350 Business Leaders Convene in Tel Aviv for First Global Summit

Birthright Israel will host the Taglit Global Business Summit, titled Shaping Our Future Together, at the Hilton Tel Aviv from November 1 to November 3. The organization stated that the event will mark the first time its international network of supporters gathers in Israel for a dedicated business forum. The three-day schedule combines a gala, executive speeches, and site visits to local companies.

More than 350 participants will attend the summit, including business leaders, investors, and philanthropists from Israel and abroad. Over 100 attendees will travel from more than 15 countries, with delegations coming from Argentina, Australia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. The group will join Israeli executives from major firms such as NVIDIA, Wiz, Elbit Systems, El Al, and monday.com.

Dr. Miriam Adelson, Meir Shamir, and Josh Nash will play key roles in the event. Adelson is a leading supporter of the organization, while Shamir chairs the Israeli Board of Donors. Nash serves as the international chairman and manages Ulysses Management. President Isaac Herzog is expected to address the gathering on the opening night.

The program on November 2 will feature speakers from technology, finance, and public life. The roster includes Sir Ronald Cohen, Eyal Waldman, Yinon Costica, and Sean Rad. Avinatan Or, an NVIDIA engineer released after 738 days of captivity following his abduction on October 7, 2023, will also participate. Moran Samuel, a Paralympic basketball player, is listed among the attendees as well.

Gidi Mark, the Global CEO of Birthright Israel, described the summit as a natural extension of the organization's 26-year mission to connect Jews to Israel. He noted that bringing global leaders to the country serves as a statement of confidence in its future. Ethy Levy, Vice President of Global Resource Development, added that the event aims to convert shared values into business partnerships and investments.

The summit builds on the organization's existing Business Forum, which includes nearly 60 Israeli companies. Since 1999, nearly one million young Jewish adults from 70 countries have participated in Birthright Israel programs. The organization estimates these activities have contributed approximately $2.6 billion to the Israeli economy through local spending.

A study by Brandeis University's Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies in March 2026 found that connection to Israel increased by 60% among politically liberal young Jews who participated in the programs. In contrast, connection declined by 26% among applicants who did not participate. The final day of the summit will include visits to innovation centers and opportunities to volunteer with current participants.