Tel Aviv summit aims to unlock $2.6 billion in economic activity

Business travelers heading to Israel this week will join a gathering designed to connect international capital with local enterprises. From November 1 to 3, the Taglit Global Business Summit will bring more than 350 leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to the Hilton Tel Aviv. The event seeks to translate these relationships into direct economic activity for the country.

The organization behind the summit, Birthright Israel, estimates its programs have contributed approximately $2.6 billion to the Israeli economy since 1999. This figure includes spending on travel, lodging, and local services. A study published in March 2026 by Brandeis University’s Cohen Center found that participation in these programs increased connection to Israel by 60% among politically liberal young Jews. In contrast, that connection dropped by 26% for applicants who did not participate.

The group’s history spans 26 years, during which nearly one million young adults from 70 countries have taken part in its educational trips. The current summit marks the first dedicated business conference in the organization's history. More than 100 attendees are flying in from 15 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. They will meet with Israeli counterparts to discuss innovation, finance, and philanthropy.

The schedule begins on November 1 with a gala evening. President Isaac Herzog is expected to address the crowd alongside other dignitaries. Dr. Miriam Adelson, a long-time supporter, will be honored for her philanthropic role. Other attendees include Meir Shamir, chairman of the Israeli Board of Donors, and Josh Nash, the international chairman of Birthright Israel. Representatives from NVIDIA, Wiz, Elbit Systems, El Al, and monday.com will also be present.

The main business sessions occur on November 2. Speakers include Sir Ronald Cohen, co-founder of Apax Partners, and Eyal Waldman, founder of Mellanox. The roster features Yinon Costica, co-founder of Wiz, and Sean Rad, founder of Tinder. Amit Krig, NVIDIA’s Israel site leader, will also speak. The lineup further includes former Mossad director Yossi Cohen, ICON founder Yasmin Lukatz, and former Microsoft Israel CEO Shelly Landsmann. Danna Azrieli Hakim, a developer and philanthropist, and Angela Homsi, co-founder of Ignite Power, round out the speaker list.

The agenda will feature alumni who have transitioned into executive roles. Avinatan Or, an NVIDIA engineer, will speak after being released from Hamas captivity in 2024. He was held for 738 days following his abduction from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Moran Samuel, a Paralympic basketball player and world champion rower, will also participate. Gidi Mark, the Global CEO of Birthright Israel, described the event as a natural extension of the organization's mission. He stated that bringing global leaders to Israel serves as a statement of confidence in the country's future.

On November 3, participants will visit Israeli companies and innovation centers. They will tour communities engaged in recovery efforts and volunteer alongside current program participants. Ethy Levy, Vice President of Global Resource Development, noted that conversations at the event could lead to business partnerships or investments. The summit builds on the group's existing Business Forum, which currently includes nearly 60 Israeli companies.