Raquel Guertzenstein Frohlich
Jerusalem Post, Feb. 14, 2025
“We believe that in Israel – industry shapes policy, not the other way around. That’s why, despite the changes happening in the US, we remain committed to advancing DEI.”
Israel is often influenced by trends in the US – and when it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), this may be no different.
As US President Donald Trump attacked DEI programs immediately after taking office, Israeli CEO Inbal Horesh noted that in Israel—unlike the US— there are no mandatory DEI regulations and the eventual impact will be modified to fit local norms.
Horesh, the CEO of Gifthead—a Tel Aviv-based growth booster for startups—said factors that influence DEI in Israel include the military, diverse religious communities, and war and political instability.
“In Israel, the military serves as the individual’s “first employer” and plays a major role in shaping the job market,” she said. “The more proactive steps the military takes to integrate minorities and women into all roles, the greater the reduction in workplace gaps. DEI will then naturally flourish through personal acquaintance and networking.”
The market size of Israel is another factor, Horesh said, and there is “always some form of connection through mutual acquaintances.”
“Therefore, regulations and policies aren’t as strong as personal opinions and biases,” she said. “The main concern regarding DEI changes in the US is their effect on public attitudes. If, for instance, the benefits of integrating women into the workforce are no longer a prominent topic in the US, the same trend may follow in Israel. This decline in public awareness could result in a weaker effort to promote female presence in fields lacking representation.” …SOURCE