As both a New Yorker and a lifelong Zionist, I asked myself, "Who would be the best candidate for mayor to lead our city forward in these dark times?"

It was, however, a talk with a much respected family friend, an Israeli who has lived in New York for 25 years, who helped me make the ultimate decision.

He said the following on Andrew Cuomo, who I already mistrusted as arrogant and too old and a womanizer: "I'd vote for Bibi, who you know I despise, before I'd vote for Cuomo." He also observed at length how Israelis – who all said to me Mamdani was an antisemite who would be the ruination of Jews in America – did not have the context with which to understand this mayoral race, just as Israelis have accused Americans of having the same lack of context when confronted with their overwhelming support of the Palestinian cause.

Americans who were on the side of the Palestinians did not understand what the phrase "From the river to the Sea" actually meant; they had never visited Israel and did not understand how close the borders and constant attacks were: never fully understood how Hamas has deliberately and for decades embedded their fighters and ammunition in hospitals and schools and mosques without regard for their own civilians, or how the Netanyahu government arrogantly dismissed the possibility of a Hamas attack of the severity of October 7. Context is indeed critical.

So what to do? Mamdani is young, energetic and on the side of the poor and working class immigrants who are the engine that drive this city. He is also surrounded by Jews from the previous and this new administration who will advise him and hopefully keep him in check. Even Barack Obama has said he will mentor him if asked, and I truly believe he will be too busy learning how to run this enormous and complicated city to have time to make life miserable for the Jews here.

So, perhaps because I am a life long educator and believer in raising up the disenfranchised, I voted for the future rather than the past.

The writer of this column, a Jew from New York, asked to stay anonymous. 

The post I'm a Zionist Jew from New York; I had to vote Mamdani appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The grand Cipriani 55 Wall Street in New York City set the stage for an unforgettable evening on Monday, November 25, 2024, as Belev Echad hosted its annual gala. The event brought together 1,500 prominent members of New York's business community in a show of unwavering solidarity with Israel's wounded defenders. With heartfelt stories, generous donations, and a powerful sense of unity, the gala raised an astounding $4.7 million to support IDF soldiers injured in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

An Evening of Stories and Resilience

Attendees were captivated by the firsthand accounts of bravery and sacrifice shared by two remarkable IDF soldiers. Each story painted a vivid picture of the realities faced on the front lines, highlighting resilience and the unyielding determination to overcome adversity.

Noam Ben Shlush, 21, a Golani Brigade soldier, recounted his harrowing experience during the October 7 attacks. Facing overwhelming odds, Noam and his unit engaged in intense combat against a large group of terrorists. He sustained severe injuries, including the loss of his leg, yet his spirit remained unbroken. Reflecting on his journey, Noam shared, "The life is beautiful, enjoy it, with a leg, without a leg, it's nonsense."

Eden Alisa Ram, 21, shared her incredible journey of survival after being critically injured during a terrorist infiltration. Eden was shot multiple times and endured immense challenges during her recovery. Her story highlighted the resilience and sacrifice of Israel's defenders. In a previous interview, Eden recounted, "I was sleeping in bed at six-thirty in the morning, and suddenly I heard the interception, even before the siren. Quickly, I took the weapon, put on flip-flops, and ran to the shelter."

Star Power and Generosity

The gala's emotional intensity was matched by its star-studded attendance. Legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather graced the evening with his presence, contributing a generous $100,000 to the cause. "The courage and sacrifice of these soldiers are beyond inspiring," Mayweather remarked. "I'm honored to stand with them tonight."

Why This Moment Matters

As tensions escalate across the Middle East, the event served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those defending Israel. "This is not just a gala; it's a message of unity and unwavering support," said Rabbi Uriel Vigler and his wife Shevy Vigler, co-founders of Belev Echad. "These brave soldiers represent the resilience and determination of the Israeli people, and tonight, New Yorkers showed their commitment to standing by them."

A Night to Remember

Beyond the remarkable fundraising success, the gala forged connections and fostered a deeper understanding of the human cost of conflict. Attendees left with a renewed commitment to supporting Israel's defenders, inspired by the courage and perseverance of the soldiers who shared their stories.

As the evening drew to a close, the sense of solidarity in the room was palpable, a testament to the enduring bond between New Yorkers and the people of Israel. The funds raised will go a long way in aiding the physical and emotional recovery of wounded IDF soldiers, ensuring they receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives.

The post Heroes among us: New Yorkers unite for wounded IDF soldiers at Belev Echad gala appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Nofar Energy a global leader of renewable energy, announced that it has completed a significant financial closing for its energy storage activities in the UK. The project financing agreement was signed with a consortium of leading international and Israeli banks, including Goldman Sachs, Santander, Bank Hapoalim, and Bank Leumi. This financial closing secures senior project financing of up to £152 million for the Cellarhead project, one of the largest energy storage facilities in the UK, with a capacity of approximately 624 MWh, currently under construction.

This marks another significant milestone for Atlantic Green, Nofar Energy's storage platform in the UK, established in 2021. The platform specializes in initiating, developing, financing, constructing, and managing energy storage projects and is a market leader in the country. Recently, Nofar Energy announced the successful grid connection and commercial operation of the Buxton project, with a capacity of 60 MWh, following its completion and receipt of project financing from Goldman Sachs.

According to the company, the completion of this financial closing and the signing of the financing agreement with the international and Israeli bank consortium—after thorough legal, technical, financial, and ESG due diligence—reflects the high quality of the project and platform. This will support the continued growth and energy storage activities of the group, which includes projects with a total capacity of approximately 10 GWh across the UK, Germany, the US, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Israel.

In Nofar's Q2 reports, the company highlighted a significant increase in connected and under-construction projects, reaching approximately 2,296 MW of solar systems and 1,097 MWh of energy storage facilities. These projects are expected to generate annual revenues of approximately 1.5 billion NIS and an annual EBITDA of 1.2 billion NIS, with approximately 72% of the company's connected capacity benefiting from long-term guaranteed tariffs averaging 15 years. Additionally, the company announced it expects a significant increase in revenues and profits, projecting an EBITDA of 1,071 million NIS by 2026, representing a growth of approximately 209% compared to EBITDA over the past 12 months.

Simon Walters, the British ambassador to Israel, said the following: "This milestone green energy project financing deal of the Cellarhead 624 MWh battery energy storage system marks a significant investment into the UK for Nofar Energy and we are proud to have supported. It underscores the strong UK-Israel bilateral trade relationship and aligns with the UK's goal of decarbonizing its power sector by 2030. With 50% of UK electricity already coming from renewables, the UK's leadership in clean energy is evident.  The UK government's recent £8.3B capitalization of Great British Energy, which will work in partnership with the private sector and investors like Nofar Energy, will drive the installation and acceleration of thousands of large-scale clean power projects and investment in next-generation technologies. This investment boosts energy security, protects consumers, and creates sustainable jobs."

Nadav Tenne, CEO of Nofar Energy, said the following:   "We continue to execute our multi-year work plan and are proud to announce another significant project financing transaction, bringing our total signed financial closings in Europe over the past two years to approximately 4.2 billion NIS. This financing deal is a key milestone for the company as it continues its extraordinary construction and connection momentum, with another significant leap in activity expected in 2025. I want to thank all our partners for their efforts in securing this financing. We remain committed to strengthening security forces and praying for the swift and safe return of all hostages."

Justin Lomheim, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, said the following, "Cellarhead represents an important project in the UK's battery storage pipeline. GS is pleased to support the project as sole structuring bank, mandated lead arranger and lender on the financing, as well as with its innovative battery optimization offering."

The post Nofar Energy Completes significant financial closing toward massive storage project in UK appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The British Embassy in Israel held a solemn memorial ceremony yesterday evening to honour the lives of the British nationals lost in the atrocious events of 7 October and to support the families of those still held in captivity.

The gathering served as an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims and extend support to their families as they cope with unimaginable loss and pain. The gathering was attended by families of the British nationals that were murdered in the attack, as well as the families of the British and UK linked hostages. Those who worked tirelessly to bring those murdered to their final resting place and embassy staff also attended.

The ceremony opened with remarks by Ambassador Simon Walters, who said:

"Today, we remember and honour the British nationals who were brutally slain in the attack and who died in captivity, as well as families of the British hostages. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends who have endured unimaginable loss. This has been a difficult and painful year. A year of unimaginable pain and the horrifying uncertainty. We are grieving the lives of those who were taken brutally and are awaiting the return of those who are still hostage in Gaza. We cannot and must not forget them, and we must do everything to bring them home."

A prayer led by Rabbi Chananel Rosen followed, offering comfort and reflection for those present. Attendees heard moving testimonies from survivors and family members of those who were murdered.

The commemoration included a candle-lighting ceremony for British nationals who were murdered in the attack and a tree was planted in their memory.

The gathering concluded with a speech by Charles Hay, Director responsible for the Gaza Hostages at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, who emphasised the UK's commitment to securing the release of the hostages and supporting the people of Israel.

The British Embassy remains dedicated to fostering support for those deeply impacted by the events of 7 October. This ceremony stands as a testament to the strength of the partnership and solidarity between the UK and Israel.

The post British Embassy in Israel holds Oct. 7 memorial ceremony appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) today announced that the world-renowned Jewish reggae artist, Matisyahu, will perform at the organization's annual benefit in New York City on September 22nd.

The event is fittingly named "One Day," mirroring the title of Matisyahu's widely known song that NBC used as background music while promoting the 2010 Olympic Games. Yet according to Matisyahu (born Matthew Paul Miller), the reggae sensation's ties with A4BGU run even deeper. He dedicated his 2004 song, "Warrior," in perpetuity to wounded Israel Defense Forces soldiers whom he had met at an event coordinated by A4BGU in Aspen, Colorado.

Notably, Matisyahu's performance for A4BGU will come about two weeks prior to the one-year anniversary of the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks. During the ensuing nine months, A4BGU and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have stood on the front lines of efforts to help the Israeli people recover and rebuild, especially in the University's backyard in the country's South.

"During such challenging times for Jews worldwide, it's essential that we come together to advocate for our people, including by supporting organizations that are leading the way forward for Israel after October 7th," Matisyahu said in a statement. "That's precisely why I was inspired to use my voice for A4BGU and BGU, who are working to build the Israeli people's resilience and are playing a central role in their road to recovery."

No academic institute in Israel had been as deeply impacted by the October 7th atrocities as BGU, in terms of the number of students, faculty, and staff who were killed, wounded, kidnapped, and called to reserve duty with the IDF. And yet, the University is simultaneously rising to the challenges of this moment by spearheading the nation's rebuilding and recovery. BGU community members have volunteered in hospitals throughout Israel, have looked after children from families of IDF soldiers called up for reserve duty, and have hosted evacuated families in their homes.

A4BGU is galvanizing American supporters of the University into action through its leading role in Way Forward — BGU's landmark $1 billion global fundraising campaign to strengthen the future of Israel through the South, with the University as the region's anchor institution and engine for growth. The "One Day" event in New York will mark the latest milestone in the Way Forward campaign, which has secured more than $380 million to date.

"Matisyahu's song 'One Day' expresses a hope for an end to violence and hate, as well as the start of a new era of peace and understanding. After October 7th, the world needs this message more than ever," said Doug Seserman, CEO of A4BGU. "We are thrilled to have Matisyahu lend his voice towards A4BGU's efforts around the rebuilding of Israel's South, with Ben-Gurion University leading the way forward as the epicenter of the region and the key to its recovery."

The honored guest at the One Day benefit will be Gary DeBode, A4BGU's Board Chair. DeBode, who served as the Board's president for four years, is an alumnus from the third cohort of A4BGU's Zin Fellows Leadership Program, an in-depth immersion into the issues involved in the continuing development of the Negev, Israel's southern desert region. He is passionate about the development of the Negev, and he is committed to his work with A4BGU and the OR Movement, both organizations that have a strong focus on realizing David Ben-Gurion's vision that Israel's future would emerge from the Negev.

The post Matisyahu performance in New York to benefit BGU students in aftermath of Oct. 7 appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Setton, 42, has held a series of senior positions at The Jewish Agency. He currently serves as COO and chief program officer, managing the organization's global activities in 66 countries. Over the past 16 years, Setton has held a long series of positions at The Jewish Agency's headquarters and in the field, including as director of the Shlichut (Israeli emissaries) unit. He holds a master's degree in Israel studies, with a focus on American Judaism, from University of Haifa, in addition to a bachelor's degree in human resources and management from the College of Management.

Setton will replace Ahronoviz at the end of her six-year term as CEO and after her 30 years of work at The Jewish Agency. During this period, Ahronoviz held a variety of positions at the organization with its chairman at the time, President of Israel Isaac Herzog, as well as with current Chairman Almog, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization Yaakov Hagoel, and Chairman of The Jewish Agency's Board of Governors Mark Wilf.

"I thank Amira Ahronoviz for leading The Jewish Agency through challenging times and global crises with commitment, professionalism, and extraordinary vision," Almog said. "The mark she left on the organization is priceless and will contribute to the success of The Jewish Agency forever. I am confident Yehuda Setton's extensive experience across The Jewish Agency's operations will contribute to his success in his new position and know he will continue to lead the organization's work with great dedication."

He added, "These days, the role of The Jewish Agency is all the more essential in the face of the complex reality in which we find ourselves. Together with our partners at the World Zionist Organization, The Jewish Federations of North America, and Keren Hayesod, we will continue to work toward the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the State of Israel, to bring tens of thousands of Olim to Israel, to strengthen Israeli society, and to connect Jewish communities around the world to one another and to Israel toward a prosperous and unified future for the entire Jewish people."

The post The Jewish Agency for Israel Names Yehuda Setton as New CEO appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

British Ambassador to Israel, Simon Walters, and the embassy team, recently visited the Negev area. The visit focused on the Bedouin communities in Negev, with the aim of understanding them and their challenges better.

 During the visit, the Ambassador and team met Prof. Chaim Hames, Rector of Ben Gurion University who provided us with an insightful look into their innovation ecosystem and shared the effects of the war on the university's community. The Ambassador and the team also met Dr. Mansour Nasasra, who offered valuable context on the socio-political dynamics of the Bedouin community.

 In a meeting with the AJEEC (The Arab Jewish Centre for Equality) the centre's team and several graduates underscored opportunities for collaboration in tech education and community empowerment, with Jews and Arabs working together towards a common goal.

 As a part of the visit, the Ambassador and the team met the NGOs Itach-Maaki and Al-Nishmayat, who highlighted the important work being done by Bedouin women to promote gender equality and social justice within the Bedouin community, and to empower other women in their communities.

 Itach-Maaki - Women Lawyers for Social Justice, is an NGO that promotes the rights and voices of marginalised women led the tour to the unrecognised Bedouin village Al Zarnouk. In this village they held a discussion on policy priorities the unrecognised villages are contending with. This discussion was enlightening and brought attention to critical issues such as housing, infrastructure and security faced by Bedouin communities, and specifically women.

 The Ambassador and the team also met with the Al Zayadna family, including Aisha and Bilal, who were taken hostage into Gaza on 7 October and were released, while their father Yousef and brother Hamza are still hostages.

Ambassador Walters said: "It was shocking to hear the struggles facing these communities, especially the women. We are committed to listening to all groups in Israeli society and to better understand their experiences". He added: "The pain experienced by the Al Zayadna family is unfathomable. I want to reiterate that the UK government continues to call for the immediate release of all hostages".

The post British Ambassador to Israel Simon Walters visits the Negev appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Three wineries from the Judea Wine Region received silver and gold medals at the closing ceremony of the competition. Representatives from Nevo, Kedma, and Yaffo wineries traveled to Rome with Council Head Avishai Cohen and Tourism Department Head Roni Iron for the celebratory ceremony, which was attended by the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri. The Judea Wine Region is the only wine region in Israel, and this marks the first time in history that Israeli wineries have participated in the competition.

Avishai Cohen, Head of the Matte Yehuda Regional Council, stated: "The recognition of the Judea Wine Region highlights the quality, professionalism, and unique flavors that are distinctive to us. We are honored to represent the wine appellation of the Matte Yehuda Regional Council on such a prestigious stage and to receive international recognition for our hard work."

The wines that won in the competition are a varietal Petit Verdot from Nevo Winery in the Judean Hills, a varietal Petit Verdot from Kedma Winery on the slopes of Judea, both of which won gold medals, and a Sauvignon Blanc from Yaffo Winery in the Judean Hills, which won a silver medal. The competition, held in northeastern Italy at the end of May, included hundreds of wines from various countries. Additionally, Adv. Edan Barulfan, who specializes in wine region approval processes, was invited to judge the competition.

The post International success for Matte Yehuda wineries appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

The Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT) announced a $1 million donation from strategic philanthropists Debra and David Magerman to expand the College's International Program for English Speakers. The program combines high-level academic degrees and rigorous Torah study, reinforces Religious Zionist values, and empowers its students to integrate quickly and successfully into Israeli society.

The Magerman grant, made in partnership with Tzemach David Foundation, will support a paradigm shift for the International Program. Until now, students in JCT's International Program were offered courses and earned degrees taught fully in English. Moving forward, International Program students will spend two years in an intensive Hebrew-language ulpan, while they begin their academic studies and complete their core STEM courses in English. By their third year of study, they will transition into courses taught in Hebrew. This will equip international students with the ability to integrate into the Hebrew-speaking workforce if they opt to remain in Israel.

"We are enormously privileged that Debra and David Magerman, in partnership with Tzemach David Foundation, are choosing to invest in the future of the Jewish State by investing in the Jerusalem College of Technology. Their passion for and positive impact on Jewish education are proven. We view our partnership with them as integral to the growth of our longstanding International Program and the College as a whole," said JCT President, Professor Chaim Sukenik.

David Magerman explained, "The exposure of rampant antisemitism on American college campuses is the strongest sign that Jewish students are not valued in America. One of the missions of Tzemach David is to help Israeli educational institutions present their value to American students and students all over the world, to invite Jews to study in Israel, where they will be valued and be given the opportunity to get an excellent education without the trauma of antisemitism." He continued, "This gift will help JCT offer the combination of excellent secular education and a strong Judaic program to more Jews in the diaspora, inviting them home to Israel, where they are cherished."

David Mitchell Magerman is an engineer and philanthropist. Raised in New York and Florida, he earned a PhD in computer science at Stanford University. He spent many years at Renaissance Technologies, which is widely recognized as the world's most successful quantitative hedge fund management company. He later co-founded Differential Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital fund that specializes in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science, focusing on seed-stage technology companies building software solutions for the future of data.

In 2010, the Magermans formed the Kohelet Foundation, based in Pennsylvania, which focused on improving Jewish day school education. In Israel, the Tzemach David Foundation creates meaningful impact through Zionism, leadership, and innovation by recognizing the unique needs of olim and providing targeted resources and programs to facilitate their smooth integration into Israeli schools. The foundation is a catalyst for change promoting educational excellence.

Amid growing interest in studying in Israel due to the rising costs of higher education in America and surging antisemitism across North America college campuses, JCT offers an array of degree options to English speakers, including in nursing, bioinformatics (including a pre-medical track option), software engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electro-optics engineering, and industrial engineering. These degree options expand the offerings of the International Program for English Speakers, which has taught degrees in business and computer science for 15 years. Currently, the International Program has more than 150 students across the College's Lev Campus for men and Tal Campus for women. They are enrolled for a fraction of the cost of an equivalent American bachelor's degree.

JCT's students hail from 38 countries around the world, and approximately 70% of the international students at the College come from North America. The College's student body features the highest percentage of Olim (immigrants) of any Israeli academic institution.

"Tzemach David Foundation strives to transform education in Israel, with an initial focus on integrating olim (immigrants) into the education system. This generous gift will do just that. This investment in our program will help bring in new students, strengthen their Jewish identity and help fortify the State of Israel," said Rabbi Shlomo Anapolle, Director of JCT's International Program for English Speakers.

JCT is responding to rising antisemitism on North American campuses by offering accelerated enrollment options for international students who are seeking safe haven. The College's newly launched process accommodates transfer students and prospective first-year students applying for admission in the next school year (beginning with the Fall 2024 semester); and postdoctoral students and faculty members looking for staff positions.

The post Jerusalem College of Technology receives $1M, expands international program for English speakers appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Afeka Academic College of Engineering produced its largest-ever graduating class despite the significant disruptions of the Iron Swords War. Defying the odds in an academic year when the highest rate of students have been called to IDF reserve duty after the October 7attacks, more than 700 engineers have now entered the Israeli workforce and stand ready to provide much-needed support for Israel's increasingly important high-tech sector.

The students receiving diplomas from Afeka Academic College of Engineering in Tel Aviv last week – earning B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in engineering and computer science – comprise the college's largest graduating class to date. This milestone comes despite the disruptions caused by the Iron Swords War. More than 40% of Afeka's students were immediately called to military service, among them those who were on the cusp of completing their degree. But these young engineers, the likes of whom will be the minds behind the next game-changing Israeli defense innovations such as the Iron Dome, managed to persevere and to graduate on time. And at a time Israel's high-tech industry needs them most.

"I look at you and see the future – the future of the high-tech industry, the future of the Israeli economy, the future of society, the future of the country," President of Afeka College Prof. Ami Moyal told the graduates during last week's ceremony. "For us, you represent a significant part of the 'victory picture' for this country. I am filled with pride for each and every one of you."

In response to this profound impact that war had on its students, Afeka developed a comprehensive support package to address their diverse needs. With the academic year beginning two and a half months late, Afeka began teaching all courses through its synchronous hybrid model. This innovative approach allows students who are able to attend in-person classes, while those who cannot be physically present can participate remotely. The support package also provides additional course sections and summer courses so that students don't fall behind their classmates, academic counseling and tutoring, financial aid, and mental health services. The college's approach keeps every one of its students on a path toward filling a vital role in Israel's engineering industry and contributing to the Jewish state's crucial high-tech sector.

To secure the resources that will enable the college to maintain this comprehensive student support package, Afeka recently launched the "AsOne" campaign, whose initial goal is to raise NIS 15 million ($4 million). The college has committed NIS 5 million ($1.35 million) from internal resources to the student support initiative, and it is now seeking external donations to fund various initiatives under the AsOne campaign.

"We firmly committed ourselves to ensuring that every student completes the academic year successfully and on time – 'zero dropout' due to the war – and we are doing everything within our power to achieve this goal," Prof. Moyal declared. "For those who have answered the call to service with profound willingness, we must provide unwavering support and assistance to help them navigate the completion of their studies, out of concern for their future and without compromising the quality of their education."

During the graduation ceremony, Afeka also revealed this year's Honorary Fellows, a title awarded annually to reputable individuals in their fields, who have made significant contributions to science, technology, the country, or society. This year, the Afeka Honorary Titles Committee chose to elect four IDF officers who made remarkable contributions to the security of Israel during their service in the Iron Swords War while demonstrating exceptional values of selflessness, loyalty, personal example, and leadership. These include:

• Lt. Col. Avishag Sabag Reuven, Head of the IDF Reserves Planning Division, in recognition of her exemplary work during the Iron Swords War, demonstrating exceptional leadership and management skills in organizing the largest reserve mobilization in the country's history, for being an inspiring motivator and leader during crisis, and for her outstanding contribution to the security of the State of Israel.

• Lt. Col. (res.) Erez Saadon, Commander of the "Phoenix" Armored Unit, in recognition of his exceptional work demonstrating innovative problem-solving skills and creative use of technologies, significantly enhancing armored combat capabilities, for his visionary leadership in establishing and commanding the "Phoenix" reserve unit during the Iron Swords War, and for his invaluable contribution to the security of the State of Israel.

• Lt. Col. Revital Barzani Commander of the Israeli Air Force 66th Battalion, in recognition of her pioneering and inspirational leadership as a commander of an air defense battalion during the Iron Swords War, for exemplifying exceptional initiative and guiding skilled operators in critical air defense missions while upholding the highest standards of excellence, and for her significant contribution to the security of the State of Israel.

• Col. Benny Aharon, Commander of the 401st Brigade, in recognition of his extraordinary actions during the Iron Swords War – his unwavering fortitude, initiative, leadership, determination, and heroism, which exemplify the exceptional human spirit of our nation, for serving as a beacon of inspiration to the younger generation, and for his profound contribution to the security of the State of Israel.

Alongside the excitement of finally graduating the exceptional 2023-24 class, the ceremony was colored by feelings of grief for the six Afeka students and alumni who were either murdered on Oct. 7th or killed in combat – including the late Akiva Yasinky, who was meant to receive his diploma at this year's ceremony Additionally, Afeka alumnus Maya Shmiel, whose two cousins, Yair and Eintan Horen, are being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, gave an emotional plea to the crowd to act towards making sure all hostages are brought home.

Yet ultimately, the milestone graduation was defined by hope for the future of Israel – a country whose only resource is its human capital, which notably includes the engineers who received their diploma from Afeka and who will now take part in ensuring Israel's recovery, growth, resilience, and sustainability during and after the war.

The post Over 700 engineers enter Israeli workforce at fateful crossroads for high-tech sector appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.