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

Former Knesset member and entrepreneur Arel Margalit convened a gathering of business leaders, Jewish community representatives, and senior figures from the technology and cybersecurity sectors in New York this week. The event took place at the Margalit Startup City center in Soho and focused on a multi-year plan to develop the Galilee region in northern Israel through innovation, employment, education, local business growth, and community development.

The initiative, led by Margalit Startup City Galil in cooperation with the Israel Innovation Authority, MIGAL Research Institute, Tel-Hai College, and JNF USA, aims to establish long-term growth engines in the Galilee. The meeting sought to attract companies, entrepreneurs, families, and investments to the area, emphasizing sectors such as food technology, advanced agriculture, climate technologies, and industry. Margalit stressed, "The day after begins now," highlighting the need to create new growth paths and quality jobs to encourage residents to remain and build their future in the region.

Participants included key partners supporting the center's activities since before October 7, such as Ilan Kaufman, chairman of IDB and a leader of the Russell Berry Fund, representatives from JNF USA across the United States, and the Jewish Federation of New York. CEOs and senior executives from U.S. technology, cybersecurity, software, and industrial companies also attended to explore expanding collaborations, securing funding, and connecting the center with additional international business entities.

Jackie Schneider, Vice Chair of Women for Israel at JNF USA, expressed optimism about the center's impact, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the north to attract young families, business activity, and employment, alongside investing in people and communities. Data presented revealed that following the outbreak of war, northern settlements were evacuated, businesses closed, and Galilee-based startups temporarily relocated elsewhere in Israel. Margalit Startup City Galil and its partners have supported these companies, with 32 startups having returned to the region out of more than 100 originally operating there.

The innovation center has reviewed over 150 startups from the Galilee and Golan Heights in recent years, providing professional support and fostering a network of mentors, investors, and industry experts. More than 50 new jobs have been created, and companies have raised approximately $3 million in grants from the Israel Innovation Authority. Notable startups in the ecosystem include YoEgg, WonderVeggies, DYGO, and Greeneye Technology, which focus on food, agriculture, and technology sectors.

Beyond startups, the meeting highlighted additional community and economic initiatives in the Galilee, such as Galilocals, supporting small and medium businesses; the "Bekeilah" association, which has engaged over 55,000 children and youth in 27 communities and 75 schools; and Galiladies, a program promoting regional female leadership and connecting women to entrepreneurship, business, and public influence. The event also introduced StartArt, a planned new arts and culture center for the Galilee.