Earlier this month, the KU School of Business partnered with KU Chabad, StandWithUs, and student group Students Supporting Israel (SSI) to host an event featuring Israel's contribution to the business world.
The event brought together 75 students from various backgrounds and affiliations for a discussion about the modern applications of Israeli business.
Despite the negative associations often made with Israel in the media, the country's impact on the global economy is significant. The lecture featured statistics on Israel's contribution to the business world, including its reputation as the "Startup Nation" and its place as a global leader in the fields of technology, medicine, and agriculture.
Ten students spoke at the event, sharing their experiences traveling to Israel during winter break with the KU School of Business. They explored the country's startup culture and learned about the innovative ways in which Israeli businesses are tackling global challenges. These students spoke about how much they gained from their trip and how uplifting it was to see the impact Israel has had on the business world.
Leah Anderson, a Jewish KU student who attended the lecture, said, "Seeing everyone gathered together to talk about a country so special to our people was empowering and inspiring. I loved how it was not just focused on the conflict, but also on the aspects of Israel that makes it so successful — the business part of it that we're so proud to have built by working the land."
Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad, also spoke at the event, noting the significance of Israel's Biblical roots in its modern-day success: "In the Bible, Israel is called the land of milk and honey, representing a land overflowing with rich agriculture and business opportunities. It was fascinating for the students and me to learn about the modern applications of this Biblical appellation."
"This was truly a very successful event, thanks to outstanding student participation and the delicious Israeli food provided by the Chabad Center," said Professor Jana Fitchett, a lecturer at the KU School of Business who helped organize the event and leads the KU study board trip to Israel.
This event was part of KU Chabad's Your Israel program, which offers programming and events that bring Israel awareness and support across the KU campus.
