Barkat spoke about technology, innovation and investment.

(Courtesy of YU) On June 5, Nir Barkat, Israel’s minister of economy and industry, and one-time mayor of Jerusalem, visited YU’s Beren campus to discuss the future of technology, innovation and investment. Speaking to a packed room, Minister Barkat discussed Israel’s important role in such fields as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable food production and adapting communities to desert climates. During his talk, he also lauded the strong relationship between Yeshiva University and Israel.

In addition to many students, Dr. Paul Russo, dean of YU’s Katz School of Science and Health, Dr. Selma Botman, YU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Anat Katz, Israel’s economic minister for North America, were in attendance.

“The Minister’s bold vision for expanding Israel’s already booming science and tech ecosystem is breathtaking,” said Dean Russo. “He rightfully made the point that government, industry and universities need to build coalitions if we are going to solve the most pressing global challenges with technologies such as dessert tech, food tech and low-cost pharmaceuticals, to name a few. It’s amazing that someone with so many demands on his time made the effort to speak with our students, and we were thrilled to welcome him to Yeshiva University.”