James MagazineJames_July-August_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 69
he relationship between the Peach State
and the State of Israel for decades has
stood as one of the Southeast’s most dynamic international partnerships. Built on
shared democratic values, entrepreneurial
spirit and a commitment to innovation,
the connection between Georgia and Israel has evolved
from diplomatic goodwill into a robust partnership delivering meaningful benefits to both societies.
In my previous role as the Director of the Export
Control in the Israeli Foreign Ministry, my vantage point
reinforced the importance of the Southeastern United
States plays in the material and economic vitality of the
state of Israel. Since becoming Consul General to the
Southeastern United States last year, my time here has
solidified my view that Georgia is the keystone of an
important region to Israel.
Georgia has consistently been recognized as one of
the nation’s top states for business. Home to Atlanta’s
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s
busiest airport, and the Port of Savannah, North America’s fourth-largest seaport, Georgia serves as a gateway
connecting global markets. Israel, known worldwide
as the “Startup Nation,” has found in Georgia an ideal
American partner through which Israeli innovation can
access the Southeast and beyond.
The economic relationship between Georgia and
Israel has expanded dramatically over the years. The
Georgia Department of Economic Development has
maintained a presence in Israel since 1994, underscoring
the state’s long-term commitment to fostering bilateral
trade and investment. Since 1996, Georgia exports to
Israel have totaled nearly $4.8 billion. In 2025, Georgia
exported approximately $318 million in goods to Israel
while importing roughly $721 million in Israeli products.
Those trade flows represent far more than statistics.
Israeli investment in our state creates jobs for Georgians, revenue for the state,, strengthens supply chains,
and expose Georgia businesses to cutting-edge technologies developed by Israeli innovators.
Georgia’s business climate has also attracted a
vibrant Israeli community, with an estimated 20,000
to 30,000 Israelis now calling the state home. Israeli
entrepreneurs recognize Georgia’s combination
of world-class infrastructure, access to markets, a
highly educated workforce, and a thriving innovation
ecosystem. That is why Israeli companies have
increasingly chosen Georgia as their American home.
Perhaps nowhere is the Georgia-Israel partnership
more evident than in cybersecurity.
Israel has earned a global reputation as a leader in
cyber defense and technological innovation. Georgia,
meanwhile, has emerged as a major technology hub
anchored by institutions such as Georgia Tech, Augusta
University and a thriving startup ecosystem throughout metro Atlanta. Recognizing these complementary
strengths, leaders on both sides have intentionally cultivated cybersecurity cooperation.
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