Israel Active

Despite Israel being hit by the world economic downturn and having to layoff thousands of staff, unemployment actually dipped in July to 6.5% from 7.1% in June. Additionally, the workforce increased from 59% to 59.8% of the population. So there is still a demand for Israeli workers.

Jews across America are scanning the Internet for job opportunities that will enable them to make the leap toward life in Israel. Nefesh B’Nefesh’s LinkedIn aliyah board and Janglo’s Jobs classified site are attracting much recent interest.

Israel’s capital combines business with culture and has the potential to become a hi-tech international hub. CNN interviewed Jerusalem Venture Partner's Erel Margalit, who sees Jerusalem as a gateway to Israel's business future.

Just in case anyone still thought that the terrorist state was a humanitarian disaster.

That’s how fund manager David Frankenstein describes his financial success matching up foreign investors with Israeli start-ups. He fills a vital gap where Israeli companies can raise $100,000 or several million dollars, but little in between. Janvest has four investments and plans six more.

India’s Piramal Enterprises Ltd has bought 27 per cent of Israel’s Bluebird Aero Systems Ltd. Set up by former officers and engineers of Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Bluebird builds tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and vehicles (UAVs).

Israel’s AfiMilk is to build 13 advanced milking parlours in China that will serve about 50,000 cows. Mengniu Dairy, the largest dairy company in the Chinese market, will run the hi-tech parlours.

I’ve just heard about the amazing Jerusalem Business Network Forum. With a 1000 membership, every month business people in Israel’s capital meet up and make contacts with key individuals in business, government and overseas. Mega-networking events (one is happening on 4th Sept) have initiated business ventures worth $25 million. A separate specialist group has also been formed for the Bio-Med sector.

You may have heard that due to a mistake El Al were forced to sell 5000 return tickets from New York to Israel for under $400 each. Cleverly, El Al then offered the lucky customers the chance to upgrade their tickets to non-stop for $75 each way, thus ensuring only El Al planes would be used and cutting out code-sharing partners. It also means that El Al’s low-season flights will be full.

New regulations agreed earlier this year allow foreign firms to practise the law of their home jurisdiction in Israel rather than merely establish representative offices for business purposes. Linklaters, DLA Piper and Zeichner Ellman & Krause are among many firms to expand in Israel in response.