Former MK Arel Margalit Hosts New York Investor Meeting to Boost Galilee Development

Former Israeli MK and entrepreneur Arel Margalit convened a meeting in New York City to present a multi-year development plan for the Galilee region. The event took place at the Margalit Startup City center in Soho and gathered business leaders, representatives of the American Jewish community, and senior figures from the technology and cybersecurity sectors. Margalit outlined a strategy aimed at attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and families to the Galilee by fostering long-term growth engines in innovation, employment, education, local business, and community development.

The initiative, led by Margalit Startup City Galil in collaboration with the Israel Innovation Authority, MIGAL Research Institute, Tel-Hai College, and JNF USA, focuses on expanding activities in food technology, advanced agriculture, climate technologies, and industry. Margalit emphasized the need to build new growth paths and quality jobs to encourage residents to remain and develop the region’s future, stating, "The day after begins now. If we just restore the Galilee to its pre-war state, we have not truly solved the problem."

Participants included key partners such as Ilan Kaufman, chairman of IDB and a leader of the Russell Berry Fund, representatives from JNF USA and the Jewish Federation of New York, as well as CEOs and executives from US technology, cybersecurity, software, and industrial firms. The meeting aimed to explore expanded collaborations, funding opportunities, and connections to international business networks. Jackie Schneider, vice chair of Women for Israel at JNF USA, highlighted the importance of strengthening northern communities to attract young families and business activity alongside innovation.

Data presented showed that since the outbreak of the war, many northern settlements were evacuated, local businesses closed, and startups temporarily relocated elsewhere in Israel. Margalit Startup City Galil and its partners have supported these companies, with 32 of over 100 startups having returned to operate in the Galilee. Over recent years, the innovation center has evaluated more than 150 startups from the Galilee and Golan regions, providing professional support, mentorship, and investor networks. These efforts have created over 50 new jobs and secured approximately $3 million in grants from the Innovation Authority.

The ecosystem includes companies such as YoEgg, WonderVeggies, DYGO, and Greeneye Technology, active in food, agriculture, and technology sectors. The meeting also showcased additional community and economic initiatives like Galilocals, supporting small and medium businesses; the "Bekeilah" association, which has engaged over 55,000 children and youth across 27 communities and 75 schools; and Galiladies, a program promoting regional female leadership and entrepreneurship. A new arts and culture center, StartArt, was also introduced as part of the Galilee’s ongoing development plans.