Beyond Uzis and Iron Dome: 75 Israeli inventions and four Palestinian innovations that changed the world

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Israeli rocket launch from Kodiak's Pacific Spaceport in 2019. File photo.

If one counts the olive press and the grape (or wine) press, we can find 75 inventions by Israelis that have changed the world. Here they are:

  1. Kibbutz – 1909: Kibbutz Degania was the first of hundreds of collective settlements founded by idealistic pioneers
    2. Zaksenberg juicer – 1928: Iconic citrus juicer invented by Yitzhak Zaksenberg
    Wonder Pot – 1930s: Once-popular aluminum pot for baking on a gas stove
    3. Krav Maga – 1948: Military self-defense system developed for the IDF and used around the world
    4. Uzi – 1954: Submachine gun that was one of the first weapons to use a telescoping bolt design
    5. Feldenkrais Method – 1954: Type of exercise therapy devised by Moshe Feldenkrais that claims to improve body movement and psychological state
    6. Sussita – 1960: Fiberglass-shelled cars that were popular in Israel during the 1960s and 1970s

  1. 7. Bamba – 1964: Iconic peanut-butter-flavored snack made by Osem
    8. Drip irrigation – 1965: Israel’s mega contribution to global agriculture
    Cherry tomatoes – 1973: Israel’s mega contribution to global agriculture after drip irrigation
    9. Rav Bariach – 1973: The ultimate steel security door
    10. RSA encryption – 1977: A public-key cryptosystem that is widely used for secure data transmission
    11. 8088 processor – 1979: Revolutionary microprocessor developed by Intel in their Haifa lab
    12. Interferon proteins – 1970s: Michel Revel of the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that interferon communicates with cells via a receptor on the cell wall
    13. Merkava tank – 1979: Main battle tank used by the IDF
    Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation – 1980: Aaron Ciechanover, Avram Hershko and Irwin Rose won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this discovery
    Unmanned planes – 1981: First UAV developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries
    14. Quasiperiodic crystals – 1982: Prof. Dan Schechtman from the Technion won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry
    15. Taki – 1983: Popular card game developed by Haim Shafir
    16. Dalkan – 1983: System for refueling company vehicles without a wallet
    Bio-Bee Biological pest control – 1984: Breakthrough by the company from Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu
    17. Epilady – 1986: Cost effective, mess-free alternative to shaving and waxing for women around the world
    Differential cryptanalysis – late 1980s: Study of how differences in information input can affect the resultant difference at the output
    18. Arrow (Hetz) – 1990: Effective anti-ballistic missile system
    19. Babysense – 1992: Highly sensitive baby breathing monitor
    20. Digital printing press – 1993: Revolutionary printing press invented by Benny Landa, founder of Indigo Digital Press
    21. Firewall – 1993: Computer network security system
    22. NIR heart stent – 1995: Life-saving medical device invented by Medinol’s Kobi and Judith Richter
    23. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – 1995: PC-to-phone software solution developed by VocalTec.
    24. Copaxone – 1996: Teva’s groundbreaking drug for treating certain forms of multiple sclerosis
    25. ICQ – 1996: Messaging platform that was a global hit at the time
    26. Quicktionary – 1997: Portable scanning translators produced by Wizcom Technologies Ltd.
    27. Babylon – 1997: Single-click computer translation, dictionary and information source utility program, by Amnon Ovadia
    28. Gaga – 1998: Style of modern dance invented by Ohad Naharin
    29. NDS VideoGuard – 1998: Conditional access for pay-TV
    30. TDMoIP – 1998: Emulation of time-division multiplexing over a packet switched network, developed at RAD Data Communications
    31. EyeQ chip – 1999: Mobileye’s custom accelerator processor chip
    32. USB flash drive – 2000: Invented by Dov Moran
    33. Exelon – 2000: Drug for treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s
    34. PillCam – 2001: By Given Imaging, enables the visualization and detection of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
    35. Like-A-Fish – 2001: Innovative tankless diving gear
    36. MyHeritage – 2003: Popular online genealogy platform with headquarters in Or Yehuda
    37. Azilect – 2005: Drug for Parkinson’s disease developed at the Technion and commercialized by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
    38. 3G Solar – 2003: Low-cost alternative to silicon-based PV solar modules
    39. Mazor Robotics’ Spine Assist – 2004: First robot approved for spinal surgery
    40. Wix – 2006: Cloud-based web development services
    41. Zenith Solar – 2007: Modular high-concentration photovoltaic system (HCPV)
    42. Waze – 2008: The navigation app that helps drivers avoid traffic
    43. BriefCam – 2008: Video-synopsis technology that lets viewers rapidly review and index original full-length video footage
    44. Solaris Synergy – 2008: Environmentally friendly and economically beneficial way to float solar panels on water
    45. Rosetta Genomics – 2008: MicroRNAs as effective biomarkers
    46. Trophy – 2009: Rafael’s active protection system for armed vehicles
    47. Gett – 2009: App that connects between customers and taxi drivers using its proprietary GPS system
    48. ReWalk – 2010: Bionic walking assistance system that enables paraplegics to stand upright and walk
    49. WeWork – 2010: Pioneers of shared work space
    50. OrCam MyEye – 2010: Portable artificial vision device that allows the visually impaired to understand text and identify objects through audio feedback
    51. Viber – 2010: Proprietary cross-platform instant messaging app for smartphones
    52. WeCU Technologies – 2010: Technology able to identify people in real time
    53. Wind Tulip – 2010: Cost-effective, silent wind turbine by Leviathan Energy, designed as an environmental sculpture
    54. Iron Dome – 2011: Air defense system developed by Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries that intercepts short-range rockets and has saved innumerable lives
    55. Moovit – 2011: App that uses crowdsourced and official public transit data to provide real time route planning for users of public transportation
    56. Solar window – 2011: Developed by Pythagoras Solar, these windows combine energy efficiency, power generation and transparency
    57. TraitUP – 2011: A new technology that enables the introduction of genetic materials into seeds without modifying their DNA, developed by Hebrew University scientists
    58. 3D tethered particle motion system – 2011: 3D tracking of critical protein-DNA and protein-RNA cell interactions, developed by three Bar-Ilan University professors
    59. GridON Keeper – 2011: Three-phase fault current limiter developed at Bar-Ilan University
    60. HydroSpin – 2012: Unique internal pipe generator that supplies electricity for water monitoring and control systems in remote areas and sites without electricity
    61. Elya Recycling – 2012: Innovative method for recycling plastic based on a specialized formulation of natural ingredients
    62. Electric car – 2012: Better Place CEO Shai Agassi developed infrastructure for electric cars as an alternative to fossil fuel technology
    63. TACount – 2012: Real-time microbiology that enables the detection of harmful microorganisms in a matter of minutes
    64. Elbit Space Imaging Systems – 2017: A compact “space camera”
    65. Judean date palm revival – 2020: Extinct cultivar restored by reviving an ancient seed
    66. WatchPAT – 2020: The first FDA-approved portable diagnostic device for treating sleep apnea at home
    67. GridON Keeper – 2011: Three-phase fault current limiter developed at Bar-Ilan University
    68. HydroSpin – 2012: Unique internal pipe generator that supplies electricity for water monitoring and control systems in remote areas and sites without electricity
    68. Elya Recycling – 2012: Innovative method for recycling plastic based on a specialized formulation of natural ingredients
    69. Electric car – 2012: Better Place CEO Shai Agassi developed infrastructure for electric cars as an alternative to fossil fuel technology
    70. TACount – 2012: Real-time microbiology that enables the detection of harmful microorganisms in a matter of minutes
    71. Elbit Space Imaging Systems – 2017: A compact “space camera”
    72. Judean date palm revival – 2020: Extinct cultivar restored by reviving an ancient seed
    73. Azilect, a drug for Parkinson’s disease, by Moussa Youdim and John Finberg from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
  2. 74: Solar panels for heating water – 1955: The still ubiquitous dud shemesh harnesses the local climate to save electricity
  3. 75. Olive press and wine press: Ancient Israelis invented a way to extract oil from olives and juice from grapes

Important Palestinian inventions, according to answers from Quora and other sources:

1. Improvised cheap and disposable mortar and Kassam missile launchers

2. Al-Quds rocket used against Israel
3. Innovative use of party balloons for starting fires and burning crops of Israelis over the border of Gaza
4. Modern sling shots that are friendly to use, even for small children, against Israeli soldiers or civilian cars.

17 COMMENTS

  1. WOW. I can’t hardly read the list let alone imagine these inventions, develop and apply them. Excelling intellect among these folks for sure! Well, praise God for them! Thank you for the article.

    • What is the point of this article?
      Are you trying to say one group of people is more valuable than the other?
      Is this article an attempt to justify Israels genocidal revenge ?

      Really whats the point of comparing apples to oranges?

      Do we still live in a Christian country where we forgive and don’t give way to hate ?

      Is dropping bombs on schoolchildren hospitals and civilian buildings the ethical decision?

      Kill one , create 100 ? Not wise.

      Why cant the arguably smartest group of people on earth find a way to get along with their neighbors wherever they have moved through history?

      Does it have to do with their religious doctrine of an eye for an eye ? Or the racism that is ingrained into their religion?
      Their doctrine of discrimination against outsiders?

      I do not believe we should accept actions where universities, hospitals, civilian buildings and transport is targeted with missiles. It’s unethical .
      We would not do that in America.
      Root out hamas yes .
      Its often been said “its not what you do it’s how you do it”

        • Discussing historical facts doesn’t imply or define anti or phobia. History is just history.

          Yes to some degree both side’s actions could be interchangeable to each other.
          Strange but not surprising considering they are historically basically brothers.
          They are treating each other horribly.
          Surely we must all attempt compassion and protect the innocents of each country.

          Recklessly Throwing around the terms antisemitic or islamaphobic just demeans the importance of those terms.

          Yes we must support our Israeli friends
          To act morally and ethically.
          Treat their neighbors with compassion.

          Is it justice when you kill everyone in your path with an indiscriminate bomb?
          That borders on inhuman . To follow the inhumane path justifies Hamas actions.

          It’s better to make them look foolish with extreme kindness. It would undermine their hate . Undermining
          Even the very reason for hamas existence.
          The best weapon to eradicate hate is overwhelming love .
          Nothing can bring back the sweet israelis who were murdered but we can change the future by putting a full effort into a symbiotic friendship. Take away their reason for hate by working together.

          Im not saying you work with Hamas. They may be doomed on an ideological level . Individual defense is reasonable.
          Im saying extreme humanitarian efforts to win the minds and hearts of Palestinians in general is the only solution short of horrific atrocities.
          So the acceptable response is extreme humanitarianism.
          Work for long term justice against hamas.

          • If you were able to actually discuss historical facts with out them dripping with prejudice, hostility, and hatred then you might have a point. Instead you continue to parrot the antisemitic talking points that Nazis used and Hamas is using.

          • “Is it justice when you kill everyone in your path with an indiscriminate bomb?” Did you ask this question when Hamas falsely reported and news organizations around the world repeated that Israel attacked the hospital, but it turned out that Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched their indiscriminate bombs killing innocent Palestinian women and children? I don’t remember you asking that question then, and you aren’t condemning Hamas for using Palestinians as human shields now. Even Hamas has admitted they are happy to martyr people for their cause. Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas’s political bureau recently said “Will we have to pay a price? Yes, and we are ready to pay it. We are called a nation of martyrs, and we are proud to sacrifice martyrs.”

            “It’s better to make them look foolish with extreme kindness. It would undermine their hate . Undermining Even the very reason for hamas existence.” In 2005 Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, removing every Israeli soldier and civilian. In January 2006, Hamas won Gaza’s local legislative elections, in June 2007 Hamas violently took over Gaza. Hamas got rid of the Palestinian Authority, and turned Gaza into a war zone designed to attack Israel. The source of Hamas’ hostility is not Israel’s security barrier. It’s Israel’s very existence. Hamad said that Israel’s existence is “illogical” and that it must be wiped off all “Palestinian lands,” When asked whether this meant the complete annihilation of Israel, Hamad replied: “Yes, of course.” Speaking of the October 7th massacre Hamad said “We must teach Israel a lesson, and we will do it twice and three times. The Al-Aqsa Deluge [the name Hamas gave its October 7 onslaught] is just the first time, and there will be a second, a third, a fourth,” Hamad now says he wants a cease fire “So I think we are ready now to have complete compromise, complete a deal, in order to receive all the hostages, either military or civilians.” When asked how he could be calling for a cease-fire while also pledging to keep attacking Israel, Hamad replied: “What do you want us to do? To stop?” You should be angry at Hamas and at their fellow Palestinians for what they have done and what they are doing. Hamas is using Palestinians as human shields and Palestinians overwhelmingly support Hamas. It is Hamas who is to blame for their actions and the results of their actions.

            Peace and love is a great goal, Hamas will not allow it. Palestinians will not allow it. Iranians will not allow it.

      • “Get along with their neighbors… throughout history?” Europeans have persecuted Jews for centuries, this leading to the creation of a safe haven in Israel, the Jews’ ancestral homeland.

  2. That’s the fruit coming when parents are forward thinkers and they raise children develop into their Best. All the. Trauma and Abuse being Jewish experienced by the Jewish community. They don’t live like victims they don’t market it. That wouldn’t be good for their kids and the unborn who didn’t experienced the racism and inflictions, yet.
    Children can’t be successful when their parents always are dwelling upon past hurts and abuse. Always making mention about it. They didn’t go through it. They will follow their parents example watching them work hard, keep commitments, building a project, finishing the building project, saving and managing spending, and nurturing a happier healthier and smarter child.

  3. Palestinian invention should’ve included “a condom “
    However europeans improved upon their original design by actually removing the intestine from the goat.

    • MJD, Classic Comment!
      One is reminded of the verse that appeared in P.J. O’ Rouke’s National Lampoon some 50 years ;
      ” I Slam, You Slam, We all Slam for Islam”

  4. I’m surprised by a couple regular MRAK readers a couple here and others from on another article that MRAK has regular readers who are antisemetic. They want to diminish all the contributions of the Jewish community to the world. Amir Tsarfati is right after our Jewish neighbors found out the last two weeks how their neighbors really think of them. After the HAMAs and Isreal war is over millions more Jewish singles and families will move to Isreal their only friend.

    • Consider this.

      ‘https://gregreese.substack.com/p/religious-mind-control-and-the-impending

      Do we see dogmatic insistence on conformity here? Does it help us at all?

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