The Matzav
In Hebrew, our ancient language that was revived to become the language of the modern day State of Israel, there is a short, two syllable word – “Matzav” - that is used to refer to and encapsulate the events of the period, whatever period that may be. Whether such events are health-related such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or politically-related such as the ongoing demonstrations during the past year, or whether they relate to the present situation. When an Israeli refers to the “matzav” in conversation, it is instantly understood. Matzav, literally translated as “situation” encapsulates everything about what is current and ongoing.
Currently, “matzav” refers to the barbaric events of October 7, 2023, the worst atrocities to be inflicted on the Jewish People since the Holocaust, and so reminiscent of that darkest hour, not just for the Jewish People, but for humanity. Matzav refers to our responsibility to eradicate evil, by force if necessary (and sadly, it is necessary). It refers to the unity of purpose in the country, seemingly torn apart by politics only the day before October 7, but never more united than now, with those not being called up for military service, volunteering and assisting in any way that they possibly can. Much has been written of these events and it seems that what has been said so far is just a drop in the ocean of all that will be said about the events of this tumultuous time in which we live, including what has happened, and perhaps even more so with regard to geopolitical events of which lay ahead of us, shrouded in the mists of the future.
One beacon of light amidst all of this is the very light whose spark was kindled in the instant that the events unfolded. I am not referring to the heroism of the defenders who jumped in to save thousands of people from the barbaric events, many of those defenders paying with their own lives to save others. I am referring to the light of belief and optimism, that even in the darkest hour, we will overcome and be undeterred in our mission to benefit society by our creativity. This started thousands of years ago with basic morals now shared by much of the world’s population, and known today as Judeo-Christian values concerning the sanctity of life and individual freedoms and responsibilities. This mission of light has continued in the modern era by what has come to be known as the Start Up Nation, whose developments in the fields of medicine, food and water technologies, and chip technologies, among others, have been successfully introduced into the fabric of society in dozens of countries the world over. It is these efforts that represent the light that the nation of Israel seeks to bring to the world at large.
In keeping with the momentous events that are happening at this time, this issue of our newsletter will not focus on IP matters, but on giving. More specifically, we will focus on three companies with whom we work, and their efforts to give to society. For those interested in donating to small business and social initiatives within Israel, we will provide a short list of such initiatives, together with a brief explanation of their activities and a link.
We look forward to reverting back to the business of business, and hope that in the meantime, you enjoy this special edition of our newsletter.
