“Israeli high-tech knows how to overcome challenges and make the impossible possible”

“What a pleasure to be here in London – the only city in the world where the weather changes faster than a startup’s pivot, and where even the guards outside Buckingham Palace manage to stand still while the whole world around them moves,” said Noa Tamir, CEO of Calcalist, on the opening night of the Calcalist and Bank Leumi Mind the Tech London 2025 conference.

Tamir added: “Israelis, of course, are the complete opposite. Standing still? Not really our thing. We innovate, argue, break conventions, and sometimes do all three at once, even before breakfast. The past year has been one of the most difficult in Israel’s history: war, uncertainty, global tensions. And yet, our technological ecosystem has not frozen, it has created, invented, and built. For us, innovation is not a matter of comfort, but of survival. This is how we keep moving forward, under any circumstances.”

She continued: “Right here in London, a city of tradition and elegance, we are reminded that stability and progress can coexist. Britain has centuries of monarchy. Israel has decades of startups, and let’s face it, some of our entrepreneurs also act like they run a kingdom. At Calcalist, we are proud to be the stage where these worlds meet, where global collaborations are created, and where the Israeli spirit connects to the world.”

In conclusion, Tamir said: “So let’s raise a toast to resilience, creativity, and the unique blend of British coolness with Israeli audacity that makes such encounters unforgettable.”

Then Uri Alon, Chairman of Bank Leumi, took the stage: “I am very happy to be here tonight as part of this gathering of the Israeli high-tech industry in London, especially in such complex times.”

Alon added: “I want to share with you that Bank Leumi has been accompanying Kibbutz Be’eri for the past two years. This is a community whose people have become a symbol of heroism, courage, and determination. About a month ago, during a visit to Be’eri with our board of directors and management, we witnessed the incredible revival of the kibbutz and its people. They described the first days of the war this way: ‘From Saturday to Tuesday we cried… and then we started looking forward.’ Indeed, they found the strength to bring the kibbutz back to life. The story of Be’eri’s revival is no coincidence, it is the Israeli story, and it is also the story of high-tech. High-tech people always know how to overcome challenges, and there have been many, and make the impossible possible, time and time again. This is the energy that drives you entrepreneurs and is why you are such important players in the Israeli economy.”

Alon emphasized: “As Israel’s leading bank, our role is to stand by you and help keep this fire burning. We are proud to be part of this journey, to believe in it, invest in it, and grow with it.”

He concluded his remarks by praying for the safe return of all hostages.