Israel21c
Israel21c

since 2001

Since
Follow
Mount Tabor National Park. Photo by Penina Zaisler/KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Travel
6 best winter trails to hike in Israel 
By Yulia Karra
The cross medallion inset with glass and tiny precious stones, found in Ein Karem, December 2024. Photo by Emil Aladjem/Israel Antiquities Authority
Life
Child finds 100-year-old cross medallion in Jerusalem
By Abigail Klein Leichman
UFO: Are UFO sightings for the rich and bored? Photo by Lucas Pezeta via Pexels
Life
Why do rich, bored people report more UFO sightings?
By Zachy Hennessey
A fish farm near the Beit She'an valley, October 17 2007. Photo by Nati Shohat/Flash90.
Earth
Can smart hoses save fish farms from feathered foes?
By Zachy Hennessey
Novy God and Christmas decorations being sold at a mall in Israel. Photo by Yulia Karra
Tales from the Heart
Celebrating tradition at Novy God, the Russian new year holiday
By Yulia Karra
Ashdod Port. Photo by National Photographic
Innovation
Ashdod Port launches tech hub to find supply-chain solutions
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Conditions in the Juba refugee camps in South Sudan. Photo courtesy of IsraAID
Life
IsraAID sends help to South Sudan after cholera outbreak
By Yulia Karra
Image generated with Google Imagen 3
Innovation
10 top tech acquisitions in Israel in 2024
By Zachy Hennessey
The Israeli startup OtheRealty is using VR training to improve medical staff empathy for patients. Illustrative photo via Freepik
Innovation
Virtual reality program could boost your doctor’s empathy
By Zachy Hennessey
A flock of pelicans migrating over Israel. Photo by Yuval Dax
Life
Best ISRAEL21c stories of 2024
By ISRAEL21c Staff
The Allium schubertii, also known as the ornamental onion, is among the rare species being rescued. Photo by Anat Zafrir/KKL-JJNF
Earth
Endangered Israeli plants find new home in urgent rescue op
By Zachy Hennessey
Image by Tatohra via Shutterstock.com
Innovation
War makes Israeli high-tech firms rethink branding
By Abigail Klein Leichman
The new AI system developed by United Hatzalah helps predict future emergencies. Photo courtesy of United Hatzalah
Innovation
AI predicts where and when next medical emergency will happen
By Nicky Blackburn
Participants in Jinnovate’s Healthtech Leadership Program meet at Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Photo courtesy of Jinnovate
Innovation
New accelerator fosters innovation in Arab society
By John Jeffay
Roi Levi shot this photo titled “Icelandic Reflection.”
Earth
The astrophotographer who chases the northern lights
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Photo via Instagram of Rebecca Kahan Ceramics
Life
Eight lighting designers that will light up your Hanukkah
By Yulia Karra
Eco Wave Power’s installation, in blue, at Jaffa Port. Photo courtesy of Eco Wave Power
Earth
Israel launches pilot wave-energy plant in Jaffa
By John Jeffay
A veterinarian vaccinates poultry against avian influenza. Photo by Pordee Aomboon, via Shutterstock
Innovation
Will bird flu trigger a human pandemic?
By Abigail Klein Leichman
A "beef" wrap made with Chunk Foods' plant-based meat. Photo courtesy of Chunk Foods
Earth
Israeli plant-based meat comes to US retailers
By Abigail Klein Leichman
The Returning to Life Rehabilitation Center for War Casualties at Sheba Medical Center. Photo by Natalie Selvin/ISRAEL21c
Innovation
Gaza war inspires astonishing Israeli medical advances
Arab women enjoy a day out on the beach in Tel Aviv. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90
Life
Israeli Arabs feel shared destiny with Jews during war
By John Jeffay
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
Security lines at airports are a major pain point of travel that SeeTrue is easing. Photo by Marius Dobilas via Shutterstock.com
Innovation
AI threat-detection tech moves airport security lines faster
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Meeting the sunrise on the shore the Dead Sea in Israel. Photo by fokusgood via Shutterstock.com
EDITOR'S CHOICE
20 reasons to be hopeful at the end of 2024
By Nicky Blackburn

Celebrating Hanukkah in Israel

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN ISRAEL

INNOVATION

Photo by Chinnapong via Shutterstock
Innovation
Scientists decode health benefits behind intermittent fasting
By Yulia Karra
From left, Prof. Daniel Yekutieli, Prof. Yoav Benjamini and Prof. Ruth Heller. Photo courtesy of Tel Aviv University
Innovation
3 Israeli academics win $1m Belgian prize for stats breakthrough
By John Jeffay
Israel's new quantum computer. Photo courtesy of Israel Aerospace Industries
Innovation
Israel unveils first domestic quantum computer
By Yulia Karra
Wembley Stadium in London. Photo by Simon Gough on Pexels.com
Innovation
Wembley, Wimbledon use this platform to manage temp workers
By John Jeffay
Searching for the latest medical breakthrough. Photo by Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock
Innovation
The top 12 most amazing Israeli medical advances
By Abigail Klein Leichman
An autonomous drone makes quick work of solar panel cleaning. Screenshot via BladeRanger
Earth
Bladeranger signs deal to clean Electra’s solar panels
By Zachy Hennessey
Druze entrepreneurs who took part in the project, with the judging panel. Photo by Zachary Goldberg/Sheba Medical Center
Innovation
Israeli hospital rewards innovations from Druze sector
By Yulia Karra
Image by Osaba on Freepik
Innovation
Tech firm helps cut US health-insurance red tape
By Yulia Karra
Photo collage, from left: a dolphin by Hagai Nativ/Morris Kahn Marine Research, University of Haifa; Pinwheel Galaxy by Travis Deyoe/Mount Lemmon SkyCenter, University of Arizona; and a crow by Rudmer Zwerver via Shutterstock.
Innovation
24 incredible scientific discoveries made in 2024 
By Zachy Hennessey
Lower back pain affects around 619 million people worldwide. Photo by Kindel Media via pexels
Innovation
Biotech startup aims to tackle chronic back pain
By Zachy Hennessey
Professor Hagit Messer-Yaron. Photo courtesy of Tel Aviv University
Innovation
Israeli scientist nabs ‘Nobel Prize’ of engineering
By Yulia Karra
A closeup of a CPU (central processing unit). Photo by Pok Rie from Pexels
Innovation
4 top quantum computing companies
By Zachy Hennessey
Swish Ventures founder Omri Casspi. Photo by Ilya Melnikov
Innovation
NBA star’s Swish Ventures nets $60m seed fund for Israeli AI
By Zachy Hennessey
An illustration of data privacy. Photo generated by Kling AI
Innovation
Do you have the right to be forgotten online?
By Zachy Hennessey
Image by HeungSoon from Pixabay
Innovation
Converge Bio brings GenAI to drug discovery
By John Jeffay
Power Saber from Goliath Games and Nextoy earned its inventor, Yair Shilo, Toy Innovator of the Year 2024 in the Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards. Photo courtesy of Goliath Games
Innovation
Power Saber inventor wins Toy Innovator of the Year  
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Can gut bacteria be the key to less anxiety? Photo by Edward Jenner via Pexels
Innovation
Decoding your bacterial language could cure anxiety
By Yulia Karra
A parking lot for electric buses in Bnei Brak, Israel. Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90
Earth
Israel to introduce self-driving buses on public roads
By Yulia Karra
Prof. Ronit Satchi-Fainaro from Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. Photo courtesy Tel Aviv University
Innovation
Researchers develop breakthrough Covid-19 vaccine
By Nicky Blackburn
The Verbit management team. Photo by Udi Alderoty
Innovation
5 Israel-linked companies listed on Fast Company Next Big Things list
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Photo courtesy of Own
Innovation
Salesforce acquires Israeli startup for $1.9b.
By Zachy Hennessey
A closeup of a hornet. Photo by Skyler Ewing via Pexels
Earth
Booze-proof hornets could hold key to studying alcoholism
By Zachy Hennessey
OCON Therapeutics’ intrauterine drug delivery technology platform. Photo courtesy of OCON Therapeutics
Innovation
New drug-delivery stent could revolutionize women’s health 
By Yulia Karra

LIFE

Sufganiyot on sale at Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, December 15, 2024. Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90
Life
Our guide to family fun on Hanukkah in Israel
By Yulia Karra
Hanukkiah being lit during the holiday of Hanukkah. Photo by David Cohen Flash90
Life
Eight fun facts about Hanukkah
By Naama Barak
A lit up Christmas tree and decorations in Jaffo-Tel Aviv, December 15, 2024. Photo by Dor Pazuelo/FLASH90
Travel
Your complete Christmas guide to Israel 
By Yulia Karra
Cheers logo in ice. Photo courtesy of Icebow
Innovation
Designer logo ice cubes are on their way
By Abigail Klein Leichman
A chef plates a presumably very expensive dish. Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography/Pexels
Life
Michelin awards Israeli chef restaurants in US
By Zachy Hennessey
Floyd Mayweather announces launch of charity to support Israeli orphans. Photo via Instagram
Life
Floyd Mayweather’s new charity assists Israeli orphans
By Yulia Karra
Iris Haim attends a ceremony in honor of her son Yotam Haim, Samer Talalka and Alon Shamriz, the three hostages accidentally killed by Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, April 15, 2024. Photo by Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90
EDITOR'S CHOICE
House of Cards producer explores the resilience of two extraordinary women
By Nicky Blackburn
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
Doa Al Aubra, a volunteer emergency responder and a primary school teacher, is also training to become an ambulance driver. Photo courtesy of United Hatzalah
Life
Trailblazing deputy EMT marks a first for Muslim women
By Zachy Hennessey
This public bomb shelter is one of dozens that graffiti artist and Restart alum Elyasaf Miara has beautified in southern Israel with support from JNF-USA . Photo courtesy of Restart/Kolot
Life
15 Israelis getting the south back on its feet
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Niv Sultan, left, and Hugh Laurie appear in a poster for the third season of 'Tehran' by Kan public broadcaster and Apple TV. Photo courtesy Kan
Life
Everything we know about Tehran Season 3 (so far)
By Nicky Blackburn
  • Increased smoking, illustrated by these soldiers in Jerusalem, is an unfortunate consequence of a year of war. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90
  • Israeli shoppers at the IR YAMIM mall in Netanya on September 8, 2024. Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90
  • Faces of the fallen are stuck to a pillar next to the sea in Herzliya. Photo by Nicky Blackburn
  • Ariane Littman’s “Scarred Flag.” Photo by Arian Litman
  • HaShomer HaChadash volunteers helping at an Israeli farm. Photo courtesy of JNF-USA
Life
 9 ways Israel has changed culturally as a result of war
By Yulia Karra

EARTH

Flooded Mawasi plot (1983) along southern coast of the Gaza Strip. Photo by Yair Friman
Earth
Can an ancient farming method improve sustainability?
By John Jeffay
A black porcupine sea urchin. Photo by Omri Bronstein
Earth
Scientists ask citizens to find threatened Med sea urchins
By Zachy Hennessey
Image by Vector Corp on Freepik
Earth
Iron Dome for wildfires to deploy in the US
By Abigail Klein Leichman
A healthy reef site in the southern Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba. Photo by Meron Segev
Earth
Damaged coral reefs benefit from ecosystem transplant
By John Jeffay
Image by Michael Reichelt via Pixabay
Earth
Bees in Tel Aviv get a rehome
By Zachy Hennessey
Image designed by Freepik
Earth
Climate: The ticking time bomb for the financial world
By Yael Benvenisti
TextRe's three-stage process of textiles being converted into plastic. Photo courtesy of TextRe
Earth
Turning textile waste into ecofriendly plastic 
By Yulia Karra
Fermata and yieldsApp have partnered for comprehensive farm management. Photo courtesy of yieldsApp
Earth
Double dose of AI to help farmers maximize yield
By John Jeffay
Nanovel's citrus-harvesting robot works around the clock. Photo by Tal Bedrack
Innovation
Meet the farm robot that picks citrus fruit
By Yulia Karra
A plastic-filled landfill. Photo generated by Canva Magic Media AI
Earth
6 technologies helping us reduce plastic use
By Zachy Hennessey

TRAVEL

  • A view of the ruins of an old Turkish fortress from a lagoon in the Achziv National Park. Photo by irisphoto1 via Shutterstock
  • A view of ancient building remains in Tel Hazor National Park. Photo by RnDmS via Shutterstock
  • Ruins of the Nimrod Fortress. Photo by Nina Mikryukova via Shutterstock
  • Ancient synagogue ruins at the Bar'am National Park in Israel. Photo by Belikova Oksana via Shutterstock
  • Yehiam Fortress, located within the Yehiam National Park. Photo by Yuri Turkov via Shutterstock
  • Pelicans at Lake Hula in northern Israel. Photo by RnDms, Shutterstock
  • Cranes seen at the Hula Valley lake, northern Israel on January 26, 2023. Photo by David Cohen/Flash90
  • This pillar is the namesake of Nahal Amud, which translates to Pillar River. Photo by Mikhael Shvarts via Shutterstock
Travel
7 incredible pics of Israel’s newly reopened national parks
By Zachy Hennessey
  • View of the Eilat Mountains, a mountain range in southern Israel bordering Eilat and Egypt. Photo by Maor Kinsbursky/FLASH90
  • A field of anemone flowers blossoming in the Elah Valley. Photo by Nati Shohat/Flash90
  • Panoramic view of Ein Karem, a mountain village-turned-Jerusalem neighborhood. Left of center is the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Photo by Tombah via Wikimedia Commons
  • View of salt formations on the Dead Sea shore on April 28, 2024. Photo by Jamal Awad/Flash90
  • A view of sunrise at Mount Shlomo in the Eilat mountains. Photo by RnDmS, via Shutterstock
  • The view from Ramat Hanadiv Memorial Gardens on the Carmel Mountains, near Zichron Ya'akov, where Baron Edmond de Rothschild and his wife are buried. Photo by Doron Horowitz/Flash90
  • Sunset at Caesarea Harbor. Photo by Zeev Roytman via Wikimedia Commons
  • The Israel National Trail has some of the most diverse hiking spots you could dream of. Photo by Dov Greenblat/SPNI
  • The view from the base of the Small Crater. Photo by Dov Greenblat/SPNI
Travel
10 of the most beautiful spots on the Israel trail
By Zachy Hennessey
Breakfast at the David Kempinski Tel Aviv hotel. Photo via Instagram
Travel
Tel Aviv hotel’s breakfast rated among world’s best
By Yulia Karra
Photo by DC Studio via Shutterstock.com
Travel
Your hotel stay, digitized and customized from pre-check-in
By Abigail Klein Leichman
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
A brand-new Air Haifa plane. Photo by Sion Pereg
Travel
Air Haifa takes off; first new airline in 35 years
By John Jeffay

MOVING FORWARD POST 7/10

Activists block a road in Tel Aviv to advocate for the release of the hostages, September 13, 2024. Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90
Moving Forward
These tough days are rocket fuel for future growth
By Jonathan Frenkel
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com
Moving Forward
My three-legged response to October 7th 
By Sandy Cardin
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
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
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 48, 2024
Life
The 48 – 2024
By ISRAEL21c Staff

UNDERSTANDING THE CONFLICT

A drone fired from Lebanon flies over the Israeli border. Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90
Life
How Israel can combat the threat of drones
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
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
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
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
Collage of book covers by ISRAEL21c
Life
8 must-read books on the Israel Iran conflict
By Naama Barak

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

Educate yourself about Israel

Life
Apply to join ISRAEL21c’s CreatorClub

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