EU To Israel: Lets Be Business Partners

After waiting over a year for a response, it looks like the European Union will be finally upgrading its ties to the Israeli state, a feat some thought the Jewish state would never see (at least with Europe's perceived political climate).

(Haaretz.com) The European Union, turning aside Palestinian objections, has announced upgraded relations with Israel in the form of a range of steps involving commerce, the economy, and academic ties as well as improvements in the diplomatic dialogue between the sides. [...]

In the economic sphere, Israel will join European agencies and working groups with the aim of bringing the Israeli economy closer to European standards, and to help Israeli companies more easily contend with the European commercial market, particularly in the fields of high-tech and aviation.

Europe is also talking about having European universities recognize degree's by Israeli's across the Mediterranean, which would help out aspiring doctors, lawyers and IT professionals gain the extra expertise (as well as potentially networking with their new European friends).

Note: Looking back "in hindsight," one probably should have realized this was inevitable, especially with Europe courting Israel before (with France and Germany leading the way).

Israel And Europe Reach Agriculture Trade Agreement

(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.

Video: Can Israel Win The Dessert Dish Olympics?

While Israel is attempting to win the gold in the upcoming Olympics in China, there is another international sport where a Jewish contestant is not only seeking to dominate the arena, but also fill up a few bellies as well.

(Israel 21^st Century) This year, Asher Toubkin, Israel's premiere chocolate sculptor, is confident that his team has a shot at taking first place at the Open de desserts de France (French Dessert Open) International Dessert Awards at the Paris Expo in the Porte de Versailles on March 30. [...]

The competition is indeed high-pressure. In just under five hours (including a half-hour allotted to clean-up), each team must create from scratch and present to judges: a showpiece exclusively made of sugar, a showpiece exclusively made of chocolate, and 10 identical desserts made from a combination of chocolate and fruit (one for each judge to taste, plus one for display), all around a particular theme. Pieces are judged based on the methodologies employed by the chefs, cleanliness, creativity, artistic presentation, attention to detail, time, and of course, taste.

Hopefully Toubkin is able to pull off a victory in France, as it could help yet another country to acquire a taste of Israeli treats (the previous ones being Japan and Australia).

France Going Ga Ga Over Israel?

(Hat Tip: Solomonia)

Ironically it seems that a nation once regarded by many to be Israel's "distant buddy" is now embracing their Jewish friend with open arms.

(Associated Press) His embrace of Israeli President Shimon Peres spoke of more than personal chemistry: Nicolas Sarkozy wants to rebuild France's frayed ties with Israel, notably by echoing its tough stance against Iran. [...]

And during a pomp-filled dinner Monday, Sarkozy lost no opportunity to assure Peres of his friendship, saying France will always work to ensure Israel's survival.

"Not from time to time, Mr. President — always," said Sarkozy. "And those who call in a scandalous, scandalous way for the destruction of Israel will always find France in front of them to block their route."

This recent embrace of Israel by the French may surprise many people, who may not realize that France has already expressed support for the missing IDF soldiers, not to mention finding ways of easing trade between the two nations.

Hopefully this trend will spread throughout the rest of Europe, as they have much to gain from aligning themselves with the Jewish state (hint: energy, cough, energy).

Israeli Research Tech Helps Doctors Fight HIV

(Image Credit: Israel 21^st Century)

Probably one of the most feared diseases on our planet, HIV is a virus that has very few rivals in todays modern world.

In order to combat this ever adapting Borg like virus, researchers from the IBM Haifa Research Lab in Israel were asked to help Europe perfect EuResist, in an attempt at finding new ways to help doctors fight this disease.

(Israel 21^st Century) With EuResist, this interaction is done through the web, where physicians can input a patient's information and status and then get a summary of what is known about this specific virus stage along with a prediction of what treatment has a good chance of helping the patient.

For example, a doctor in Bolivia - who may not have expertise in AIDS treatment or access to recent research - can use the knowledge accumulated in the EuResist system to treat patients. "This access to shared knowledge greatly increases our chances of fighting AIDS and can provide a vital contribution to world healthcare," continues Zazzi.

HRB's contributions to the project from Israel are two fold. The Healthcare and Life Science group has implemented a standardized biomedical information technology that processes and correlates clinical and genomic data from various data sources. And The lab's Machine Learning group has developed a sophisticated model and training engine that helps predicts drug resistance.

Hopefully this community effort will help humanity develop a cure for this horrible disease, as well as aid doctors in third world nations unfamiliar with treating it. By helping medical professionals "put their heads together," Israel is giving those afflicted with this disease a fighting chance at a brighter future.

Israel To Moldova: Aid Is On The Way

(Image Credit: Greenwich Meantime)

Moldova, a nation located next to Romania and Ukraine, has recently been experiencing a severe drought.

In order to help their European friend survive throughout this trying time, Israel has decided to help out Moldova by donating medical supplies.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dispatched a special shipment of medical aid to Moldova. The aid package, which included medical equipment and drugs, was transported by the Moldovan airline and received by the central government hospital in Kishinev.

The shipment of special medical aid was dispatched on Tuesday, October 23, at the request of the Moldovan Minister of Health. The request was subsequent to the Moldovan government's publicized request for aid to help combat the severe draught that has afflicted the country.

The aid package was donated by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health and by Hadassah-Ein Karem Hospital

Despite being located on a different continent, Israel's generosity towards those suffering knows no bounds, as they have previously helped out what some would consider their mortal enemies.

Hopefully these supplies will help ease the burden of the Moldovan government, as well as demonstrate a side of Israel few often get to hear about in the media.

Since When Did The French Support IDF Captives?

In a surprising move for a nation known for its sharp tongue against Israel, it looks as if the nation of France has inaugurated a site dedicated to the missing IDF soldiers--an event that has touched the lives of the families seeking the return of their loved ones.

(Ynet News) "In our previous meeting with Paris' mayor, we asked to display photos of our sons near city hall. The mayor was very attentive and promised to do something, and today he delivered," Noam Shalit said. "The photos have not been displayed near city hall, but they are located in a park where thousands of people and families visit every weekend."

"This is a significant gesture for us and it should not be taken for granted," Shalit added. "Gilad is indeed a French national, but Eldad and Udi are not, and what was done today touched us greatly."

This monument will hopefully enlighten French citizens on the situation regarding the missing solders, as well as help build sympathy for their whereabouts in the middle east.

Note: To my knowledge, France has close relations with many Arabian nations, and this move may be a sign that France is interested in helping Israel recover its missing soldiers.

Basketball: Israel Dominates Ukraine! (Sort Of)

(Image Credit: Israel Basketball Association)


Another day, another game, another victory for Israel! But with a record of 2-0, the question remains: can Israel make it to the European championships?

(Jerusalem Post) Israel remained undefeated in the EuroBasket 2007 last chance tournament on Saturday night, beating the Ukraine 81-73 at the Nokia Arena.

The national team, which defeated Denmark 72-60 in its first game of the campaign last Wednesday, will host Belgium this Wednesday and will be seeking its third consecutive win on its way to the European Championships. [...]

For a second sucessive game the team struggled against an inferior opponent and only won thanks to a decisive late surge. The team will have to play better against the strong Belgians on Wednesday, as anything short of a win will most likely end the sides hopes of qualification.

Basketball is to Israeli's to what football or soccer is to American and European citizens, respectively. Although the team has only played two games, they have pulled ahead of both Denmark and Ukraine, and they will hopefully defeat Belgium on Wednesday.

Note: More info about the players can be found over here.

Jahah VoIP Gets Kosher, Could Challenge Skype

It looks as if another VoIP company has entered the arena, which enables users to connect to one another half way around the world without the need to download any software. Called Jajah, this internet company's goal is enable average people to connect to each other around the world at a very low rate.

But what makes this Austrian company really unique is the fact of who they chose to turn to in order to handle "virtually everything."

(Israel 21^st Century) Jajah enables computer users to make free or minimal cost phone calls using VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) without the cumbersome use of headphones, microphones, and software downloads. It doesn't even require high speed Internet connections. [...]

What's unusual about this Austrian startup headed by two successful non-Jewish founders is that it chose to turn to Israel for its research and development, customer support, and quality control. Jajah now employs over 40 people in its development center in Ra'anana, and Scharf and his partner Daniel Mattes regularly travel to Israel from their native Austria for business consultations.

"In Israel we found the right people with invaluable know-how regarding Internet and mobile phone technology. We are happy to have such a motivated team here and we are constantly looking for new employees," Scharf says[.]

They already have stolen away a few Skype customers, as the voice quality on the device is extraordinarily clear. They even have some extensions for Firefox users, as well as the Google personalized page (which is now in Hebrew!).

This service seems to be very similar to GrandCentral (purchased by Google), with the one major difference being that they are open to international users (including Israel!).

Jajah could potentially challenge Skype, although I am waiting for them to create a web button before I consider making the switch.

How Do You Say Aliyah In French?

(Image Credit: Eli Elgarat of Ynet News)


It looks as if 600 Jews from France will be departing their mother country in order to begin a new life as an Israeli in the holy land.

(Ynet News) Around 600 new immigrants from France are expected to land in Israel on Wednesday as the result of a joint effort of AMI (Aliyah et Meilleure Integration) and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

This year has seen a 10 percent rise in the number of new immigrants from France compared to the previous year, making 2007 a record year for French aliyah: More than 3,000 olim are expected to come to Israel, as opposed to 2,900 in 2006. This is a 35-year record.

What makes this news really exciting is the fact that many of these individuals are composed of families, with the bulk deciding to migrate towards Ashdod, Jerusalem and Netanya (a city I have yet to visit).

President Peres will officially welcome them to their new homeland, and hopefully they will be able to trade in their french croissants for an Israeli falafel.

Update: You can find more images of Aliyah over here (thanks Jacob!).

Also Israel National News has snippet regarding a couple who survived the Holocaust deciding to move to Israel.

Norway Has A Secret Crush On Israeli Investments

(Image Credit: Kwintessential)


They say that the best way to know a person is by what they spend their money on. If that saying is true, then it seems that Norway is trying to have a secret affair with Israeli innovation while shunning them in public.

Unfortunately for Norway, her affair is no longer a secret.

(Israel National News) Norway's Government Pension Fund Global, formerly known as the National Petroleum Fund, has comne under fire for its investments in Israel. The fund has doubled its investments in Israel over the past year. In 2006 the Fund bought Israeli government bonds worth $500 million Norwegian kroners ($87.4 million).

Norway previously attempted a national boycott of the Jewish state which ironically backfired and brought in more business towards Israelis companies.

Realizing this, Norway is probably attempting to get "their fair share" of the pie (or Falafel for those in the holy land), although this latest news may indicate Europe's secret love for Israel--at least in the business arena.

Israel Could Make 800 Million At Paris Air Show

While Israeli companies are out there "strutting their stuff" to the world, Globes is reporting that these corporate firms could generate an enormous amount of cash from contracts--$800 million to be exact.

(Globes Online) 11 Israeli companies from the defense and security sectors will be exhibiting in the Israeli pavilion at the 2007 Paris Air Show opening tomorrow at Le Bourget. Israel is considered a leading defense exporter, and it is ranked fourth in aviation and defense technologies exports after the US, Russia and France.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the air show, Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute chairman David Arzi said the 11 Israeli companies exhibiting at the Paris Air Show could sign as much as $800 million in new contracts there.

Israeli companies competing in the air show include:

• Aeronautics Defense Systems Ltd.


• Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.


• Bental Industries Ltd.


• Elbit Systems Ltd.


• Orbit Technology Group Ltd.


• Plasan Sasa Ltd.


• Rada Electronic Industries Ltd.


• Rafael Armament Development Authority Ltd.


• SGD Engineering Ltd.


• SDS-Star Defense Systems Ltd.

As the air show started yesterday, there are no final numbers as to how much these companies will generate. Either way, it will be a great way for Israel to display their more technological side to not only Europe, but the rest of the world.

Macedonia Defeated In Euro 2008 Qualifier Match

It looks like another victory for the Israeli football (or soccer for Americans) team!

Israel played against Macedonia, and was able to score two goals in the first half of the game. Ynet brings us the details!

(Ynet News) Israel's Barak Yitzhaki - who plays for Beitar Jerusalem - scored the first goal of the game in the 10th minute. Macedonian Aco Stojkov tied the game three minutes later.

Roberto Damian Colautti (Maccabi Haifa) scored Israel its second goal in the 43rd minute of the match, sending Israel to half-time with the lead.

Israel seems to be doing very well this season, having previously shut out Estonia and (unfortunately) tieing England a few months ago.

Currently Israel ranks third in their group, behind Russia and Croatia (although hopefully not for long).

Israel Shuts Out Estonia In Soccor

Colautti strikes second goal (Photo: Eli Elgarat)

Despite the disappointing draw between England, it seems like Israel has made a comeback by shutting out Estonia four to nothing, enabling them to (hopefully) qualify for the Euro 2008 games.

(Ynet News) Israel dominated from the outset and goalkeeper Dudu Aouate was hardly troubled by the Estonians. They had some more possession in the second half but only once came close to scoring. [...]

Tal scored the first after 20 minutes when he drilled a powerful low shot from the edge of the area right in front of goal leaving outstretched Estonian goalkeeper Mart Poom with no chance as he dived to his left.

Argentine-born Colautti added the second goal when he rose high to head in at the far post from a good cross from by right-back Amit Ben Shushan.

After that it was all down hill for Estonia as Israel later on scored two more goals, minuets away from each other. All in all it appears it was a great game, at least for Israel (I'm sure Estonian fans are ranting and raving right now).

Teapacks Allowed To Play In Eurovision

I've been following this story on (and off) online, and after much speculation it seems that an Israeli bands controversial song will be allowed to be played at the Eurovision competition after all.

(Jewtastic) The Israeli entry in this year's Eurovision Song Contest will be allowed despite fears the track would insult Iran with its references to nuclear war.

Finnish Eurovision official Kjell Ekholm voiced concerns about Teapacks' Push The Button entry last week, because he thought it could be deemed offensive to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The song is humorous, and may allow give a few chuckles to some Israelis who are in need of a good laugh.

For those of you wondering what all the fuss is about, Isrealli has a video highlighting all of the fun.

Israel To Europe: Upgrade My EU Status!

Despite the fact that Israel is not physically located in Europe (as any fifth grader who knows geography can tell you), Israel is seeking to increase its status within the European Union in order to boost its business.

(Ynet News) Israel is trying to upgrade its standing in the European Union to be equal to that of Switzerland and Norway.

Although the two countries are not members of the EU, they have free passage for people, capital and merchandise between them and the rest of the EU countries.

The Israel-EU Association Council – a council of European foreign ministers who monitor European-Israeli relations – is scheduled to convene in Brussels in March, with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

Although some may see this as bad (as you can tell in the comment section of Ynet), upgrading Israel's status will actually benefit the nation, as it will allow more interaction between Europeans and Israeli's.

Not only would this be good for business on both sides, but Israel and Europe may discover that they have more in common with each other than their current political differences.

Czech Government Endorses Israel

With the increasing threats against Israel from an Iranian madman, the Czech government has decided to declare their support for Israel and against her foes.

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency) Officials ranging from the prime minister, foreign minister, deputy foreign minister, Parliament leaders and other Cabinet members signaled strong backing for Israel during a visit by leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. [...]

Czech officials responded positively to the idea of officially making Ahmadinejad persona non-grata in Europe, Hoenlein said, adding that Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek told the group he would "smash any form of anti-Semitism in the Czech Republic."

Despite what you may read in the news or online, their are A LOT of people (and countries) who not only support Israel's right to exist, but also support Israel's right to self defense.

For those of you who have websites or blogs online, you can find a list of those who are proud to display their support for the tiny Jewish state via the Friends of Israel page.

Pope Knights A Jewish Man?

And it seems that this Jewish man was knighted for his ability to help bridge the cultural gaps between Catholics and Jews (not an easy thing as I recall the tension between the two when I was in the holy land).

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency) The head of Pave the Way, a non-sectarian group in New York, became the first Jewish man to be knighted by two popes.

Gary Krupp was promoted to the highest Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great, receiving the Silver Star in a Jan. 15 ceremony in Rome, after Pave the Way presented important Christian documents to the Vatican Library. Krupp "has encouraged, promoted and achieved high levels of cultural cooperation between Catholic and Jewish institutions," said Father David Jaeger, the Vatican's representative to Israel.

Krupp sees religion as a tool to help unite people, instead of dividing them with violence (a common problem in today's world). The Vatican has been aggressively courting Israel over the past few years, and hopefully we will see more of this not only in Rome, but throughout Europe as well.

Lost World War Two Art Returned

It looks like three pieces of Jewish art has been returned back into kosher hands after having been stolen during world war two by the Nazi's.

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency) The drawings to be given back by the Courtauld Institute of Art, valued at up to $23,519, are attributed to 17th-century painters Giuseppe Bibiena and Carl Ruthart.

A third drawing, by 17th-century painter Frans van Mieris the Elder, is being given by the heirs to the institute in an act of good will.

The Courtauld, which never contested the heirs' claim filed a year ago, said it wasn't aware of the paintings' origins when it obtained them through a 1952 bequest from Sir Robert Witt.

Much thanks to the London Art institute for helping out the families regarding this situation. It's amazing how much art the Jews produced before (and sometimes during) the second world war.

It's good to see these paintings, some valued in the thousands of dollars (or shekels), be returned to their families (and hopefully we will see more of this in the future).

Boycott Against Israel Increases Israeli Imports?

(Hat Tip: Solomonia)

Huh? I thought boycotts kinda hurt people's economies, especially an anti-Israeli one.

(The Norway Post) One year after the Socialist Left Party (SV)launched its boycott of goods from Israel, the import of Israeli goods has increased by 15 per cent.

In 2006, Norwegian firms imported Israeli goods worth NOK 650 million.

This is an increase by NOK 80 million, or 15 per cent from the year before, the strongest increase in many years.

This is shown by figures from Statistics Norway (SSB).

I guess their are some Norwegians out there who don't mind supporting their local Jew. ;-)