Birthright’s Excel Program: Strengthening Jewish Identity and Business Leadership

At the Mind the Tech NY 2025 conference, hosted by Calcalist and Bank Leumi in New York, Gidi Mark, the International CEO of Birthright Israel, highlighted the profound impact of the organization’s Excel program. Mark emphasized that the program is akin to the “Iron Dome of business” for the Jewish people, offering a crucial platform to nurture the next generation of Jewish leaders, business figures, and advocates for Israel.

This article explores the pivotal role of Birthright’s Excel program in empowering Jewish youth, strengthening connections to Israel, and fostering professional networks that have proven essential, especially in times of crisis. Participants from varied fields, including tech, business, and venture capital, shared personal insights into how Excel shaped their careers and their sense of Jewish identity.

Birthright’s Excel Program: A Pillar of Jewish Business Leadership

At the conference, Gidi Mark elaborated on the Excel program’s mission of developing Jewish leadership beyond Israel’s borders. He explained that the program aims to find individuals who are not only poised to become business leaders but also committed to strengthening their Jewish identity and contributing meaningfully to the Jewish community. Many of the program’s graduates have emerged as integral members of this network, creating a lasting impact on their industries and communities.

The discussion featured notable alumni, including Dean Sysman, the founder and CEO of the cyber unicorn Axonius, and Tali Miller, a partner at Avid Ventures. Both highlighted how their participation in the Excel program had profoundly shaped their career trajectories. Sysman shared that the program gave him a unique global perspective and taught him how to think internationally, build networks, and communicate with industry leaders. These skills played a key role in launching his highly successful cyber company. Miller reflected on her experience post-college, noting how Excel facilitated her internship at Bessemer Venture Partners, which opened doors to significant career opportunities and ongoing professional relationships.

Excel Program’s Impact During Crisis

The global Jewish community’s connection to Israel became even more crucial after the tragic events of October 7, 2023. Mark spoke about how the number of participants in Birthright’s programs had initially dropped but noted that the Excel program’s role became even more vital during this period. The program connects Jewish youth to Israeli businesses, positioning them as ambassadors who advocate for Israel on U.S. campuses and beyond. Many alumni, having interned in Israel, now hold influential roles where they can amplify Israel’s voice and promote Israeli innovation in the face of increasing global challenges.

Sysman and Miller both emphasized the deep sense of Jewish identity and solidarity they gained through the program, especially post-October 7. Sysman noted that many of his interns were Excel alumni, and the program’s robust network had helped them remain connected and resilient. Miller, reflecting on her Orthodox Jewish upbringing, mentioned how the Excel community had become a cornerstone for combating rising anti-Semitism and promoting Jewish pride.

Strengthening Ties Between Israel and the Jewish Community

Mark concluded by reinforcing the importance of fostering ties between Israel and the global Jewish community. Birthright Israel has brought tens of thousands of young Jews to Israel over the years, with the goal of ensuring that Israel remains integrated into the global Jewish narrative. Mark revealed that, in response to growing global challenges, Birthright is now focusing on bringing volunteers to Israel. They have already brought 10,000 people, with plans to expand as they celebrate 25 years of the program and near the milestone of 1 million participants.

This initiative plays a crucial role in preventing Israel from being isolated or boycotted, ensuring that the global Jewish community remains connected, unified, and strong.

What Undercode Says:

The discussion surrounding the Excel program at the Mind the Tech NY 2025 conference sheds light on the growing importance of nurturing Jewish leadership and fostering strong ties with Israel. This approach goes beyond traditional cultural exchanges, creating a significant business network that supports both professional development and a deepened sense of identity.

The program’s focus on building international perspectives and fostering business collaborations is especially relevant in today’s globalized economy. By offering participants opportunities to intern with Israeli businesses and learn firsthand about Israel’s innovations, the Excel program effectively blends professional growth with cultural pride. This unique combination provides participants with both the skills necessary to thrive in their respective fields and a sense of responsibility to advocate for Israel’s interests.

The timing of this initiative, particularly in light of global tensions and the rise of anti-Semitism, could not be more critical. With Israel increasingly isolated in the geopolitical arena, initiatives like Excel help ensure that young Jews, particularly in the U.S., are equipped with the tools, networks, and knowledge to combat misinformation and advocacy against Israel. The fact that these individuals go on to become influential leaders in tech, venture capital, and other sectors is a testament to the program’s success in building lasting, impactful connections that transcend borders.

Moreover, the emphasis on identity – a key theme in the discussion – highlights a shifting focus within the Jewish community. As global events shape Jewish identity, the Excel program provides not only a professional platform but also a space for Jewish youth to explore and reinforce their cultural and religious heritage.

In the face of challenges, these programs emerge as beacons of resilience, reinforcing both individual and collective Jewish pride. The fact that the program continues to evolve in response to changing global circumstances demonstrates its capacity to adapt and remain relevant. Whether through business leadership, advocacy, or combating anti-Semitism, the Excel program stands as a critical pillar for the Jewish community, making an indelible mark on both individual careers and global perceptions of Israel.

Fact Checker Results:

1. Gidi

The reduction in participation after October 7, 2023, was noted, but efforts to revitalize and emphasize the program’s importance in advocacy and business have clearly been effective.