Well, he’s not really secret at all, but I thought that title would get your attention. Professor Isaac Ben-Israel has just been given the Distinguished Service Award by the International Astronautical Federation, in recognition of his “outstanding contribution” to space science, the IAF announced on January 28. More on his award, and what he has done for Israel in space and cyber weapons, can be found here: “Isaac Ben-Israel to get International Astronautical Federation prize,” by Aaron Reich, Jerusalem Post, January 28, 2024:
…Ben-Israel has long been a major player in Israel’s space and cyber sectors. In the past, he served in the Israel Air Force and managed to head the Defense Ministry’s Directorate for Defense Research and Development and Technological Infrastructure (MAFAT). This saw him make numerous contributions to Israel’s defense sector, in particular in the realm of space.
His work was so extensive that he became a two-time recipient of the Israel Defense Prize….
But Ben-Israel is arguably most famous for his contributions to Israel’s space sector.
In 2005, he began his 17-year tenure as the second-ever chairman of the Israel Space Agency, taking over the post from Yuval Ne’eman. Under his chairmanship, the Israel Space Agency saw the development of microsatellite projects and the creation of SpacePharma, which helped study antibacterial substances in zero-gravity environments.
He also helped oversee Israel’s joining of the Artemis Accords in 2022, as well as the launching of Israel’s second-ever astronaut, Eytan Stibbe, into space as part of the Rakia mission….
The IAF, in particular, noted Ben-Israel’s success in helping the Federation’s growth over the years due to his active participation.
The Distinguished Service Award for 2024, equivalent to a lifetime achievement award, will be awarded to Ben-Israel in a celebratory ceremony that will be held at the Federation’s “Spring Meetings” in Paris.
I have no idea what Professor Ben-Israel’s work is all about. But I have no doubt that his eminence is deserved. And I am fairly sure of three things. First, his work on the space and cyber sectors, including weapons, has been very important for the survival of the Jewish state. Second, there are many other Israeli scientists — dozens, hundreds — who, if not quite as gifted as Professor Ben-Israel, are the equal of the best weapons scientists to be found in the United States, China, and Russia. Israel is a very tiny country with a very deep bench of scientists, including those who work on weapons in both space and cyberspace.
Third, neither the Palestinians, nor all of the Arab states put together, have scientists who can match the team that Israel fields, year after year.
Ernie says
Mr. Fitzgerald , I hope Professor Isaac Ben-Israel is well guarded , very well guarded . And bragging , just a little bit as you’re doing here , hahaha ; I guess it , hahaha ,is just all right ….. ; )
James Lincoln says
Professor Isaac Ben-Israel’s IQ is likely double that of the average “so-called” Palestinian.