Shivat Zion

Building the World, One Eco-Friendly Brick at a Time

Building the World, One Eco-Friendly Brick at a Time

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Building the World, One Eco-Friendly Brick at a Time

In addition to the human toll of the recent attack on Israel’s southern communities, many businesses have suffered as well. One startup, Kenaf Ventures, with its main center of operations in Kibbutz Kfar Aza (one of the most severely damaged communities with 58 members killed and 17 kidnapped), was severely hit, essentially closing down the manufacture of its unique plant-based biomaterials used in creating sustainable building materials.

Despite the setback, Kenaf is continuing to raise money to help bring production back on line, What makes Kenaf’s product so unique is the way it approaches its goal of helping to build a better, greener world by using the kenaf plant (Hibiscus cannabinus), grown in the Kibbutz to create sustainable building materials. The kenaf plant is known for its carbon dioxide absorbing properties that can be used in various industries like construction, insulation and plastics to cut down on CO2 levels and help them transition away from other polluting raw materials and help them move closer to achieving a negative carbon footprint.

The kenaf, with its origins in Africa, is extremely versatile and can be grown in different types of soil with minimal water requirements. Its “magic power” is that it can absorb large amounts of CO2 as well as heavy metals from the ground and even heavy oils like tar. Once harvested the plant produces fibers that can be used to make absorbents, packaging materials and oil as well as building materials.

In the construction field, the company has created sustainable blocks and plaster with improved thermal and acoustic insulation with added strength and fire resistance.

In the plastic industry, a bioplastic compound, with a high percentage of organic matter created from the kenaf plant can be used to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics.

With extreme climate events continuing to accelerate, Kenaf’s goal of promoting alternatives to help the decarbonization of various industries takes on more importance especially if it can do so on a significant scale and at competitive pricing. With that in mind, the company’s strategy is of course focused on the United States, Europe and Asia but its products can be used anywhere.

According to Kenaf Ventures President and CTO Avishay Morag, who founded the company with Gideon Soesan, Asaf Ofer, Aviv Spiner and Ido Hershkovits, “In addition to the associated social and environmental value, manufacturers will be fined less for environmental damage and enjoy an improved public image, which will inevitably affect performance in the short and long term.”

Finally, he added, “We are determined to spread the word that will help humanity reduce hundreds of millions of tons of CO2 and other pollutants from the environment.”

Just another way that Israel is helping to build a better world, one brick at a time.

Source: Israel21C

Best Inventions 2023

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Best Inventions 2023

Despite the darkness surrounding the war currently being fought by Israel against its enemies in the south and north of the country, it’s important to remember the amazing positive impact Israel continues to have on the world, enhancing and improving people’s lives every day.

Among TIME magazine’s “The 22 Best Inventions of 2023” list which names 200 innovations changing how people live, plus 50 special-mention inventions, a record eight of the listed products are Israeli:

Beewise’s AI-powered BeeHome 4, a hive that uses a new chemical-free heat treatment to fight off mites. The hives, available next year, boast robotic tech that monitors and optimizes conditions 24/7, reducing human labor by about 90%.

Brenmiller Energy’s bGen Zero, a battery charged by solar or wind energy. That energy gets converted into heat, which in turn heats crushed rocks for on-demand, emissions-free steam, hot water, or hot air. The bGen thermal energy storage system replaces fossil-fuel boilers at industrial manufacturing facilities.

Lumen, a handheld device that measures carbon dioxide levels in people’s breath to determine whether the body is burning more fat or carbs at any given time. Users are then advised accordingly on nutrition, exercise and rest via the connected app.

Salignostics’ Salistick, the world’s first home pregnancy test using saliva instead of urine.

UBQ Materials bio-based sustainable thermoplastic made by sorting, shredding and melting down residual household waste into fibers, cellulose and sugars for conversion into small pellets that can be used to make new products.

A human embryo model built at Weizmann Institute of Science from stem cells. Although clearly not human, the model is close enough to give researchers potential insights into fertility, miscarriage, and more, for the first time.

Wiliot’s tiny IoT Pixel device, placed on shipment boxes, transmits information about the box’s journey in real time and calculates the carbon footprint of shipping, storage and more, enabling companies to use the data to analyze where they could cut emissions.

Sensibo got a special mention for AirPro, which turns air conditioners or heat pumps into smart devices that uniquely save energy and improve air quality. According to the International Energy Agency, 25% of the world’s energy is consumed by HVAC, while Sensibo can reduce energy use by about 20%.

As TIME editors noted, the Best Inventions issue produces a list of 200 groundbreaking inventions that are changing how people live, work, play, and think about what’s possible. The perfect place for Israel, the startup nation, to find a home!

Source:  Israel21c

Jewish Agency – Fund for Victims of Terror

Jewish Agency | Fund for Victims of Terror

The Jewish Agency runs a Fund for Victims of Terror that provides immediate, critical, financial aid to victims of the war and provides follow-up with long-term overall recovery and rehabilitative assistance.

The immediate financial assistance of 4000 NIS is granted to families that meet any of the following criteria:

  • Families whose homes have suffered direct damage and are unable to live in their home
  • Families of a physically injured family member who was taken to a hospital and hospitalized
  • Families who lost a family member in the terrorist attacks. In this case the spouse and parents will be eligible
  • Families whose loved ones have been abducted or are missing

Call *6847 to verify eligibility or email vot@jafi.org

For more information (in Hebrew) click here.

Misrad HaMishpatim – Update

Misrad HaMishpatim | Update

The Misrad HaMishpatim משרד המשפטים Ministry of Justice is offering legal aid for next of kin families of citizens or security forces members who have fallen in the war. At this time the form is in Hebrew and can be found here.

Rashut HaMisim – Update

Rashut HaMisim | Update

The Rashut HaMisim רשות המיסים Israel Tax Authority has updated its website to include instructions on how to file a property damage claim pertaining to damages caused by the war. More information (in English) can be found here.

In addition, residents of Otef Aza, “The Gaza Envelope” can apply for a governmental aid grant. For more information and a full list of eligible communities, click here (in English).

Note that office hours for public reception at Rashut HaMisim change, so if you need this service please check the above website for updated hours.

Misrad HaKlita – Updates

Misrad HaKlita | Update and Hotline

The Misrad HaKlita is compiling a list of medical personnel from abroad (doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other licensed medical personnel) who are interested in volunteering in Israel should the need arise. To be added to the list, please enter your details here:

The Misrad Haklita has opened a hotline for Olim and Toshavim Chozrim who have lost their jobs as a result of the war and need assistance with employment but cannot go to employment offices and centers to receive service.

There are two hotlines:

1. Company: Maof

Geographical area they serve: from Modi’in northwards to Metula (not including Tel Aviv)
Contact information: call 050-4044193 / 052-2894121 / 072-3355590 / 03-9479928, or email olim@maof-group.co.il

2. Company: Atid B’Yisum
Geographical area they serve: from Tel Aviv southwards to Eilat (including Jerusalem)
Contact information: call 072-2203900 or email olim@atidbyisum.co.il

Source:  https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/employment-centers-hotlines in English.

Government Offices – Updates During Wartime

Government Offices | Updates During Wartime

The following government offices issue continuous updates on their services during the ongoing emergency, including but not limited to: hours of operations, guidelines etc. Given that new updates are added all the time, we recommend that you check back regularly.

Homepage in English
Wartime Updates – in English
In addition, updated information can be found on the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) telegram channel here: @pibaIsrael. Update announcements are made in Hebrew, English and Arabic.

Misrad HaKlita has expanded their hotline services and are available to take calls from Olim at *2994 from any phone or call 03-9733333  

Homepage in English  
General Essential Information for Emergencies in English
Kabalat Kahal – Office Hours in Misrad HaKlita branches nationwide – the list changes every day and whatever is posted is valid until removed. 

Security Situation Updates – In Hebrew

Due to the security situation, the Ministry of Transportation has extended the validity of vehicle and driving licenses that expire between October 7th and November 6th. Additionally, new measures have been approved to address the security situation. 

  • Vehicle Licenses: A vehicle license that expires between October 7th and November 6th will be automatically extended for 60 days.
  • Driving Licenses: A driving license that expires within the specified period will be automatically extended for 90 days.
  • Tests and Examinations: Drivers required to undergo medical tests for senior citizens will be able to complete them within 30 days after the extension period ends.
  • Driving License Suspension: Drivers whose driving licenses were or will be suspended between October 1st and January 6th, 2024, due to not completing required courses and exams, the suspension will be pushed off until April 1st, 2024, and will be renewed after the period ends.
  • New Drivers: If you have completed all your obligations and the fixed probationary period according to the new driver’s law and cannot attend a refresher course during this time period, at the end of the two years you will receive a regular driver’s license (unless severe traffic violations were registered against you during this period). New drivers required to undergo tests and examinations due to traffic violations can complete them after the probationary period ends.
  • Initial Registration of Imported Vehicles: The period for registering a vehicle imported into Israel will be extended by 90 days for vehicles with a deadline for registration between October 11th and December 31st.

     

Misrad HaPnim - משרד הפנים - Interior Ministry and Population Authority

Homepage in English
Wartime Updates – in English
In addition, updated information can be found on the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) telegram channel here: @pibaIsrael. Update announcements are made in Hebrew, English and Arabic.

Misrad HaKlita - משרד הקליטה - Integration Ministry

Misrad HaKlita has expanded their hotline services and are available to take calls from Olim at *2994 from any phone or call 03-9733333  

Homepage in English  
General Essential Information for Emergencies in English
Kabalat Kahal – Office Hours in Misrad HaKlita branches nationwide – the list changes every day and whatever is posted is valid until removed. 

Bituach Leumi - בטוח לאומי - National Insurance Institute

Misrad HaTachbura - משרד התחבורה - Ministry of Transportation

Security Situation Updates – In Hebrew

Due to the security situation, the Ministry of Transportation has extended the validity of vehicle and driving licenses that expire between October 7th and November 6th. Additionally, new measures have been approved to address the security situation. 

  • Vehicle Licenses: A vehicle license that expires between October 7th and November 6th will be automatically extended for 60 days.
  • Driving Licenses: A driving license that expires within the specified period will be automatically extended for 90 days.
  • Tests and Examinations: Drivers required to undergo medical tests for senior citizens will be able to complete them within 30 days after the extension period ends.
  • Driving License Suspension: Drivers whose driving licenses were or will be suspended between October 1st and January 6th, 2024, due to not completing required courses and exams, the suspension will be pushed off until April 1st, 2024, and will be renewed after the period ends.
  • New Drivers: If you have completed all your obligations and the fixed probationary period according to the new driver’s law and cannot attend a refresher course during this time period, at the end of the two years you will receive a regular driver’s license (unless severe traffic violations were registered against you during this period). New drivers required to undergo tests and examinations due to traffic violations can complete them after the probationary period ends.
  • Initial Registration of Imported Vehicles: The period for registering a vehicle imported into Israel will be extended by 90 days for vehicles with a deadline for registration between October 11th and December 31st.

     

Misrad HaBriut - משרד הבריאות - Ministry of Health

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