Organized through the partnership of Lesley Kaplan, the Israel Networking Hub, AACI, and Nefesh B’Nefesh, the annual event has become popular for English-speaking entrepreneurs and professionals looking to build their businesses and their support lives in Israel. 

Opening keynote speaker Hillel Fuld set the tone. “Just like with people,” he said, “businesses should focus on giving more value.” His message resonated deeply with attendees seeking direction in a time of economic and personal uncertainty.

Veteran journalist Maayan Hoffman followed with a session on communication and self-confidence. Reflecting on her own career journey, she shared, “Finding my voice helped me realize that you can find yours, too.”

Keynote speakers included media journalist Rolene Marks, Joseph Gitler, founder of Leket Israel, and former lawyer and social entrepreneur Mike Mintz. 

A panel moderated by Heather Dean brought together Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Debbie Sassen, and Zev Levi. They spoke about courage, growth, and navigating the pressures of business and public life.

Following these participants who gave important tips and advice was the launch of ImpactIL™, a new social impact project designed to empower Israel's younger generations with real-life skills and, simultaneously, spotlight Israeli business owners (Anglos and native Israelis), who volunteer their skills and expertise to create change. 

Their mission is threefold:

• · Empowering individuals with the skills and tools they need to achieve their goals and create lasting change
• · Partnering with businesses in Israel by creating meaningful programs and platforms that amplify their visibility, strengthen their brand, and enhance both profitability and purpose – while making a lasting impact
• · Build a stronger, thriving Israel

Founded by Kaplan, business strategy and branding coach & trainer, who emigrated from South Africa 35 years ago, and powered by her Israel Networking Hub PRO Circle, she believes that you're "never too young or old to set goals and achieve them."

Kaplan told BJL the mission and vision of ImpactIL™ is the culmination of years of dedication to growth, connection, and the desire to create impact with Israel's future generation - after three decades of training, coaching & successfully advancing businesses, nonprofits & individuals. "I feel it’s in my DNA to connect, collaborate with, and promote businesses." 

ImpactIL™ was founded to narrow the gap between teaching theory and real-life skills. Something which Kaplan believes is lacking in many areas due to curriculum requirements, limited resources, and budgetary constraints. The win-win approach of merging this gap with the knowledge and expertise of independent business owners, who at the same time can benefit from exposure, together with a "give & gain approach." The contribution involves group activities, workshops, and 1:1 mentoring with approved projects/nonprofits. 

Kaplan chose to focus the projects of ImpactIL™ in three main categories: Education & Empowerment, Community & Social Empowerment, and IDF soldiers, spouses, and lone soldiers.

For the category working with soldiers and spouses, this is particularly important following October 7th, and the extended reserve duty of many soldiers who either left their businesses or no longer had the drive to continue working in the same field, seeking other options. Skills learnt through activities, mentoring, and workshops provided by ImpactIL™ - including business strategy and how to run a successful business - can make all the difference between sinking or thriving. 

As ImpactIL™ develops, it will add more projects to its suite of social impact initiatives. The team at ImpactIL™ welcomes inquiries from professionals and business owners looking to make an impact, companies seeking to sponsor this life-changing initiative, and anyone interested in supporting their cause.

For more info: ImpactIL.org -  https://impactil.org/ 

IsraelNetworkingHub.com - http://israelnetworkinghub.com/