350 Executives Target $2.6 Billion Economic Boost at Tel Aviv Summit

Birthright Israel is preparing for a major influx of capital and connections as it hosts its first global business summit in Tel Aviv. The three-day event, scheduled for November 1 through 3 at the Hilton Tel Aviv, will bring together more than 350 business leaders, investors, and philanthropists. The organization describes the gathering as a milestone in its 26-year history, marking the first time it has convened such a large group for focused economic discussions.

More than 100 attendees are traveling from 15 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. These international participants will meet with Israeli executives to discuss innovation, philanthropy, and future business opportunities. The summit aims to build on the organization's existing Business Forum, which currently involves nearly 60 Israeli companies.

The opening evening on November 1 is designated as a Gala Evening of Recognition. President Isaac Herzog is expected to address the group alongside supporters from around the world. The event will also honor long-standing backers such as Dr. Miriam Adelson. Other key figures attending the opening include Meir Shamir, chairman of the Israeli Board of Donors, and Josh Nash, the organization's international chairman. Representatives from major firms like NVIDIA, Wiz, Elbit Systems, and El Al are also on the guest list.

The main program begins on November 2 with a series of speeches from prominent figures in technology and finance. Speakers include Sir Ronald Cohen, co-founder of Apax Partners, and Eyal Waldman, founder of Mellanox. The lineup also features Yinon Costica from Wiz and Sean Rad, the founder of Tinder. Former Mossad director Yossi Cohen and former Microsoft Israel CEO Shelly Landsmann are also scheduled to speak. The agenda includes stories from alumni who have become entrepreneurs, such as Avinatan Or, an NVIDIA engineer released from Hamas captivity after 738 days.

Gidi Mark, the Global CEO of Birthright Israel, called the summit a natural extension of the group's mission. He stated that bringing global leaders to Israel at this moment is a powerful statement of confidence. Ethy Levy, Vice President of Global Resource Development, noted that conversations at the event could lead to business partnerships or new investments. The organization aims to convert these networking opportunities into tangible economic activity for the country.

On the final day, 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 and visit initiatives supported by the organization since the October 7 attacks. This hands-on component is designed to show the direct impact of the group's work on the ground.

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 through travel and local spending. A March 2026 study by Brandeis University found that political liberal Jewish participants reported a 60% rise in their connection to Israel, a metric that fell 26% for those who did not attend.