The NYC-Israel Chamber will work to help companies grow their businesses in New York City.
(Courtesy of NYC-Israel Chamber of Commerce) The Government of Israel Economic Mission to the US- East Coast, the BIRD Foundation, and the new Israel-NYC Chamber of Commerce jointly hosted New York City Mayor Eric Adams; Ambassador Asaf Zamir, Consul General of Israel in New York; and Dr. Ron Malka, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Economy and Industry for an evening reception focusing on public safety and advanced municipal solutions.
“Israel has been a great partner and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to come up with forward-thinking solutions as we tackle public safety and boost our economies,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “We share the same drive to move forward, to always be better, and to use technology in a positive way, and that is why the NYC-Israel Chamber of Commerce will help New York City remain a center of innovation.”
The event, “NY + Israel = Safer, Smarter Cities,” also featured Matthew Fraser, the newly appointed CTO of New York City, as well as two technology companies, EasyAerial from Brooklyn and BWR Robotics from Israel, who shared their collaboration story. The solution jointly developed by the two companies, a specialized drone, is used by the NYFD to track fire and support early response. The BIRD Foundation (Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation) is a bilateral program between the American and Israeli governments that provides up to $1 million in matching funding for joint research and development projects between American and Israeli companies.
The well-attended evening, held at the Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn, included a diverse crowd from the New York and Israeli business ecosystems. The event highlighted the close relations between New York City and Israel, and the strong impact these relationships have on innovation, economic growth and job creation in New York and Israel. The relationships also focus on solutions that contribute directly to the everyday lives of New Yorkers, ssuch as their personal safety, and improved technological platforms to support a smart and advanced management of the city.
“Cutting-edge technology and visionary political leadership are the key ingredients for making large cities safer and more economically vibrant,” said Ambassador Asaf Zamir. “The New York-Israel Chamber of Commerce is beginning a mission to do that by pairing Israeli and New York-based companies and individual innovators, all with the support of the city’s elected leaders.”
According to Dr. Malka, “Israel and New York City enjoy a long-lasting relationship, one that is well anchored and that is mutually beneficial. Israel is well known for its innovative capacity and its entrepreneurship. It enjoys one of the most highly educated, entrepreneurial, and multicultural workforces in the world. Israel and New York City share a joint vision for smart and safe cities. Collaboratively, Israel and New York City will reap the benefits of their cultural diversity and translate it to groundbreaking innovation.”
