Israel's Health Ministry announced Thursday that, following the detection of the polio virus in environmental samples (wastewater) in the Jerusalem district, additional positive samples have now been found at sites in central Israel, including Bnei Brak, Ramla, Lod, and the Shafdan wastewater facility. These findings indicate that the virus is also being transmitted among the population in those areas.

It is worth noting that the virus caused paralysis in a 17-year-old boy, in December 2024.

In an effort to protect the public from polio, including the risk of paralysis caused by the virus, the Health Ministry is urging anyone who has not been vaccinated to complete their polio vaccinations immediately. Vaccines are available nationwide at Family Care Centers (Tipat Halav) and through the school health services.

The ministry also advised that if a child's vaccination status is unclear, parents can check the government's personal health portal or consult the national digital vaccination registry.

In a directive sent Thursday to district physicians, medical directors, and general hospital administrators, the ministry laid out its current response strategy, which focuses on three key principles: closing vaccination gaps; stepping up clinical monitoring to identify and immediately report any suspected cases of acute flaccid paralysis; and continuing intensified environmental surveillance according to a predetermined sampling plan.

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Israel has agreed to temporarily halt some military operations in the Gaza Strip to allow for a polio vaccination campaign, the Washington Post reported Wednesday night, quoting a senior US State Department official. 

The decision reportedly comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the issue during their meeting last week. 

Last week, several Israeli infectious disease organizations jointly called on the health and defense ministers to order an immediate pause in Gaza. Their aim was to enable a widespread vaccination drive to combat the rapidly spreading poliovirus in the territory.

The medical associations warned that the polio outbreak in Gaza poses a risk to IDF soldiers in the strip, those handling imprisoned Palestinian terrorists, and the hostages, including unvaccinated infant Kfir Bibas. 

In response, the Prime Minister's Office issued a statement clarifying that Israel had not agreed to "pauses in fighting for polio vaccinations" but rather to "designating specific areas in the Gaza Strip" for unspecified purposes. This careful wording likely aimed to avoid suggesting a humanitarian pause in the absence of a ceasefire agreement, which some members of Netanyahu's Coalition oppose.

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The contributions of Jewish inventors have significantly shaped the world we live in today. From groundbreaking medical devices to beloved entertainment franchises, the impact of these innovations is profound. This article explores ten remarkable Jewish inventions that have left a lasting legacy and transformed various facets of our daily lives.

The birth of video games

Imagine a world devoid of video games, where entertainment lacked the interactive thrill of digital play. This scenario would be unimaginable for many today. Ralph Baer, known as the father of video games, fundamentally changed the landscape of entertainment.

Born in Germany, Baer faced significant challenges during his childhood, including expulsion from school due to anti-Jewish laws. His family fled to the United States, where Baer became involved in the burgeoning electronics industry. In 1967, he developed the first video game console, affectionately named the "Brown Box," which paved the way for the gaming revolution.

Baer also created Simon in 1978, a memory game that captivated players for decades. His innovations ushered in a golden age of gaming, demonstrating how one individual's vision could reshape an entire industry.

The invention of stainless steel

Stainless steel is a crucial material in modern construction, medicine, and transportation. Its resistance to rust and corrosion has made it indispensable in various industries. This innovation is credited to Hans Goldschmidt, a German chemist of Jewish descent.

In 1893, Goldschmidt discovered a method to produce carbon-free chromium, which led to the development of stainless steel in the early 1900s. Without this invention, daily life would be drastically different, from the tools we use in surgeries to the infrastructure that supports our cities.

Marvel superheroes

Stan Lee, a Jewish comic book writer, co-created some of the most iconic superheroes in modern culture. Characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the X-Men have transcended comic books, becoming cultural phenomena. Lee's narratives often reflected his own experiences and Jewish identity.

For example, the X-Men, representing marginalized groups, echo the struggles faced by the Jewish community throughout history. The Hulk was based on a 16th-century Jewish legend, the Golem of Prague. Lee's work not only entertained but also provided a lens through which social issues could be explored.

Life-saving medical devices

In the medical field, innovations by Jewish scientists have saved countless lives. Dr. Paul Zoll, a Jewish surgeon during World War II, revolutionized cardiac care. He observed that slight stimulation of the heart could cause it to beat more effectively.

His research led to the development of external defibrillators and pacemakers, devices that are now standard in medical practice. These life-saving technologies have made significant impacts on emergency medicine and everyday healthcare. The ability to revive and stabilize patients has transformed cardiac care and improved survival rates worldwide.

The advent of Google

In the realm of technology, few inventions have had as profound an impact as Google. Founded by two Jewish graduate students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in 1998, Google revolutionized how we access information. The search engine quickly surpassed its competitors due to its innovative algorithms and user-friendly interface.

Today, Google is a cornerstone of the internet, influencing everything from communication to commerce. Its services, including Gmail and Google Maps, have become essential tools in everyday life.

The ballpoint pen

The ballpoint pen is a staple in offices and schools around the world. Before its invention, writers struggled with fountain pens that often leaked and smudged. A Jewish journalist named Laszlo Biro sought to change that experience.

In 1888, Biro developed a pen with a tiny ball bearing at the tip, which allowed the ink to flow smoothly without the mess. His design was revolutionary, and he ended up selling it to Bic, leading to the mass production of ballpoint pens, which have sold over 100 billion units globally. This invention has simplified writing and made it more accessible to everyone. In some countries, these pens are still called Biro after the inventor.

Drip irrigation

Agriculture has benefited immensely from innovations in irrigation. In arid regions, water conservation is crucial for farming success. The drip irrigation system, developed by an Israeli father-son duo, Simcha and Yeshayahu Blass, has transformed agricultural practices in desert climates.

Their method allows water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, minimizing evaporation and maximizing efficiency. This innovation has enabled Israel to thrive agriculturally by being able to grow crops in the desert. This method has been adopted worldwide, helping to sustain crops in challenging environments. The impact of drip irrigation extends beyond individual farms, contributing to food security on a global scale.

The teddy bear

The teddy bear is a cherished toy for children worldwide, but its origins are rooted in a poignant story. Inspired by President Teddy Roosevelt's refusal to shoot a bear during a hunting trip, Morris and Rose Michtom, a Jewish couple, created a stuffed bear that captured the public's imagination.

After placing the bear in their candy shop window, its popularity surged, leading the Michtoms to establish a toy company. They gifted the original teddy bear to President Roosevelt, which is now kept in the Smithsonian Museum.

The polio vaccine

Polio once posed a severe threat to public health, paralyzing and killing thousands. The development of a vaccine by Jewish scientist Jonas Salk changed the course of this disease. Salk chose not to patent the vaccine, prioritizing public health over profit.

His decision allowed for widespread distribution, leading to a dramatic decline in polio cases. Within ten years, polio cases in the US dropped from 35,000 to just 161. There was only 1 reported case of polio in 2024.

The concept of Monotheism

Monotheism, the belief in a single God, has profoundly influenced religious thought throughout history. Judaism is credited with introducing this radical idea, which challenged the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in ancient cultures. This foundational concept has shaped the beliefs of billions today as over half the world's population practices monotheistic religions.

Monotheism has encouraged moral frameworks that guide ethical behavior and community values. The implications of this belief system extend beyond religious practice, influencing art, culture, and philosophy.

Conclusion

The inventions and ideas introduced by Jewish innovators have significantly shaped modern society. From entertainment to healthcare, these contributions highlight the resilience and creativity of a community that has faced immense challenges throughout history. Imagine a world without video games, stainless steel, or the comforting presence of a teddy bear. Jewish inventiveness continues to inspire and transform our lives, demonstrating the profound impact that one group of people can have on the world.

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On Sunday, the IDF initiated a gradual polio vaccination program for thousands of troops in combat divisions in Gaza. The move follows the discovery of poliovirus in Gaza's sewage monitoring, sparking concerns about the virus's presence and possible undetected cases in the area.

Concurrently, the IDF is working to facilitate vaccine delivery for Gaza's civilian population. However, officials stress that there is currently no evidence of a polio outbreak in Gaza.

All soldiers in combat divisions and support units will receive a single dose of the polio vaccine, identical to that given to infants in Israel up to age one. Vaccinations will be administered in staging areas before troops enter Gaza.

Soldiers with incomplete childhood vaccination records will receive an additional dose. The campaign is set to last about three weeks, with soldiers retaining the right to refuse vaccination. The decision to vaccinate troops during rotation breaks was made due to the absence of urgency to immunize forces inside Gaza, as the risk level does not warrant immediate action.

"There's no need to rush to Rafah with syringes," an official stated. "The risk level doesn't justify such action."

Meanwhile, Major General Ghassan Alian, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, is liaising with international partners to enable the entry of additional polio vaccine doses for Gaza residents.

The decision followed a situation assessment by the Medical Corps, led by its head Brigadier General Dr. Zivan Aviad-Beer‎. It forms part of the Medical Corps' expanded responsibilities and aims to protect both military personnel and the Israeli public.

Low infection risk

Approximately 95% of children in Israel are vaccinated against polio, indicating a low risk of infection for IDF forces. Nevertheless, providing a vaccine booster during a potential outbreak aims to prevent infection and minimize risks to soldiers and civilians alike.

The IDF is conducting independent sewage sampling in areas where troops are stationed or expected to be deployed to monitor the risk. Field medical personnel have been briefed on disease symptoms and identification.

Most individuals who contract polio will be asymptomatic or experience very mild symptoms. Only about one in a thousand infected persons may develop paralysis.

IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated: "Following reports of poliovirus presence in Gaza, the IDF conducted sampling tests in various areas, detecting traces of the virus, transmitted in drinking water or through oral contact with contaminated water. Consequently, the IDF, in coordination with the Health Ministry, decided to vaccinate combat forces against the virus to protect both IDF personnel and Israeli citizens.

"The Technological and Logistics Directorate has launched a comprehensive vaccination campaign for all combat forces, both regular and reserve. Vaccinations will be administered gradually during troop rotations. These measures reflect the IDF's commitment to the health of its soldiers and the public. Troops have also been instructed to maintain strict personal hygiene. Importantly, vaccination remains voluntary for all personnel."

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Two more fecal tests have come back positive for the polio virus, the Health Ministry reported Thursday.

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Earlier this week, a four-year-old child tested positive for polio, the first recorded case in Israel since 1989.

One of the two positive samples was taken as part of the district health office's attempts to trace the contacts of the young polio patient. Thus far, three samples have been negative and 19 additional samples are being tested by the Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory at Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer.

The second test that came back positive was taken as part of an anonymous fecal testing survey being conducted in and around Jerusalem. The Health Ministry is expanding the survey, running more fecal testing in Jerusalem, and testing more sewage samples in Jerusalem as well as in other locations in Israel.

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