Connect Israel’s Past Trips

Fellows experience virtual reality technology at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation.

Expedition to Israel


An Unforgettable Journey into the Startup Nation

Connect Israel’s expedition to Israel provided Fellows with exclusive access to the country’s top political, military, and industry leaders. Delegates toured the heart of Israel’s “Silicon Valley,” engaging with world-class entrepreneurs and experiencing the bold, problem-solving spirit that has positioned Israel as a global leader in innovation.

The delegation explored Israel’s unique approach to leadership and national security, and the critical role of mandatory service in shaping Israel’s leadership pipeline. Fellows gained a deeper understanding of the country’s geopolitical challenges, and necessity of technological and military advancements to maintain stability in the region. More than just a professional exchange, this mission fostered lasting relationships, strengthening the connection between American and Israeli leaders in business, innovation, and advocacy.

Trip Highlights

  • Israeli President Reuvin Rivlin greets the inaugural Connect Israel delegation.

  • A demonstration of Orcam 2.0, a revolutionary assistive device to bring independence to the visually impaired - just one example of the breakthrough technology coming out of Israel every day.

  • Haim Pinto, CTO of Bank Hapoalim, Israel's largest financial institution, gives the Israeli perspective on financing startups at a ferocious rate - hundreds of new companies every year.

  • Aluf Amikam Norkin, Commander of the Israeli Air Force, meets with American attendees to discuss the current strategic situation in the Middle East.

  • Danny Gold, developer of Israel's vaunted Iron Dome missile defense system, addresses the group with words of inspiration that no technical challenge is beyond their grasp.

  • Noted political strategist Dr. Frank Luntz interviews Eli Groner about the "secret sauce" that makes Israeli tech pioneers the best in the world.

  • The group paid visits to military bases to meet the men and women who, once they return to the private sector, leverage their military training and networking to spearhead innovation and launch new industries.

  • A Connect Israel Fellow playing with children while visiting a kibbutz near Gaza to see how families adapt to perilous conditions.

Fellows visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the largest Mosque in the United Arab Emirates.

Expedition to the UAE


Bridging Worlds on a Groundbreaking Journey

Connect Israel’s delegation to the UAE marked a historic milestone and forged new relationships in the spirit of the Abraham Accords. The journey began with several days in Israel where Fellows visited cutting-edge startups, met with local change-makers, and explored the cultural and historical roots that anchor the region’s future potential.

Building on this strong foundation, the delegation then traveled to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where they engaged in high-level meetings that offered firsthand insight into the UAE’s rapid innovation, economic vision, and evolving global influence. The delegation met with Emirati leaders who openly shared their business models, values, and aspirations for a future built on collaboration and mutual growth.

Beyond business, the trip fostered transformative conversations, exchange of expertise, and formed lasting friendships that transcended borders and cultures. The journey was a testament to the power of people-to-people diplomacy, as one participant put it, “This is really just the beginning of an amazing journey together.”

This unprecedented experience opened doors for new partnerships, investments, and opportunities, solidifying the UAE as a vital “third leg” in a growing triangle of cooperation. The bonds formed during this mission will continue to shape the future of Jewish leadership, Israeli-American collaboration, and regional partnerships in the years to come.

Trip Highlights

  • Jon Medved, the CEO of OurCrowd, speaks passionately with the fellows at the Milken Global Conference in Abu Dhabi.

  • Fellows, Avi Tessema and Elad Jacobovitz, participate in a panel talk in the 2022 Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit.

  • Billionaire developer Sylvan Adams showcased his efforts to broaden Israel’s global perception through bringing world class sporting events to Israel.

  • Connect Israel Fellows were invited to the Palace of the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistance to enjoy this spectacular banquet.

  • 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.

  • The fellows visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the largest Mosque in the United Arab Emirates.

  • Metuka Benjamin meeting with Israeli ambassador to the Emirates.

  • The Fellows enjoy dinner on Palm Jumeirah, artificial offshore islands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

  • Fellows attend a meeting at the Israeli Embassy of Abu Dhabi.

  • Fellows experience a virtual reality demonstration at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation while exploring different start up and business opportunities.

  • Fellows meet with the Managing Partner of the Restate Branch of the Mubadala Investment Company Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund.

  • Dov Moran, inventor or the USB Flash Drive, and his band, Dov Moran the Unicorns, preform for the fellows.

  • Fellows take a photo together outside of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Jaffa, Israel.

  • An opening night basketball game where American and Israeli fellows cheer on the Maccabi Tel Aviv playing against Barcelona.