Opinion
Israelis know how to turn crisis into opportunity. But Is that enough?
"Despite all difficulties, our people continue to choose positive action and growth," writes Maya Schwartz, CEO of the Israeli High-Tech Association
On October 7th, just a year ago, our nation faced yet another test. This day, marked by a direct hit on our personal and national sense of security, became etched in our collective memory as a turning point. Yet, despite the pain, Israel once again demonstrated its resilience and ability to grow. Despite security challenges, Israeli innovation never stalled. According to IVC data, investments in private Israeli startups surged by 32% in the first nine months of the year, reaching $7.22 billion—a significant increase in the face of wartime threats. This is a remarkable achievement, but it is only one part of Israel’s broader story over the past year.
The economic growth driven by high-tech stands as a badge of honor for our country. It affirms that Israeli innovation is a force fueling economic growth and strengthening Israel’s global standing. Israel isn’t merely a country that endures crises; it’s a country that knows how to turn challenges into opportunities. This past year testifies to that. Under the shadow of a security crisis, Israeli minds developed groundbreaking technologies—cyber tools, threat detection systems, and advanced solutions for monitoring attacks—all born from the necessity of addressing new security threats. Israel has established itself as a global cybersecurity powerhouse, and these capabilities only grew more refined in the wake of recent events.
Not only has technology leapt forward. We have also seen exceptional achievements in fields like culture, sports, and academia. Israeli athletes continue to shine on international stages, Israeli culture has flourished, and our academic institutions have solidified their reputation as leaders in global research. These accomplishments are not merely individual successes or isolated achievements—they are a testament to the indomitable Israeli spirit and the relentless pursuit of excellence, even in the toughest times. But the question remains—do these successes also benefit the broader Israeli society?
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While these successes are invaluable, they highlight the need to ensure that our technological growth benefits society as a whole. The crises of the past year have spurred inspiring social initiatives. Organizations have emerged to support terror victims, strengthen vulnerable communities, and aid those who have lost loved ones. But is this support the result of intentional policy or merely a community response to distress? Does the state truly understand the social challenges that have surfaced as a result of the crisis?
The challenges ahead are not only a test of our resilience but also an opportunity to build a better future—a future where not only high-tech shines but also education, healthcare, and social solidarity. Economic growth must serve a larger purpose, one dedicated to narrowing social gaps. This is the real message we should take from this challenging year—that growth must touch each and every one of us, not just a select few.
Despite all difficulties, our people continue to choose positive action and growth. No matter how hard others may try to shake us, we stand firm and keep succeeding. This is a call to action for all of us: now is the time to lead, innovate, and contribute to our future. Each of us can be part of this growth journey. Whether you are in high-tech, science, culture, or education—this is our opportunity to build a better, stronger, and more united future. The future is in our hands. Let’s continue to light the way for the entire world.
The author is the CEO of the Israeli High-Tech Association
