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CYBERTECH Shows Off Latest and Greatest Israeli Hi-Tech to L.A.

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July 6, 2016

Several hundred local businessmen, potential investors, elected officials, law enforcement and just plain technology computer nerds packed the Wallis Annenberg theatre in Beverly Hills on May 30th for the first Cybertech conference that showcased the latest and greatest in Israeli software and high technology. The conference not only featured start-up Israeli companies with a focus on hi-tech goods, but featured hard-hitting solutions the genii in Israel have developed to fight problems with ransomware, cyberattacks and hacking in the health care industry. Other Israeli experts discussed how they’ve helped the entertainment industry worldwide and especially in Southern California protect themselves from cyberattacks and prevent stealing of digital intellectual property.

A whole host of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills law enforcement officials were also on hand to learn how Israel handles criminal investigations connected to technology and cyberattacks. The keynote speaker for the event  was U.S. House of Representative from Southern California Ed Royce, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Relations. Royce’s presence at such an event speaks volumes about the importance of Israel’s special relationship with the U.S. and how the U.S. is no doubt benefiting from Israeli technology from a national security perspective.  I had a chance to speak briefly with Israeli Consul General David Siegel who said the Cybertech conference was just the first phase of implementation of a March 2014 agreement signed by California Governor Jerry Brown and Israel to develop joint projects and conduct mutually beneficial research in California and Israel. The historic agreement has since boosted economic, cultural and academic cooperation between California and Israel, with an emphasis on water conservation, alternative energy, cybersecurity, health and biotechnology, education and agricultural technology. “Local and state officials we’ve spoken to are very excited about Israel’s cooperation with them on cybersecurity issues because they know Israel is at the cutting edge of this technology that will help them significantly,” said Siegel. “This is the future of U.S.-Israel relations and cooperation between our countries to stop these cyber threats and attacks”.

Interestingly enough Siegel signed a November 2015 partnership agreement with the city of Beverly Hills and Israel in order to advance professional exchanges, collaboration between educational and cultural institutions between Israel and the city. The agreement also strengthens the sister city relationship between Beverly Hills and the Israeli central coast city of Herzliya. Not surprising therefore for Beverly Hills to become the host city for the Cybertech conference this year! Interestingly enough I had a chance to chat with several Iranian Jewish supporters of Israel and venture capitalists who were also on hand for the event because of their keen interest in investing in the latest Israeli hi-tech companies with cutting edge products. As Iranian Jews living in America, we are by nature quite proud of our Zionism and not only talk the talk about supporting Israel… but also walk the walk when it comes in investing in Israel!

The following are just some photos I captured from the Cybertech event this year…

 

(left to right; U.S. Representative Ed Royce chatting with Israeli Consul General David Siegel, photo by Karmel Melamed)

 

 

 

 

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