Yesterday’s racist murder of Israelis and a Druze policeman in Jerusalem by two Palestinians has captured world media headlines. Many in Israel have concentrated on the lack of professional standards, demonstrated by the BBC, CNN and others, as well as the whimppish condemnation by President Abbas.

What concerns me is that the noise covers up another side of Israel – an Israel that represents the continuous strive for economic progress and pluralism. So, as five families mourn, several Palestinian villages gloat and journalists scramble for new information, here are some stories that have fallen off the edge of the battle field in the social media war.

Today, I will concentrate on the economy and social issues.

Microsoft in Israel: Microsoft has a strong r&d presence in the Holy Land. It is also active in empowering new start-ups. For example, the CEO in Israel, Yoram Ya’acovi, this week gave a lecture to  the multi-ethnic incubator in Nazereth. It should also be noted that a significant of the Business Intelligence surrounding the ‘Cortana’ element in Windows 10 was developed in Herzylia.

Time Magazine – Israeli technology: Outbrain is an Israeli content recommendation company’s solutions. Its capability points readers on the internet towards interesting articles. Time Inc., America’s largest magazine publisher, has signed up for Outbrain’s package, which is expected to deliver an extra US$100m of digital revenue of the next few years.

Intel: Intel is about to set up its fourth factory in Israel. Aside from chip production, it is also invests in new research. MICA, its new electronic trendy wrist gadget, has been developed in Herzylia and is soon to hit shops around the globe.

Yale Locks: Yale is a large conglomerate that has dominated the international lock market for decades. Based in Sweden, not noted for its support of Israel recently, the company has been reported in the Hebrew press as looking to create a strong presence in Israel. The aim is to create 40 small outlets within the mega stores of Home Centre, which will generate sales of around 100 million nis (US$25m) by 2017.

American Eagle: This international clothing powerhouse has been operating in Israel for about two years. The franchise is managed by Fox, which dominates the local clothing market. Today’s financial newspapers contain reports that AE is so pleased with the results to date that it is building a platform to invest directly in Fox.

Just five positive stories about Israel that the international media does not report. I will develop this theme in my next blog.