Here’s the latest installment in our ongoing series of posts documenting BDS fails – the ubiquitous examples of Israeli success that are rarely covered in the British media.
Political BDS Fails
Israel’s population on the eve of its 74th Independence Day now numbers 9.506 million
Israel’s population on the eve of its 74th Independence Day now numbers 9.506 million, according to figures published Sunday by the Central Bureau of Statistics.
According to the official statistics, there are 7.021 million Jews (about 74 percent), and about 2 million Arabs (21 percent) and 478,000 people (5 percent) defined as “other”: non-Arab Christians, members of other religions and people designated as without religion, most of whom are immigrants from the countries of the former Soviet Union who are not registered as Jews.
The Netherlands rejects Amnesty’s ‘apartheid’ claims against Israel
1/ BREAKING: The Netherlands rejects @Amnesty's ‘apartheid’ claims against Israel, joining the USA, UK & Germany who dismissed the NGO’s slanderous report. The Cabinet also rejects the recommendations made by Amnesty in the report. https://t.co/yvM3QyI0Pf
— NGO Monitor (@NGOmonitor) May 2, 2022
Arizona adopts IHRA definition of anti-Semitism
The Arizona amendment stated that “antisemitism includes the definition of antisemitism that was adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, and that has been adopted by the US Department of State, including the contemporary examples of antisemitism identified in the adopted definition.”
In addition, the term “antisemitism” was amended to a few of the local laws such as “collecting information concerning criminal offenses that manifest evidence of prejudice based on antisemitism.”
Nebraska becomes the 27th state to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
The state’s governor proclaimed the official adoption by the State of Nebraska of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. In doing so, the number of American states that have adopted or endorsed the IHRA Definition is now 27, as well as the District of Columbia, meaning the majority of all states now officially recognize it.
University of British Columbia Rejects BDS Movement
“Positions on complex geo-political issues that protect human rights are best made by guarding academic freedom and freedom of expression in an environment that supports constructive and respectful debate. But constructive and respectful debate cannot occur when members of one group are made to feel personally attacked for their identity or where tolerance and inclusiveness are not fostered in productive discourse,” Ono said in a statement.
“We work to avoid polarization on the basis of student identity, religion, or political beliefs so that students are safe and free from harassment,” she continued. “For these reasons, the university does not support BDS and, therefore, cannot support the AMS motion to urge UBC and the Board of Governors to divest.”
“Through productive discourse and through teaching, learning and research, we will continue to contribute to diplomacy and the ongoing efforts to find peaceful paths forward in the Middle East,” Ono added.
Israeli Pilots Fly ‘Wing-to-Wing’ With American, European Forces in Joint Exercise
The Israeli Air Force said its forces trained “wing-to-wing” last week with counterparts from seven other countries during an aerial exercise simulating combat scenarios.
The joint air drill “Iniochos” included forces from Greece, where it took place, as well as the United States, France, Italy, Canada, Cyprus, and Slovenia. It marks an “important milestone” in improving cooperation between Israel and the participating nations, the IAF said on Sunday.
Economic BDS Fails
Moody’s upgrades Israel’s outlook to positive, affirms A1 rating
April 8 (Reuters) – Global ratings agency Moody’s on Friday upgraded Government of Israel’s outlook to “positive” from “stable” and affirmed sovereign credit rating at “A1”
Moody’s said the key drivers for the change in outlook included the government’s reform agenda that aimed to address longer-term challenges and the agency’s expectation of a further reduction in the government’s debt ratio.
Israel’s economy grew 8.2% in 2021, above forecasts by the country’s central bank, after a 20.2% contraction in 2020. Israel’s annual inflation rate hit 3.5% in February, the highest since 2011. read more
Israel ratifies free trade agreement with South Korea
Israel is accelerating efforts to sign free trade agreements with East Asian economic powers and Israel’s vehicle market is likely to benefit from this over the coming months.
Sources close to the matter have informed “Globes” that the free trade agreement between Israel and South Korea, which was formally signed last year, has been formally ratified by Israel over the past few weeks – a major step which brings implementation of the free trade agreement closer.
Unemployment in Israel hits 50-year low
The unemployment rate in Israel fell to 2.9% in the first half of April, from 3.7% in the second half of March, the Central Bureau of Statistics reports – a 50 year low. There were 120,000 jobseekers in the first half of April, while there were 150,000 job vacancies.
At the same time, the unemployment rate under the broad definition fell to 4.4% in the first half of April from 5.3% in the second half of March. The broad definition includes employees put on unpaid leave at the start of the Covid crisis two years ago and who have still not returned to work. These employees are mainly in the tourist industry.
Brooks Brothers, dressers of presidents, coming to Israel
Israeli textile company Royal Linen Capital signed a NIS 130 million ($40 million) deal with Authentic Brands Group, which owns Brooks Brothers, to sell the exclusive clothing over the next 10 years, Globes reported Sunday.
Air Cairo launches Tel Aviv – Sharm El Sheikh flights
Air Cairo has this week launched three weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Sharm El-Sheikh in the Sinai using an Airbus 320. Air Cairo is a 60% owned subsidiary of the national airline Egyptair.
Air Cairo joins three Israeli airlines – El Al unit Sun D’Or, Arkia and Israir which each launched three weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Sharm El Sheikh in March, meaning that there are currently 12 weekly flights on the route.
Israel and Germany discuss ways to expand bilateral defense and industrial cooperation
Israel Defense Minister @gantzbe spoke with German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht and discussed ways to expand bilateral defense and industrial cooperation between the two countries.@AAhronheim reports:#Israel | #Germany https://t.co/ANhCjkWuSw
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) April 21, 2022
Germany to purchase ARROw-3 missile systems from Israel
Germany has received approval from Israel and the United States to purchase the Arrow-3 missile defense system, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
Exclusive report by @AAhronheim:https://t.co/aNDM9eZLRo
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) April 5, 2022
Trade with Arab countries accelerates
Fruits of peace: Israel’s trade with Arab states has grown significantly@IsraelArabic pic.twitter.com/qMr0Z5mmWN
— Yonatan Gonen (@GonenYonatan) April 5, 2022
ITT buys kibbutz valve company Habonim for $140m
Based on Kibbutz Kfar Hanassi, Habonim designs and manufactures valves, valve automation for the gas distribution (including LNG), biotech and harsh application service sectors.
US engineering components manufacturer ITT (NYSE: ITT) has announced that it has acquired Israeli valve manufacturer Habonim for $140 million in an all-cash transaction. Habonim, based on Kibbutz Kfar Hanassi in the Upper Galilee, will become part of ITT’s Industrial Process (IP) segment.
Defense exports in 2021 reach 20-year high with $11.2b in sales
Military exports by Israel brought in $11.2 billion last year, with 7% of that going to Arab countries that have signed the Abraham Accords, the Defense Ministry said last Wednesday.
The figure marked the highest number in the past 20 years, with Israel bringing in $8.3b. in 2020, $7.2b. in 2019, $7.5b. in 2018 and $9.3b. in 2017.
Technology and Medical BDS Fails
First-Ever National Report: 80 Israeli-Founded Unicorns Now Have Headquarters in U.S.
NEW YORK, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — There are currently 80 Israeli-founded unicorns based in the United States, according to the United States – Israel Business Alliance. Each of the companies has at least one Israeli founder and its global or regional headquarters in the United States. A unicorn is a privately held company with a valuation of $1 billion or more. This is the first time that a comprehensive list of U.S.-based Israeli-founded unicorns has been compiled.
“Five years ago, the number of Israeli-founded unicorns around the world peaked at 18,” Kaplowitz said. “Today, in the U.S. alone, there are two states with more.”
Cultural BDS Fails
Maroon 5 set to rock Tel Aviv.
The LA-based pop-rock group Maroon 5, one of the world’s best-selling musical artists, with record sales similar to contemporaries Adele and Beyoncé, will be performing two sold-out shows in Tel Aviv on May 9 and May 10, 2022.
Later this Spring, The Pixies, Jethro Tull and Deep Purple will be performing in Israel.
Tel Aviv is “even more special than I imagined” says @maroon5’s @adamlevine from sunny #Israel today! pic.twitter.com/MjUYFdZYjS
— Creative Community for Peace (@CCFPeace) May 7, 2022
.@AdamLevine visited Jerusalem’s Western Wall ahead of @Maroon5’s concerts in Tel Aviv later this week. (@IsraelPhoto) pic.twitter.com/eUfjCWj1V7
— Avi Mayer (@AviMayer) May 8, 2022
Israel rakes in four medals in European Judo Championships
Israeli Judoka Raz Hershko won her first-ever medal on Sunday, scoring the silver in the over 78-kilogram weight class. The 23-years-old Judoka ended up losing in the finals to France’s Romane Dicko, who scored an ippon, which automatically grants a fighter the win, a minute and a half before the end of official time.
Raz’s teammates, Judokas Timna Nelson-Levy, 27, and Shira Rishony, 31, won gold and bronze medals, respectively, on Friday, while on Saturday, 22-years-old Judoka Gili Sharir won another bronze.
Nelson-Levy bagged gold in the under 57-kilogram weight category on Friday, prevailing against France’s Sarah-Léonie Cysique.
Rapper 50 Cent to perform in Israel in July
American rapper 50 Cent will perform on July 4 in Tel Aviv’s Menora Mivtachim Arena, as part of his world tour.
The Grammy-winning rapper, writer, actor, producer, and businessman has produced 57 singles and seven albums. He has acted in 29 films.
50 Cent appeared as part of the recent rap and hip-hop extravaganza at the Super Bowl halftime show in February.
8-year-old Israeli wins under 9’s European chess championship
לאחר שגבר על מתחרים מטורקיה, בולגריה ואוקראינה: נועם ששון, בן 8 מגני תקווה, הוכרז אלוף אירופה בשחמט עד גיל 9
(צילום: מועדון "שחמט לכל", סביון)@JackyHugi pic.twitter.com/P082sSFH40— גלצ (@GLZRadio) April 30, 2022
Israeli pop sensation Noa Kirel to star in Hollywood thriller
After crossing over to international stage by releasing songs in English, Israeli pop singer Noa Kirel is set to star in a new Hollywood thriller, reports said Tuesday.
According to Ynet’s sister outlet Frogi, Kirel will play “Petra,” one of the main characters in the film titled “The Wheels of Heaven”. The filming is expected to begin as early as July.
Canneseries crowns Israeli series ‘The Lesson’
The Israeli series “The Lesson,” a social drama illustrating political tensions in the country, won the prize for best long series and the prize for interpretation at the Canneseries festival in southeastern France on Wednesday.
Disney+ to launch services in Israel on June 16
The popular American streaming service Disney+ announced Tuesday it will officially launch its services in Israel on June 16 in what looks to be a major blow to its main competitor Netflix.
The streaming company said it will market the price of its premium package at NIS 39.90 per month, which allows viewing in 4K quality on up to four devices simultaneously.
Tell the world, post on Facebook unless FB is already restricting you to not posting pro Israel information as it does with me now. Tell the world and the BBC. #defundthebbc