The Alliance to Reinforce Israel’s Security and Economy Foundation (ARISE Foundation) promotes business investment and economic growth in Israel. 1 The ARISE motto is to “make jobs not war,” and contends economic growth is the best means for bringing peace to the Middle East. 2
The organization was established to combat the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. 3
Background
The Alliance to Reinforce Israel’s Security and Economy Foundation, or the ARISE Foundation, promotes economic development for low-income and “marginalized” people in Israel. The organization says it has programs combatting anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, and boycotts. 4 1
ARISE Foundation promotes economic collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians, and says business ties are the best hope for peace. 2
ARISE founder Calev Myers has tried to mobilize a business network to boost investment in Israel. 3
The ARISE Foundation also says it sponsors campaigns to improve security of potential victims of terrorist activity in the Middle East. 5
Opposition to BDS
ARISE Foundation was established in response to BDS movement, an acronym for the boycott, divestment, and sanction of Israel. 3 ARISE founder Calev Myers has written that BDS is “in essence Nazi-policy calling for the boycott of Jewish businesses.” 2
The organization contends the BDS movement harms Palestinians. Its 2018 report stated that Jewish-owned businesses employed 100,000 more than Palestinians in Israel and the West Bank and provide about $300 million in salaries to Palestinians. The businesses that would be closed by BDS put food on about one million Palestinian tables, ARISE contends. 1
Economic Growth Focus
ARISE Foundation claims that humanitarian aid and interfaith communication are important, but that a strong economy that can provide for the needs of citizens is the most fundamental way to influence Israelis to care for others in the Middle East. 3
ARISE Foundation hosts an annual business matchmake summit in Israel. 2
In December 2019, about 650 Christian business owners from 50 countries attended the ARISE Business Matchmaking Summit in Israel, which had the theme “Israeli Innovation for Humanity.” ARISE sponsored the event in cooperation with the Israel Export Institute, Israel Federation of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce, Israel Manufacturers Association, and Israel Innovation Institute. 6
Previous ARISE summits featured speakers and technology demonstrations with successful start-up companies in artificial intelligence, visual reality, augmented reality, and cryptocurrency. 2
The participating business owners traveled to Israel from the United States, Europe, China, and India. 7
The organization also created a B2B, or a business-to-business app to help keep the businesses connected. 2
Charity
ARISE Foundation provides financial support through grants to nonprofit charitable and educational organizations in both the United States and Israel. 5 The organization has been involved in emergency water purification, and saving lives with disaster relief. 8
The organization also notes that it has used new technology to help Africa in powering hospitals, schools, and homes, as well as providing Africans with solar panel technology and drilling wells. 8
Leadership
Calev Myers is chairman and co-founder of the ARISE Foundation. 9 Meyers is a partner for the Yehuda Raveh and Company law firm in Israel. In 2009, Myers became a founding partner of the Jerusalem City Center Branch of Yehuda Raveh and Co., and has been a general counsel to more than 100 nonprofits and has clients from more than 50 countries. Myers is also chairman of the Anti-BDS Commission for the Israel Association of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce. From 2017 to 2020, Myers was the deputy president of the International Jewish Lawyers. 2
Shimon Myers is the CEO and co-founder of the ARISE Foundation. 5 9
Lucas Cole is the secretary and treasurer of the organization. 5
References
- “2018 ARISE Annual Report.” The ARISE Foundation. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://ariseforisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Arise_2018_Annual_Report_draft4.pdf
- “About.” Calev Meyers. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://www.calevmyers.com/about/
- “ARISE.” Calev Meyers. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://www.calevmyers.com/arise/
- “The Arise Foundation.” Charity Navigator. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/813145319
- “The Arise Foundation.” Cause IQ. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/forward-thinking-initiatives,813145319/
- Jaffe-Hoffman, Maayaan. “650 Bible-loving businesspeople to arrive and invest in Israel.” Jerusalem Post. November 26, 2019. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/650-bible-loving-businesspeople-to-arrive-and-invest-in-israel-609060
- Solomon, Shoshanna. “Evangelical execs eye Israel deals as rapport with Holy Land matures.” Times of Israel. November 24, 2019. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://www.timesofisrael.com/evangelical-execs-eye-israel-deals-as-rapport-with-holy-land-matures/
- “Original Media.” The ARISE Foundation. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://ariseforisrael.com/original-media/
- Home Page. The Arise Foundation. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://ariseforisrael.com/