What's Your Number? Is American Investment In Israel Drying Up? - Live from the Z3 Summit
Nov 26, 2025
Join Joy Sisisky, CEO of the Jewish Community Federation of the Bay Area, as she discusses the surge in philanthropy after recent events, rallying $25 million for emergency support. Sean Maguire from Sequoia Capital shares insights on Israeli startup resilience and how recent geopolitical tensions have influenced investment trends. The panel delves into the shifts in donor behavior, the impact of antisemitism on giving, and the promising future of Israeli tech, highlighting new partnerships and opportunities for growth in emerging markets.
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Bay Area's Immediate Fundraising Surge
- Joy Sisisky described rapid emergency fundraising after October 7th, raising about $25 million in weeks for Israel.
- That surge was three times their normal unrestricted giving and was directed to humanitarian relief.
Philanthropy Faces Competing Priorities
- Giving to Israel spiked immediately but has since returned toward pre-war levels while local needs rose.
- Donors face tension between supporting Israel and addressing rising antisemitism and security needs at home.
Resilience Kept Deals Moving
- Omer Fein highlighted Israeli resilience: startups kept meeting partners and pushing deals despite turmoil.
- That persistence sustained business continuity and deal flow in the U.S.-Israel corridor.