Bill Ackman: “I definitely hope to make more investments in Israel”
The hedge fund billionaire, who has already registered a 280% gain on TASE shares, praised Israel’s economic resilience. "This is a country that has proven itself extraordinarily over the last two years, both militarily and technologically," he said after opening trading in Tel Aviv.
“This is probably the best investment I’ve ever made,” said Jewish-American billionaire Bill Ackman on Tuesday, referring to his purchase of shares in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, after officially opening the trading day in Tel Aviv.
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“I thought it would be a good investment, but I did it also to show support and express confidence in the economy. My wife and I will never sell the shares, you’re stuck with us,” he added.
Ackman is the founder and CEO of the American hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management, a prominent figure in the corporate investment world and an ardent Zionist.
Ackman and his wife, Prof. Neri Oxman, purchased about 5% of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in 2024 at roughly 20.6 shekels per share, for a total investment of about $25 million. The stock is now trading at approximately 78.4 shekels, an impressive return of around 280% in less than two years, yielding a profit of 260 million shekels ($70 million).
When asked if “stuck with you” meant he plans further investments in Israel, Ackman said:
“I definitely hope to make more investments in Israel. The local market’s size makes it difficult for Pershing Square as a hedge fund to invest, but privately - absolutely.”
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Asked about the political situation, ongoing war, and the growing deficit, Ackman replied:
“The value of a country is the value of its total assets minus its liabilities. Liabilities are the national debt; assets are the people, the intellectual property, the companies, the land. In Israel’s case, the value of its assets, particularly intellectual assets, far exceeds its liabilities. This is a country that has proven itself extraordinarily over the last two years, both militarily and technologically.”
Ackman also emphasized the importance of Israel’s democratic system:
“Israel has also proven itself as a democracy. It is a country where many people feel comfortable criticizing the leader, and that is a good sign. Of course, it would be better if there were more unity here. I also want the U.S. to be such a place.”
At the start of his speech, Ackman, considered an activist investor on Wall Street who is extremely active on his X account fighting against anti-Semitism, explained his personal motivations: “Shortly before my father passed away in May 2022, he gave me three letters: one about his funeral, one about what he wanted me to do for my mother, and the third expressed his concern about anti-Semitism and asked me to do something about it.”
Ackman added, “October 7th was one of the worst days of my life, and October 8th was even worse when I saw the reactions worldwide, including at my university. Israel has a big public relations problem.”
