In recent years, Israeli industries have faced a series of geopolitical and economic challenges that have affected business momentum and long-term planning. And yet, it is precisely during this period that a distinctly Israeli phenomenon has become even more pronounced: the local values that continue to push organizations forward.
Unwavering determination, paired with the kind of mental agility that enables rapid adaptation to shifting realities, remains a core part of the Israeli DNA - driving innovation, creative problem solving and impressive achievements at home and abroad.
In honor of Israel’s Independence Day, we asked leading executives to choose the blue-and-white value that shapes their daily work and to share how it translates into real-world success.
Neta Givati Levi, VP HR, Riskified
"Creative leadership is the value that guides my day-to-day work. I strive to create an environment where people feel safe to experiment, challenge assumptions and bring bold ideas forward. In the AI era, creativity can reach new heights when teams collaborate closely and embrace continuous learning. At a global company like Riskified, combining creative thinking with humanity and cross-cultural awareness enables us to move fast, work effectively together and develop solutions that truly stand."
Riskified VP of HR Neta Givati Levi Photo: Omer HacohenLiron Topaz, general manager, TAT Israel
"To me, cognitive flexibility is a core Israeli value. As general manager of TAT Israel and president of the Thermal Systems Division, this agility is vital for ensuring operational continuity within global aviation and defense supply chains. It enables us to balance domestic needs with global commitments while leading hundreds of employees through uncertainty. We don’t just navigate challenges - we grow from them."
TAT Israel General Manager Liron Topaz Photo: CourtesyRon Nagar, CEO, Tempramed:
"Israeli society runs on determination. The kind that shows up in both routine times and uncertainty. In the first quarter of 2026, privately held Israeli tech companies raised $3.1 billion, including $1.2 billion in March alone. That momentum isn’t just about capital. It reflects a mindset: keep moving, make decisions, adapt fast. Entrepreneurs don’t wait for perfect conditions. They build through them, solving problems, adjusting in real time and finding opportunities even when the path isn’t clear."
Ron Nagar CEO Tempramed Photo: Omer HacohenNoa Asher, CEO, NTT Israel:
"Collaboration is a core value in our day-to-day work. As the Israeli innovation center of a global Japanese corporation, we understand that success is not built alone, but through connecting people, cultures and organizations. In Israel, unlike in many other parts of the world, the innovation ecosystem is not strictly hierarchical - everyone is connected, and it’s relatively easy to reach any company or player in the ecosystem.
"Collaborating with a multinational corporation, especially in Asia, requires a unique skill set, and we are proud to bridge between NTT and its hundreds of subsidiaries and Israeli startups looking to expand into Japan and across Asia."
NTT Israel Innovation Lab CEO Noa Asher Photo: Michal LevyJudah Taub, general partner, Hetz ventures:
"The value that sets Israel's ecosystem apart is collective ambition. In most markets, competition is the primary force and cooperation the rare exception. Here it's reversed: founders and investors operate with a deep awareness of shared stakes, even among natural competitors. Insights, learnings, and opportunities move across what should be hard boundaries. And when a major exit or fundraise happens, the whole room feels it, even when your name isn't on it."
Hetz Ventures Managing Partner Judah Taub Photo: David GarbStronger than ever
Despite the challenges, one thing remains constant: the Israeli spirit. That blend of determination, creativity and mental agility continues to propel the economy forward, spark breakthrough solutions and position Israel at the forefront of global innovation. This Independence Day, the power of the blue-and-white ethos feels as strong as ever, inspiring confidence in a future filled with progress, ingenuity and pride.