International Focus Magazine Vol. 3, #6 | Page 39

Although Israel is geographically a small country, it is a major international contributor to technology, medicine, culture, humanitarian efforts, and has Nobel prizes in medicine, chemistry, economics, physics and literature. This article focuses on a few of the many Israeli contributions to our life- style, business, and culture. For example, did you know? 1. What are some of the Israeli con- pipe. IDE has become a world leader in desalination technology and now tributions to agriculture? also works with wastewater treat- Both clean air and clean water are es- ment. Tahal Consulting Engineers, sential ingredients for life. In Hous- Israel’s largest water engineering ton, Texas, citizens enjoy hot show- firm, has made major contributions ers, drinking tap water, and watering to water resource management, sew- their lawns. Challenged by limited age and sanitation, environmental fresh water resources, Israeli research protection, marine engineering and and manpower searched for solutions more. Aqwise Water Technologies, to water shortages. Through their Ltd. is a world leader in innova- research, they found innovations tions of wastewater treatment and is in recycling water to irrigate crops, working with Mekorot, Israel’s wa- drip irrigation, water conservation, ter company, to address nitrate con- desalination, and leading-edge tech- tamination in drinking water. Israel nologies are producing clean water. A is now recognized as a leader in clean major percentage of Israeli drinking water technology. water comes from desalination. Here are a few examples of Israeli compa- 2. What are some of the Israeli con- nies that have a global impact: Ne- tributions to medical research? tafim invented drip irrigation based on an engineer’s discovery that an Although there are many contribu- abnormally large tree growing in the tions, here are a few highlighted in desert was fed by a drip in a water http://www.unitedwithisrael.org. • The biological pacemaker • Stem-cell technology to regenerate heart tissue • First full computerized diagnostic instrument for breast cancer detec- tion • Development of heart pump syn- chronization device 3. What are some of the Israeli contributions to humanitarian aid? Although there are many contribu- tions, here are two examples from http://fellowship.ifcj.org/. • The Hadassah Medical Center in Israel received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for its treatment of all patients, regardless of religious and ethnic differences. iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net 39