As Israel celebrates its 66th birthday, we at Arizona Jewish Life thought it would be a good time to pay tribute to the gifts Israel has given the world. For a small nation with a tiny fraction of the world’s population, Israel boasts a surprisingly large number of Nobel Prizes in various sciences and so many patents that the UN’s Intellectual Property Organization named Israel one of 15 World Patent Centers.
Our Israel coverage opens with columnist Mylan Tanzer exploring why Israel is known as the “Startup Nation,” a phrase coined by Saul Singer and Dan Senor in their 2009 book of that name. Mylan explores their premise from the perspective of an American who moved to Israel more than 30 years ago and was surprised to find an almost third-world infrastructure. That may reflect the fact that Israelis are doers, not planners – many are too busy applying their technical brilliance to innovation to spend a lot of time planning for an uncertain future. Technology isn’t Israel’s only export of course. The son of a Conservative rabbi discovered Israeli craft beer while studying at a Jerusalem yeshiva and is now importing some of his favorite discoveries to Arizona and a few other states.
Israel is recognized worldwide for medical advances in disciplines ranging from cancer to trauma treatment. In this issue we look at innovations from Israeli universities and companies to improve treatment of brain injuries and disorders including concussions and cerebral palsy. Freelance writer Ilene Schneider participated in a media mission to Israel cosponsored by Ben-Gurion University and saw some amazing innovations in that field.
Our cover story also looks at the world of medicine. Tucson doctors Steve and Cindy Goldberg make a difference not only for patients in their OB/GYN and pediatric practices, but also with their clinical research facility where patients can participate in clinical trials and receive study-related medical care they might not be able to afford otherwise. Busy as they are at work, they still put a high priority on family and celebrating the holidays with their parents and children. Those two generations – seniors and youth – are also featured in our special sections this month. Our Senior Section highlights people who have stayed active mentally and physically and have found the retirement years offer their own rewards. At the other end of the spectrum, our J Kids & Teens looks at the impact stories can have on our youth.
Since children always love a good birthday party, this issue also shares parties and programs around the state this month to give everyone a chance to celebrate Israel’s creation. Happy Birthday Israel – and may you celebrate many more.
