Freelance writer specialising in marine science, marine technology, policy, environment, conservation, and sustainability, I can help with your research, outreach, and communication needs.

Businesses, NGOs, government entities, research institutes, stakeholder groups, and others hire me to help ...

Dead Sea: Protecting coastlines

27 Feb 2023  |  Oceanographic  |  English  |  Sediment Transport

Around 24 percent of the world's sandy shorelines erode annually, posing significant financial and infrastructural challenges. Cutting-edge research in Israel, led by Haggai Eyal and supervised by Professors Nadav Lensky and Yehouda Enzel, focuses on understanding coastal erosion and sediment transport in the Dead Sea. Utilizing advanced technologies like Nortek's Signature1000 and Aquadopp 300 m current meter, the study reveals that wave action, rather than currents, primarily dictates sediment transport. The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, offer insights applicable to global coastal erosion challenges and aid in designing effective boulder-based breakwaters.

Tags:

University of California Geological Survey of Israel Hebrew University of Jerusalem Technische Universität Braunschweig

Factual

Factuality Scale

David Bailey is a journalist based in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Exit Strategies for COVID-19

12 Jun 2024  |  mathinvestor.org  |  English  |  Public Health

Marcos Lopez de Prado and Alexander Lipton present a new mathematical model (K-SEIR) to evaluate various exit strategies for COVID-19 lockdowns. They argue that universal lockdowns, while effective in saving lives, have caused significant economic and social harm, particularly to minorities and the working class. The K-SEIR model aims to help governments implement more targeted lockdowns that balance saving lives, protecting the vulnerable, and preventing the depletion of medical resources. The authors emphasize the need for tailored strategies based on national circumstances to better prepare for future pandemics.

Tags:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Cornell University MIT U.S. Congress

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Amelie Botbol is a freelance journalist based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. She specializes in Defense, Tech and Current Affairs. Amelie holds a Bachelor in journalism from Reichman University in Herzliya and a Masters in Counterterrorism. She was published on JNS.org, ToI, The JC and i24News.

Hostage children are even having to learn to eat again

01 Oct 2023  |  www.thejc.com  |  English  |  Hamas

Specialists treating children who were held hostage by Hamas express concern about the long-term effects of their ordeal. Former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked highlights the severe malnutrition and psychological trauma faced by the children, who are undergoing extensive medical and psychiatric treatment. Experts from various Israeli institutions emphasize the prolonged recovery process, noting issues such as distorted perception of time, fear, and potential for self-destructive behavior. Despite the grim circumstances, there is cautious optimism about the children's ability to recover fully.

Tags:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Bar-Ilan University Association of Friends of Schneider Children’s Hospital Hamas Schneider Children’s Hospital NATAL-Israel Trauma and Resiliency Centre

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Jessica Buxbaum is an independent journalist covering Palestine, Israel, and Syria.

As Israel Plans to Build Over Their Ruins, the Last Children of Lifta Dream of Return

06 Apr 2023  |  MintPress News  |  English  |  Urban development

The article by Jessica Buxbaum discusses the historical Palestinian village of Lifta, which stands as a symbol of the Palestinian right of return. The village was depopulated during the 1948 Nakba, and its ruins remain intact. The Israel Lands Authority (ILA) has issued a tender for a construction project, Plan 6036, which threatens to transform Lifta with new housing units, commercial space, and a luxury hotel. Public opposition delayed the tender, and the Save Lifta Coalition has been actively campaigning against the development, proposing an alternative plan to preserve the village. The article recounts the memories of former residents and their descendants, emphasizing the cultural and emotional significance of Lifta to the Palestinian community. It also touches on the legal and political efforts to save the village and the broader implications for the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Tags:

Municipality of Jerusalem Local Planning and Building Committee of Jerusalem Jerusalem District Court Hebrew University of Jerusalem Save Lifta Coalition Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) Israel Lands Council Haganah Historical Archives Jewish Agency World Monuments Fund UNESCO Zochrot Al-Haq

Helen Davidson is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan. Previously reporting on immigration, Indigenous affairs, and the Asia Pacific for Guardian Australia, she is now a correspondent covering China and the region for the Guardian.

Hamas reports clashes with IDF – as it happened

31 Oct 2023  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  International Relations

Hamas militants clashed with Israeli forces in Gaza, escalating the conflict and raising concerns for Palestinian civilians. Israel expanded ground operations in Gaza, targeting key roads and urban areas. The UN and various international bodies called for a humanitarian ceasefire, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis. The US reiterated its support for Israel's right to defend itself while urging for humanitarian pauses. Japan imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Hamas. The US House Republicans proposed $14.3bn in aid to Israel, sparking political debate. The situation remains dire with significant civilian casualties and ongoing international diplomatic efforts.

Tags:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem US House of Representatives Hamas Israeli Defense Forces UN UNRWA Republican Party Democratic Party Palestine Red Crescent ActionAid International Criminal Court Kremlin UN Security Council Qatar Egypt

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Hello, I am a freelance journalist based in Montevideo, Uruguay. I have worked for a number of news publications across three continents. Though I specialize in print and online journalism, I can also produce professional-level broadcast packages for television and radio.

Israeli Firm Prepares to Launch Countertop Olive Oil Appliance

06 Sept 2023  |  Olive Oil Times  |  English  |  Innovation

Israeli entrepreneurs are set to launch Olive X-Press, a countertop olive oil production appliance, ahead of the 2024 olive harvest. The device, compared to a coffee machine in size, combines grinding, malaxing, and decanting to produce olive oil at home within 45 minutes. The invention uses pressure instead of friction for extraction, resulting in a quieter and lower temperature process. The prototype will undergo testing and is expected to retail for about $250. The company plans to generate revenue from selling specially treated, vacuum-packaged olives for use in the appliance. The technology, X-Tend, will be licensed to olive growers to prepare olives for the machine. The olive oil produced has been validated by Professor Zohar Kerem of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to have similar health-promoting compounds to fresh extra virgin olive oils. The company has raised $3.5 million for the project and is seeking additional investors.

Tags:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade International Olive Council

Informative

Factuality Scale

Multilingual journalist with over 10 years of experience working for media outlets such as Agencia EFE (Spain), Channel News Asia (Singapore), Caracol (Colombia), and TRT (Turkey). Covered several wars, multiple elections, and two football World Cups.

Now based in Buenos Aires after working for ...

The unvaccinated, a drag on the success of rapid vaccination in Israel

23 Aug 2021  |  www.lavozdegalicia.es  |  Spanish  |  Public Health

Israel's initial success in rapid COVID-19 vaccination, primarily with Pfizer, has been undermined by a significant portion of the population refusing the vaccine. This has led to a resurgence of cases, driven by the Delta variant and waning immunity. Experts highlight that the unvaccinated, including significant numbers from the Arab minority and ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, are contributing to the strain on the healthcare system. Efforts are ongoing to administer a third dose, but challenges persist due to vaccine hesitancy rooted in socio-economic factors and misinformation.

Tags:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ben-Gurion University Ministry of Health

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Mareike Enghusen is a German freelance journalist, reporting for German print and online media about politics, economics and society in the Middle East since 2014. She speaks German, English, Spanish, French, Hebrew and Arabic. She holds an M.A. in Middle East & Islamic Studies from the American ...

War in Gaza Strip: Who was Saleh Al-Arouri?

03 Jan 2024  |  krzbb.de  |  German  |  Terrorism

Saleh Al-Arouri, a high-ranking Hamas leader, was interviewed by Israel's public broadcaster Kan following the 2011 deal for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, where Israel freed over a thousand Palestinian prisoners. His death has led to concerns from experts like Ronny Shaked of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem that Hezbollah might plan terror attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe as retaliation.

Tags:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Hamas Hezbollah

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Franziska Knupper is a journalist based in Berlin and Tel Aviv with a strong focus on Israel and the Middle East. She is currently writing for German- and English-speaking audiences and contributes both to radio as well as print media such as Deutschlandradio, Jerusalem Post, SWR, Spiegel Online, ...

High times in the Holy Land

17 Mar 2024  |  www.jpost.com  |  English  |  Cannabis legalization and export

The article discusses the burgeoning cannabis industry in Israel and its connections to the North American market. Dr. Ascher Shmulewitz, a key figure in the industry, and his son Omri, are involved in companies like Therapix Biosciences and Entou, which are innovating in the field of medical marijuana. The article highlights Israel's pioneering role in cannabis research, dating back to the 1960s with Prof. Raphael Mechoulam's isolation of THC. It also covers the business aspects, including the recent $12 million raised by Therapix on Nasdaq, and the potential for economic growth as predicted by Saul Kaye, CEO of iCan Israel-Cannabis. The government's support for the industry is evident through subsidies and increased medical licenses. The article also touches on the cultural and religious acceptance of cannabis in Israel, which may contribute to the industry's success.

Tags:

US National Institutes of Health Hebrew University of Jerusalem Weizmann Institute of Science Technion-Israel Institute of Technology New Frontier Data Health Ministry Orthodox Union

Michael Leidig is a journalist based in Wien, Austria.

Rare Roman Gladiator Swords Unearthed In Ancient Arms Cache

01 Oct 2023  |  ananova.news  |  English  |  Ancient History

A cache of remarkably well-preserved Roman swords, believed to be around 2,000 years old, has been discovered in a cave in Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel. The four swords, along with a javelin tip and wood shards, are thought to have been stolen by Jewish rebels from the Roman army and hidden in the cave. The discovery was made by researchers from Ariel University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who were studying an engraved stalactite. The Israeli Antiquities Authority is conducting DNA tests on the weapons to uncover more about their history.

Tags:

Ariel University Hebrew University of Jerusalem Israeli Antiquities Authority

Factual

Factuality Scale

Christabel Lobo is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

In Kochi, India, the once-thriving Jewish community is down to its last few members

17 Dec 2020  |  Sun Sentinel  |  English  |  Culinary Traditions

The article discusses the dwindling Jewish community in Kochi, India, which was once a vibrant group of around 3,000 in the 1950s but now has less than a dozen members. Shalva Weil, a senior researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, notes the near absence of a Jewish community in Kochi. The emigration of Jews from Kochi to Israel was not due to persecution but was driven by the creation of the State of Israel and family ties. The article recounts the rich cultural and religious history of the Jews in Kochi, their peaceful coexistence with other communities, and their unique culinary traditions. It also touches on the Citizenship Amendment Act in India and its implications for the Jewish community, although it is not expected to affect them significantly. The article concludes with the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the Paradesi Synagogue in 2018, which was seen as a commemoration of the community's end.

Tags:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Seymour Fox School of Education

Aisling Ní Chúláin is a video journalist based in Dublin, Ireland.

Pesticides reduce sperm quality - study

16 Nov 2023  |  ru.euronews.com  |  Russian  |  Environmental Impact

A study by researchers from George Mason University and Northeastern University indicates that pesticide exposure significantly reduces sperm concentration. The research, published in 'Environmental Health Perspectives,' reviewed 25 studies over 50 years, focusing on organophosphates and N-methylcarbamates. Findings show a consistent association between these pesticides and reduced sperm quality. Experts emphasize the public health risks and call for reduced pesticide exposure, especially for men planning to start families. The study aligns with previous research showing a global decline in sperm counts over the past 50 years, with an accelerated trend in recent decades.

Tags:

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Hadassah Braun School of Public Health National Library of Medicine Northeastern University George Mason University Environmental Health Perspectives Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Diego Ortiz is a photographer/cameraman based in Santiago, Chile.

Holocaust Studies Professor at Hebrew University of Jerusalem: 'Yes, it is a Genocide'

10 Dec 2024  |  Interferencia  |  Spanish  |  Israel-Palestine Conflict

Amos Goldberg, a Holocaust studies professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, asserts that the actions of Israel in Gaza constitute genocide. He argues that the scale and speed of violence, destruction, and dehumanization of Palestinians in Gaza reflect a deliberate attempt to annihilate Palestinian existence. Goldberg challenges the common justification of self-defense used by Israeli authorities, drawing parallels with historical genocides. His views have been reiterated in various interviews, emphasizing the need to view the situation beyond legal lenses. The article also touches on recent events involving Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, which Goldberg argues are unrelated to antisemitism but rather highlight the broader issue of genocide in Gaza.

Tags:

Museum of the United States Holocaust Memorial Hebrew University of Jerusalem La Haya

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Richie Santosdiaz is a known international trade and economic development subject matter expert - both as a consultant as well as commentator on this realm in both print and also video (live and pre-recorded). He is bilingual (English and Spanish) and has done 100+ pieces/interviews mainly in the ...

A 101 of The Startup Nation: Israel's Startup and Fintech Landscape

13 Feb 2021  |  thefintechtimes.com  |  English  |  Technology

Israel, despite its small population, has become a global leader in technology and innovation, particularly in the startup and fintech sectors. With the highest concentration of startups per capita in the world, Israel boasts a robust ecosystem supported by significant foreign direct investment from major multinationals and a highly educated workforce. The country has produced numerous unicorns, especially in fintech, and is a leader in cybersecurity. Challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles and talent emigration, but initiatives like regulatory sandboxes and international partnerships, such as the Abraham Accords, are poised to further stimulate growth. Israel's rapid COVID-19 vaccination rollout also contributes to its economic resilience.

Tags:

Ministry of Justice Ministry of Finance Israeli Ministry of Finance Hebrew University of Jerusalem Tel Aviv University United Nations Deloitte Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) World Bank Global Entrepreneurship and Development Institute Startupblink Team8 Fintech Fintech-Aviv Start-Up Nation Central Israeli Defence Force (IDF)

Anchal Vohra is a Beirut-based TV and Print journalist. She is a freelance Correspondent for AJ English and a writer on the Middle east for Foreign Policy. She also contributes to the Times, the Atlantic, the Telegraph, the New Statesman, and Berlin Policy Journal. Ms Vohra has been Deutsche Welle ...

Israel’s Wartime Economy Can’t Hold Up Forever

07 Nov 2023  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Economic Impact

Israel's economy is under severe strain due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas, impacting key sectors like agriculture, tourism, and technology. The war has led to significant labor shortages, business closures, and a plummeting shekel. Despite $200 billion in reserves and $14 billion in U.S. aid, experts predict a long and costly recovery. The government is urged to reallocate funds towards defense and economic aid, but political divisions hinder comprehensive solutions. The startup industry and civil society are making efforts to mitigate the economic fallout, but the long-term impact remains uncertain.

Tags:

Israeli Ministry of Agriculture Hebrew University of Jerusalem Bank of Israel Israeli Government Hamas

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Far Right

Political View