Israel21c
Israel21c

since 2001

Since
Follow
As Earth’s oceans heat up, more intense storms are on the horizon. Photo by Pixabay via Pexels
Earth
Hurricane Milton may presage increasingly destructive storms
By Zachy Hennessey
Solar planels from SmartAID offer emergency electricity to first responders and communities in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Photo courtesy of SmartAID
Life
Israeli NGO sends power and communication aid to Hurricane-stricken US
By Nicky Blackburn
Image by Gerd Altmann on Pixabay
Innovation
Wartime turbulence brings challenges and opportunities to business world
By Benjamin Avraham
Crackers made with PhenOlives’ olive flour. Photo courtesy of PhenOlives
Earth
Turning olive-press waste into gluten-free flour
By John Jeffay
This year’s COP29 climate conference will take place in Azerbaijan. Photo via COP29 website
Earth
Israel to showcase 20 climate-tech firms at COP29
By Zachy Hennessey
Yarden and Shiri Bibas with their sons Kfir and Ariel. Photo courtesy of the family
Life
Are they dead or alive, when did they last see the sun?
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Image by Sweet Tomato via Shutterstock.com
Innovation
Why investors are still bullish on Israel even in wartime
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Is ADHD linked to partners’ mental health trouble? Research indicates that it is. Photo by Tara Winstead via Pexels
Innovation
ADHD has a ripple effect on a couple’s relationship
By Zachy Hennessey
Natalie Selvin, in blue, with guests at a Purim party she and a friend hosted to the soundtrack of EDM music such as dubstep, drum and bass, trance/psytrance and hardstyle. Photo courtesy of Natalie Selvin
Moving Forward
We will dance again
By Natalie Selvin
Children ride their bicycles along the empty Jerusalem roads on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and the holiest of Jewish holidays. Photo by Jamal Awad/Flash 90 
Earth
10 things you need to know about Yom Kippur
By Abigail Klein Leichman

Yom Kippur in Israel

The October 7 Memorial Wall for the Murdered and Fallen. Photo courtesy of the National Library of Israel
Life
Here’s how you can commemorate October 7 online 
By Yulia Karra
Family and friends attend the funeral of peace activist Vivian Silver, murdered in the October 7 massacre of Kibbutz Be’eri. Photo by Jonathan Shaul/Flash 90
Life
9 unusual memorials for October 7 victims 
By Yulia Karra
This reef is swimming in a whole bunch of medical drug waste. Photo by Prof. Noa Shenkar/Tel Aviv University
Earth
Gulf of Eilat corals steeped in drug cocktail, scientists warn
By Zachy Hennessey
The Returning to Life Rehabilitation Center for War Casualties at Sheba Medical Center. Photo by Natalie Selvin/ISRAEL21c
Life
Israeli hospital transforms to meet wartime rehab demand
By Zachy Hennessey
When war broke out, Israelis from all walks of life immediately offered their help. In this case sorting and packing cucumbers. Photo by Nicky Blackburn
Moving Forwards
I put my faith in the extraordinary ordinary people
By Nicky Blackburn
The production line of Malka Brewery. Photo courtesy of Malka Brewery
Life
Israeli brewery near Lebanon making beer under missile fire
By Yulia Karra
Scientist holding a lab mouse. Photo by Lightpoet via Shutterstock.com
Innovation
Mice given antibiotics as babies become more aggressive
By John Jeffay
Ellay Golan shares the gripping tale of how her 18-month-old daughter became the driving force behind their family's escape from terror in Kfar Aza. Photo by Natalie Selvin/ISRAEL21c
Life
Rising from the ashes: A mother’s fight to survive
By Zachy Hennessey
Israelis waving flags while demonstrating for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip in Jerusalem, September 2, 2024. Photo by Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90
Moving Forward
How October 7 attacks amplified a higher purpose 
By Yulia Karra
Image by wirestock on Freepik
Life
Nine things you didn’t know about Rosh Hashana
By Yulia Karra
Ruhama Shitrit’s kebab casserole. Photo by Ruhama Shitrit
Life
The secret ingredient in an Israeli food influencer’s fame (recipes included)
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Grape pickers harvest near the Syrian border, southern Golan Heights. Photo by Michael GiladiFlash90
Life
7 Israeli war-battered wineries you can support this holiday season
By Yulia Karra

Click here for more stories about Rosh Hashana

Visitors observe the artworks at the inaugural Art Up Nation exhibition. Photo courtesy of Art Up Nation
Life
Israel’s post-October 7 art scene on display in NYC
By Yulia Karra
Dr. Aviv Gelber, head of the Commanders and Officers Branch at the IDF Military Medical Academy, speaking at the “Pioneering Israeli Medicine” conference in New York. Photo by Ohad Kab
Innovation
October 7 stats reveal extraordinary lifesaving medical efforts
By Abigail Klein Leichman
A pair of curmudgeonly buzzards. Photo by Denitsa Kireva via Pexels
Earth
Study: Aging vultures hate going out (much like my parents)
By Zachy Hennessey
Photo by Julien Tromeur on Unsplash
Innovation
The company aiming to slow aging
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Taliya Finkel interviewing Yifat Ben Shoshan, a resident of Netiv Ha'Asarah, from the “Bearing Witness” collection of the Israel National Library. Photo by Kobi Yonatan
Moving Forward
In aftermath of October 7, we must tell the stories of what happened
By Wendy Singer
The view from the top of Havat Rom. Photo courtesy of Havat Rom
Earth
Under war shadow, northern farm helps soldiers with PTSD  
By Yulia Karra
A missile fired from Lebanon hit houses and cars in Kiryat Bialik in northern Israel on September 22, 2024. Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90
Life
Will all-out war break out between Israel and Hezbollah?
By Yulia Karra
Life
7 books to help you understand the Hezbollah Israel conflict
Explainer
What’s Hezbollah got to do with the war in Gaza?
By Naama Barak
Life
Does Hezbollah pose a bigger threat to Israel than Hamas?
By Naama Barak
An Airbus 320-200 takes off from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Photo by Felix Tchvertkin, via Shutterstock
Travel
Airlines flying to Israel now and those returning soon
By Zachy Hennessey
Photo by Jakub Pabis on Pexels.com
Innovation
New piggyback-tech may revolutionize rail travel
By John Jeffay
Duckweed covering the head of a frog. Photo by Matthew Baxter via Pexels
Innovation
Mankai plant effective in managing type 2 diabetes
By Yulia Karra
An artistic representation of artificial intelligence generated by Canva Magic Media AI
Innovation
Startup helps large organizations implement GenAI
By Zachy Hennessey
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum holiday package. Photo courtesy of The Hostages and Missing Families Forum
Life
7 holiday gift ideas to help support Israel 
By Yulia Karra

Celebrating Rosh Hashana in Israel

Eitan Chitayat, creative director and founder of Tel Aviv-based international Natie Branding Agency, and creator of “I’m That Jew.” Photo courtesy of Eitan Chitayat
Moving Forwards
Since 7/10, everything takes a backseat to my advocacy work
By Eitan Chitayat
Photo of lung scan by Anna Shvets via Pexels.com
Innovation
Novel antibody may be key to better lung cancer treatment
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Photo by ThisIsEngineering on Pexels.com
Innovation
AI skills ranked most critical for Israel’s high-tech sector
By John Jeffay
NeuroSense CEO Alon Ben-Noon presenting PrimeC first generation. Photo courtesy of NeuroSense
Innovation
Promising new drug could slow progression of ALS
By John Jeffay
From the Jerusalem Design Week exhibition “The Sea Remembers All.” Photo courtesy of JDW
Life
Jerusalem Design Week opens with throwback to the ark
By John Jeffay
Numbers go up, a universally good sign. Image by Moondance from Pixabay
Innovation
New VC fund signals recovery of young Israeli startup scene
By Zachy Hennessey
Photo by Halfpoint via Shutterstock
Innovation
The AI that tells local leaders what constituents need
By Yulia Karra
Kubiya cofounders CEO Amit Eyal Govrin and CTO Shaked Askayo. Photo courtesy of Business Wire
Innovation
AI assistant lets software developers skip repetitive tasks
By John Jeffay
An Israeli cowboy lights up near Moshav Kidmat Zvi in the Golan Heights, March 29, 2024. Photo by Michael Giladi/ Flash90
Life
Cowboys herding cattle under Hezbollah rocket fire
By Yulia Karra
Ripening bananas hang in clusters in a banana plantation. Photo by aappp via Shutterstock.com
Earth
Going bananas for leaves as new source of protein powder
By Yulia Karra
Original image by Google DeepMind
Innovation
Israel ranks 4th globally in AI advancements
By Zachy Hennessey
A happy house cat. Photo by Yulia_Karra
Innovation
Engineered ‘cat parasite’ helps deliver drugs to brain
By Yulia Karra
Israel and Colorado may mutually gain from a partnership. Photo by Zachy Hennessey
Innovation
Why do we need a Colorado-Israel Chamber of Commerce?
By Zachy Hennessey
Amina Alhasoni being released from Soroka Medical Center. Photo courtesy of Soroka Medical Center
Life
Bedouin girl hurt in Iranian attack leaves hospital
By Yulia Karra
Eyal Gamba at a beach on the Mediterranean, finding strength through surfing. Photo courtesy Eyal Gamba
Tales from the Heart
My mission is on the battlefield of social media
By Eyal Gamba
Coca-Cola fleets using the Rider Dome ARAS. Photo courtesy of Rider Dome
Innovation
Rider Dome helps bikers avoid accidents
By John Jeffay
A swarm of jellyfish on their way to a Phish concert, probably. Photo by Nidhi Shah via Pexels
Earth
Turns out jellyfish can swim — they’re just really slow
By Zachy Hennessey
From left, Flint Capital General Partners Dmitry Smirnov, Sergey Gribov and Andrew Gershfeld. Photo courtesy of Flint Capital
Innovation
Why this US VC fund likes Israeli startups best
By Yulia Karra
The latest Brain.Q device in use. Photo courtesy of Brain.Q
Innovation
Dad’s quest to aid son leads to stroke-recovery technology
By John Jeffay
Stock photo from pitch deck. Photo via Shutterstock.com
Life
People-focused social media posts change minds about Israel
By Abigail Klein Leichman
The 48, 2024
Life
The 48 – 2024
By ISRAEL21c Staff

Innovation

Contact lenses. Photo by Natallia Photo via Pexels.com
Innovation
3D printing your own personalized contact lenses
By John Jeffay
Photo by DC Studio on Freepik
Innovation
Acutely ill patients do better with hospital-at-home care
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Prof. Mira Barda-Saad from the Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University. Photo courtesy of BIU
Innovation
Nanoparticles can revive exhausted cancer-fighting immune cells
By Nicky Blackburn
Autism awareness collage by Freepik.com
Innovation
New autism interventions could spring from Israeli research
By Yulia Karra
A faster, cheaper, more accurate way to grade diamonds. Photo courtesy of Sarine
Innovation
AI system grades diamonds faster, cheaper, better
By John Jeffay
Image by ibrandify on Freepik
Innovation
New method predicts risk of pulmonary embolism in patients
By John Jeffay
Image by Brett Hondow from Pixabay
Innovation
Johnson & Johnson pays $1.7b for innovative Israeli heart failure treatment
By Zachy Hennessey
Gait analysis and training with a VR touch. Photo courtesy of GaitBetter
Innovation
Fall prevention system now covered by Medicare
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Illustration via Freepik
Life
Genetically diverse groups make better decisions
By Yulia Karra
Photo of a dandelion by Edson Silva on pexels.com
Earth
Robotic weeder set to transform agriculture
By Yulia Karra
Innovation
The versatile hospital worker that NEVER calls in sick
By John Jeffay

Earth

A crowded silent disco of sunflowers. Photo by Designecologist via Pexels
Earth
Crowded sunflowers dance to soak up more sunlight
By Zachy Hennessey
Cocoa beans are stressed by climate change. Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash
Earth
New drought-resistant cocoa could spark a revolution
By Zachy Hennessey
A viewer silhouetted against the supermoon rising over Jerusalem's Old City walls on August 19, 2024. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
Earth
Rare blue supermoon illuminates Israeli skies
By Yulia Karra
A close-up of the gorgeous swallowtail butterfly. Photo by Inbar Shlomit Rubin/KKL-JNF
Earth
Migrating swallowtail butterflies flock to Hula Valley
By Zachy Hennessey
Earthquake fault line in Turkey. Photo by Boyoz via Shutterstock.com
Earth
Meet the company using AI to detect earthquakes faster
By Zachy Hennessey
The Black Soldier Fly: the key to a viable insect protein market? Photo by Ronen Goldman
Earth
Why we’ll all be eating bugs by 2030
By Zachy Hennessey
A flock of pelicans migrating over Israel. Photo by Yuval Dax
Earth
11 fabulous wildlife photographs
By Zachy Hennessey
CAP Chip: ZutaCore’s HyperCool plate. Photo by Gal Baraf
Innovation
Why keeping AI cool is a vital strategy to save Earth’s climate
By Zachy Hennessey
Future vaccine could save fruit and veg from rot. Photo by Pixabay
Earth
A vaccine could keep fresh produce healthier
By John Jeffay
Fried foods are routinely cooked in reused oil. Photo by Parilov via Shutterstock.com
Earth
New powder removes carcinogenic elements from fried foodcar
By Abigail Klein Leichman

Israel's unexpected heroes

  • Rachel Edri pictured as a superhero with a cookie. Digital photo created by Guy Aga
  • Oz Davidian, a courageous rescuer on October 7. Photo: screenshot
  • Shlomo Ron, who took a bullet to save his family. Photo: screenshot
  • IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari gives a statement to the media in Tel Aviv on October 16, 2023. Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90
  • Ben Shimoni, killed on October 7 as he tried to rescue others. Photo: screenshot
  • Medic Staff Sgt. Dor Ashkenazi, left, and paramedic Sgt. Almog Oren. Photo courtesy of IDF Spokesperson's Unit
  • From left, Ha’Achim founders Asaf Doktor, Yotam Doktor and Yaron Ramon. Photo courtesy of Ha’Achim
  • Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Noam Tibon. Photo courtesy of IDF Spokesperson via Wikimedia Commons
  • Cpl. Amichai Rubin, 23. Photo courtesy of the Rubin family
  • Bedouin minibus driver Yussef Alziadna. Screenshot taken from X (Twitter) @rcuvnegev
  • Dr. Bahir Sirhan from the Galilee Medical Center treats relatives hurt by a missile launched from Lebanon. Photo by Roni Albert
  • Sami Elkrenawi, a Bedouin Arab hotel owner sheltering hundreds of southern evacuees free of charge. Photo courtesy of Sami Elkrenawi
  • Beraha Astruk, head ophthalmology nurse at Galilee Medical Center. Photo by Roni Albert
  • EMT Moshe Weitzman. Photo courtesy of United Hatzalah
  • Eran Smilansky killed terrorists and rescued fellow kibbutz members on October 7, 2023. Photo by John Jeffay
A CELEBRATION OF COURAGE
The everyday people who became heroes
By ISRAEL21c Staff

Life

Yellow chairs to signify the missing hostages have become ubiquitous in Israel. Photo by Jose Hernandez/Camera 51 via Shutterstock
Moving Forwards
The tiny moments of trauma in my post-October 7 life
By Zachy Hennessey
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, was abducted from a party in Israel’s south by Hamas on October 7. Photo courtesy of the Goldberg-Polin family
Life
Bodies of Hersh Goldberg-Polin and 5 others found in Gaza
By Yulia Karra
Lior Raz attends a rally against the government's intention to close public TV station KAN, in Tel Aviv, January 25, 2023. Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash90
Life
14 things you didn’t know about Fauda star Lior Raz 
By Yulia Karra
Masada National Park, the site of the Roman siege in 73 CE. Photo by Omer Ze'evi-Berger
Life
Roman Legion ‘came, saw, conquered’ Masada in just weeks
By Yulia Karra
Dr. Elena Kogan-Zehavi of the Israel Antiquities Authority, who uncovered one of the tombs about 30 years ago, standing in one of the preserved sites. Photo by Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority
Life
1,700-year-old tombs with rare Greek drawings to be unveiled
By Zachy Hennessey

Understanding the conflict

Israel may be in a seven-front war, but everyone knows that Iran is the main aggressor. What comes next in this difficult and dangerous game? Image by Vetpixi, via Shutterstock
Explainer
Impact and implications of assassinations in Beirut, Tehran
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Thousands attend the funeral service of Druze children killed in Majdal Shams, July 28, 2024. Photo by Jamal Awad/Flash90
Life
Druze tragedy in Golan Heights: Who are the Druze in Israel?
By Zachy Hennessey
The history of the Gaza Strip is complex. Image by Rokas Tenys via Shutterstock.com
Explainer
How did we get here? A brief history of the Gaza Strip
By Naama Barak
A 3D satellite map showing the Gaza Strip highlighted in red. Image by Ali Chehade via Shutterstock.com
Life
A timeline of the Gaza Strip since 1906
By Naama Barak
A Yemenite soldier fighting against Houthi militia in Taiz. Photo by akramalrasny via Shutterstock.com
Explainer
What do the Houthis have to do with the Gaza war?
By Naama Barak
Iran: once an Israeli friend, now a foe. Map image by Below the Sky via Shutterstock.com
Explainer
How Iran became Israel’s greatest foe
By Naama Barak
IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi and CENTCOM Commander, General Michael Erik Kurilla, conducting a comprehensive situational assessment with IDF officials on the IDF’s readiness in case of Iranian attack, April 12, 2024. Photo courtesy of IDF
Explainer
After Iran’s missile strikes – what comes next?
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Collage of book covers by ISRAEL21c
Life
8 must-read books on the Israel Iran conflict
By Naama Barak
Sunrise above golden Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Old City of Jerusalem. Photo by Sergei2 via Shutterstock.com
Life
Why Temple Mount in Jerusalem is such a flashpoint
By Naama Barak
The Israeli-Lebanon border along the coastal road. Photo by Northfoto via Shutterstock.com
Life
Does Hezbollah pose a bigger threat to Israel than Hamas?
By Naama Barak
Israeli tanks in Metula, near the border with Lebanon, northern Israel, October 11, 2023. Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash90
Explainer
What’s Hezbollah got to do with the war in Gaza?
By Naama Barak
Billboards such as these are placed across America to warn of the global threat posed by Hamas. Photo courtesy of JewBelong
Life
Experts warn Hamas in a holy war against all Western civilization
By Abigail Klein Leichman

Educate yourself about Israel

Life
Apply to join ISRAEL21c’s CreatorClub

Travel

An Airbus 320-200 takes off from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Photo by Felix Tchvertkin, via Shutterstock
Travel
Airlines flying to Israel now and those returning soon
By Zachy Hennessey
Covid convinced Americans of the importance of travel insurance, say Faye’s founders. Image by mdjaff on Freepik
Travel
The company that’s redefining US travel insurance
By Yulia Karra
Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park. Photo by Boris-B. via Shutterstock.com
Travel
9 fun things to do in Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv
By Elana Shap
Top things to do at Timna Park
Travel
Top things to do at the Timna Park desert wonderland
By Naama Barak
View of the port at Caesarea. Photo by Seth Aronstam via Shutterstock.com
Travel
Israel’s top 7 Jewish historical archeology sites
By Yulia Karra
Ice cream in a luna park of tastes is served at Cremerie De L’éclair. Photo from the chain’s Instagram page
Travel
Where artisanal ice cream fans can find their fix
By Elana Shap

Latest stories from ISRAEL21c

You can help us tell Israel's story better!

In an era rife with political division, ISRAEL21c stands apart — we place people over politics, and introduce readers to life in Israel beyond salacious headlines. We maintain a paywall-free platform so our journalists can share the positive impact Israelis have on our world. That's because of people like you. If you believe more people should hear these stories, then please make a gift today and support our work.

Make a gift