Addressing guests at the Jerusalem Post Miami Summit, Avi Levi, President and CEO of Israel Discount Bank, one of the country’s leading commercial banks and a key pillar of the Israeli economy, discussed Israel’s economic outlook and the responsibility of businesses to support the communities they serve.
“We strive to act not only as a bank,” said Levi, “but as a partner standing alongside our communities when it matters most. This commitment has guided us for decades, and it has been especially important over the past two challenging years.”
Levi recounted the assistance that Israel Discount Bank has provided in this area, including the establishment of Keren Or - The Light Foundation, with an initial contribution of NIS 50 million to support young people in the western Negev. More than 13,000 children have benefited from its programs, he said.
Levi also cited Israel Discount Bank’s support for wounded soldiers at the rehabilitation center at Sheba Medical Center, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Giving Hope (Notnim Tikva). “Through this initiative, and through direct engagement by our employees, we help wounded soldiers rebuild their lives and regain a sense of normalcy,” he explained.
In addition, Levi acknowledged the presence of four IDF veterans who were wounded in Gaza, who joined him in Miami. “Their courage embodies the true spirit of service, and it is a privilege to have them with us,” he said.
Turning to the global and Israeli economies, Levi said that while growth is slowing across many regions, requiring investors and countries to be selective and focused on resilience, Israel’s economy has demonstrated remarkable strength over the past two years. It has maintained economic stability, invested in innovation, kept unemployment low, and sustained growth, despite extraordinary pressure, said Levi. “Forged through a horrific war and immense cost,” he noted, “Israel was not weakened. Instead, the resilience of its society and the agility of its private sector have driven the country to emerge stronger and more determined to succeed.”
As Israel deepens its regional integration through the Abraham Accords, Levi added, there is even greater potential for accelerated growth. “Expanded trade with Gulf partners, joint technology and infrastructure projects, and renewed investor confidence all create the foundations for a stronger growth trajectory,” he said.
Levi cautioned that Israel faces both internal and external challenges, including social division, political instability, ongoing security threats, and international pressures. In his view, the country must exercise focus, discipline, and execution to overcome these challenges.
He outlined five strategic principles necessary to ensure that Israel reaches its full potential: fiscal discipline and national responsibility, strong and independent institutions, infrastructure and regional connectivity, scaling innovation through workforce development, and sustaining social cohesion and security. Levi summarized these concepts in one sentence, stating that “Israel must move from a Start-Up Nation mindset to a Scale-Up Nation strategy, where innovation becomes a national engine of growth.”
He told the audience that the country is at a critical turning point, adding that “Israel’s resilience, strategic position, and innovation capabilities offer a path not only to recovery, but to transformation, strengthening Israel as a regional economic hub and a global center for investment and partnership.”
Levi concluded by encouraging members of the local community to continue supporting Israel through investment, mentorship, or advocacy. He expressed his gratitude to the American Jewish community and the US Administration, thanking them for their commitment and support. “Your solidarity makes a tangible difference every single day,” he concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Israel Discount Bank.