Israel21c
Israel21c

since 2001

Since
Follow
The staff of each Café Otef branch is given dedicated training in everything from coffee making to restaurant management. Photo by Natalie Selvin/ISRAEL21c
Life
The café chain brewing hope in the wake of crisis 
By Zachy Hennessey
Petunias have one gene that codes for scent production and petal formation. Photo by Oded Skaliter
Innovation
Scientists unlock secret of flowers’ fragrance gene
By John Jeffay
Israeli technologies are transforming the beauty tech industry. Photo by Kitreel, via Shutterstock
Innovation
Innovation propels Israel into world’s top 5 for beauty tech
By Abigail Klein Leichman
The Shield team. Photo by Noga Shadmi
Innovation
Anti-fraud startup Shield named a ‘visionary’ by Gartner
By Yulia Karra
“Red Makeup” is a closeup of an Arctic wolf minutes after his pack devoured three newborn musk ox calves. Photo © Amit Eshel, Israel, Shortlist, Professional competition, Wildlife & Nature, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
Life
3 Israelis shortlisted for Sony World Photography Awards
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Ahead of an expected surge in flights over the Passover season, Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport is to reopen. Photo by Roman Yenushevsky, via Shutterstock
Travel
Ben Gurion reopens Terminal One as holiday flight surge expected
By Zachy Hennessey
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 courtesy of BeeFree Agro
Earth
Autonomous flying cowboys manage livestock more efficiently
By John Jeffay
Yossi Zaidner excavating a 110-thousand year-old human skull and associated artifacts. Credit: Boaz Langford
Life
New dig prompts rethink of how Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens got on
By Zachy Hennessey
Aviram Carmeli has worn some meticulously silly costumes over the last decade. Photos via aviram_carmeli/Instagram
Life
Meet Israel's Purim costume legend
By Zachy Hennessey
Students at Tel Aviv University. Photo courtesy of Tel Aviv University
Sponsored Content
A Tel Aviv University success story 
Yuval Raphael at a press conference in Tel Aviv on March 9, 2025. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/ Flash90
Life
Israel unveils its 2025 Eurovision song entry
By Yulia Karra
Photo by SkazovD via Shutterstock
Innovation
Diagnosing rare diseases could soon get much simpler
By Yulia Karra
Illustrative photo via Freepik
Innovation
Scientists find how to avoid contamination of lab-grown meat
By John Jeffay
Gal Gadot at the annual Critics’ Choice Awards in the US in 2018. Photo by TinselTown via Shutterstock
Life
14 things you didn’t know about Gal Gadot
By Nicky Blackburn
Women’s participation in high tech is increasing, but systemic barriers are impeding progress. Photo by ThisIsEngineering/Pexels
Innovation
Despite progress, Silicon Wadi still has a gender gap
By Zachy Hennessey
Mount Hermon, February 26, 2025. Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90
Travel
Mount Hermon ski resort reopens for first time since Oct. 7
By Yulia Karra
Strawberries grow at Uri Tutim farm’s greenhouse. Photo by Natalie Selvin
Life
Strawberries bloom once again near the Gaza border
By Yulia Karra

INNOVATION

Photo by Likoper via Shutterstock
Innovation
8 remarkable women scientists 
By Yulia Karra
Two fruit bats just hanging around. Photo by Itai Belson/Weizmann Institute of Science
Life
Scientists find brain’s social GPS in pioneering bat study
By Zachy Hennessey
Image by Armadillophotog, via Shutterstock
Innovation
Prop-tech is ripe for investment opportunities 
By Bella Barda-Bareket
From left,Topaz Pery, Si Naftaly and Kiros Rawan Mhajne helped develop “milkosomes” that cross the intestinal barrier. Photo by Rami Shlush/Technion Spokesperson's Office
Innovation
Artificial breastmilk could form basis for future oral meds and vaccines
By John Jeffay
Illustrative photo by CDC/Pexels
Innovation
New drug-delivery method promises revolution in IBD treatment
By Zachy Hennessey
Image by Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay
Innovation
The industries that will lead AI growth in Israel in 2025
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Photo by Kaboompics.com/Pexels
Innovation
Israeli researcher to lead new EU cardiometabolic care program
By Zachy Hennessey
Image by kjpargeter on Freepik
Innovation
Treating clogged arteries will soon be safer and faster 
By Yulia Karra
Brothers and cofounders Amir Hever, left, and Ohad Hever of UVeye. Photo by Yuval Chen
Innovation
Israeli AI-powered car inspection company raises $191m
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Israeli high-tech saw a hefty rise in 2024, even with so much conflict. Photo by Burak The Weekender/Pexels
Innovation
Despite war and tension, Israeli high-tech had a great year
By Zachy Hennessey
Microscope image of the in vitro fertilization process. Photo by Elena Kontogianni/Pixabay
Innovation
New Israeli tech doubles IVF success rates
By Zachy Hennessey
Biochips are a huge leap forward in the development of novel monitoring devices in a host of industries. Photo by luchschenF/Shutterstock
Innovation
Why Israel is investing $35.5m in a bio-convergence lab 
By Zachy Hennessey
Image by stockking on Freepik
Innovation
The AI that spots serious illness before the Dr.
By John Jeffay
Each of the €150,000 grants will promote the development of innovative health and industry solutions. Photo via Pixabay
Innovation
Four Israeli scientists get major European funding
By Zachy Hennessey
Image by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay
Innovation
6 things you didn’t know about the science of smell
By Zachy Hennessey
The Sequent online voting platform as displayed on a smartphone. Photo courtesy of Sequent
Innovation
A technology that may make online voting the norm
By Yulia Karra
Organizers of the Dangoor Health-Tech Academy selection session. Photo courtesy of Dangoor Health-Tech Academy
Innovation
9 startups to help UK improve its healthcare
By Yulia Karra
The BIG Innovation Awards are sponsored by the Philadelphia-based Business Intelligence Group.
Innovation
3 Israeli companies win 2025 BIG Innovation Awards
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Image by DaphnaAM on Pixabay
Innovation
In 2024, more Israeli high-techs raised cash than in 2023
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Illustrative photo by Katemangostar via Freepik
Life
Donating stock options for the greater Israeli good
By John Jeffay
Photo illustration by Rawpixel.com via Freepik
Innovation
AI software predicts if a legal case a winner or no-hoper
By John Jeffay

TRAVEL

Tourists enjoy the Nahal David waterfall in Ein Gedi. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
Travel
Chasing Israel’s 8 best waterfalls 
By Yulia Karra
Poppies blooming in Western Negev. Photo by Rafi Babian
Travel
South’s famed flower festival gets war-driven rebrand
By Yulia Karra
Mount Tabor National Park. Photo by Penina Zaisler/KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Travel
6 best winter trails to hike in Israel 
By Yulia Karra
  • 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

LIFE

The cover of Dan Pugach’s Grammy-winning album “Bianca Reimagined: Music for Paws and Persistence.” Photo courtesy Outside in Music/Dan Pugach
Life
How an adopted dog inspired a Grammy-winning album 
By Yulia Karra
Photo by Valeriya Zankovych via Shutterstock
Life
7 historic Israeli moments at the Oscars through the years
By Yulia Karra
Residents of Kibbutz Nirim who have come back to rebuild their destroyed homes. Photo courtesy of Kibbutz Movement
Life
Kibbutzim begin to rebuild after Oct. 7 atrocities
By John Jeffay
Arab healthcare workers at a vaccination center in the Arab Israeli town of Kfar Qassem, August 23, 2021. Photo by Yossi Aloni/FLASH90
Life
Arab vaccination rates in Israel found comparatively high
By John Jeffay
Pardes Hanna’s got it all, baby: art, nature and activism. Photos by (L to R) Zachy Hennessey; Rebecca Charytan-Spitz; Flash90
Life
An insider’s guide to the hidden gems of Pardes Hanna
By Zachy Hennessey
Shira Haas in Captain America: Brave New World. Photo: screenshot
Life
14 things you didn’t know about Shira Haas
By Marion Fischel and Yulia Karra
An Arab nurse caring for a pediatric patient at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan. Photo courtesy of Sheba Medical Center
Life
Percentage of Arabs in Israeli healthcare jobs rises sharply
By Yulia Karra
The Papyrus Cotton. Photo courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority
Life
Ancient Greek papyrus reveals dramatic Roman court case
By Zachy Hennessey
Lior Raz and Rotem Sela appear on the poster for “Soda.” Photo courtesy of United King Films/ComeBack Films
Life
Fauda star Lior Raz’s 7 best film and TV roles
By Yulia Karra
A couple sits by a lookout point of the Ramon Crater. Photo by Zoe Vayer/Flash90
Travel
10 of the most romantic places in Israel for Valentine’s Day
By ISRAEL21c Staff
Artworks on display inside the Umasqu studio. Photo by Yulia Karra
Life
How an Israeli designer adapted to post-Oct. 7 world
By Yulia Karra
Photo by Arthur Brognoli via Pexels
Life
Israeli wine makes Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2024
By Zachy Hennessey
Strong relationships with family and friends are at the heart of what makes Israelis happy. An Israeli family celebrates Rosh Hashana in Ra’anana. Photo by Nati Shohat/Flash90
Life
If you want to be happy, get ready for some hard work
By Nicky Blackburn
Medal-winning dancer Tomer Margalit. Photo by Natalie Selvin
Life
Disabled ballroom dancer taking on the world
By Yulia Karra
Photo by Kathy Hutchins via Shutterstock
Life
8 best Israeli moments at the Grammys
By Yulia Karra
A Los Angeles police officer points to a Tesla mobile solar microgrid set up by SmartAID with its partner Footprint to support first responders and community relief hubs. Photo courtesy of SmartAID
Life
Saving lives in LA, one solar panel at a time
By Abigail Klein Leichman
Nikia Blumenthal in an ice bath. Photo by John Jeffay
Life
An icy bath can work wonders for soldiers’ bodies and minds
By John Jeffay
The cast of 'Borders.' Photo courtesy of HOT/Ohad Romano
Life
10 best Israeli shows and films to catch on Netflix
By Yulia Karra

EARTH

Recent earthquakes in Santorini offered Prof. Beverly Goodman Tchernov an incredible chance to experience ancient history. Photo courtesy of Beverly Goodman Tchernov
Earth
Santorini earthquakes shake up scientist’s research
By Zachy Hennessey
A flock of European honey buzzards migrating through the skies of Israel. Photo by Yotam Basham/SPNI
Travel
7 reasons to start birdwatching this spring in Israel
By Zachy Hennessey
An action shot of critical fire control taking place. Photo by Pixabay
Earth
Is the future of firefighting four-legged?
By Zachy Hennessey
Ben-Gurion University President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz (right) with Beersheva Mayor Ruvik Danilovich at the opening of the NUR Lab. Photo by Dani Machlis/Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Life
New lab studies how cities can survive extreme climates
By Yulia Karra
Tomatoes are one of the most substantial crops grown worldwide. Photo by BearFotos via Shutterstock
Innovation
Pioneering method determines if tomatoes are ready to pick
By Yulia Karra
W-Cycle’s SupraPulp food packaging, which fully decomposes within 100 days, lovingly caressing a salad. Photo by Melhoramentos
Earth
Israeli startup crafts compostable food packaging
By Zachy Hennessey
An antelope in the middle of the road. Photo by Pfüderi via Pixabay
Earth
Israeli NGO takes on growing wildlife roadkill crisis
By Zachy Hennessey
Prof. Danny Rosenfeld believes there’s still a lot to understand about how manmade aerosols impact the climate. Photo by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels
Earth
Could manmade aerosols prevent global warming?
By Zachy Hennessey
Afimilk has been disrupting the dairy industry since 1979. Photo courtesy of Afimilk
Earth
Revolutionary robotic milking system for 500 to 5,000 cows
By John Jeffay
A mosquito, preparing for a potentially disease-transferring lunch break. Photo by icon0 via Pexels
Earth
This startup fights malaria by releasing more mosquitoes
By Zachy Hennessey
The Tomares Nesimachus is one of Israel's 14 protected butterfly species. Photo courtesy of KKL JNF
Earth
How Israelis rallied to save an endangered butterfly species
By Zachy Hennessey
A wildfire in Israel, started by a rocket fired from Lebanon in August 2024. Photo via Flash90
Earth
5 hot Israeli innovations for fighting wildfires
By Zachy Hennessey

GAZA HOSTAGES START TO RETURN HOME

Tsahi Idan, Ohad Yahalomi, Itzik Elgarat and Shlomo Mantzur. Photo: screenshot via X
4 hostage bodies returned as 1st phase of ceasefire deal concludes
By Yulia Karra
People line the roads to pay their respects to late Israeli hostages Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir in Rishon LeZion, February 26, 2025. Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90
Israel mourns as bodies of kidnapped mom and toddlers finally laid to rest
By Nicky Blackburn and Yulia Karra
Released hostage Omer Wenkert arrives at the Rabin Medical Center. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
6 Israeli hostages freed, including two after decade in Gaza
By Yulia Karra
Iair Horn (center) reunites with family at Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv. Photo by Ma'ayon Taof/GPO
More hostages freed as ceasefire deal hangs in balance
By Yulia Karra
Eli Sharabi upon his arrival at Sheba Medical Center following his release from captivity. Photo courtesy of GPO
3 ‘severely malnourished’ hostages freed from captivity
By Yulia Karra

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