Moving to a new country is filled with challenges
and couples with children do not simply want to make ends meet
Current economic times are making it harder to own a home and afford a good education or save for retirement
lateral thinking and a pioneering mentality are needed
a small city in the north not far from Afula
is developing an affordable new neighborhood for English speakers
The city lies between the magnificent Nazareth mountain ridge and the beautiful Jezreel Valley foothills in the Lower Galilee
Known as the “Silicon Valley of the North” due to the business parks it has developed
the city is abuzz with high-tech and precision manufacturing industries as well as new biotech
Not only does this mean the city is faring well economically
but it also shows there are many opportunities for development and employment
Migdal HaEmeq has been awarded a National Priority Zone A status
which means there are many tax breaks for businesses and individuals and extra subsidies for housing and education
“Olim (immigrants) get extra support from the government for moving to this part of the country
over and above the usual Absorption Basket given to olim,” says Oded Feuer
they get support from the city when they make their home in Migdal HaEmeq
An aerial view of Migdal HaEmeq with its magnificent scenery
“Moving to Migdal HaEmeq will enable olim to save thousands of dollars or shekels on housing
will even make the effort to help them find employment in a multitude of top companies and fields.”
In an effort to encourage English speakers to join the community
the World Zionist Organization (WZO) has joined forces with the Migdal HaEmeq Municipality and the Ministry for Development of the Negev and the Galilee to launch an exciting new project – the creation of a new community for English-speaking olim in a brand new neighborhood surrounded by magnificent views
“This neighborhood will be open to olim straight off the plane,” Feuer says
“But we also hope to attract olim who are not new to the country; olim who have already integrated and know their way around Israel
but are looking to improve their quality of life
“Migdal HaEmeq may not be a new city in Israel
but this neighborhood is a new development and therefore
we are looking for people who are pioneers
We are hoping to be able to bring three or four dozen families to the city in the summer and they will form the first English-speaking community of Migdal HaEmeq.”
the intention is to integrate Israelis with olim to help them assimilate
“We don’t want the olim to stick in their own communities and not mix with the locals
so we are encouraging Sabras from within Israel and returning Israelis (including university faculty members and researchers) from English-speaking countries to consider the new neighborhood as well,” he says
One of the major benefits for the first group of olim that will join the project is the temporary housing that will be supplied
so they won’t need to worry about finding homes when they arrive – and it will be subsidized as part of the package
There are about 30,000 residents registered in the city and about 115,000 other people who come in daily to use the services especially in the business parks
These parks run 24 hours a day with employees working in shifts
One of the many hi-tech companies at Migdal HaEmeq’s business park
Migdal HaEmeq is an easy commute to many of the major cities in Israel
A 55-minute drive will take you to Tel Aviv and you can reach Jerusalem in about 80 minutes
The train station is five minutes drive and Highway 6
Giving your children a good Jewish education
Mayor Eli Barda has taken on the portfolio of education as his major focus because he understands how important it is for parents to be able to give their children the best possible education
Migdal HaEmeq has an excellent school system and the city has received various education awards – the National Award for Education in 2009
as well as two other awards for excellence in education over the past six years
Barda is proud of the efforts made to keep the standards high and he feels it’s important for everyone outside the city to know that this is a good place to come and settle
And there are many financial benefits in the area of education as well
are very expensive in Israel,” says Pelleg
“Even if you go to the kibbutzim in the area
you’ll find the cost of kindergarten very high
it could cost as little as 850 shekels per month
olim families receive many benefits for their children during the first year of Aliyah
including exemption from school tuition fees; full funding for meals at kindergarten and elementary school; free school text books and tiyulim (excursions); funding for one extra-curricular activity per child; extra help in Hebrew for children and help with their homework; and counseling and support for college students
“We offer a complete absorption process from A to Z,” says Pelleg
assist with registering their children at kindergarten and elementary school
offer free tickets for performances and cultural evenings in the city
and integrate them into the community and the Israeli way of life.”
Citizens of Migdal HaEmeq enjoy a rich cultural life from theatre shows and music concerts to lectures
The city has an award-winning dance troupe and choir and excellent facilities for sports fans
The new neighborhood will cater to all religious streams from secular to Haredi and will include religious schools and kindergartens
a religious Zionist community and a Beit Midrash
“We want to give olim a soft landing and a warm ‘hugging’ experience
And then they’ll feel like they’re part of a community
like they’re coming home to a very welcoming place,” he concludes
will participate in a road show around the US and Canada from March 2-10 as part of various Aliyah Expos taking place
Please contact Zev Berman, Program Director, Olim LaGalil Project, North America, tel: 929 224 2545, email: galil@wzo.org.il or Habayta, the WZO’s Aliyah Promotion Unit in Israel, tel: +972 2 620 2741, email Habayta@wzo.org.il or visit the website: www.wzo.org.il/OlimLaGalil for further information
© copyrights reserved to The Israel Democracy Institute
The 2022 elections resulted in a clear victory for former Prime Minister Netanyahu
even though voters were split on whether they wanted him back in office
[Lists that did not clear the threshold and are not strongly identified with either bloc have been omitted
Therefore the total is very close to but not exactly 100%.]
In terms of votes received there was near parity between the two blocs
The Netanyahu bloc outpolled the anti-Netanyahu bloc by about 30,000 votes
This is less than the equivalent of one Knesset seat
While usually first-past-the-post systems (as in the United States
and other countries) are associated with results that often do not reflect the voters’ preferences
the same can happen in proportional systems like Israel’s
the system produced a clear result: 64 Knesset seats for the Netanyahu bloc
as the leader of the rightwing and ultra-Orthodox camp
was smart enough to reach Election Day in optimum condition
None of the lists in his camp was in danger of not clearing the threshold (except for Ayelet Shaked’s Jewish Home party); all four lists had signed surplus vote agreements
the bloc almost fully minimized the risk that its votes would go to waste
The split in the Joint List and Merav Michaeli’s refusal to have Labor and Meretz run on a single slate left the bloc with eight lists
five of which were wobbling as election day approached
There were only two surplus vote agreements
leaving four other lists in proud isolation
This incompetence exacted a heavy price: Because Meretz and Balad did not pass the electoral threshold
Meretz’ failure to reach the threshold turned its surplus vote agreement with Labor into a dead letter
leaving only that between Yesh Atid and the National Unity Party as effective
everyone kept saying that the level of the turnout would be decisive
The graph above shows that the turnout did play a major role in the story
The Arabs rallied to the flag this time; their turnout rose by 8.5%
only 53.2% of eligible Arab voters went to the polls
which is much less than the countrywide average
there was a clear surge in the turnout in Likud strongholds (development towns
Jerusalem) as compared to the elections in 2021
turnout was the same or slightly lower than last year in the strongholds of the center-left (Tel Aviv
Kibbutzim: Not including those affiliated with the Religious Kibbutz Movement and kibbutzim beyond the Green Line
Well-off cities in central Israel (socioeconomic clusters 8 and 9): Givatayim
Middle-class cities in central Israel (socioeconomic cluster 7): Holon
Settlements: Jewish localities beyond the Green Line
not including the two ultra-Orthodox cities
Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi): On the basis of the voting in the three heavily ultra-Orthodox cities—Elad
A group of European students spent three weeks visiting the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva in Migdal Ha'emek, Israel, getting a taste of Yeshiva learning and life. Full Story
A group of students from all over Europe have recently spent three weeks getting a taste of Yeshiva life in Israel
The students visited the Chabad Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Migdal HaEmek
such as classes and chavrusas in Chassidus
through which the students acquired broad knowledge in Judaism and Chassidus
by studying one-to-one with yeshiva students
“The students appreciated learning about Chabad and the Rebbe
enjoyed farbrengens and discovering niggunim,” organizers said
“And by sleeping and eating in the yeshiva
they really got the opportunity to experience the warmth of Tomchei Tmimim,” they said
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manufacturer and marketer of innovative bio-active lipid ingredients and nutritional products
today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement under which Frutarom
will acquire Enzymotec for $11.90 per share in cash
The transaction will be completed by way of a merger under the Israeli Companies Law
The transaction has received unanimous approval by Enzymotec’s Board of Directors and implies an equity value of approximately $290 million
The offer of $11.90 per share in cash represents a premium of 39.8% percent over the price of Enzymotec’s ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market on July 31
the date on which Frutarom first disclosed an ownership position in Enzymotec
A shareholder meeting to approve the transaction is expected to be held in December 2017
Enzymotec currently anticipates the transaction will close in the first quarter of 2018
“We are pleased that we have reached an amicable agreement with Frutarom in a manner that benefits our shareholders,” said Steve Dubin
“We believe that our customers will also benefit from the merger through Frutarom’s global presence and our employees will have the opportunity to thrive under Frutarom’s leadership as one of the world’s top companies in its field.”
The proposed transaction is subject to approval by the shareholders of Enzymotec and fulfillment of certain other customary conditions to closing
Enzymotec has agreed to nominate three nominees selected by Frutarom for election to its board of directors at the upcoming shareholder meeting in addition to one nominee selected by Enzymotec
Meitar Liquornik Geva Leshem Tal and White & Case LLP are acting as legal counsel
Rothschild is acting as financial advisor to Enzymotec
Enzymotec (NASDAQ:ENZY) is a leading global supplier of specialty lipid-based products and solutions
manufactures and markets innovative bio-active lipid ingredients
based on sophisticated processes and technologies
please visit Enzymotec’s website at: www.enzymotec.com
Frutarom (LSE:FRUT) (TASE:FRUT) is a leading global company operating in the global flavors and natural fine ingredients markets
Frutarom has significant production and development centers on all six continents and markets and sells over 60,000 products to more than 30,000 customers in over 150 countries
Frutarom’s products are intended mainly for the food and beverages
Information provided in this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
as amended that involve risks and uncertainties
statements about the expected timing of the merger
the satisfaction or waiver of any conditions to the proposed merger
projections about Enzymotec’s business and its future revenues
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations
estimates and projections about Enzymotec and its industry as of the date of this press release
Enzymotec undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements
including: (1) Enzymotec may be unable to satisfy other conditions to the closing of the proposed merger; (2) the proposed merger may involve unexpected costs
liabilities or delays; (3) the occurrence of any event
change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; (4) the ability to recognize benefits of the proposed merger; (5) risks that the proposed merger disrupts current plans and operations and the potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the proposed merger; (6) impact of the proposed merger on relationships with Enzymotec’s commercial counter-parties and (7) other risks that may imperil the consummation of the merger
which may result in the merger not being consummated within the expected time period or at all
as well as the risks described in Enzymotec’s filings with the SEC
please refer to Enzymotec’s filings with the SEC
including its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31
and its Reports of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC
In connection with the proposed transaction
Enzymotec will prepare a proxy statement to be delivered to its shareholders
and intends to furnish such proxy statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission under cover of Form 6-K by mid-August
Before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the transaction
investors and security holders of Enzymotec are urged to read the proxy statement and the other relevant materials when they become available because they will contain important information about the transaction
The proxy statement and other documents may be obtained for free by directing such request to our proxy solicitor whose details are set forth below or at www.enzymotec.com
New York 10016 (212) 929-5500 (Call Collect) or Call Toll-Free (800) 322-2885 E-mail: enzymotec@mackenziepartners.com
Company:Enzymotec Ltd.Dror IsraelChief Financial OfficerPhone: +972-74-7177177ir@enzymotec.com
Investor Relations:The Ruth GroupTram Bui / Alexander LoboPhone: 646-536-7035 / 7037tbui@theruthgroup.com alobo@theruthgroup.com
today announced that it has acquired all rights pertaining to five nutritional products from Union Springs Healthcare
a company founded by renowned health care entrepreneur
The products – formulated to help support brain health
sold and marketed through Enzymotec’s U.S.-based VAYA Pharma Inc
Roger Griggs will now act as a senior advisor to the company
“This acquisition demonstrates the tremendous expansion opportunities we see in VAYA as we work diligently to execute on our renewed growth strategy
We look forward to collaborating with Roger Griggs as his expertise aligns with Enzymotec’s mission to enhance personal health and well-being across the entire health spectrum,” commented Erez Israeli
Enzymotec’s President and Chief Executive Officer
“We remain focused on VAYA’s profitability as these complementary products will immediately contribute to revenue
to support our expanded portfolio we intend to partner with local pharmacies
institute a new digital marketing platform with consumer support groups and launch social media programs to drive increased awareness and sales.”
Enzymotec will receive all rights to Union Springs Healthcare’s portfolio of clinically validated nutritional supplement products
Union Springs Healthcare will receive an upfront cash payment of $3.6 million as well as warrants to purchase up to 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (with an exercise price calculated using the 45-day average closing price of the Company’s shares before the closing)
Union Springs Healthcare will receive single digit royalties on sales
as well as milestone payments up to an additional total of $22 million based on the achievement of sales targets ranging from $10 million to $100 million
stated “We have the unique opportunity to further define the growing ‘specialty nutrition’ space
which creates new options for healthcare practitioners to better manage their patients’ needs with lower costs
The addition of our products and existing partnerships will broaden the reach of the products
enhance channels of distribution and improve field call efficiencies across the board
We also look forward to leveraging Enzymotec’s formidable science and sales and marketing infrastructure to scale up our existing collaborations with healthcare professionals who are searching for a clinically validated yet more natural approach to medicine.”
The five products joining VAYA’s product portfolio include:
LuciPlex®: A comprehensive brain health formula comprised of a proprietary blend of primarily natural based ingredients formulated and clinically validated to help support memory
NoctoPlex®: A sleep formula comprised of a proprietary blend of primarily natural based ingredients that is formulated to enhance the duration and quality of sleep
NoctoPlex® for Kids: A first-of-its-kind sleep formula designed specifically for children 5-17 years of age
This unique formula is comprised of a proprietary blend of primarily natural ingredients that is formulated to enhance the onset
AddiVance® for Kids: A comprehensive behavioral formula that supports focus and cognition
AddiVance is a bio-optimized dietary supplement designed to address dietary deficiencies common to maturing children and actively works to promote behavior improvement
Livenium™: A product that is currently under the final stages of development as a comprehensive calmness facilitating product
LLCUnion Springs Healthcare is a privately held healthcare company committed to providing healthcare professionals and their patients with a diversified portfolio of prescription quality
primarily naturally derived healthcare products
Union Springs Healthcare products are developed to provide adjunctive health benefits to physicians
Enzymotec is a leading global supplier of specialty lipid-based products and solutions
Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933
as amended and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S
that are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management
Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should,” “will,” “would” or similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes and the negatives of those terms
Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations
potential market opportunities and the effects of competition
Such statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our future results
performance or achievements to differ significantly from the results
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements
affecting the ability of our customers to market infant nutrition products containing INFAT®
which could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations; we rely on our Swedish joint venture partner to manufacture INFAT®; growth in the Chinese economy has moderated and this slowdown and related volatility could adversely impact demand for our products in China; the demand for products based on omega-3
has declined in the past and may continue to decline
together with a significant increase in capacity by competing manufacturers
may continue to cause intense competition and price pressures; Chinese regulations relating to infant formula are under re-examination
and any regulatory changes affecting the ability of our customers to market infant nutrition products containing INFAT® could adversely affect our business; our inventories include sensitive compounds which may face spoilage or obsolescence; our inventory remains relatively high compared to our manufacturing needs
difficult to manage and sensitive to adverse processes or events and
our ability to manage it remains subject to other external factors such as market trends
regulatory and import constraints as well as certain damaging events
import constraints and certain accreditation needs
all of which may have an adverse effect on our profitability; a significant portion of the sales of our INFAT® product is to a small number of customers and if such customers were to suffer financially or reduce their use of INFAT® our business could be materially adversely affected; variations in the cost of raw materials for the production of our products may have a material adverse effect on our business
financial condition and results of operations; our offering of products as "medical foods" may be challenged by regulatory authorities; the outcome of the Company's discussions with the FDA relating to the Import Alert; our product development cycle is lengthy and uncertain
and our development or commercialization efforts for our products may be unsuccessful; we are dependent on a single facility that houses the majority of our operations
and disruptions at this facility could negatively affect our business
financial condition and operations; we depend on third parties to obtain raw materials
necessary for the production of our products and if we cannot secure sufficient supply sources at competitive prices or need to utilize a greater percentage of frozen krill than anticipated with current inventory levels
our gross profits from the sale of krill oil will be adversely affected; we anticipate that the markets in which we participate will become more competitive due in part to business combinations among existing competitors
the arrival of new competitors and technological developments; our results are subject to quarterly fluctuations; we may have to pay royalties with respect to sales of our krill oil products in the United States or Australia
and any infringement of intellectual property of others could require us to pay royalties; unfavorable publicity or consumer perception of our products
the supplements that contain them as ingredients and any similar products distributed by other companies could have a material adverse effect on our reputation
which may prove unsuccessful or be delayed by certain factors; if we are unable to maintain manufacturing efficiency and quality and meet our customers’ needs
our financial performance could be adversely affected; we could be subject to product liability lawsuits
which could result in costly and time-consuming litigation and significant liabilities; our dependence on international sales
which expose us to risks associated with the business environment in those countries; and other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31
2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16
You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable
performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur
These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof
and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements