Palestinians in Gaza prefer Israeli food products; Ugandan president explains about Israel to Jewish leaders; Prime Minister Scott Morrison marks 70 years of Australia-Israel relations in parliament, and much more!
By Michael Ordman
ISRAEL IS INCLUSIVE AND GLOBAL
Why Gazans prefer Israeli products
There is no boycott of Israeli goods in Gaza. According to the Gaza Economy Ministry, 65% of all Gaza’s imports are made in Israel. Products made in Gaza are unpopular due lack of supervision, poor quality control, forged expiry dates and poor safety standards in Gazan factories.
https://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Why-are-Israeli-food-products-so-popular-in-Gaza-580561
Ugandan President lectures American Jewish leaders about Israel
Before visiting Israel, the Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations visited Africa. The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, gave them a lecture on why the Jews have an historic right to be in Israel, even citing biblical references.
https://www.jns.org/conference-of-presidents-of-major-american-jewish-organizations-visits-africa/
Australia marks 70 years of friendship with Israel
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison marked 70 years of Australia-Israel relations with a moving speech in Australia’s Parliament. He praised Israel as a beacon of democracy in the Middle East; its multicultural character, science, research, innovation and free press.
All Israelis can get close to nature
Over the past 10 years, progressive legislation has improved access for the disabled to enjoy Israel’s parks and forests. Accessibility facilities have been installed in some 70 sites administered by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) and in 300 forests managed by KKL-JNF.
https://www.israel21c.org/israeli-nature-sites-are-an-accessible-walk-in-the-park/ https://www.aisrael.org/eng
US honors Knesset for integrating disabled
A special delegation from the US presented Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein with the Champion of the People Award for his efforts to integrate persons with disabilities and special needs into society. It specifically cited the Knesset’s workforce of which 5% are classified as disabled.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/the-knesset/us-honors-knesset-for-employment-of-disabled-persons/2019/02/26/
The first Druze hi-tech accelerator program
The Israeli Government together with the Druze Veterans Association have launched the first Druze hi-tech accelerator program in Daliyat al-Karmel. It aims to extend the leadership roles of Israeli Druze when they finish their IDF service and return to civilian life.
https://unitedwithisrael.org/program-aims-to-accelerate-druze-leadership-in-israeli-hi-tech/
Jewish-Arab partnerships in Judea & Samaria
The Judea Samaria Regional Development Financing Initiative (RDFI) encourages joint entrepreneurship between Israelis and Palestinian Arabs living in Judea and Samaria. Initial projects include technology, industry, tourism, the environment, energy and infrastructure.
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/business-economy/israelis-and-arabs-launch-first-of-its-kind-joint-economic-initiative/2019/02/21/
A connected people
Back in 2012 (see here) I reported that Israelis were avid users of the Internet. A new (Pew) study shows 77% of Israelis use social media – the most in the world. And 88% have smartphones, (second only to South Korea) making Israelis one of the most connected nations in the world.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-are-worlds-top-users-of-social-media-survey-finds/
Hungary & Slovakia to open Jerusalem centers
Slovakian PM Peter Pellegrini confirmed that Slovakia is to open a new information, cultural and innovation center in Jerusalem. Hungarian PM Viktor Orban promised to expand the Hungarian Embassy in Israel, and to open a trade representation in Jerusalem with diplomatic status.
https://worldisraelnews.com/hungary-and-slovakia-will-open-diplomatic-offices-in-jerusalem/
Israel is Czech Republic’s strategic partner
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Czech Republic PM Andrek Babis to Jerusalem on his first visit to Israel. They plan to sign agreements for defense, technology and innovation, especially on water issues. Mr Babis said “Israel is our strategic partner in the Middle East.”
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/business-economy/netanyahu-welcomes-czech-prime-minister-on-first-visit-to-israel-sees-ample-room-for-cooperation/2019/02/19/
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