WHY ISRAEL MATTERS - II

WHY ISRAEL MATTERS – II

Almost a century before Israel existed and was controlled by the Sultan of Turkey, Mark Twain commented on the possibilities of a Jewish state being formed in its ancient homeland: “I am not the Sultan, and I am not objecting. But if that concentration of the cunningest brains in the world is going to be made into a free country, I think it would be politic to stop it. It will not be well to let that race find out its strength. If the horses knew theirs, we should not ride anymore.”

The Jews, who finally returned to their only homeland were, indeed, far better equipped to transform their spiritual vision into a practical reality - capable of benefiting the entire world.

In the world of technology and innovation, Israel’s contribution to the world is dramatic. The country has more hi-tech start-ups per capita than anywhere else in the world and is second only to the US in venture capital funds. This is an impressive feat for any state, but more so for one that has existed for a little over 70 years old, and is home to just under 9m. people. Added to which, ever since it’s inception, Israel has been in an ongoing struggle for survival.

Survival does not depend only on  military skill. Since its founding, and with the addition of millions of new immigrants in a short period of time, Israel’s tenuous water security has made conserving this vital resource a top national priority. With only one small fresh water lake and dependent on scant and unpredictable rainfall, Israel was compelled to find a solution for the lack of water resources.

Even in the days when the world population was small in numbers, water was a major factor in survival. It was mentioned 600 times in the Bible and - for over 2,000 years - daily prayers for water has been part of Jewish ritual.

Today, Israel’s leading position in water technology proves that necessity is the mother of invention. Long before rising global temperatures and populations made water security a worldwide concern, the tiny desert nation of Israel was busy cultivating a fertile water technology ecosystem all its own.

Over the decades, Israeli innovators and entrepreneurs have pioneered cutting-edge drip irrigation, desalination and water treatment technologies. Israel reclaims 80% of its wastewater for agricultural use and is a global leader in crop-yield to water-use efficiency. The majority of its drinking water comes from five world-class desalination plants.

According to the U.S. bureau of statistics, by the year 2025, 60% of the world’s landmass will experience water shortage. Israel has become the global centre for water conservation. Beyond improving water security at home, Israel exports water technology innovation around the globe, to the tune of $2 billion annually. If other countries in the Middle East would be willing to accept Israel's expertise, water could become a basis for future peaceful negotiations.

 

 

 

                              


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