NY Stock Exchange marks decade of Israel Days

The New York Stock Exchange marked its tenth Israel Day n Thursday, an annual event organized by the America-Israel Friendship League (AIFL) celebrating Israel’s advancements and prominence on Wall Street.

Over the years Israel has gained a disproportionate presence in the global financial market. With more than 80 equities currently listed on exchanges around the world and more than 70 on Wall Street alone, Israel is now ranked as the third largest foreign presence after China and Canada.

“The event celebrates the level of Israeli equities listed on Wall Street as yet another example of Israeli innovation and the strong US-Israel relationship,” Daniella Rilov, executive director of the AIFL, told The Jerusalem Post. “Furthermore, NYSE Israel Day seeks to expose the public to cutting edge Israeli businesses and companies.”

“Some of the most prominent connections between the Israeli and American business world have been made at this event, as the day highlights business innovations that can establish new partnerships and joint investments and create new employment opportunities in both the United States and Israel,” she said. The AIFL is an American non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening ties between the United States and Israel. The NYSE Israel Day was started by the AIFL in 2007, when the NYSE honored the AILF chairman, the late Benny Gaon, and invited him to ring the NYSE trading bell. Thereafter, the program has grown into an annual event, now in partnership with SOSA and Israeli Mapped in NY. According to Rilov, this year’s event will also emphasize the role of women in the Israeli business world, with a special opening session saluting leading Israeli women in the field of business, economy, science, hi-tech and fashion.

The session will focus on the empowerment of women in the world of business and innovation.

“Not only are we recognizing outstanding companies at Israel Day, but the event is also honoring four Israeli female leaders in particular, because Israel, like the United States, celebrates its gender diversity,” said Rilov.

The four honorary participants of the opening session are Tzameret Fuerst, co-founder of Circ MedTech, which developed an FDA-approved device for HIV protection; Keren Haruvi, senior vice president of Teva Pharmaceuticals; Noa Raviv, acclaimed fashion designer and artist; and Liat Mordechay Hertanu, co-founder of 24me, a critically acclaimed personal and business organizer app.