This week’s Jerusalem Business Overview event, hosted by the JYP Forum in collaboration with America Hub Israel, offered a closer look at how Jerusalem is positioning itself as a powerful center for business and innovation. Held at the U.S. Embassy’s America Hub Israel, the event brought together business leaders and young professionals to discuss the city's evolving economic landscape and the critical role the next generation will play in its future.
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Israel’s Special Envoy for Trade and Innovation, opened the event by highlighting Jerusalem’s strategic advantages as a growing business hub. With its unique blend of history, culture and focus on development, the city is increasingly attracting global investment and talent. According to Hassan-Nahoum, young professionals in Jerusalem have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this economic transformation.
As the evening progressed, the conversation shifted towards the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive business environment. Fadi Swidan, VP of Business Development at Takwin Ventures, spoke about his work supporting Arab entrepreneurs in Israel. Swidan emphasized that building bridges between Jerusalem’s different communities is not only beneficial for social cohesion but is also a key driver for sustainable business growth. He underscored that collaboration across cultural divides is essential for long-term success.
The panel also covered the challenges faced by startups in Jerusalem. Motti Sigel, managing director of MassChallenge, spoke about the difficulties entrepreneurs often face in navigating regulatory landscapes and scaling their businesses. He pointed out that the startups most likely to succeed are those that remain adaptable and focus on addressing real-world problems—a message that resonated with many young professionals in attendance.
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Finally, Hela Lahar, executive director of Crossroads, highlighted the need for leadership that goes beyond business success. Lahar spoke about the importance of investing in people and creating environments that foster collaboration. For her, true leadership is about providing the tools for individuals to connect, engage, and innovate together.
In a city as complex as Jerusalem, the event provided a much-needed perspective on how young professionals can contribute to its economic future. With a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, Jerusalem is becoming a key player in the global business scene, and the next generation of leaders will play a vital role in its continued growth.
- Marc Faust is the Founder and Chairman of JYP Forum and Managing Director (EMEA) of Givah Group International, a leading strategic consulting and management firm based in the U.S. and Israel.