The Economist magazine ranked Israel as the fourth best economy in 2022. “In the Middle East, Israel has prospered over the past year despite the political chaos,” writes the British weekly. The ranking of 34 OECD countries was compiled using five macroeconomic indicators: GDP growth, annual inflation, inflation breadth, stock prices and public debt. As… […]
The global financial crisis is now also reaching a place where many thought it would never, the Israeli hi-tech industry. Numerous companies have laid off a large part of their workforce, some even saying goodbye to up to 15 percent. In addition to layoffs in the Israeli branches of large international companies such as Intel… […]
By Katharina Hoeftmann Ciobotaru Another measure to lower the cost of living in Israel has been introduced. The government wants to now adopt European food safety standards and most Israeli guidelines are to be repealed. The changes affect, among other things, the production and import of canned vegetables, pasta, rice, sweets, spices, soup powder, condiments and… […]
In our new series “More Swissness in Israel” we write monthly about current topics that show the presence and activities of Switzerland in Israel in all of its diversity. A bit of Swiss attitude towards life in Israel. “Swiss banks in Israel?” Philippe Weil frowns and considers, “I can think of ten Swiss banks here… […]
The tourism industry as a whole was arguably the most affected by the closing of the borders and the limitations placed on tourists entering the country in the past two years since the onset of Corona. Lockdowns within the country made it that there was no additional stream to cover this difficult period. Thousands of… […]
A Brief Note from the Editor – The Israeli-Swiss Association First, we wish our readers, donors, and friends the happiest new year. We appreciate that you spend your time reading Between the Lines each week. As you know, many organizations that depend on donations are going through difficult times, and donations are being reduced or canceled.… […]
In what has been a long battle after thousands of Sudanese asylum seekers escaped genocide in 2013, the Israeli government has been ordered by the High Courts to make a decision on refugee status, or grant temporary rights. The announcement comes as “a significant step for us as some have been waiting more than eight… […]
Jerusalem Mayor, Moshe Lion, has a mission to make Jerusalem a hi-tech center of Israel. Heâs backing it up with 1.1 million square meters of office space, approved for development in dedicated areas throughout the ancient city. Yet the reality is, that only 7% of employment in Israel takes hold in Jerusalem, and many startups… […]
Israel has never been in the top 20 economies for GDP per capita; however, the past year has made the strength of the Israeli economy notable despite its subsequent shutdowns during the coronavirus crisis. In the latest Forbes Israel report based on International Monetary Fund data, Israel is 19th on the global list. GDP per… […]
Unemployment numbers in Israel continue to drop with the reopening economy, yet people under 34 seem to be staying stagnant. With unemployment benefits in place until mid-June, almost half, or 47.4%, of the young and unemployed are not incentivized to return to work. With COVID-19, many receive 70% of their paycheck, at least until June… […]
Since Sunday, Israelâs outdoor mask requirement has officially been lifted. People are still required to wear masks in enclosed public spaces; however, the removed restriction, in place for just over a year, is proof of the ample progress being made towards extinguishing the coronavirus crisis. Sunday also saw a return to regular schooling. Youth are… […]
Before March 2020, Israeli tourism was on the rise. As the economy reopens thanks to a mass vaccination campaign and the Green Passport concept, Israel may return to being a top-listed destination for global citizens who are craving a post-COVID getaway. Travel companies are already seeing bookings for the winter of 2021. While flights are… […]
After last year’s Independence Day was spent in lockdown, this year has garnered a brand new appreciation for âindependence.â Israel continues to cautiously reopen, with businesses, restaurants, culture spots, and general energy back to full flourishing. Wednesday evening and Thursday are lined up with organized parties, barbecues, and gatherings across the country. The annual Israeli… […]
While getting his masterâs degree in social work, Omri Abramovich, also a psychotherapist, took notice of the phenomenon of homeless people: how many there are, how ignored they are, and how they live. Heâs been exploring it ever since, sometimes even taking to the streets himself to experience the life of a street dweller. Making… […]
Industries are being turned on their sides due to digital, yet banking hasnât seen much out of the box – until the First Digital Bank. Founded by Professor Amnon Shashua, who played a founding role in the Mobileye self-driving car revolution, the First Digital Bank hopes to be a disruptor in the centuries-old industry. CEO… […]
In what everyone hopes to be a final grand reopening, Israel is returning to the next iteration of âbusiness as usualâ after its last national lockdown ended at Februaryâs end. With COVID-19 showing a 4% infection rate, and the vaccination campaign going strong, now seems the time to clean up the mess in the middle. … […]
One year later, with COVID-19 still filtering into our 2021, Israel has experienced a full spectrum of effects. While over half of the country has received their first vaccination given major campaign efforts, the Ben Gurion Airport remains shuttered, with some exceptions to the rule. The airport was closed on January 25 as the country… […]
The Ministry of Health has launched the Green Pass, which is essentially an approval card for people who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19. The pass, while some question its legality, is, for now, allowing some limited cultural events to take place. After about a year of the economic shutdown, there is a… […]
On a mission to âgrow early-stage Arab-led startups into multimillion-dollar companies,â The Hybrid program supports eight startups per year to make the âstartup investableâ as soon as possible. Â For the early-stage Arab entrepreneurs who are most certainly underrepresented in the startup world, there is a deep need for access to these resources, knowledge, and network.… […]
As lockdown lifted last week, Israel is slowly reopening its roads, doors, and economy â and its residents are flooding out with a new sense of restrained freedom. The corona crisis remains prevalent, and precautions are being taken to prevent another increase in the spread of the virus and a fourth national lockdown. Around 25%… […]
