The article highlights the humanitarian efforts of Israeli military doctors at the Halamish Army Base in the occupied West Bank, who provide urgent medical care to Palestinians despite the ongoing conflict. It recounts the story of Shadi, a young Palestinian boy who received life-saving treatment from Dr. Eran Poran and his team after a severe accident. The piece explores the ethical considerations and risks involved in treating Palestinians at an Israeli military base, emphasizing the doctors' commitment to their medical oath and human compassion over political and security concerns.

A government proposal to reduce the number of Asian chefs in Israel from 900 to 500 has sparked outrage among restaurateurs, staff, and consumers. The Israeli Ethnic Restaurant Organisation has appealed to the Supreme Court against the policy, arguing that it will force many restaurants to close due to a lack of skilled chefs. The government aims to bolster the local workforce and reduce foreign work permits, but industry experts and restaurateurs argue that authentic Asian cuisine requires chefs of East Asian descent. The proposal is seen as part of broader economic reforms linked to Israel's potential inclusion in the OECD. Critics argue that the policy is economically unsound and culturally insensitive, and doubt the feasibility of training Israelis to replace experienced Asian chefs.

The article discusses the escalating global water crisis, highlighting predictions by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of critical water shortages in various regions by the end of the century. It explores the international security implications, citing historical and ongoing conflicts over water resources in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Palestine. The article emphasizes the need for cooperation and innovative solutions like desalination and wastewater recycling to address the crisis. Despite the tensions, joint water committees from the Oslo peace agreement continue to meet, underscoring the necessity of collaboration over conflict.

At the UN desert conference, the Arab world was notably absent, highlighting the dominance of politics over science in addressing land degradation and desertification. UN ambassador Uriel Safriel commented on the political body's precedence over scientific concerns. Jordan's representative Khaled Nassar maintained a low profile after his colleagues were denied entry visas to Israel. Nader al-Khateeb of the Palestinian Authority pointed to Israeli military action as a major factor in desertification but noted ongoing behind-the-scenes environmental cooperation.

The UN Conference on Deserts and Desertification was informed that future global conflicts may center on water scarcity rather than oil if climate change and poverty are not addressed. The conference, co-hosted by the UNCCD and Israel's Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, aims to find solutions to desertification. Israel's expertise in dryland development was highlighted, with innovative technologies such as drip irrigation and desalinisation being discussed. The conference also focuses on the potential of deserts for human betterment, with Israel's practices serving as a model.

Israeli muralist Rami Meiri, known for his bright, acrylic murals depicting Israel's lighter side, has been expanding his work internationally. Recently, he completed a mural at an elementary school in Lixian Township, China, as part of an Israeli government initiative aimed at cultural and technological exchange. Despite language barriers, Meiri found the experience magical and special, using his art to communicate with the local schoolchildren.

Following a suicide bombing at Tel Aviv's Central bus station in April, Hilla, a 50-year-old cleaner and mother of three, suffered life-altering injuries and financial hardship. Rabbi Menahem Kutner, director of Israel's Victims of Terror Project, is assisting Hilla through a network of over 1,000 volunteers. The project, under the umbrella of Chabad, provides services to bombing victims and their families, emphasizing the message of solidarity and support.