicated around the globe -- Israeli innovators soon left soil behind and moved directly into cyberspace. They created the Pentium III and Centrino microprocessors; the computer program that became AOL Instant Messenger; the first mass-market firewall that protects a system from viruses; and an ingestible camera that allows doctors to peer inside a patient's insides without making an incision.

Whether its creating oral insulin, terrabyte DVD's, flying cars, purifying water or even finding ways to create energy from seaweed, Israel is quickly establishing itself as the land of innovation.

Note: Did I mention that Israel is close to bringing us hydrogen powered cars? ;-)

Welcome To Eilat! (Israel's Future Solar City)

2008-04-25T11:56:00.003-04:00

(Image Credit: Thomas Springer via Wikipedia)

Eilat, a city located in the southern half of Israel is often known for its beautiful skies and cloudless days, not to mention

But it looks as if the tourist town may receive a new title in the future, as it prepares to demonstrate to the world that communities can be powered by "green" energy.

(Israel National News) The Infrastructure Ministry has announced a mammoth project that will supply Eilat with almost of its needed electricity by using a solar power station. Approximately 3,000 acres will be set aside for the project. Ministry officials said that there are very few cloudy days in Eilat that would require using electricity from the Israel Electric Corp. (IEC).

Israeli's seem to be very comfortable harnessing the power of the sun, exploring new and innovative ways to improve solar technology, not to mention helping other regions ranging from California to Korea.

Adopting solar energy should help Israel deal with the rising demand of energy, which may help convince other nations that going green is in fact a good idea.

Wedding Bells Ring For Shanghai Jews

2008-04-22T12:20:00.000-04:00

It looks as if China's Jewish community was able to finally celebrate a wedding in an ancient synagogue that had been closed since the days of World War Two.

(Haaretz.com) A glass was smashed, and a cheer went up. After months of careful negotiations with the Chinese government, Shanghai's Jewish community celebrated a revival last month as a historic synagogue opened for its first wedding in about 60 years.

Shanghai has special meaning for the global Jewish population after it took in tens of thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II. The city's Jewish community and the foreign community at large soon faded away, however, after the communists took over in 1949 and heavily restricted both business and culture. [...]

But China's largest city is regaining its cosmopolitan reputation as the country continues its dramatic rise, and the Jewish community of foreigners now numbers more than 2,000.

Even though China and Israel are officially friends (at least culture wise), the country still does not truly recognize freedom of religion, a liberty many in the west take for granted.

Either way, this is a good step for China, who has found a way to maintain strong ties with the Jewish community ever since providing a safe haven for them during the days when Jewish persecution was rampant throughout the globe.

(Image Credit: My Dream Wedding)

Moody's To Israel: We Like What We See

2008-04-22T11:50:00.000-04:00

As Israel's economy continues to make impressive strides despite the global recession affecting our planet (especially in the real estate and automobile industry), it looks as if Moody's has finally given the tiny Jewish state the recognition it deserves.

(Haaretz.com) International ratings agency Moody's raised Israel's foreign and local currency bond ratings from A2 to A1 late last Thursday. This is the highest rating ever granted by Moody's to Israel. Moody's said Israel's competitive advantage in high tech and its relatively high standard of living, as well as its sophisticated financial markets and government institutions show Israel is no longer a developing country. If it was not for Israel's relatively high debt and its special security situation, its credit ratings would be even higher, explained Moody's. In addition, Moody's raised the foreign currency ceiling for bank deposits to A1, too. Moody's has now fallen in line with S&P and Fitch, who both upgraded Israel at the end of 2007. (Moti Bassok)

This is good news for Israel, as news like this encourages investors to take a second look at the Jewish state, especially with the global economy in a state of "flux" (due in part to the collapse of the American housing market).

(Image Credit: ATSnotes.com)

Famous Song Writer Celebrates Israel At 60

2008-04-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

Music makes the world go round--or so they say as one can testify to the success of Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez and even Madonna.

But what some people may not realize is that one guy who has helped arrange some of the verses for these artists is releasing an album aimed at celebrating the Jewish state on its 60^th birthday.

(Jerusalem Post) It's a familiar position for the 46-year-old, Florida-based Dermer, one of America's most successful songwriters and producers. But instead of working on one of his Latin-pop mélanges for Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez or Madonna that have won him Grammy nominations and Gold records, Dermer is arranging the verses for a song that's part of his new CD, Israel@60 - We Are Strong. [...]

Due to be released in time for the state's 60th birthday celebrations next month, Israel@60 consists of songs Dermer co-wrote with his BMI award-winning songwriter wife, Robin, and features a collaboration with Gronich, as well as the voices of various groups of Israeli youth whom the Dermers recorded at sites throughout the country on a recent 10-day visit. The finished CD, supported by the Jewish Agency, Israir Airlines and the Daniel Hotels, will be available on iTunes and Amazon, with proceeds earmarked for several Israeli charities.

While there is no specific release date for Lawrence Dermer's upcoming album, I would not be surprised to see some of his work receive attention from both the international and local media.

(Image via Amazon.com)

Note: Once his album launches, I'll review here on IsraGood (not to mention consider adding it to my iTunes collection).

India Looking At Israel For Oil Solutions?

2008-04-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

India, a nation composed of over a billion people is trying to find ways of not only meeting its increasing energy demand (via oil), but also find a way to counter the rising cost of importing the stuff as well.

In order to help curb that demand, they are gazing towards the Israeli's in order to help them meet demand.

(Globes Online) The paper says, "India is gazing at Israel for a passage to energy security in the age of high oil prices, a move that will give Asia's fastest growing economy easy access to the abundant Russian, Caucasian and Central Asian crude as an alternative to volatile West Asian supplies but will perhaps also raise hackles of pro-Arab political elements at home." [...]

"The pipeline will also open an easier maritime door for oil from Algeria and Libya where India is pushing hard to get acreages and term supplies. The pipeline company executives told the ministry officials that using the Israeli link will also allow Indian refiners to use very large crude carriers and save in shipping costs. The majority of the Indian oil shipments now come in smaller vessels, classified as 'Suez Max', as they have to cross the Suez Canal which cannot take big carriers."

India is not the first company to consider going the "Israeli route," as Azerbaijan has also contacted Israel about doing something similar.

While the deal is still in its infancy, it should help strengthen the bond between the two countries, who already see each other as important allies residing in a rowdy eastern neighborhood.

(Image Credit: AP, via CNBC).

Jerusalem To Receive Prestigious Hilton Hotel

2008-04-22T08:10:00.000-04:00

Often known throughout the world for their style and class, the Hilton Hotels corporation is planning on building one of their hotels within Jerusalem.

But instead of establishing one of their regular building inside the holy city, Hilton is instead going to erect a prestigious brand that has only been constructed in three countries.

(Globes Online) IPC Jerusalem Ltd., a joint venture Hilton Hotels Corp. and IPC US REIT (TSX:IUR), controlled by Canada's Reichman family, has signed a management agreement to manage Jerusalem's Palace Hotel under the Waldorf Astoria brand. IPC is investing $100 million in renovating the historic building, which will have 220 rooms and suites and 30 residential apartments in an adjacent building. [...]

Hilton Hotels has 2,645 hotels worldwide, including two in Israel. The Waldorf Astoria brand, named for the original legendary hotel in New York, is the Hilton's most prestigious brand. There are five Waldorf Astoria hotels in the world, four in the US and one in Saudi Arabia. The decision to establish the brand in Jerusalem is a vote of confidence in Jerusalem by Hilton.

With tourism in Israel rising (especially over the holidays), Hilton's addition to Jerusalem should help compliment Israel's capital (that is, if you can afford it. ;-))

Another Way To Celebrate Israel (Via 60 Faces)

2008-04-21T11:45:00.000-04:00

It looks as if the Consulate General of Israel (located in New York) is promoting a new way to display the face of Israel to the world--literally.

(Isrealli.org) The Consulate General of Israel in New York, in cooperation with the Salute to Israel Parade, has initiated a banner campaign entitled, "Faces of Israel." Beginning May 4th, in honor of Israel's 60th birthday, banners will line New York's Fifth Avenue from 46th to 97th Streets. Each banner will feature the face of an Israeli citizen and be topped with a display of Israeli and American flags.

Users can visit 60Israelis.com for a preview of the faces highlighted thus far, which includes everything from models to music stars (not to mention a few non-Jewish Israeli's as well).

They are still looking for more faces, so if you think you can make "the cut," feel free to apply over here.

(Image Credit: 60 Israelis)