Our Mission
Fellows meet with former Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin, alongside Frank Luntz.
Mission
Connect Israel was founded to address the growing internal divides within the Jewish community and the global surge in antisemitism. To address these urgent challenges, and secure a sustainable and prosperous future for the Jewish People, Connect Israel takes a global approach:
Connect Israel cultivates the next generation of leaders and fosters meaningful and lasting relationships between them.
This mission has taken on even greater significance in the era of the Abraham Accords, which brought renewed hope for peace and cooperation in the Middle East. Connect Israel is uniquely positioned to cultivate trust and collaboration across borders, laying the groundwork for a more unified, prosperous, and resilient Jewish future.
For our Fellows, the journey is just beginning. It’s a journey that will shape their leadership, their identity, and the Jewish world.
Our Story
For American Jews, Israel is a core part of identity. For Israelis, the Diaspora is a vital partner in the survival and flourishing of the Jewish state. Yet despite countless efforts, many programs have failed to build lasting, sustainable bonds between the communities.
To bridge this divide, Metuka Benjamin founded Connect Israel — An organization dedicated to unifying the global Jewish community through meaningful, enduring relationships rooted in shared identity, values, and purpose.
Connect Israel identifies and exceptional young professionals shaping their industries, and empowers them with the knowledge, relationships, and vision to become leaders and ambassadors for the Jewish People.
More than a program, Connect Israel is a movement to heal division, spark connection, and cultivate a new generation of leadership, all grounded in the timeless belief that we are One People—Am Echad.
Fellows watch Dov Moran, inventor or the USB Flash Drive, and his band preform.
A Moment of Friendship
During Connect Israel’s historic visit to the United Arab Emirates, the delegation was welcomed into the palace of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance. After a spectacular feast, His Excellency turned to our founder, Metuka Benjamin, and said, “I would like to add another word to my title... and friendship.”
In that moment, the purpose of Connect Israel came to life: building trust, mutual respect, and lasting relationships across cultures, faiths, and nations.
Metuka Benjamin, along with Rabbi Cooper and the Israeli Ambassador to Abu Dhabi, presents His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan with a hamsa of friendship at the Palace of the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistance.
