Most Promising Startups - 2024Nir Zuk: Despite the pain, Israel's best days are still ahead of it
Most Promising Startups - 2024
Nir Zuk: Despite the pain, Israel's best days are still ahead of it
We should celebrate Independence Day with pride, even though we're amidst one of the most challenging years since the state's establishment. Israeli innovation, which enabled the growth of our prosperous high-tech industry, will also lead us out of the crisis we're facing, writes the founder of Palo Alto Networks
About four years ago, my family and I returned to Israel after many good years in the United States. Like most Israelis, we didn't anticipate the October 7 attack by Hamas and the ensuing war. Nonetheless, we don't regret our decision to return to Israel.
We should celebrate the 76th Independence Day of the State of Israel with pride—for the country we've built, the achievements we've made, and the challenges we've faced, even during one of the most difficult years since the state's establishment.
The feature that, in my eyes, characterizes the State of Israel the most since its establishment is innovation. That's why we choose to live here. Innovation helped us build a country from the ashes of the Holocaust, grow a high-tech industry that the whole world looks up to, and exit crises stronger and smarter. Innovation is not just an economic value; it's a crucial part of our national resilience and permeates all aspects of our lives.
While we're in a crisis now, it is during times like these that strong companies emerge. In the high-tech sector, for example, the best startups prioritize profit and efficiency from the outset due to limited resources and a desire for rapid achievements, and most of all, independence.
The war undoubtedly affected the high-tech industry, complicating investment raising and causing worker shortages as thousands were drafted into the reserves. Yet, Israeli companies once again did what they do best and demonstrated their adaptability, resilience, and contributed their part.
Israelis have a remarkable ability to grasp reality and make necessary changes to navigate it successfully. Moreover, the high-tech community's substantial contribution to Israeli society and security underscores its integral role in the nation's fabric and economy. Despite the challenges, many companies, like Palo Alto Networks, continue to thrive, acquire startups, and hire employees, showcasing the industry's resilience.
I believe the technological community will lead the way out of this crisis toward a new path of growth. I've encountered numerous companies, remarkable developments, extraordinary individuals, and abundant talent—all of which will benefit us collectively. These individuals work tirelessly, sometimes while serving in the reserves, to realize a vision that will enhance all our lives, making them better, safer, and cleaner.
Over the past seven months, our lives have been filled mainly with pain, sadness, fear, and worry. Times are tough, and the anger and criticism are valid. No holiday can truly be happy until all the hostages return home safe and sound. We will never forget this.
But amidst the pain, and perhaps because of it, we're permitted to raise the blue and white flag for a day—with teary eyes and buoyant hearts—to smile and remind ourselves that better days lie ahead. Even from this nadir, we'll rebuild and grow stronger, propelled by the true Israeli spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and mutual support.
Nir Zuk is the founder and CTO of Palo Alto Networks
