The story of Israeli entrepreneurship is a testament to resilience, innovation and the unwavering commitment to family and community. From humble family businesses to modern-day tech startups, Israeli entrepreneurs around the globe, but especially in the Jewish state, have continually defied the odds, building thriving enterprises amid nonstop adversity.
For investors looking for a blend of financial returns, hasbarah and cultural legacy, investing in startups inside Israel offers not only a potential windfall but also an opportunity to support a heritage of creativity and perseverance that has shaped industries worldwide.
Let’s be honest, our brothers and sisters in Israel are hurting right now, and as we mark the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre, I hope more Jewish and pro-Israel investors will consider putting their money to work inside Israel because the Israeli start-up community needs our support more than ever before.
As we all know, our Jewish history is replete with examples of entrepreneurship and resilience. From small merchants in medieval Europe to traders along the Silk Road, Jewish families have long played pivotal roles in global commerce.
Despite the frequent persecution and displacement that we’ve faced, our communities channeled our resourcefulness into building businesses that sustained us and our families.
These businesses were often intergenerational, passed down from parents to children, creating not just financial security but a sense of identity and continuity. Or, as we say in Hebrew, L’dor v’dor—“From generation to generation.”
Fast-forward to the late-19th and early-20th centuries, and we see Jewish entrepreneurs at the forefront of innovation across industries. In the United States, figures like Levi Strauss, whose iconic denim jeans became a symbol of American grit, and Estée Lauder, a pioneer in the beauty industry, laid the groundwork for the modern Jewish entrepreneurial spirit.
In more recent years, Israel has produced some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the global tech scene, with figures like Shai Agassi, founder of Better Place, which sought to revolutionize electric vehicles; Gil Shwed, co-founder of Check Point Software, a global leader in cybersecurity; and Amnon Shashua, co-founder of Mobileye, whose cutting-edge autonomous driving technology was acquired by Intel for $15.3 billion.
Additionally, Stef Wertheimer, a self-made billionaire, founded Iscar, a precision tool manufacturing company later sold to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. These visionaries have shaped not only Israeli entrepreneurship but have had a profound impact on industries worldwide.
All of these founders and entrepreneurs had this in common: They combined traditional values of hard work, family unity and ethical business practices with an uncanny ability to spot opportunities and create products that revolutionized their respective sectors.
Today, the entrepreneurial flame continues to burn brightly inside Israel, which is often dubbed the “Start-Up Nation.” With the highest number of start-ups per capita in the world, Israel has become a global hub for innovation in fields such as cybersecurity, biotechnology and artificial intelligence. Companies like Waze, Mobileye and Wix have achieved international acclaim, while countless other smaller startups are disrupting industries and solving global challenges.
The remarkable success of Israeli start-ups is not merely the result of access to cutting-edge technology. It is rooted in values that have long defined entrepreneurship: resilience in the face of adversity, a commitment to education and a drive to innovate in the most difficult of circumstances. Israel’s geopolitical challenges have, in many ways, fueled its technological prowess, as necessity has driven innovation. From water scarcity solutions to defense technologies, Israeli entrepreneurs have turned obstacles into opportunities, a mindset that has become ingrained in the country’s start-up culture.
At a time when markets are volatile and traditional investment vehicles can seem uncertain, start-ups in Israel offer a unique opportunity for U.S. investors.
These companies represent more than just engines of economic growth; they represent a legacy of determination, creativity and cultural pride that has weathered centuries of adversity. By investing in Jewish-led ventures inside Israel, investors can participate in a story of survival and triumph while positioning themselves for future financial success.
Investing in Israeli startups provides a unique blend of hasbara and investment returns. I say we all do our part here in America to support this sector of the Israeli community now more than ever before.