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Israel beyond politics

Technology for the Next Generation Jan 2005

Technology for the Next Generation

	30 Jan 2005
	Within the Middle East, Israel accounts for only 1/50th of the population and 1/800th of the land, yet manages to be an incubator for the world’s most exciting technological advancements. Did you know?

Rest of exhibit:
On the Cutting Edge of High Tech / Discoveries for a Healthier Future / Innovation & Creativity in Your Life



	Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2004

Prof. Avram Hershko and Prof. Aaron Ciechanover from the Technion Israel Institute of Technology were winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004

FACT: Israel has the highest number of companies listed on Wall Street, after the US and Canada.

Higher education

Israel’s workforce is one of the most educated in the world. With 20% of Israelis holding academic degrees, the nation produces some of the world’s most respected and accomplished academics and researchers.

In fact, in 2004 two Israelis won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their ground- breaking work in cancer research on the ubiquitin system of regulated protein degradation - a fundamental process that influences vital cellular events, including the cell cycle, the appearance of cancerous cells, and responses to inflammation and immunity.

Israeli creative thinking leads the way in biotech and environmental research.

Courtesy of the Technion. Photos: Miki Koren

A Culture of Optimism

In the late 1800’s the father of modern Zionism, Theodore Herzl, said, “If you will it, it is no dream.” It is a philosophy that is lodged in the heart of the Israeli people.

Researchers and scientists in Israel have a “can-do” attitude and a belief that despite adversity, life can always be improved through creative thinking. It is an optimism that feeds the culture of entrepreneurial risk-taking and creative pioneering. Israelis are always willing to “give it a try,” so much so that building startups has become the national sport.

Israelis face every challenge in the spirit of optimism. The first Prime
Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion once said, “In Israel…in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.”



	Compare Israel's size to other countries

Compact Geography

Israel is a country the size of New Jersey, therefore the domestic market is limited. In order for companies to make it they must focus outwards. This fact has forced Israeli companies to work hard to succeed in the global market, so much so that Israel has the highest number of companies listed on Wall Street, after the US and Canada.

Israel in relation to the US.

* Compare Israel's size to other countries

Israel’s compact size also allows for fast business transactions. Travel times are so short and in-person deals can be closed very quickly.

Israeli scientists engage in a wide range of cutting-edge research.

Courtesy of the Technion. Photos: Miki Koren

Success in Diverse Industries

Israel is known for its success in everything from high tech, pharmaceuticals, and bio-tech to medicine, agriculture and the environment and much, much more.

In fact, a disproportionately high percentage of the world’s scientific publications are produced in Israel. What’s more, considering its
small labor force, Israel has a significantly larger number of published authors in the natural sciences, engineering, agriculture and medicine than other countries.

Imagination and Creativity

“The global economy is changing. Wealth is no longer coming from the land. It is coming from the mind. Human imagination and creativity are the sources of a country's future wealth and prosperity. It does not matter how much land and natural resources we own. It only matters that we can imagine and create. It does not matter what we know. It only matters what we will learn.

Science and technology are breaking down borders and categories. Countries that fail to participate will only condemn their people to poverty and ignorance.”

Shimon Peres,
former Prime Minister of Israel and
Nobel Peace Prize laureate

No matter where you look, you'll find that Israel is adding value to your life in ways you never thought possible - so come on into this exhibit, take look around, and discover the Israel you never knew existed.

Did you know?

Motorola developed the first cell phone in Israel.

AOL Instant Messenger was developed by four young Israelis in 1996.

Microsoft-Israel developed most of Windows-NT technology.

Intel’s Centrino chip, which doubles laptop battery life, was developed in Israel.

You may not realize it, but the tiny country of Israel is enhancing virtually every facet of your life! Products and services that you use all the time, such as computers, cell phones, medical treatments, and voicemail systems, to name a few, were either developed by Israelis or greatly improved by Israeli technological advancements.

These are just a few of the countless innovations and breakthroughs - sparked by Israeli creativity and curiosity - that are constantly adding value and quality to your life.

This exhibit explores the incredible contributions that Israeli society has made to the world. Browse through. You’re sure to be amazed at the extent to which Israel touches your life on a daily basis!

This exhibit was created by:

- Combined Jewish Philanthropies*
www.cjp.org/israelprograms
- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mfa.gov.il/

In partnership with:

- ISRAEL21c
http://www.israel21c.org/
- Upstart Activist
http://www.upstartactivist.com/

Design & production:
Studio Avidani - Jerusalem
http://www.avidani.co.il/

* Including a grant from United Jewish Communities - http://www.ujc.org/

Research images courtesy of the Technion Institute.

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