“The connection that secures the Jewish future”: Birthright Excel’s young leaders gather in New York
In one of the most challenging moments for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, nearly 400 members of Birthright Excel – Birthright Israel’s global business leadership community – gathered in New York City for its annual summit.
In one of the most challenging moments for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, nearly 400 members of Birthright Excel – Birthright Israel’s global business leadership community – gathered in New York City for its annual summit. The summit focused on strengthening the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, exploring the role of Jewish leadership in today’s rapidly shifting business landscape, and responding to the complex realities unfolding since October 7.
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Nearly 400 members of Birthright Excel gathered in New York City to discuss the future of Jewish and Israeli leadership.
(Photo: Ohad Kab)
The annual Excelerate Summit has become a unique platform that brings together leading voices from business, technology, diplomacy, and media. This year’s gathering marked a record turnout, reflecting the steady growth of the Excel network, which today includes over 1,400 members from 16 countries.
Founded as the business leadership arm of Birthright Israel, Birthright Excel has grown into one of the most prestigious and influential programs in the Jewish world. In summer 2025, the program will launch its 15th cohort, selecting approximately 80 outstanding students and entrepreneurs from top universities around the world. These participants travel to Israel for a 10-week summer program that includes professional internships at leading Israeli companies in tech and finance, alongside immersive educational experiences.
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Members of the Taglit Excel community strengthen ties between Israel and the Diaspora and lead a promising future for the Jewish people.
(Photo: Ohad Kab)
Beyond the summer experience, Excel has become a powerful global community. To date, over 40 Excel alumni have founded startups—many with global reach—and more than 30 have been featured on 30 Under 30 lists in Israel and abroad.
This year’s summit addressed pressing questions: How can Jewish professionals combine business success with meaningful support for Israel and the global Jewish community? Shawn Maguire, Partner at Sequoia Capital, led a session on the responsibility of Jewish professionals in tech and venture capital to stand with Israel and advance Jewish values in the workplace. In the diplomatic realm, Thomas Nides, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and now Vice Chairman of Blackstone, offered insights into the shifting landscape of Israeli foreign policy and its implications for U.S.-Israel relations.
Other keynote speakers included Nadav Eyal, Israeli journalist and author, and Dan Senor, political advisor, commentator, and author of the bestseller Start-Up Nation.
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Shelly Landsmann, Birthright Board Member (from right), Gidi Mark (CEO of Birthright Israel), Meir Shamir (Chairman of Birthright Israel) and Idit Rubin (Executive Director of Taglit Excelt).
(Photo: Ohad Kab)
“Birthright Excel fellows are strengthening the ties between Israel and the Diaspora, advancing significant initiatives in both business and society, and helping to secure a promising future for the Jewish people,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel.
“About a third of Excel Fellows are currently engaged in long-term business collaborations with Israeli partners. In 2024 alone, the Excel community and their families contributed over $300,000 to philanthropic causes. We’re seeing a generation that takes responsibility not only for their careers, but for Israel’s economic and strategic resilience in the world.”
Alongside the mainstage sessions, Excel fellows led workshops on AI, crypto, sustainability, and philanthropy, presenting new ventures and exploring ways to combine professional impact with social responsibility.
“The Excel community is a remarkable leadership network of over 1,400 members in Israel and around the world,” said Idit Rubin, E xecutive Director of Birthright Excel. “Our fellows continue to lead, launch ventures, and build bridges across business, innovation, and society. More than 50% of our fellows stay actively connected with their cohort years after the program ends — a testament to the depth of connection Excel creates. This summit is a living example of that impact, and the incredible potential it holds.”
