Israel Tech Mission - Women Executives

Rayah Levy, FCD Invest President
3 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 12 hours ago

FCD Invest President, Rayah Levy, and FCD Invest Executive Vice President, Aleja Seabron, joined the Israel Tech Mission for Women Executives on a memorable journey to Israel, where they discovered the true meaning of resilience.

They networked with influential peers and explored Israel's social, economic, and technological landscape while gaining insights from local thought leaders, military, and government officials across the spectrum. They also met diverse communities in conflict zones.

It was a life-changing experience where they discovered the unique cultural mosaic that shapes Israeli society.

Rayah and Aleja heard from the following speakers:

Col. Miri Eisin (Ret.), who discussed the complexities of Middle Eastern Politics and the impossible choices Israel is forced to make.

Dr. Noya Shilo, head of the returned hostages clinic at Sheba Medical Center, outlined how to properly rehabilitate hostages and their loved ones.

Tami Braslavski, mother of returned hostage Rom Braslavsky, shared that after her son had been kidnapped and tortured by terrorists, his plan for revenge was to find a nice girl, get married, and have a family to show his former captors that they did not win.

MK Orit Farkash-HaCohen, Former Minister of Innovation, shared her views while emphasizing the need for Israel to be united regardless of politics.

Kfar Aza residents, who live in the Kibbutz that borders the Gaza Strip, shared their experiences as one of the first communities to be attacked by terrorists on October 7th. They talked about how they loved and accepted their neighbors and petitioned for their work Visas, and were betrayed in the most heartbreaking way during the terror attacks.

Noa Beer, Nova Festival survivor, shared her experience of what happened on October 7th and shared that her one wish is that the world does not forget about the victims on that day.

IDF Soldiers, who are proud to protect their loved ones, prioritize the safety of civilians within conflict areas and facilitate aid to communities in need.

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, who shared her story of love, faith, and strength through G-d.

First Lady, Adv. Michal Herzog, who shared how Israel’s governing body works, the importance of the President’s role, and why we must lead with compassion.

The following sites were visited:

Hostage Square

Peres Center for Peace and Innovation

Car Cemetery in Moshav Tekuma

Nova Festival Site

Old City of Jerusalem

Mahane Yehuda Market

Our mission trip to Israel with the Israel Tech Mission was profoundly transformative. Participating in a solidarity delegation at such a pivotal time—alongside exceptional C‑Suite leaders—renewed my sense of hope in what is possible when vision and purpose unite to advance humanity. Few places offer opportunities as inspiring and impactful as those found in Israel. My deepest gratitude to the Israel Tech Mission for its remarkable leadership in cultivating a world‑class community of innovation and heart.

Rayah Levy, FCD Invest President

There is nothing that could have prepared me for the profound surge of emotion I felt throughout my journey to Israel. I returned a different person, a part of my heart remaining there forever. Since coming back, flashes of the people I met and the moments I experienced continue to surface—each one a reminder of the strength and beauty I witnessed. I approached this trip as a steadfast ally of the Israeli people. With a Degree in Public Affairs, focusing on International Affairs, I have a deep academic understanding of the region’s cultural, religious, and political complexities, how delicate peace is, how deeply tribal dynamics run, and how persistently the Jewish people have faced antisemitism despite their enduring contributions to society. And yet, none of that knowledge prepared me for what I encountered. I met survivors who had lost everything, yet met the world with grace rather than hate. Amid heartbreak, I found resilience; amid fear and loss, I found hope. Not once did I meet bitterness; only courage, compassion, love, and faith. It is impossible to encapsulate such an experience in a few words, but if there is one truth I have carried home, it is this: we must continue to stand with Israel and safeguard her people, whose strength and spirit illuminate what it means to endure and thrive.