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Description
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO A FUTURE DATE.
6:45 PM Wine & Cheese Reception
7:15 PM Program
Israel continues to live in the aftermath of October 7. How we respond — here and there — matters.
Join us for a powerful presentation by Izhar Shay, former Israeli Minister of Science & Technology and founder of the Next October initiative, followed by a Q&A hosted by Rabbi Ben Spratt.
On October 7, Izhar’s son, Yaron Oree Shay z”l, fell in battle while saving hundreds of Israeli civilians. In the face of devastating loss, the Shay family chose to build. They created Next October, connecting Israeli tech companies with bereaved families from the war — strengthening both those families and Israel’s future.
“They came to destroy — we are building a better world.”
Through personal story and national vision, this evening will explore resilience, responsibility, and how we build light after darkness.
This event is co-sponsored by The Israeli Hug Center at Rodeph Sholom
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Izhar Shay
Co-founder, Next October, Israel
Izhar Shay is a High-Tech Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist and Former Minister of Science and Technology. Izhar Shay was a parliament member at the Knesset between 2019 - 2021, and served as the Minister of Science and Technology in the Israeli government, where he was also a member of the Covid19 cabinet. Shay is a Venture Partner with Disruptive AI, an early stage deep-tech VC focused on AI investments. He is actively involved with a number of innovative tech companies as an advisor, board member and mentor for CEOs and entrepreneurs. Shay serves on the investment committee of Iron Nation and on the technology investment committee of Phoenix Financial (one of Israel’s largest financial holdings and investments groups). A graduate of the Technion (Haifa, Israel), Izhar Shay has accumulated over 30 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur and a venture capital investor. As CEO, he managed two technology venture backed companies towards successful exits (Business Layers, V-Secure) and he was an investment professional (Venture Partner, General Partner) with Silicon Valley based Canaan Partners for a period of about 15 years. Following the falling of his son Yaron Oree (Noni) in a heroic battle while protecting the civilians of Kibbutz Kerem Shalom on October 7th, Izhar Shay co-founded the Next October initiative, which is set to launch and support an innovative Israeli start-up company for every victim of the war. Shay is involved in a number of initiatives that promote healing and unity within the Israeli society post the October 7th tragic disaster.
Date & Time
Thu, Mar 12, 2026 6:45 PM - 8:15 PM
Venue Details
Congregation Rodeph Sholom
7 West 83rd StreetNew York, New York 10024
