Israeli-American Exchanges

About the Conference

Israel is a nation that has been greatly impacted by America. But the country of 8 million people has also influenced the United States in many ways.

At “Israel in 3D: Israeli-American Exchanges,” Israeli and American experts and practitioners will explore cross-border connections between the two countries in three major areas – Entertainment, Religion and Business & Technology – and how each society has influenced the other.

Three panels will examine questions, including:

Entertainment

A growing number of Israelis are making their way in the American entertainment industry. What happens to Israeli stories and styles as they make their way to America, and how is Israel advertised to American consumers? How, in turn, has Israeli culture become “Americanized”?

Religion

Can Israel nurture its Jewish national and cultural identity, without regulating the religious life of its citizens (Jews and non-Jews) or alienating diaspora Jews? What are the trends in Israeli Jewish observance today, and how has it been influenced – or not – by American liberal Judaism? And what changes are happening in the ultra-Orthodox community, including increasing rights for women?

Business and Technology

What are some of the challenges Israeli companies face in conducting business with and within the United States? What are some of the biggest/most innovative growth areas for Israeli-American business cooperation? And how do major American company investments in Israel (especially for R&D) help the Israeli economy overall?