Tech TLVHigh-tech must be the driving engine of the new Israel
Tech TLV
High-tech must be the driving engine of the new Israel
“Israeli high-tech must be the driving engine of a new, better Israel. I already know there is no need to encourage you. You have proven that you understand your essential role,” said Calcalist Publisher Yoel Esteron, speaking at the Tech TLV conference
Since the establishment of Calcalist 16 years ago, we have closely accompanied Israeli high-tech, appreciating its entrepreneurship and creativity in building global companies or achieving spectacular exits. On the other hand, I have harbored the suspicion all these years that Israeli high-tech is immersed in its own pink bubble, living within itself and ignoring the state that surrounds the startup nation. I thought the driving engine of the economy was not truly interested in what was happening behind it.
I was wrong. I was very wrong.
A little over a year ago, at the previous Tech TLV conference, I warned here: if the government dismantles and corrupts democratic values, suppresses the justice system, encourages evasion of work, nurtures youth without core studies - high-tech will not continue to flourish in a broken ecosystem. Third-world countries, with a crippled democracy, do not grow elite technology or prosperous businesses. Therefore, as I said a year ago, those who want to continue the wonderful momentum of Israeli high-tech cannot close their eyes.
If I feared a year ago that you were blind or indifferent - I was wrong. I was hugely wrong.
In January 2023, you came out of the bubble to the burning streets to defend democracy against a government that tried to crush it, and us. You proved during nine months of a determined defensive battle that you know how to fight against corrupt and unrestrained politicians and against waves of incitement and hatred. I saw you in Kaplan and in Jerusalem, and I realized that even the worst government in Israel's history will not be able to fulfill its dream, our nightmare. Calcalist was there to support this important struggle.
Since October 7th, you have mobilized for the war on our home, in the south, and in the north, on the battlefront and in the home front, with incredible speed and admirable efficiency, of entrepreneurs and experienced managers, long before anyone in the failed government started to come to their senses. In the last 100 days, Israeli high-tech has been revealed in all its power and glory. It seems that there is no longer any need to explain to Israeli high-tech that it must take care of the country that surrounds the startup nation. The task cannot be left in the hands of lousy, stupid, or messianic politicians.
Therefore, 2024 poses a double challenge to Israeli high-tech: in the world - we need to overcome the crisis that the war intensified and restore the prestige of Israeli high-tech, in the face of waves of hatred and anti-Semitism. In this context, Calcalist is initiating this year a series of Stand with Israel Tech events in New York, London, and more.
In Israel itself - we need new, fresh leadership, of the best minds, of experienced, sober, and honest managers. We cannot wait for the "end of the war" to start rebuilding Israel. We cannot hope that the failed politicians who dropped us into the terrible pit will also rescue us from the pit.
Israeli high-tech must be the driving engine of a new, better Israel. I already know there is no need to encourage you. You have proven that you understand your essential role. And this year too - Calcalist will be part of the struggle for a proper leadership for Israel, for the image of the country and its values. We will win.
