From Start Up Nation to Resilient Nation
Written by Mark Davidoff, MIBA Interim CEO
Over my many trips and missions to Israel, over the past 40+ years, nothing could have prepared me for the experience of my most recent visit.
This was in fact the most important trip I have ever taken.
As is true with seminal events in one’s life, I’ll always remember where I was on October 7th when I heard the news from Israel.
The purpose of this mission was personal; to be As One with the people of Israel, and to bare witness to what had happened on October 7th, and beyond.
MIBA has, from its inception, been committed to understanding the ingredients of Israel’s start-up ecosystem and bringing such learnings back to Michigan.
We often talk of the cultural commitments in this ecosystem; a belief that every problem has an answer, a commitment to embracing and learning from failure, and realizing what can be accomplished from having common vision and shared purpose.
In fact, it is these same attributes that I saw and experienced in every interaction I had during my visit. From meeting with family members of hostages, to survivors, to those on the front lines, to the average Israeli encountered, there was an unwavering commitment to resilience at every turn.
Visiting Kibbutz Be’eri, the site of the Nova Music Festival, and Hostage Square, drew me into the moments of October 7th. Visiting Mt. Hertzl, the national military cemetery, and the Nahal Oz observatory that was overrun on October 7th, allowed me to pay tribute.
As the current ceasefire progresses and leaders on the world stage debate the formula for a more peaceful Middle East, they would be well served embracing those same start up nation foundational principles; a shared vision with common purpose that brings forward previously unreachable solutions, untethered from the fear of failure.
I am grateful to our MIBA Israel team for making the visit so special, and for all they do every day for MIBA.
