3 minute read
From Naples to Mars via Israel
By Mara Fahl
Naples philanthropist David Braverman sees his investments in Israel’s future as investments for all of humanity. With an eye toward the next frontier, he and his brother, Steve, have played a pivotal role in the opening of a Jewish National FundUSA Tech Hub in the southern Israeli desert city of Mitzpe Ramon.
The Tech Hub is an integral part of the organization’s vision of developing Israel’s south into a vibrant population center. Thanks to that support, and their belief that Mitzpe Ramon has the potential to become the space capital of the Middle East, the brothers were recently invited to meet with Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog
The Bravermans, together with Jewish National Fund-USA Business Development Director Oren Hefetz, sat with the president to discuss the future of Israeli technology and development, and the importance of both philanthropic and industry investments in the nation. David shared that they had the opportunity to discuss their involvement with Jewish National Fund-USA and their commitment to high-tech ventures with dual value, that is, applications both here on Earth and eventually in space and on other planets.
“He has a great vision for Israel and is a great supporter of space and other high-tech ventures,” David said of the president. “I look forward to keeping in touch and updating him on all our endeavors in Israel.”
“It’s a great time to invest in Israel,” shared Hefetz, “and President Herzog wanted the opportunity to thank David and Steve for their commitment both in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.” Hefetz explained that due to geologic similarities, the remote city of Mitzpe Ramon is uniquely primed to become a center for space innovation and technology and that visionaries like the Bravermans are already proving instrumental in assisting the city in reaching its full potential.
The Braverman family, many of whom are based in Naples, has long been a believer in the city, and when the Tech Hub first opened, Steve shared their view that “it represents new opportunities for development and growth of Israel.”
Jewish National FundUSA’s work in Mitzpe Ramon creates a circle of impact that serves its ultimate vision of building the Negev region in southern Israel and attracting 500,000 new residents to the area. Through strategic initiatives such as the Mitzpe Ramon Tech Hub, they bring jobs, infrastructure and a higher quality of life that make regional growth possible.
For David and Steve, this meeting represents a launch pad for future collaboration between their family, Jewish National Fund-USA, and the state of Israel in lifting up every part of the country to new heights.
