Birthright Israel Summit: 350 Leaders Target $2.6B Economic Impact

Birthright Israel opens its first Taglit Global Business Summit on November 1 at the Hilton Tel Aviv. The three-day event, titled "Shaping Our Future Together," convenes more than 350 business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs. The organization positions this gathering as a pivotal step in its 26-year history, marking the first dedicated business-focused assembly of its kind.

The attendee list includes more than 100 international guests from over 15 countries. These participants represent a diverse range of economic interests, with representatives arriving from Argentina, Australia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. They join Israeli executives and philanthropists to discuss innovation, capital allocation, and the country’s economic trajectory.

The opening evening on November 1 features a gala honoring the organization’s leadership and donors. Dr. Miriam Adelson, a long-time supporter, is among those recognized for her commitment to the group’s mission. President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to address the assembly. Meir Shamir, chairman of the Israeli Board of Donors, and Josh Nash, international chairman of Birthright Israel, will also participate in the proceedings.

The main program on November 2 focuses on technology and investment. Speakers include Sir Ronald Cohen, co-founder of Apax Partners, and Eyal Waldman, founder of Mellanox. Yinon Costica, co-founder of Wiz, and Sean Rad, founder of Tinder, are also on the roster. Amit Krig, NVIDIA’s Israel site leader, will discuss the tech sector’s role in the national economy.

Public figures and former officials join the corporate lineup. Yossi Cohen, former Mossad director, is scheduled to speak. Other participants include Shelly Landsmann, former Microsoft Israel CEO, and Yasmin Lukatz, founder of ICON. The agenda also features alumni who have transitioned from participants to prominent business figures, illustrating the long-term impact of the organization’s trips.

Avinatan Or, an NVIDIA engineer, will share his experience following his release from Hamas captivity after 738 days. He was abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Moran Samuel, an Israeli Paralympic basketball player and world champion rower, will also take part in the discussions.

Gidi Mark, Global CEO of Birthright Israel, described the summit as a natural extension of the group’s core mission. He stated that bringing global leaders to Israel serves as a strong signal of confidence in the country’s future. Ethy Levy, Vice President of Global Resource Development, noted that conversations at the event could lead to business partnerships, philanthropic initiatives, or new investments.

On November 3, attendees will leave the conference hall for site visits. They will tour Israeli companies, innovation centers, and communities involved in recovery efforts. Participants will also volunteer alongside current Birthright travelers. This final day builds on the group’s existing Business Forum, which connects nearly 60 Israeli companies with international stakeholders.

Since 1999, nearly one million young Jewish adults from 70 countries have participated in Birthright programs. The organization estimates these activities have added about $2.6 billion to the Israeli economy over 26 years. A March 2026 study by Brandeis University found that connection to Israel rose 60% among politically liberal participants, while it fell 26% among non-participants.