The fourth Jerusalem Business Conference drew a full house to the Nefesh B’Nefesh campus in the Israeli capital on Wednesday, bringing English-speaking entrepreneurs from across the country together for a day of networking, learning and mutual encouragement in a year defined by disruption and reinvention.
Organized by Lesley Kaplan and the Israel Networking Hub in partnership with the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI) and Nefesh B’Nefesh, the event was titled “Own Your Voice: Building Business and Community.” The conference has become a central hub for immigrant business leaders looking to build professional lives in Israel while forming a strong sense of belonging.
“What emerged was a shared understanding that business success in Israel isn’t only measured in profits,” said Kaplan. “It’s also about resilience, meaning and community.”
Finding value and voice
The program began with Israeli tech influencer Hillel Fuld, an American immigrant, urging entrepreneurs to focus on delivering value. Attendee Bracha Leah Taitz said the top lineup had justified her trip from outside Jerusalem. “I heard how amazing the event was,” she told JNS. “The speakers really delivered.”
Media personality Rolene Marks, who writes for JNS, emphasized the power of narrative—personal and national—especially in challenging times. “To come here, start new lives and businesses, and thrive together—that is the story,” she told the crowd, weaving humor into lessons on branding.
Joseph Gitler, an American immigrant who founded Leket Israel, the leading food rescue organization in Israel, in 2003, reminded participants to stay grounded. “You can have the best idea and not be successful,” he said, underscoring the ongoing needs of Israel’s working poor.
A candid panel moderated by broadcast journalist Heather Dean featured media commentators Fleur Hassan-Nahoum who co-hosts JNS-TV’s The Quad, Debbie Sassen and Zev Levi, who spoke about public pressure and perseverance.
“You do get tougher with the years,” said Hassan-Nahoum, who was born in London and grew up in Gibraltar. “The brave ones are the 19-year-olds on the front lines.”
Former lawyer-turned-presenter Mike Mintz added that technology should serve—not replace—human creativity: “AI can’t replace you, but it can amplify your voice.”
ImpactIL: New initiative for immigrant innovators
The conference also served as the launchpad for ImpactIL, a new program aimed at empowering immigrant entrepreneurs and strengthening their integration into Israel’s business landscape. Organizers said the initiative would connect “olim” to mentorship, networks and practical tools to accelerate success.
Throughout the day, the corridors buzzed with business cards exchanged and collaborations formed. Round-table networking sessions helped newcomers forge relationships with seasoned business owners.
In a year of uncertainty, organizers and attendees said the gathering reinforced a simple truth: immigrants dreaming boldly in Israel—together. “They are overcoming challenges, growing and ultimately thriving, side by side,” said Kaplan, reflecting the spirit that carried the event from start to finish.
