Michael Eisenberg: What’s Next: The Civic Revolution in Israel
Dec 12, 2023
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Michael Eisenberg, a venture capitalist and staunch defender of Israel, discusses the civic revolution in Israel. Topics include service in the IDF, the raison d'être of the Jewish People, and 'covenantal capitalism'. The episode explores challenges faced by the third generation, empowering the TikTok generation, building strong relationships, Israel's business potential, the curse of helplessness, gratitude, and an upcoming book journey on anti-Semitism.
Israeli society fosters unity through mandatory military service, creating a sense of responsibility and civic activism.
Israel uses technology to empower citizens and promote civic involvement, serving as a beta site for civic empowerment.
The Jewish people need a new narrative focused on shared purpose, brotherhood, and social responsibility to reclaim Jewish identity and strengthen the connection with Israel.
Deep dives
Importance of Responsibility and Civic Society in Israel
Israeli society places a strong emphasis on responsibility, instilled in young people from a young age, especially through mandatory military service. This fosters a sense of brotherhood and unity among Israelis, regardless of their political views. The resilience and civic activism shown during times of crisis, such as the recent conflict, highlight the strength of Israeli society. The vision is to transition from a management-based government to one that orchestrates civilian movements, empowering individuals to take responsibility and contribute to the collective well-being. This approach, known as covenantal capitalism, aims to create a model society driven by brotherhood and a commitment to empower others.
The Role of Technology and Civic Empowerment
Technological advancements, particularly in social media and communication platforms, have enabled individuals to have a stronger voice and connect with global leaders. Israeli society, with its dynamic high-tech sector, has embraced these tools to empower citizens and foster civic involvement. The recent use of technology during the judicial reform battle and the Simchat Torah massacre has demonstrated the potential of these platforms to mobilize and coordinate civilian efforts. This progressive use of technology aligns with the global trend of empowering individuals and challenging established power structures. Israel serves as a beta site for civic empowerment and can offer valuable lessons to the world.
Exploring a Narrative for the Jewish People
The Jewish people, both in Israel and the diaspora, are in need of a new narrative that goes beyond survival and prosperity. The focus should shift towards creating a shared purpose and vision for the next 75-150 years of Jewish existence. This narrative revolves around the principles of covenantal capitalism, emphasizing empowerment, brotherhood, and social responsibility. By fostering unity and shared action rather than simply talking about unity, it becomes possible to reclaim Jewish identity and build a stronger connection between Israel and the diaspora.
Transforming American Jewry and the Need for Shared Purpose
The recent events, including the Simchat Torah massacre and the rise of anti-Semitism, highlight the need for transformation within American Jewry. The emphasis should be on shared purpose and shared action, rather than surface-level unity. This includes encouraging Jewish youth to spend their junior year of high school in Israel, experiencing the sense of responsibility and brotherhood fostered by Israeli society. The aim is to create a movement that brings American Jewry closer to their identity and a stronger connection with Israel, fostering a deeper understanding of their shared history and destiny.
Investing in Israel
One of the main ideas discussed in this podcast episode is the importance of investing in Israel rather than just giving charity. The speaker emphasizes that investing money in Israeli companies not only provides potential financial returns but also forms a sense of partnership. By investing in Israel, individuals can have a direct impact and be involved in the growth and development of the country. The speaker also suggests that investing in Israeli ETFs or partnering with local businesses can be an easy way for the average person to invest in Israel.
Embracing a Civic Revolution
Another main point highlighted in this podcast episode is the need for a civic revolution in American Jewry. The speaker encourages American Jews to actively participate in building partnerships with Israeli communities and initiating joint projects. This bottom-up approach emphasizes doing rather than talking, promoting practical collaboration to make a tangible difference. The speaker calls for American Jews to invest in businesses and help develop industries in areas such as Gaza border villages. Additionally, the importance of learning Hebrew and fostering personal connections is emphasized for deeper engagement and understanding of Israeli society.
In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we talk to Michael Eisenberg, a venture capitalist and staunch defender of Israel, about how the people of Israel have risen to the occasion by creating a “civic revolution.”
With all that is at stake for the Jewish People right now, we’ve been forced to reconsider what our personal goals and collective mission ought to be. And Michael has been at the forefront of that discourse. In this episode we discuss:
How does service in the IDF empower Israeli citizens at a young age?
What is the current raison d'être of the Jewish People?
What is Michael’s notion of “covenantal capitalism”?
Tune in to hear a conversation about how, together, we summon the agency to transform our lives and uplift the world.
Interview begins at 4:35.
Michael Eisenberg is a General Partner at Aleph, an early-stage venture capital fund with $850M under management. Since 2006, he has been writing the blog “Six Kids and a Full Time Job,” on topics ranging from politics to technology, Judaism, and macroeconomics. Michael has also published numerous books, including The Tree of Life and Prosperity, The Vanishing Jew, and Ben Barukh. In 2020, he established the Nevo Network, a first-of-its-kind fellowship program to elevate olim (immigrants to Israel) working in high-tech and serves as the organization’s chairman. Michael lives in Jerusalem with his wife and eight children.
