Hami Peres Advocates Civil Society Safety Net and Long-Term Innovation for Israel's Future
In a recent episode of the Re:Israel podcast by Reichman University and Calcalist, Hami Peres, founding partner of Pitango Ventures and chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, outlined his vision for Israel's future. Peres emphasized the integration of innovation, civil society, and mutual responsibility as key tools to address upcoming crises. He shared personal habits such as starting his day with a chapter from the Bible through the 929 project and highlighted his book "Who Is Israel," which features 70 Israelis choosing symbolic places in the country.
Peres advised younger generations to read extensively, acquire academic thinking tools, and gain global exposure. He views relocation not as brain drain but as a circulation of ideas that can enrich Israel when experienced individuals return. In venture capital, Peres prioritizes human capital over numbers, seeking entrepreneurs with vision, values, and resilience.
Identifying a structural weakness in Israel's focus on the present and past rather than future planning, Peres warned of vulnerabilities to shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing AI-driven labor market changes. To prepare, the Peres Center has launched the "Future Array," a coalition of experts from academia, industry, and government to anticipate risks. Alongside Daniel Schreiber, CEO of Lemonade, Peres established the Mosaic Institute to tackle employment challenges in the AI era.
Peres also promotes the Israeli Mutual Guarantee Fund, a flexible civil platform created during the pandemic that raised 22.5 million shekels to assist about 9,200 households. The fund operates through anonymous giving and simple mechanisms, including contributions of work hours or vacation days, proactively identifying those in need via local authorities and aid organizations. This infrastructure is now being adapted for rapid training and professional retraining in the AI age.
Rejecting the concept of "equal burden" in military and civilian service, Peres supports tailored participation based on individual ability and endorses Haredi "hesder" yeshivas that combine religious life with military service and workforce integration. He stressed Israel's strength lies in uniting diverse groups into a cohesive social fabric.
Calling for a shift in Israeli high-tech ambitions, Peres urged building "giraffes", large, stable, long-term companies rooted in Israel, rather than focusing solely on quick exits and unicorn startups. Such companies, he said, would bolster Israel economically and enhance its international influence.
Concluding on an optimistic note, Peres expressed greater faith in the Israeli people than in governments, citing the rapid civil mobilization after the October 7 attacks as proof of society's resilience. "We have no plan B. We must not despair or fear. Our strength lies in spirit, mutual responsibility, and our ability to stand together," he said.
