For Israel the Antidote to Divestment is Investment

Aerial view of Tel Aviv

Check point building in Tel Aviv

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund recently announced that it was divesting from 11 Israeli companies and ending contracts with managers who invest in Israel — a move the BDS movement is already touting as a “victory.” Let’s be clear: this decision was symbolic. The fund sold small positions that will have no meaningful effect on Israel’s economy, which remains one of the most resilient and innovative in the world.

But divestment must be matched with its antidote – investment. Without our own investment we give strength to divestment campaigns, no matter how symbolic. Appallingly, the American Jewish community – particularly our philanthropic endowments – do not invest a meaningful portion of their portfolio assets in Israeli stocks. Insufficient investment into Israel is even more shocking given the robust performance of the Israeli stock market. So far this year the Tel-Aviv 125 Stock Market Index is up 31.7% in shekels and a whopping 44.3% in dollars due to the strength of the Israeli currency (as of September 2025). American Jews are literally leaving money on the table while failing to take a simple practical action against BDS.

This is a moment for action. Investors, philanthropists, and supporters of Israel can use capital as a tool of strategic resilience — and of confidence. Whether it’s participating in Israeli venture funds, buying shares of Israeli tech leaders, or funding projects that create jobs on the ground, investment is a powerful statement that Israel will continue to thrive, no matter who divests.

The American philanthropic community certainly stepped up in a big way to help Israel after October 7th, 2023. Our organizations created numerous emergency campaigns and rapid response programs to help Israelis in their time of dire need. What if the pro-Israel philanthropic ecosystem created a rapid response investment infrastructure capable of deploying our billions in endowment capital into Israeli equities, infrastructure, and other profitable investments?

This is why we started Israel Investment Advisors, LLC in the first place, because investment is the best antidote to divestment.

We manage the Israel Investment Fund, L.P.

•            This actively managed Israeli equity fund focuses on long-term capital growth, grounded in rigorous fundamental analysis. 

•            With a 15-year track record through challenging geopolitical periods.

•            To see our track record and portfolio attributes, see our latest quarterly fund fact sheet here.