Israeli startups open NYC ‘kibbutz,’ as tech scene grows despite Mamdani

Israeli tech leaders in New York City have launched “Hakibbutz NYC,” a new 18,000-square-foot hub in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, serving as the first permanent home for Israeli startups. This initiative, a collaboration between Hakibbutz and Israeli Mapped in NY, aims to connect Israeli companies with a network of founders, investors, customers, and business partners, hosting events like investor gatherings and networking sessions. The project is privately funded and operates independently of government involvement. Despite growing political hostility towards Israel from some New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the Israeli tech scene in the city continues to expand, with approximately 50 Israeli startups establishing operations in the past year. New York remains a key destination for Israeli companies due to its large market, proximity, and established Jewish and Israeli communities.