• From tourism to tech, exports to the illusive “unicorn,” Israeli businesses scored higher in many economic categories in 2019 than ever before. Two outstanding examples: Intel’s $2 billion buyout of Habana Labs and Medtronic’s acquisition of Mazor Robotics for $1.64 billion.
• Eurovision fans voted “Dare to Dream,” the Eurovision Song Contest held May 14-18 in Tel Aviv, the best Eurovision production of the decade. Israel had won the privilege of hosting the 2019 Eurovision by virtue of Netta Barzilai winning the 2018 contest in Lisbon.
• In 2019, Israel marked many medical firsts: Tel Aviv University scientists created the world’s first 3D-printed heart with blood vessels; two Israeli patients received the world’s first artificial meniscus; Hadassah University Medical Center surgeons performed the first-ever live vein transplant; and neurosurgeons in the US used a virtual-reality tool developed by former Israeli fighter pilots to rehearse an unprecedented procedure on a child.
• On April 11, the SpaceIL unmanned spacecraft Beresheet made history when it reached the moon, only to crash upon arrival. In true Israeli spirit, a disappointing end to a spectacular mission was framed as a temporary setback on a sure trajectory to success.
Fighting for Israel's truth
We cover what makes life in Israel so special — it's people. A non-profit organization, ISRAEL21c's team of journalists are committed to telling stories that humanize Israelis and show their positive impact on our world. You can bring these stories to life by making a donation of $6/month.
