Netanyahu, Technion, UN

UN General Assembly hears of Technion innovation.

On September 27, 2012, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations. In his address, Netanyahu showcased Technion as an institute producing many of the life saving innovations that are making the world a better place. (5:49)

“At the end of Yom Kippur we celebrate the rebirth of Israel… we celebrate the marvel of the flourishing modern Jewish State,” said Netanyahu, sharing the blend of ancient and state-of-the-art which characterizes Israeli culture,  “We blaze new trails in science. technology, medicine, agriculture… in Israel the past and the future find common ground…” Netanyahu outlined the vision of modernity, in which Israel is seeking “a bright future in which the rights of all are protected, in which an ever expanding digital library is available in the palm of every child, in which every life is sacred.”

“Israel is also making the world a better place. Our scientists win Nobel Prizes, Our know-how is in every cellphone and computer that you’re using. We prevent hunger by irrigating arid land in Africa and Asia,” said the Israeli Prime Minister.

“Recently, I was deeply moved when I visited Technion, and I saw a man paralyzed from the waist down climb up a flight of stairs fairly easily with the aid of an Israeli invention. Israel’s exceptional creativity is matched by our remarkable compassion. When disaster strikes anywhere in the world… Israeli doctors are among the first on the scene performing life saving surgery… It’s because Israel cherishes life that Israel cherishes peace and seeks peace.”
The innovation described to the general assembly is the ReWalk, produced by the company Argo Medical. Literally giving paraplegics the means to walk, climb stairs and even drive, the device was recently featured on the popular TV show ‘Glee’. You can find out more about the ReWalk in the Technion video to the right.