Birthright Israel Targets $2.6 Billion Economic Impact With 350-Person Summit

Birthright Israel is holding its first Taglit Global Business Summit at the Hilton Tel Aviv from November 1 to 3. The organization positions the three-day event as a shift from its traditional focus on educational trips to direct economic engagement. It expects to host more than 350 business leaders, investors, and philanthropists. The gathering is titled 'Shaping Our Future Together.'

Organizers project that the summit will draw attendees from at least 15 countries. More than 100 participants will travel from outside Israel, including delegations from Argentina, Australia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. These international guests will meet with local executives to discuss innovation, philanthropy, and investment opportunities. The event marks a new phase in the group's 26-year history.

The opening ceremony on November 1 will honor key supporters of the organization. President Isaac Herzog is expected to address the crowd. Dr. Miriam Adelson, a long-time backer, will be recognized for her philanthropic contributions. Meir Shamir, chairman of the Israeli Board of Donors, and Josh Nash, international chairman of Birthright Israel, will also speak. Corporate representatives from NVIDIA, Wiz, Elbit Systems, El Al, and monday.com will attend the gala.

The main program on November 2 features speakers from technology and finance. Sir Ronald Cohen, co-founder of Apax Partners, will discuss impact investing. Eyal Waldman, founder of Mellanox, and Yinon Costica, co-founder of Wiz, will present their backgrounds. Sean Rad, founder of Tinder, will speak as a program alumnus. Yossi Cohen, former Mossad director, and Amit Krig, NVIDIA's Israel site leader, are also on the agenda.

The summit includes participants with personal ties to recent events. Avinatan Or, an NVIDIA engineer, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. He was held for 738 days before his release. Moran Samuel, a Paralympic basketball player and world champion rower, will also take part. Gidi Mark, the organization's Global CEO, described the event as a natural extension of its mission. He stated that bringing global leaders to Israel serves as a statement of confidence in the country's future.

On November 3, attendees will visit Israeli companies and innovation centers. They will also volunteer with current participants and visit communities supported since October 7. The event builds on the group's Business Forum, which currently involves nearly 60 Israeli companies. Since 1999, nearly one million young adults from 70 countries have joined Birthright programs. The organization estimates these activities have contributed approximately $2.6 billion to the Israeli economy through travel and local spending.