In a city often shaped by its complexities, the Jerusalem Business Overview event brought a fresh focus on young professionals and economic coexistence as essential pillars for Jerusalem’s growth.
Hosted by JYP Forum and America Hub Israel (U.S. Embassy Jerusalem), the gathering spotlighted business leaders and changemakers committed to building bridges within Jerusalem’s diverse communities.
One of the evening's standout speakers was Sondos Alhoot, one of the first Arab women to run for Jerusalem City Council. Alhoot, a prominent political activist, emphasized the power of economic opportunity in fostering collaboration between East and West Jerusalem.
“Coexistence is the only way forward, especially in business and innovation,” she said. “When we invest in building business ties between East and West Jerusalem, we invest in a shared future.”
Her words carried weight against the backdrop of long-standing divides. Since 1968, many Arab residents of East Jerusalem have boycotted municipal elections, viewing participation as implicit recognition of Israeli sovereignty.
Alhoot’s historic candidacy challenged this tradition, and while her run was groundbreaking, her message at the event transcended politics, offering a hopeful vision centered on economic progress.
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The evening also showcased success stories from Jerusalem’s growing business landscape. Ezra Menaged, CEO of Hometalk, one of Israel’s major tech success stories, spoke about the importance of innovation in creating opportunities for young professionals.
Based in Jerusalem, Hometalk has quietly become the world’s leading DIY home-improvement platform, attracting tens of millions of users globally. Menaged credited the city’s unique combination of talent, creativity, and culture for Hometalk’s success but stressed that more must be done to retain young professionals.
“Jerusalem is a city like no other, but we can’t rely solely on its history. We need to modernize, create new opportunities, and ensure young people see their future here,” he said.
Brian Wallace, founder of NowSourcing and a Google small business advisor, echoed Menaged’s call for innovation, pointing to the role of small businesses in driving economic resilience. “Small businesses are the heart of any thriving economy, and Jerusalem has immense untapped potential,” Wallace noted, urging attendees to view entrepreneurship as a pathway to growth and coexistence.
Sarah Landman of MATI Jerusalem, an organization supporting local businesses, reinforced the need for empowering individuals with resources to create economic impact. “When we equip entrepreneurs with tools and funding, we’re not just building businesses—we’re building communities,” she said.
While the discussions were rooted in business, the underlying message of the Jerusalem Business Overview was about connection. For the young professionals in attendance, the event offered a vision of how business and innovation can bridge divides and shape the city’s future.
In a city that often struggles with its differences, leaders like Alhoot, Menaged, Wallace and Landsman demonstrated the role that collaboration and economic opportunity can play in creating a more integrated, thriving Jerusalem.
- Marc Faust is the founder and chairman of JYP Forum and managing director of Givah Group International, a leading strategic consulting and management firm based in the U.S. and Israel.