Psalm 29:11
“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”
You can probably imagine the elation in Israel now that the 20 living Gaza hostages have finally come home. Although the war with Hamas terrorists is not yet over, many Israeli soldiers are also able to return home to their families. Reservists are back home, re-focusing on their goals to build a better world for everyone.
— Michael Ordman
—
## Positive News in a War
### Hostages Released
After 738 days, all living Gaza hostages are back in Israel. Witness some emotional reunions through various timelines, videos, and photos:
– [Israel National News: Hostages timeline and reunions](https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/416200)
– [JNS: Israel set to redeem hostages in first phase of Trump peace plan](https://www.jns.org/israel-set-to-redeem-hostages-in-first-phase-of-trump-peace-plan/)
– [JNS: Israelis celebrate at Hostage Square](https://www.jns.org/watch-israelis-gather-at-hostage-square-to-celebrate-return/)
### Giving Thanks
US President Donald Trump received a tumultuous welcome when he addressed the Israeli Knesset (parliament). His opening words were:
“We gather on a day of profound joy, of soaring hope, of renewed faith, and above all, a day to give our deepest thanks to the almighty God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Watch his speech here: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPAkvSgxDWY)
### Bereaved Father Seeds “Honoring” Startups
After Izhar Shay tragically lost his son on October 7, 2023, he launched “Next October” — a project supporting early-stage businesses that agree to commemorate one of approximately 2,000 people killed on that day and in the ensuing war, in perpetuity. Within two years, 450 startups have joined this initiative.
Learn more:
– [Times of Israel: Bereaved entrepreneur seeds memorial startups](https://www.timesofisrael.com/bereaved-by-october-7-an-entrepreneur-seeds-startups-with-memorials-to-those-lost/)
– [Next October official website](https://www.nextoctober.org/)
– [Our startups](https://www.nextoctober.org/ourstartups)
### Seeds of Renewal
A three-year initiative aims to rehabilitate and redesign 32 early childhood education centers for ages 3–6 across the Gaza Envelope and northern Israel.
Read more: [Jewish Philanthropy](https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/philanthropys-role-in-rebuilding-early-childhood-education-in-israel/)
### Maintaining Mankai Production
Israel is the only country growing the superfood Mankai commercially. After the October 7, 2023 invasion by Hamas, the manager of the Mankai at Kibbutz Be’eri returned two days later to ensure its survival. This effort preserved a vital food source that might otherwise have disappeared.
Details here: [Calcalist Tech](https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/skur8qytll)
### Hummus in Damascus
A dream long held by Israelis was to one day eat hummus in Damascus as a symbol of peace. Now, kosher hummus is being enjoyed in Damascus, says Mendy Chitrik, the Safed-born rabbi of Turkey’s Ashkenazi community and chairman of the Alliance of Rabbis in Islamic States.
Read the report: [Times of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/48-surreal-hours-in-damascus-an-israeli-reporters-travelogue-from-an-enemy-capital/)
### PM Prize to Mossad Operatives
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Prize has been awarded to Mossad operatives involved in the “beepers” attack against Hezbollah and the 12-day Operation Rising Lion war against Iran.
More info: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/netanyahu-barnea-award-mossad-operatives-pm-prize/)
### Zikim Beach Reopens
On October 16, the IDF reopened Zikim Beach near the Gaza border, marking its first accessibility since the start of the war two years ago. This move is part of the rehabilitation efforts for the area.
Read more: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/idf-reopens-zikim-beach-for-first-time-since-oct-7/)
—
## Israel’s Medical Achievements
### Advances in Combat Medicine
Israeli military medicine has made leaps in saving soldiers from injuries once deemed fatal. Innovations include drones parachuting temperature-controlled whole blood units to the battlefield and portable devices extracting oxygen from the air to ventilate wounded soldiers.
Full story: [KOSU](https://www.kosu.org/world-news/2025-09-18/how-israels-combat-medicine-has-changed)
### Why the Immune System Ignores Food
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute discovered that ROR-gamma-T cells activate a chain reaction of four immune cell types that prevent the body’s attacking CD8 cells from responding to food proteins.
Learn more:
– [Weizmann Institute Wander](https://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/life-sciences/food-friend-not-foe-%E2%80%93-new-study-explains-why)
– [Jerusalem Post](https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-856867)
– [Nature article](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09173-x)
### Oxygenating Patients During Lung Transplants
Israel’s Inspira Technologies announced that a top U.S. hospital has expanded clinical use of their INSPIRA ART100 system for lung transplants, one of the most demanding respiratory care procedures.
More details: [Globe Newswire](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/09/02/3142763/0/en/Top-U-S-Honor-Roll-Hospital-Expands-Use-of-INSPIRA-ART100-System-to-Lung-Transplant-Procedures.html)
### Restoring Vision in a Shingles-Blinded Eye
CorNeat Vision, an Israeli company, successfully implanted its KPro artificial cornea in a patient blinded by corneal scarring caused by the Shingles virus. The patient regained perfect vision, and the eye now looks natural and healthy.
Read the announcement: [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/corneat-visions-artificial-cornea-restores-perfect-2020-vision-in-shingles-blinded-eye-302543974.html)
### Partnering to Diagnose Huntington’s Disease
Israel’s NeuraLight teamed with New York’s CHDI Foundation to create one of the largest eye movement datasets related to Huntington’s Disease, aiding the development of sensitive diagnostic and trial-ready tools.
Learn more: [NeuraLight](https://neuralight.ai/neuralight-and-chdi-foundation-collaborate-to-develop-precision-eye-movement-biomarkers-for-huntingtons-disease/)
—
## Israel is Inclusive and Global
### The Largest US Flag Ever Hoisted in Israel
A 26×36-foot American flag, the largest ever flown in Israel, was hoisted in the Binyamin Regional Council as a gesture of gratitude to US President Donald Trump. It is visible to arriving passengers at Ben Gurion International Airport.
Read more: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/ahead-of-trump-visit-largest-us-flag-ever-flown-in-israel-hoisted-in-judea-samaria/)
### International Jerusalem March
Thousands from 70 countries gathered at Sacher Park for the International Jerusalem March hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) during the Sukkot holiday. ICEJ represents millions of Christians worldwide who support Israel.
Details: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/the-international-jerusalem-march-brings-joy-and-friendship-to-the-capital/)
### Tourism to Tajikistan Launched
Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz made the first official Israeli Cabinet visit to Tajikistan, signing the first bilateral tourism agreement with the Tajikistani Committee for Tourism Development.
Read more: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/israel-and-tajikistan-sign-tourism-agreement-in-landmark-visit/)
—
## Science & Technology
### Powering Intel’s AI Laptop Revival
Intel unveiled its first 18A-based processors developed in Israel. These processors will underpin Panther Lake, an Israeli-developed family of 900 AI models designed for real-time translation, image recognition, and more—while ensuring user privacy.
More here: [Calcalist Tech](https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hkwnfmhpex)
### Israel’s Largest AI Cloud
Israeli companies Vast Data and Shonfeld Data Services (SDS) entered a strategic partnership to create Israel’s most advanced sovereign AI infrastructure, built on Vast’s AI Operating System.
Details: [Calcalist Tech](https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/uz6dlauqi)
### National AI Headquarters
Brig. Gen. (res.) Erez Askal has been appointed to lead Israel’s newly established National Artificial Intelligence Headquarters, tasked with guiding AI innovation, regulation, infrastructure, research, and bolstering Israel’s global role in AI.
Read more: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/netanyahu-appoints-general-to-lead-national-ai-initiative/)
### More Cool Data Centers
ZutaCore partnered with Taiwan’s Compal to develop integrated server and cooling solutions designed to revolutionize data center efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
Info: [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zutacore-and-compal-transform-ai-data-center-cooling-at-yotta-2025-302548739.html)
### Mapping Israel’s Semiconductor Industry
Israel’s startup ecosystem has raised $5.5 billion across 70 startups, positioning the country as a key player in next-generation chips and AI models.
Read:
– [Calcalist Tech](https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/r1yxvtznel)
– [Earth and Beyond Ventures](https://www.earthandbeyond.ventures/deeptech-explained-semiconductors)
### Better Desalination Membranes
Researchers at Israel’s Technion Institute and University of Texas Austin mapped the nano-properties of desalination membranes in their wet state for the first time, enabling design improvements for more efficient, energy-saving desalination.
Learn more:
– [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2025-08-desalination-characterizing-membranes-dry-states.html)
– [ACS Nano publication](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.5c01190)
### Scaling Up Green Hydrogen Production
The Technion is part of an international team advancing decoupled water electrolysis (DWE) for scalable, cost-effective, and carbon emission-free green hydrogen production.
Details:
– [The Cool Down](https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/green-hydrogen-industrial-scale-affordable-dwe/)
– [Nature article](https://www.nature.com/articles/s44359-025-00061-1)
### Automating the Greenhouse
Israel’s GrowDirector developed a modular greenhouse automation system that reduces water, energy, fertilizers, labor, and input costs. It enables farmers to track crops, schedule activities, receive reminders, and refine protocols.
Explore: [GrowDirector](https://growdirector.com/)
### Seeing Through the Layers
Israeli archaeologists at the City of David use muon particle detectors to map ancient underground sites without digging. This technique reveals Jerusalem’s historic layers from the Iron Age through the early Islamic period.
Learn more: [Times of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/breaking-ground-without-digging-in-first-archaeologists-x-ray-jerusalems-underground/)
### A Better Defense
Israel’s Ministry of Defense purchased dozens of EdgeUAV systems from Axon Vision to detect nearby air threats like drones. These systems analyze data from cameras mounted on armored vehicles and stationary installations.
Read: [Globes](https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-idf-using-axon-visions-ai-to-combat-drones-1001489208)
### Securing Entrance to Arenas
New York’s Barclays Center selected Israel’s SeeTrue AI-powered security software to detect prohibited items at visitor checkpoints. This system speeds entry while enhancing threat detection.
More info: [SeeTrue](https://seetrue.ai/seetrue-to-deliver-faster-and-safer-entry-for-barclays-center-fans-with-ai-powered-security-screening/)
—
## Economy & Business
### Optimistic Economic Indicators
The Israeli Shekel strengthened following the signing of the first phase of the plan to end the war in Gaza. The stock market soared with the TA-35, TA-90, and TA-125 reaching record highs. Construction indexes soared, and risk levels dropped sharply.
Details: [Calcalist Tech](https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/hjagmxr6lx)
### Nobel Prize for Economics
Dutch-born, Israeli-raised US Professor Joel Mokyr received the Nobel Prize in Economics alongside two others for demonstrating how knowledge, mechanical skill, and supportive institutions drive sustained economic growth.
Read:
– [Jerusalem Post](https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-870390)
– [JNS](https://www.jns.org/tel-aviv-university-economist-among-3-nobel-prize-laureates/)
### $500 Million Investment for Israeli Startups
Israel’s Glilot Capital Partners raised $500 million to invest in Israeli cyber and AI software startups. The capital primarily came from large financial institutions in the US and Europe, reflecting confidence in Israel’s ecosystem.
More: [Times of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-glilot-partners-raises-500m-to-back-young-cyber-and-ai-software-startups/)
### Gas Pipeline to Egypt
The consortium owning the Leviathan gas reservoir signed a $610 million deal with Israel Natural Gas Lines to build a 40-mile pipeline exporting 600 million cubic feet of natural gas daily to Egypt, targeted for completion in 2028.
Details: [Times of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/leviathan-partners-ink-610m-deal-for-new-pipeline-to-boost-gas-exports-to-egypt/)
### El Al Enters Top 25 Airlines
El Al earned a five-star APEX rating for the fifth consecutive year and entered the global top 25 airlines for in-flight passenger experience based on millions of traveler reviews. Less than 7% of airlines achieve this rating.
Read: [Ynet News](https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/r13p9rgsgl)
### Swiss & Delta Resume Flights to Israel
Swiss International Air Lines resumed daily flights from Zurich to Tel Aviv, and Delta Airlines restarted daily services from JFK to Tel Aviv as of September 1, 2025.
More info:
– [JNS on Swiss](https://www.jns.org/swiss-air-resumes-flights-to-tel-aviv/)
– [Delta Newsroom](https://news.delta.com/delta-resumes-tel-aviv-service-jfk-sept-1)
### $1.2 Billion Aero Engine Parts Deal
Bet Shemesh Engines secured a $1.2 billion, 15-year contract to supply critical jet engine components to a leading global aircraft engine manufacturer. This comes shortly after Norway’s sovereign wealth fund divested its 2% stake in the company.
Details: [Times of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-bet-shemesh-engines-inks-1-2b-deal-to-produce-parts-for-global-aviation-giant/)
### Botanical-Enhanced Functional Soft Drinks
Israel’s SolvEat partnered with Central Bottling Company’s Gat Foods to develop functional soft drinks infused with SolvEat’s patented natural herbal formulations targeting metabolic support and blood sugar control.
Learn more: [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/il/news-releases/solveat-and-cbc-join-to-create-botanical-enhanced-functional-soft-drinks-302550555.html)
### Using AI to Sell Industrial Machinery
Israel’s Corbel aims to replace manual quoting and PDF workflows in the trillion-dollar manufacturing sector with AI-driven intelligence, targeting outdated sales and quoting systems.
More:
– [Calcalist Tech](https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/h1axzfaplg)
– [Corbel](https://corbelpay.com/)
### Exits, Takeovers, and Mergers (to October 19, 2025)
– CropX acquired Israeli Crop Supply Intelligence Company Acclym
– Penn-America Group (part of Global Indemnity) acquired Israeli insurance agency Sayata
– LevelBlue (formerly AT&T Cybersecurity) acquired Israel’s Cybereason
– Pentera acquired DevOcean for $30 million
– Amazon’s Annapurna Labs acquired the entire core engineering team of Israel’s NeuroBlade
### Startup Investments (to October 19, 2025)
– Deel raised $300 million (valuation $17.3 billion)
– Sensi.ai raised $45 million
– Sola Security raised $35 million
– Prisma Photonics raised $30 million
– OneLayer raised $28 million
– Omnix Medical raised $25 million
– Second Nature raised $22 million
– Siddhi Capital invested $9-12 million in Fresh Start foodtech incubator
– Corbel raised $6.7 million
– ARGU AI raised $2 million
—
## Culture, Entertainment & Sport
### Ethiopian Israeli Restaurant in Harlem
Beejhy Barhany, born in Ethiopia and raised in Israel, opened Tsion Cafe in Harlem, New York. This kosher, vegan cafe is a place of Pan-African love and Black Israeli pride.
Learn more:
– [Smithsonian Magazine](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/at-this-harlem-chefs-table-the-rosh-hashana-menu-is-full-of-ethiopian-spices-180987378/)
– [Penguin Random House: Gursha](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720855/gursha-by-beejhy-barhany-with-elisa-ung/)
### US Ambassadors Rock Jerusalem
Ambassadors Mike Huckabee and Daniel Friedman performed “Sweet Home Yerushalayim” at the United Hatzalah Sukkot concert, thrilling the crowd with new lyrics celebrating Jerusalem.
Watch here:
– [JNS article](https://www.jns.org/huckabee-friedman-perform-sweet-home-yerushalayim-in-jerusalem/)
– [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh6Z6Hk3cAk)
### Acrobatic Dolphins Off Haifa
About 15 dolphins, including mothers and calves, performed an acrobatic display off the coast near Haifa for Haifa University marine scientists, marking the most exciting display ever witnessed by the team.
Read more: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/dolphin-pod-puts-on-acrobatic-display-off-haifa-shore/)
### Golden Gymnast
Israel’s Artem Dolgopyat won gold in the floor exercise at the Challenge Cup in Paris. Holding Olympic gold and silver medals and a World Championship title, he is Israel’s most successful Olympian.
Details: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/this-week-in-israeli-sports-2/)
### First NHL Goal by an Israeli
Israeli-American defenseman Zeev Buium scored his first NHL goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the first Israeli hockey player to score in the US National Hockey League.
Read:
– [New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6709728/2025/10/12/wild-blue-jackets-zeev-buium-nhl-goal/)
– [Twitter](https://x.com/THEREALJEW613/status/1977206806108905773?s=08)
### Gold Paralympic Swimmer
Paralympic champion Ami Dadaon won his first world title in the 50m breaststroke SB3 in Singapore, setting a new Israeli record of 48.17 seconds. In the 2024 World Championships in Paris, he secured four gold medals.
Read more: [Ynet News](https://www.ynetnews.com/sport/article/h1eltqajel)
—
## The Jewish State
### Ancient Jewish Synagogue Unearthed in the Golan
Excavations at the Yahudiya Nature Reserve in the Golan Heights, recaptured by Israel in 1967, uncovered lintels and basalt columns from a 1,500-year-old synagogue—the 26th found in the region—bolstering historical Jewish ties to the land.
Learn more: [Israel Hayom](https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/10/05/ancient-underground-synagogue-discovered-in-golan/)
### A Home in Israel
If you are dreaming of making Aliyah or purchasing property in Israel, Marina Shear, wife of newsletter subscriber Glen, offers expert teams including English-speaking lawyers, mortgage brokers, builders, property managers, inspectors, and designers ready to assist.
Explore her guide and services:
– [MarinaShear.com](https://marinashear.com/)
– [2025 Aliyah Guide](https://marinashear.com/2025-guide/)
### Delayed Passengers Break into Song
Following a 4-hour delay on a Delta flight from New York to Tel Aviv, two musicians led passengers in singing “Adon HaSelichot” and then “Am Yisrael Chai,” uplifting spirits aboard the plane.
Read more: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/hold-passengers-on-delayed-delta-flight-to-israel-break-into-song/)
### Exciting Times in Jerusalem
During Sukkot, Jerusalem buzzed with hope for the release of hostages. With schools on vacation, families enjoyed various holiday activities around the city.
See more: [RJ Streets](https://rjstreets.com/2025/10/12/exciting-times-in-jerusalem-on-chol-hamoed-sukkot/)
### 50,000 Jews Celebrate Sukkot in Hebron
50% more worshippers than last year visited Judaism’s second-holiest site, the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, during the first days of Tabernacles. This sacred burial site was purchased by Abraham over 3,000 years ago.
Read: [JNS](https://www.jns.org/nearly-50000-jews-celebrate-sukkot-in-hebron/)
### On Simchat Torah, We Dance
Despite physical and spiritual challenges, Israelis are determined to celebrate through dance. On the second anniversary of the Hamas invasion, injured IDF soldiers danced joyfully at the Nova festival site.
Learn more:
– [World Israel News](https://worldisraelnews.com/wounded-idf-soldiers-joyfully-celebrate-simchat-torah-despite-injuries/)
– [JNS: Amputee refuses to stop dancing](https://www.jns.org/how-an-oct-7-amputee-refuses-to-stop-dancing-this-simchat-torah/)
– [JNS: IDF soldiers dance with Torah at Nova festival](https://www.jns.org/idf-soldiers-dance-with-torah-at-nova-festival-massacre-site/)
—
**For continued updates and uplifting reports from Israel, visit [www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com](http://www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com)**
http://www.ruthfullyyours.com/2025/10/19/good-news-from-israel-from-michael-ordman-9/
