The events of October 7 sent shockwaves through the global Jewish community and caused many, including me, to reevaluate their relationship with Israel. As one of the first 100 employees at Amazon and most recently a vice president at VMware, I have built a successful career in Seattle and Silicon Valley.
But as a Zionist Jew with deep ties to Israel, I felt compelled to act. The decision to leave my stable position at the company and join Upwind was not an easy one. It raised eyebrows among my friends and colleagues. Yet it felt necessary and was my way of expressing my Jewish, Zionist and Israeli identity through my work in a time of crisis.
I also joined Upwind because of my strong belief in Upwind’s technology and its potential to become a leader in the cloud security market. In late 2022, Amiram Shachar (CEO of Spot, acquired by NetApp for $450M) founded Upwind, a cloud security company that raised $80M in less than a year. Shachar, who I had known for a decade when I was a GM at AWS, reached out to me and offered me the role of Chief Product Officer.
Between my belief in the company and its leadership, and the events of October 7, it was clear to me that Upwind was the best place to support Israeli technological innovations, express my Zionist identity, and advocate for Israel.
My journey from tech giant to Israeli startup is more than a personal story. It is a lens through which we can examine the resilience, challenges, and future of the Israeli tech sector in these troubled times.
The Israeli tech industry is more than just capital investment. It is a unique blend of Jewish culture, national imperatives, and a drive for technological progress. This spirit of innovation, born of necessity and fueled by a culture that values world improvement and entrepreneurship, is what distinguishes the Start-Up Nation spirit.
Geopolitical tensions after October 7
The geopolitical tensions that followed October 7 cast a shadow over the Israeli tech industry, but they also revealed the sector’s remarkable adaptability. Despite regional instability, Israeli companies continue to innovate, attract investment, and expand globally. This resilience is a testament to the strong foundations of the Israeli tech ecosystem.
However, we cannot ignore the rise of global anti-Semitism, particularly in the West. The rise of anti-Israel sentiment in America and Europe after October 7 has been both surprising and alarming. As someone who has long been active in Jewish organizations and whose children are dealing with this new reality, I have seen firsthand how this climate is affecting our communities.
It is important to distinguish between these loud protests and the actual business practices of big tech companies. Despite some employees’ activism against collaborations with Israel, industry giants like Amazon, Google, Nvidia and others continue to maintain close ties with Israeli tech companies and talent.
Why? The answer is simple: Israel’s technological prowess remains highly regarded, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Global companies recognize that Israeli innovation is irreplaceable. The country’s unique ecosystem, which combines military experience, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit, continues to produce cutting-edge solutions that global technology companies need to remain competitive.
Working on projects like Nimbus at Amazon and VMware, I’ve seen firsthand the unwavering support these companies have for Israel. This support stems from a desire to expand government adoption of the cloud, recognition of Israel’s exceptional tech talent pool, and the country’s reputation as a hotbed of innovation.
That said, the tech industry cannot afford to be complacent in the face of rising anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment. Tech leaders must increasingly take a more proactive stance to combat offensive and anti-Semitic sentiment within their organizations. The reluctance of some companies to speak out on issues such as the hostage crisis is concerning and potentially damaging in the long run.
The Israeli tech sector must now push for political stability in Israel. While the sector has shown remarkable resilience in the face of conflict, prolonged instability resulting from radical policy changes could discourage foreign investment and hamper growth. The government must balance security and other domestic concerns with maintaining a conducive business environment.
Talent retention is another critical issue. Some Israeli tech workers may seek opportunities in countries perceived as safer or more stable. Conversely, rising anti-Semitism could make Israel a haven for Jewish tech talent, attracting skilled workers who feel increasingly uncomfortable in their home countries.
The ongoing conflict also underscores the need for Israel’s tech sector to diversify its operations. While defense and cybersecurity remain crucial, there is an opportunity to channel the country’s innovative spirit into global-issue areas such as climate, health, and energy. This could not only boost economic growth, but also help improve Israel’s image in the world.
I remain optimistic because the fundamental strengths that made Israel a technological powerhouse remain intact. The country’s education system continues to produce top-notch talent, its military continues to serve as an incubator for leadership and cutting-edge technology, and Israel’s entrepreneurial culture is stronger than ever.
When Israeli companies produce world-class solutions, they find interested partners and customers on the international stage. My decision to join an Israeli startup in these troubled times reflects my faith in the country’s innovative spirit and ability to overcome adversity.
For those of us in the global tech community, supporting the Israeli tech ecosystem means fostering innovation that can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As we move forward, we must champion the unique value that Israel brings to the world stage and work to create an environment where this innovation can continue to thrive, regardless of political tensions. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but I am confident that the Israeli tech sector will survive and thrive through perseverance, ethical leadership, and our unwavering support.
The author is chief product officer at Upwind, a leading cloud security company. He was previously a vice president at VMware and one of Amazon’s first 100 employees. He has also been active in Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League.
