cal Competitors

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is the military of the State of Israel, responsible for the nation's defense and security. Founded in 1948, the IDF ranks among the most battle-tested armed forces in the world, having had to defend the country in six major wars. At the age of 18, men and women are required to do mandatory military service in one of the IDF's three branches - Ground Forces, Air Force, and Navy. The Israel Defense Forces is unique in its inclusion of mandatory conscription of women. Men and women of all ranks serve side by side in various positions such as pilots, captains, combat soldiers, intelligence, doctors, technicians and much more. This national service brings together Israelis from all sectors of society, religions and backgrounds. The IDF is considered to be one of the world's most technologically-advanced militaries and contributes greatly to Israel's thriving culture of tech start-ups and cutting-edge innovation.

Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ. For 40 years, Samaritan's Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ's command by going to the aid of the world's poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns us a hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Our emergency relief programs provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. As we offer food, water, and temporary shelter, we meet critical needs and give people a chance to rebuild their lives. Our community development and vocational programs in impoverished villages and neighborhoods help people break the cycle of poverty and give them hope for a better tomorrow. We impact the lives of vulnerable children through educational, feeding, clothing, and shelter programs that let them know they are not forgotten. We provide first-class treatment in the Name of the Great Physician through our medical projects, as well as supplying mission hospitals with much needed equipment and supplies.

Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) is the second largest and one of the most progressive full-service healthcare treatment and research institutions in Israel. Medical Center physicians integrate their clinical care with research on a daily basis. Each year, hundreds of research studies, both basic science and clinical, are conducted within the Medical Center’s walls, in search of new medical understanding and to develop new diagnostic and treatment modalities. The Medical Center leads the country in the number of research projects conducted. In 2010, the Medical Center was the top facility in research funding.