ASSOCIATED Global Impact http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact en mjaffe@associated.org Copyright 2012 2012-05-21T00:51:52+00:00 AssociatedGlobalImpacthttp://feedburner.google.com Twenty-fourth Annual Ashkelon Race - honoring Sargent Lior Mor - takes place in Ashkelon http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/twenty-fourth_annual_ashkelon_race_-_honoring_sargent_lior_mor_-_takes_plac/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/twenty-fourth_annual_ashkelon_race_-_honoring_sargent_lior_mor_-_takes_plac/ The twenty-fourth annual Ashkelon Race took place recently in our sister city. For the last two years, the race has been run in remembrance of Sargent Lior Mor. The sargent fell while on duty. More than 1,000 runners took part in the race, running one of three distances: 1.5 kilometers. 2.1 kilometers or 10 kilometers. The race took place throughout the city, starting and ending at Delilah Beach. A festive raffle took place during the race. Proceeds benefited the city of Ashkelon and Mor’s family. The winner of the 10k race was Asaf Dimro, with a time of 34:36. Look at these incredible pictures! The twenty-fourth annual Ashkelon Race took place recently in our sister city. For the last two years, the race has been run in remembrance of Sargent Lior Mor. The sargent fell while on duty. More than 1,000 runners took part in the race, running one of three distances: 1.5 kilometers. 2.1 kilometers or 10 kilometers. The race took place throughout the city, starting and ending at Delilah Beach. A festive raffle took place during the race. Proceeds benefited the city of Ashkelon and Mor’s family.

The winner of the 10k race was Asaf Dimro, with a time of 34:36.

Look at these incredible pictures!

]]> 2012-05-20T23:51:52+00:00 The Khazar DNA Project: In Search of the Long Forgotten Khazar http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/the_khazar_dna_project_in_search_of_the_long_forgotten_khazar/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/the_khazar_dna_project_in_search_of_the_long_forgotten_khazar/ By Eran Elhaik Special to the Global Impact Blog The Khazars are one of the most mysterious populations of the Old World whose abrupt disappearance from the history pages has tantalized scientists for years. Who were these Eurasian warriors who ruled a quarter of the Old World for over seven centuries? Were they Giants, Amazons, Turks, or Mongols? Were they all Jews or just their rulers? What happened to them and where are they now? This Khazar DNA Project aims to trace the descendents of the Khazars by searching for their particular DNA signature in the genomes of 500 worldwide populations. Sounds like searching for a needle in a sack of hay? It’s somewhat similar, but imagine that you have a magnet! How can we trace the Khazars? Our DNA is like a history encyclopedia. It tells us the stories of our forbearers from the first human who walked on the earth to… well, YOU. DNA regions can tell us whether your ancestors interbred with Neanderthals or which path they took out of Africa. We intend to scan the DNA in search for the Khazarian genomic signature. Why Khazars? Why now? Unlike the famous Greek, Roman, and Persian Empires, the history of the Khazar’s Empire remained a mystery, known only to very few people. The main reason is that the study of Khazaria was forbidden in the Soviet Union, where the major sites reside. Only now are Russian scholars free to explore the Khazar culture, and they are doing a tremendous job. The Itil excavations, for example, sponsored by the Russian-Jewish Congress, recently revealed one of the three Khazar capital cities. While archeologists and historians are making their contribution to our knowledge of the Khazars, so should geneticists. Using genetic data we can unravel some of the mystery around these people who built their Empire of the basis of harmony and peace and later on joined the Jewish faith and perhaps largely contributed to Eastern European Jewish culture. Our knowledge of the ancient Khazars is based almost entirely on the writings of educated, wealthy, elite men who often contradicted one another. The Soviet Union did its share of spreading fear and prejudice about the Khazars that still prevails among many people. It’s time to change our approach to Khazar history by harnessing genetics and combining it with archeological and historical knowledge. What’s this new project about? Our previous study showed an enrichment of the Caucasus genetic signature in European Jewish population. This is not surprising, because Caucasus populations remained isolated in their mountain terrain for centuries and over time they became genetically distinct from other populations. The only population who mass-migrated from the Caucasus were the Khazars when they fled from the Rus (Russians) in the 13th century. The Khazar DNA Project aims to survey the genomes of 500 populations worldwide and look for this Caucasus signature in hope to trace the Khazar live descendents. Because the Khazars were Jews, we hypothesize that Jewish populations, mostly around ancient Khazaria, will exhibit a large fraction of this signature compared to other populations. While other genetic projects measure the percentage of Neanderthal interbreeding or Jewish ancestry in DNA data, no project attempts to identify Khazarian ancestry. We are excited to reveal the genetic background of these mysterious people through our genetic data. How can I participate or help? Genetic Archeology of ancient Khazars is a new research area, currently unsupported by any funds. The Khazar DNA Project is the first large-scale DNA survey of Khazar descendents. In May 2012, the Khazar DNA Project will participate in its first crowd-funding effort, seeking to raise $6,000. Donors will be able to follow the project’s progress through Facebook  and blog feeds unavailable to the general public, getting real-time updates and learning the DNA results along with us. Donors can also submit their DNA for testing and learn whether they carry the Khazarian DNA signature. Please join our Facebook group to get updates about the project. THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore recognizes its obligation to help Jews in need in Baltimore, Israel and around the world. Learn more about our overseas efforts at www.associated.org/globalimpact.   By Eran Elhaik
Special to the Global Impact Blog

The Khazars are one of the most mysterious populations of the Old World whose abrupt disappearance from the history pages has tantalized scientists for years. Who were these Eurasian warriors who ruled a quarter of the Old World for over seven centuries? Were they Giants, Amazons, Turks, or Mongols? Were they all Jews or just their rulers? What happened to them and where are they now? This Khazar DNA Project aims to trace the descendents of the Khazars by searching for their particular DNA signature in the genomes of 500 worldwide populations. Sounds like searching for a needle in a sack of hay? It’s somewhat similar, but imagine that you have a magnet!

How can we trace the Khazars? Our DNA is like a history encyclopedia. It tells us the stories of our forbearers from the first human who walked on the earth to… well, YOU. DNA regions can tell us whether your ancestors interbred with Neanderthals or which path they took out of Africa. We intend to scan the DNA in search for the Khazarian genomic signature.

Why Khazars? Why now? Unlike the famous Greek, Roman, and Persian Empires, the history of the Khazar’s Empire remained a mystery, known only to very few people. The main reason is that the study of Khazaria was forbidden in the Soviet Union, where the major sites reside. Only now are Russian scholars free to explore the Khazar culture, and they are doing a tremendous job. The Itil excavations, for example, sponsored by the Russian-Jewish Congress, recently revealed one of the three Khazar capital cities. While archeologists and historians are making their contribution to our knowledge of the Khazars, so should geneticists. Using genetic data we can unravel some of the mystery around these people who built their Empire of the basis of harmony and peace and later on joined the Jewish faith and perhaps largely contributed to Eastern European Jewish culture.

Our knowledge of the ancient Khazars is based almost entirely on the writings of educated, wealthy, elite men who often contradicted one another. The Soviet Union did its share of spreading fear and prejudice about the Khazars that still prevails among many people. It’s time to change our approach to Khazar history by harnessing genetics and combining it with archeological and historical knowledge.

What’s this new project about? Our previous study showed an enrichment of the Caucasus genetic signature in European Jewish population. This is not surprising, because Caucasus populations remained isolated in their mountain terrain for centuries and over time they became genetically distinct from other populations. The only population who mass-migrated from the Caucasus were the Khazars when they fled from the Rus (Russians) in the 13th century. The Khazar DNA Project aims to survey the genomes of 500 populations worldwide and look for this Caucasus signature in hope to trace the Khazar live descendents. Because the Khazars were Jews, we hypothesize that Jewish populations, mostly around ancient Khazaria, will exhibit a large fraction of this signature compared to other populations. While other genetic projects measure the percentage of Neanderthal interbreeding or Jewish ancestry in DNA data, no project attempts to identify Khazarian ancestry. We are excited to reveal the genetic background of these mysterious people through our genetic data.

How can I participate or help? Genetic Archeology of ancient Khazars is a new research area, currently unsupported by any funds. The Khazar DNA Project is the first large-scale DNA survey of Khazar descendents. In May 2012, the Khazar DNA Project will participate in its first crowd-funding effort, seeking to raise $6,000. Donors will be able to follow the project’s progress through Facebook  and blog feeds unavailable to the general public, getting real-time updates and learning the DNA results along with us. Donors can also submit their DNA for testing and learn whether they carry the Khazarian DNA signature. Please join our Facebook group to get updates about the project.

THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore recognizes its obligation to help Jews in need in Baltimore, Israel and around the world. Learn more about our overseas efforts at www.associated.org/globalimpact.

 

]]> 2012-05-02T08:49:35+00:00 Celebrate Ashkelon! Celebrate Israel! http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/celebrate_ashkelon_celebrate_israel1/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/celebrate_ashkelon_celebrate_israel1/ The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership is turning 10 next year! Over the last decade, THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore has placed meaningful connections between Baltimore and Ashkelon as a priority. Whether you are looking to join a committee or simply to share an experience with one of our brothers and sisters in Ashkelon – in person or over the Internet (or both!), you can be a part of our sister city relationship. The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership opens doors to establishing meaningful and lasting global friendships, partnerships and connections with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Personal relationships not only enhance our lives, but represent our best hope to reconnect Jewish young adults and children with the homeland and to ensure we have a vibrant, global Jewish future.  The sister city initiative raises awareness of Israeli issues, promotes greater participation in international dialogue and exchanges and, by doing so, builds and strengthens bridges of mutual understanding and respect. Choose your passion! Visit http://www.baltimoreashkelon.org. In addition, this weekend, join the Baltimore Israel Coalition to celebrate Ashkelon and all of Israel at the community-wide Israel Independence Day extravaganza. The event takes place from 12:00-4:00 at Towson University’s West Village Commons (click for directions). There will be face painting, a balloon artist, spectacular Israeli vendors and a special viewing of “Israel Inside,” a documentary highlighting how a small nation can make a big difference. Enter the raffle (links to http://www.associated.org/servertransfer.html?targetURL=/ft2/form.html?__id=24634) to win two free tickets to Israel, courtesy of El Al. Stop by the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership table to make cards for children in an Ashkelon hospital! Learn more and see the full schedule at http://www.baltglobalimpact.org. The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership is turning 10 next year! Over the last decade, THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore has placed meaningful connections between Baltimore and Ashkelon as a priority. Whether you are looking to join a committee or simply to share an experience with one of our brothers and sisters in Ashkelon – in person or over the Internet (or both!), you can be a part of our sister city relationship.

The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership opens doors to establishing meaningful and lasting global friendships, partnerships and connections with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Personal relationships not only enhance our lives, but represent our best hope to reconnect Jewish young adults and children with the homeland and to ensure we have a vibrant, global Jewish future.  The sister city initiative raises awareness of Israeli issues, promotes greater participation in international dialogue and exchanges and, by doing so, builds and strengthens bridges of mutual understanding and respect.

Choose your passion! Visit http://www.baltimoreashkelon.org.

In addition, this weekend, join the Baltimore Israel Coalition to celebrate Ashkelon and all of Israel at the community-wide Israel Independence Day extravaganza. The event takes place from 12:00-4:00 at Towson University’s West Village Commons (click for directions). There will be face painting, a balloon artist, spectacular Israeli vendors and a special viewing of “Israel Inside,” a documentary highlighting how a small nation can make a big difference.

Enter the raffle (links to http://www.associated.org/servertransfer.html?targetURL=/ft2/form.html?__id=24634) to win two free tickets to Israel, courtesy of El Al.

Stop by the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership table to make cards for children in an Ashkelon hospital!

Learn more and see the full schedule at http://www.baltglobalimpact.org.

]]> 2012-04-23T19:22:32+00:00 Celebrate Ashkelon! Celebrate Israel! http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/celebrate_ashkelon_celebrate_israel/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/celebrate_ashkelon_celebrate_israel/ The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership is turning 10 next year! Over the last decade, THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore has placed meaningful connections between Baltimore and Ashkelon as a priority. Whether you are looking to join a committee or simply to share an experience with one of our brothers and sisters in Ashkelon – in person or over the Internet (or both!), you can be a part of our sister city relationship. The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership opens doors to establishing meaningful and lasting global friendships, partnerships and connections with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Personal relationships not only enhance our lives, but represent our best hope to reconnect Jewish young adults and children with the homeland and to ensure we have a vibrant, global Jewish future.  The sister city initiative raises awareness of Israeli issues, promotes greater participation in international dialogue and exchanges and, by doing so, builds and strengthens bridges of mutual understanding and respect. Choose your passion! Visit http://www.baltimoreashkelon.org. In addition, this weekend, join the Baltimore Israel Coalition to celebrate Ashkelon and all of Israel at the community-wide Israel Independence Day extravaganza. The event takes place from 12:00-4:00 at Towson University’s West Village Commons (click for directions). There will be face painting, a balloon artist, spectacular Israeli vendors and a special viewing of “Israel Inside,” a documentary highlighting how a small nation can make a big difference. Enter the raffle (links to http://www.associated.org/servertransfer.html?targetURL=/ft2/form.html?__id=24634) to win two free tickets to Israel, courtesy of El Al. Stop by the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership table to make cards for children in an Ashkelon hospital! Learn more and see the full schedule at http://www.baltglobalimpact.org. The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership is turning 10 next year! Over the last decade, THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore has placed meaningful connections between Baltimore and Ashkelon as a priority. Whether you are looking to join a committee or simply to share an experience with one of our brothers and sisters in Ashkelon – in person or over the Internet (or both!), you can be a part of our sister city relationship.

The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership opens doors to establishing meaningful and lasting global friendships, partnerships and connections with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Personal relationships not only enhance our lives, but represent our best hope to reconnect Jewish young adults and children with the homeland and to ensure we have a vibrant, global Jewish future.  The sister city initiative raises awareness of Israeli issues, promotes greater participation in international dialogue and exchanges and, by doing so, builds and strengthens bridges of mutual understanding and respect.

Choose your passion! Visit http://www.baltimoreashkelon.org.

In addition, this weekend, join the Baltimore Israel Coalition to celebrate Ashkelon and all of Israel at the community-wide Israel Independence Day extravaganza. The event takes place from 12:00-4:00 at Towson University’s West Village Commons (click for directions). There will be face painting, a balloon artist, spectacular Israeli vendors and a special viewing of “Israel Inside,” a documentary highlighting how a small nation can make a big difference.

Enter the raffle (links to http://www.associated.org/servertransfer.html?targetURL=/ft2/form.html?__id=24634) to win two free tickets to Israel, courtesy of El Al.

Stop by the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership table to make cards for children in an Ashkelon hospital!

Learn more and see the full schedule at http://www.baltglobalimpact.org.

]]> 2012-04-23T18:50:00+00:00 Experience Israel http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/experience_israel/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/experience_israel/ By Fran Sonnenschein Executive Director Baltimore Zionist District (BZD) In a couple of weeks, the Baltimore community will have the honor of celebrating the 64th anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel. Living some 6,000 miles away, we witness the tremendous progress and growth Israel has undergone during its wondrous history. The blossoming of a desert into a flourishing land - truly a land of “milk and honey.”  Israel has become the world’s center for irrigation and agricultural growth, medical innovations and technology, putting Israel at the leader-board. With all the apparent obstacles in its way, the perseverance in preserving the Zionist dream has given her strength to continue, to grow and to flourish. We have so much to be proud of! At BZD, we pride ourselves on developing and building a personal relationship with the State of Israel, its people and the land. For decades, BZD has sent teens to Israel to forge that bond, that connection. These are our future leaders. This year, BZD is proud to say that our teen trip is filled to maximum capacity. We know these teens’ summer experience in Israel will bring them back energized, enthusiastic and connected to Israel and the Jewish people. BZD’s Shaliach, Roey Tshuva, is in the midst of planning missions to Israel for this upcoming year for adults.  Create and strengthen your connection! Witness Israel first-hand and have a meaningful experience by going to Israel this year! Learn more on our website, www.bzdisrael.org. Until then, get involved on Israel’s birthday! On Sunday, April 29, The Baltimore Israel Coalition, with the involvement of local organizations, schools and synagogues will host a community celebration so we experience a bit of Israel in Baltimore. Event Details: Sunday, April 29, 2012 12:00-4:00 p.m. Towson University West Village Commons Raffle for two free tickets to Israel! | Comedian Benji Lovitt | Baltimore premiere of “Israel Inside” Learn more at www.baltglobalimpact.org/independence. By Fran Sonnenschein
Executive Director
Baltimore Zionist District (BZD)

In a couple of weeks, the Baltimore community will have the honor of celebrating the 64th anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel. Living some 6,000 miles away, we witness the tremendous progress and growth Israel has undergone during its wondrous history. The blossoming of a desert into a flourishing land - truly a land of “milk and honey.”  Israel has become the world’s center for irrigation and agricultural growth, medical innovations and technology, putting Israel at the leader-board. With all the apparent obstacles in its way, the perseverance in preserving the Zionist dream has given her strength to continue, to grow and to flourish. We have so much to be proud of!

At BZD, we pride ourselves on developing and building a personal relationship with the State of Israel, its people and the land. For decades, BZD has sent teens to Israel to forge that bond, that connection. These are our future leaders. This year, BZD is proud to say that our teen trip is filled to maximum capacity. We know these teens’ summer experience in Israel will bring them back energized, enthusiastic and connected to Israel and the Jewish people.

BZD’s Shaliach, Roey Tshuva, is in the midst of planning missions to Israel for this upcoming year for adults.  Create and strengthen your connection! Witness Israel first-hand and have a meaningful experience by going to Israel this year! Learn more on our website, www.bzdisrael.org.

Until then, get involved on Israel’s birthday! On Sunday, April 29, The Baltimore Israel Coalition, with the involvement of local organizations, schools and synagogues will host a community celebration so we experience a bit of Israel in Baltimore.

Event Details:
Sunday, April 29, 2012
12:00-4:00 p.m.
Towson University
West Village Commons

Raffle for two free tickets to Israel! | Comedian Benji Lovitt | Baltimore premiere of “Israel Inside”

Learn more at www.baltglobalimpact.org/independence.

]]> 2012-04-17T01:54:52+00:00 The City of Ashkelon congratulates its volunteer organizations at Pesach http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/the_city_of_ashkelon_congratulates_its_volunteer_organizations_at_pesach/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/the_city_of_ashkelon_congratulates_its_volunteer_organizations_at_pesach/ On Sunday evening, April 4, representatives from 40 volunteer organizations and N.G.O’s gathered at The Ashkelon Volunteer Center for a traditional toast before Pesach. Hagit Kutaru, director of the Ashkelon Volunteer Center, emphasized the importance the city places on its volunteers and voluntary organizations, especially in the area of support services for the needy. Read more on the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership website. On Sunday evening, April 4, representatives from 40 volunteer organizations and N.G.O’s gathered at The Ashkelon Volunteer Center for a traditional toast before Pesach.
Hagit Kutaru, director of the Ashkelon Volunteer Center, emphasized the importance the city places on its volunteers and voluntary organizations, especially in the area of support services for the needy.

Read more on the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership website.

]]> 2012-04-04T17:03:52+00:00 MIDC welcomes start-up nation’s best http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/midc_welcomes_start-up_nations_best/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/midc_welcomes_start-up_nations_best/ MarketReach America 2012 welcomes eclectic group of Israeli entrepreneurs By Maayan Jaffe Nearly 150 people from the Baltimore-Washington corridor turned out for the Maryland/Israel Development Center’s premiere corporate partnering program last week, on March 29. The event, this year held at Baltimore’s Constellation Energy headquarters, showcased the newest Israeli innovations coming out of two Israel incubators – Mofet and Misgav venture accelerators. Technologies ranged from information technology and med-tech to green-tech and agri-tech. The Maryland show was part of a week-long trade show, run by Trendlines, MIDC’s Israeli partner. Trendlines also oversees the Mofet and Misgav venture accelerators, creating and developing businesses to improve the human condition. The Israelis travelled to five cities in five days, hoping to find potential investors and collaborators. Using a speed-dating-type presentation (five minutes for each company) the start-up heads demonstrated their products and research. “The world is in need of the tremendous innovations coming out of Israel. The fuel that turns the innovation engine is capital,” said Trendlines Chairman and CEO Steve Rhodes. Among the companies was NovoSpeech, which developed an automatic speech recognition device or ASR, with extraordinary accuracy rates – even in real-life, noisy environments. Organis demonstrated its innovative platform of insect repellent products derived from the edible turmeric plant. The active ingredients form the basis of a diverse family of solutions for the agricultural, industrial, hospitality, urban, and home environments. Sol Chip offered a look at its breakthrough technology addressing the needs of remote or mobile devices that operate autonomously, prolonging battery life, reducing environmental hazard, and improving battery-charging technology. Sol Chip’s Solar Battery harvests light energy to power billions of individual appliances. “This was a terrific opportunity for seed- and early-stage investors to get in on the ground floor of the powerhouse that is Israeli innovation,” said Abba David Polliakoff, MIDC Chair of the Board. The MIDC is a non-profit membership organization that promotes trade and investment between Maryland and Israeli companies. It is a partnership of the Baltimore Department of Business and Economic Development, Israel’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. MIDC is supported by several leading government and private companies in the Rockville and D.C. area, including the Montgomery County Department of Business and Economic Development and EpsteinBeckerGreen. Executive Director Barry Bogage said MIDC uses MarketReach as a platform to fulfill its mission of fostering bilateral economic development between Israel and Maryland. He said MIDC’s Board of Directors, members and staff, actively assist Israeli businesses in successfully accessing Maryland and other U.S. market opportunities, concurrently identifying appropriate business prospects for Maryland companies in Israel. MarketReach is the organization’s largest annual event. Learn more about MIDC - www.marylandisrael.org. Event pictures: MarketReach America 2012 welcomes eclectic group of Israeli entrepreneurs
By Maayan Jaffe

Nearly 150 people from the Baltimore-Washington corridor turned out for the Maryland/Israel Development Center’s premiere corporate partnering program last week, on March 29. The event, this year held at Baltimore’s Constellation Energy headquarters, showcased the newest Israeli innovations coming out of two Israel incubators – Mofet and Misgav venture accelerators. Technologies ranged from information technology and med-tech to green-tech and agri-tech.

The Maryland show was part of a week-long trade show, run by Trendlines, MIDC’s Israeli partner. Trendlines also oversees the Mofet and Misgav venture accelerators, creating and developing businesses to improve the human condition. The Israelis travelled to five cities in five days, hoping to find potential investors and collaborators. Using a speed-dating-type presentation (five minutes for each company) the start-up heads demonstrated their products and research.

“The world is in need of the tremendous innovations coming out of Israel. The fuel that turns the innovation engine is capital,” said Trendlines Chairman and CEO Steve Rhodes.

Among the companies was NovoSpeech, which developed an automatic speech recognition device or ASR, with extraordinary accuracy rates – even in real-life, noisy environments. Organis demonstrated its innovative platform of insect repellent products derived from the edible turmeric plant. The active ingredients form the basis of a diverse family of solutions for the agricultural, industrial, hospitality, urban, and home environments. Sol Chip offered a look at its breakthrough technology addressing the needs of remote or mobile devices that operate autonomously, prolonging battery life, reducing environmental hazard, and improving battery-charging technology. Sol Chip’s Solar Battery harvests light energy to power billions of individual appliances.

“This was a terrific opportunity for seed- and early-stage investors to get in on the ground floor of the powerhouse that is Israeli innovation,” said Abba David Polliakoff, MIDC Chair of the Board.

The MIDC is a non-profit membership organization that promotes trade and investment between Maryland and Israeli companies. It is a partnership of the Baltimore Department of Business and Economic Development, Israel’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. MIDC is supported by several leading government and private companies in the Rockville and D.C. area, including the Montgomery County Department of Business and Economic Development and EpsteinBeckerGreen.

Executive Director Barry Bogage said MIDC uses MarketReach as a platform to fulfill its mission of fostering bilateral economic development between Israel and Maryland. He said MIDC’s Board of Directors, members and staff, actively assist Israeli businesses in successfully accessing Maryland and other U.S. market opportunities, concurrently identifying appropriate business prospects for Maryland companies in Israel. MarketReach is the organization’s largest annual event.

Learn more about MIDC - www.marylandisrael.org.


Event pictures:

]]> 2012-04-03T11:48:54+00:00 Celebrate Israel Together http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/celebrate_israel_together/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/celebrate_israel_together/ By Baltimore Jewish Council It doesn’t take more then five minutes of reading a newspaper to read about the threat Iran presents to the United States and Israel.  In turn, radicalism in Egypt and Syria, threats from Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as strained relationships arising out the Arab Spring, remain continuing problems. Israel will deal with all her “obstacles” and come out a stronger country, but we need to stand behind her and support her through this difficult time.  Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, is a day to celebrate Israel’s independence and all the previous struggles that she overcame.  It is a day to celebrate her accomplishments and to let the world know that we stand behind her. The Baltimore Israel Coalition, a new Baltimore initiative, is an informal group of 22 local organizations joining together to support and promote Israel.  The coalition and other local organizations, synagogues, and schools have joined together to prepare a community celebration for Yom Ha’atzmaut on April 29 from 12:00-4:00 p.m., at Towson University.  A poignant film, school and synagogue choirs, interactive activities, a comedian, Israeli vendors and food are just some of the exciting programing scheduled for the day.  Event details, free shuttle reservation and movie tickets are available online at www.baltglobalimpact.org/independence. Now more then ever it is important that we all come together to support Israel! By Baltimore Jewish Council

It doesn’t take more then five minutes of reading a newspaper to read about the threat Iran presents to the United States and Israel.  In turn, radicalism in Egypt and Syria, threats from Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as strained relationships arising out the Arab Spring, remain continuing problems.

Israel will deal with all her “obstacles” and come out a stronger country, but we need to stand behind her and support her through this difficult time. 

Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, is a day to celebrate Israel’s independence and all the previous struggles that she overcame.  It is a day to celebrate her accomplishments and to let the world know that we stand behind her.

The Baltimore Israel Coalition, a new Baltimore initiative, is an informal group of 22 local organizations joining together to support and promote Israel.  The coalition and other local organizations, synagogues, and schools have joined together to prepare a community celebration for Yom Ha’atzmaut on April 29 from 12:00-4:00 p.m., at Towson University.  A poignant film, school and synagogue choirs, interactive activities, a comedian, Israeli vendors and food are just some of the exciting programing scheduled for the day. 

Event details, free shuttle reservation and movie tickets are available online at www.baltglobalimpact.org/independence.

Now more then ever it is important that we all come together to support Israel!

]]> 2012-04-03T00:06:54+00:00 Amazing 2012 Diller Teen Fellows Video http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/dillamazing_2012_diller_teen_fellows_video/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/dillamazing_2012_diller_teen_fellows_video/ This is a must see! View video.   This is a must see! View video.

 

]]> 2012-04-01T16:36:59+00:00 Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to host ‘Start Up Nation’s’ Dan Senor http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/center_for_entrepreneurship_and_innovation_to_host_start_up_nations_dan_sen/ http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/associated_global_impact/center_for_entrepreneurship_and_innovation_to_host_start_up_nations_dan_sen/ The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Merrick School of Business University of Baltimore is hosting Dan Senor, renowned author and foreign attaché.  Mr. Senor is coming to to speak on his best selling book, “Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle.”  The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Tom Loveland, Rob Rosenbaum, David Lingelbach and the Maryland/Israel Development Center’s Barry Bogage. Seats are limited. Tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit the UB website. The Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Merrick School of Business University of Baltimore is hosting Dan Senor, renowned author and foreign attaché.  Mr. Senor is coming to to speak on his best selling book, “Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle.”  The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Tom Loveland, Rob Rosenbaum, David Lingelbach and the Maryland/Israel Development Center’s Barry Bogage.

Seats are limited. Tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information, visit the UB website.

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