Young Jewish leaders attend NYC summit
More than 500 Excel Fellows from 18 countries gathered in Battery Park City in lower Manhattan for the Excelerate26 Summit. There were 28 participants from New Jersey, including Leo Caplan of Millburn, Marina Chernin of Livingston, Benjamin Friedman and Adam Schwartz of Westfield, and Jonathan Raport of Randolph.
The weekend Excelerate26 Summit program met at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park City. The keynote speakers included Robert Kraft, the founder, chair, and CEO of the Kraft Group and owner of the NFL’s New England Patriots; and Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta and founder of Lean In. The other speakers included David Schenker, Taube senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and Anne Neuberger, former deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology at the White House.
“You are living in a time when Jews have the State of Israel, global networks, and influence that previous generations could not imagine,” Mr. Kraft said. “We need all of you. We need your gifts, your idealism, your values, your passion, and your hard work. We need your refusal to accept a status quo where hatred is normalized. I believe in you. The mishkan of our time that needs to be built and rebuilt is a society of grace, tolerance, and love.”
Excel is a lifelong global business fellowship, part of Birthright Israel, that identifies and brings together the next generation of Jewish business leaders. After fellows complete a summer business or tech internship in Israel, the Excel community provides immersive opportunities in professional development, networking, personal growth, Israel engagement, and Jewish identity.
After their internships, Excel fellows maximize their experiences by taking on positions at top-tier companies such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Bain & Company, Palantir Technologies, and Google, developing strategic partnerships with Israeli companies, and starting their own businesses, often hiring other fellows.
“The past two years have been an incredibly challenging time for my family, for the State of Israel, and for the entire Jewish world, but the Birthright Israel Excel community has given us tremendous hope,” Idit Rubin, Birthright Israel Excel’s executive director, said. “Across campuses, businesses, and communities around the world, Excel Fellows have stepped up — combating antisemitism, speaking out, raising funds for Jewish and Israel-related causes, and volunteering in Israel. This community represents a new generation of Jewish leaders who are committed to using their influence, talent, and values to strengthen the Jewish people and help shape a better future.”
Since 2011, Birthright Israel Excel has been dedicated to developing the next generation of Jewish business leaders. The Excel Fellowship selects extraordinary college students worldwide for a summer business or tech internship in Tel Aviv at leading companies. Upon their return, Excel Fellows join a global community that provides resources for professional and personal development, Israel engagement, and philanthropy.