Reflections on My Visit to Israel – March 2025
Written by Howard Handler, President of 313 Presents & MIBA Board Member
I recently returned from a deeply moving visit to the State of Israel. My time in Israel was revealing, heartbreaking—and yet, also hopeful and inspiring.
I came away feeling more connected, more passionate, and more committed than ever to supporting Israel, ensuring its vitality and survival.
A Heartbroken Nation Living in Defining Times
Israel is still reeling from the October 7th massacre—what many describe as a modern-day pogrom. It’s been 533 days and counting since that brutal attack where more than 1,200 innocent lives were taken and more than 250 people were kidnapped. Today, 59 hostages remain in captivity and their faces are visible everywhere you go in the country as a constant, aching reminder. Israel continues to fight a multi-front war—against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Yemen, and global public opinion. Each of these fronts presents an existential threat.
What I Witnessed
In just one week, I traveled to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Central Galilee, and the South. I stood in Kfar Aza, a devastated kibbutz just two miles from the Gaza border where 62 men, women and children were slaughtered and 19 taken hostage. I walked through the site of the Nova Music Festival, now a haunting graveyard of posters and tributes for the 364 young people murdered and 40 kidnapped.
I also had the honor of accompanying my wife, Wendy, through her work with the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Israel Overseas Allocation Committee. We met with more than a dozen extraordinary NGOs addressing trauma, mental health, shared society, and community resilience. Highlights include:
- HaBait: Supporting families of reservists and career soldiers affected by the war through mentoring, counseling and rehabilitation.
- Adama Tova: A healing center for families of October 7th victims.
- HaGal Sheli: A surf therapy initiative uplifting at-risk youth—Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.
- A New Way: Promoting understanding between Arab and Jewish students.
- Yozmot Atid – Women in Business Together: Empowering Jewish and Arab female entrepreneurs, such as Seham, building a Latin dance studio for Arab women and Ayala, nurturing her Israeli family’s growing olive oil business.
- ICAR: mapping and coordinating trauma healing and mental health services by bringing together leading experts in medicine, psychology, public health, philanthropy, and finance.
All of the people and organizations we met are building hope from heartbreak—lighting a path forward through compassion, courage and an unwavering belief in the power of community. Their work is a testament to the resilient Israeli spirit and a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, humanity can choose light.
Start-Up Nation in Action
As part of my role on the MIBA board, I immersed myself in Israel’s world-leading innovation ecosystem, visiting five companies at the intersection of sports, tech, and entertainment:
- ABonAir: Developing wireless tech for broadcast and production.
- NEOJA: A location-based entertainment concept, think Topgolf meets basketball.
- PlaySight: Sports analytics and biomechanical tools for athletes and coaches.
- Colosseum Sport: A dynamic group supporting digital transformation in global sports.
- WSC Sports: An AI-driven content platform. I first met them 8 years ago during my time at Major League Soccer—they’ve since grown into a 400-person global powerhouse.
The energy and resolve of the entrepreneurs I met was infectious—true David vs. Goliath spirit. Despite a population of just 10 million, Israel continues to punch above its weight with more start-ups than the UK, Canada, Japan, India, or Korea. Alphabet’s recent $32B acquisition of Israeli cybersecurity firm Wiz is yet another reminder of the nation’s global innovation power.
Moments That Will Stay With Me
I stood in Hostage Square and prayed alongside hundreds for the safe return of loved ones. I scratched my soccer itch, attending a rowdy Israel Premier League match between Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Petah Tikvah. I of course had some incredible meals. I reconnected with old friends and made new ones. Most of all, I was inspired by the young people I met. Mandatory military and national service instill a deep sense of purpose and maturity. They are resilient, motivated and committed. The future of Israel is in very capable hands.
What Comes Next
I hope this article helps spread the word. Since returning, I’ve had countless conversations with family, friends and colleagues—each one a reminder that we all have a role to play. We must bear witness. If you’re able, go. Visit Israel. Engage with its people. Support the healing and rebuilding. And if this moved you, please share it—let others feel what I felt.
We all have a role to play in ensuring the survival of the State of Israel.
