Thanks to Ophir Optics, in June I had the opportunity to visit Jerusalem where
the company's main manufacturing plant is located. Ophir makes the vital
lenses and mirrors needed by lasers to focus the light beam and to transit the
light. Seeing what it takes to produce a lens was quite fascinating. Ophir starts
with a raw piece of zinc selenide, grinds it or turns it to the needed
specifications and then coats it with various substances to provide enhanced
performance and scratch protection .

After seeing the company's manufacturing facility and also interviewing a user
of Ophir's new Black Magic lens, I had the opportunity, along with Ophir's U.S.
marketing manager Dianne Devereaux-Michael, to see some of the Holy
Land. We visited Old Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Jericho and Masada. In
Jericho I had the distinct pleasure of riding a camel. I would hope that
everyone has this pleasure someday. One thing I noticed was that the camel
got very testy if you failed to tip its owner.

From what I was told, there are only about 80 metal-fabricating job shops in
all of Israel. Because it has no natural resources except the capability of its
people, the country relies on exporting high-technology products to keep
manufacturing alive and to create jobs.

If you were wondering about our safety while visiting Israel, I found out that
much of the violence happens near the Gaza Strip, which is about 100 miles
south of Jerusalem. And, the recent tragedies occurring in Israel and Lebanon
didn't start until two weeks after my departure.

I am so grateful that I was able to experience the people and the culture of
Israel, and I hope that peace can soon be restored to that part of the world so
that others can have the same opportunity.

Russ Olexa
rolexa@ffjournal.net