🇮🇱 A Celebration of Democracy Today, Israelis cast their votes to elect the 26th Knesset, exercising one of the most fundamental rights of a democratic society: the right to vote. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East with a nationwide system of competitive multiparty elections, reflecting the power of civic participation and the freedom to shape the country’s future. Election Day is an opportunity for Israelis to make their voices heard and celebrate the democratic process. Wishing everyone in Israel a meaningful Election Day and celebrating the enduring spirit of Israeli democracy. 🇮🇱🗳️ #Israel #IsraeliDemocracy #ElectionDay #Democracy

Strengthening Israel–Montana Partnerships 🇮🇱🤝🇺🇸 During his first official visit to Montana, the Consul General of Israel met with Dr. Joseph A. Shaw, Director of the Optical Technology Center; Dr. Mark Sharpe, Executive Director of the MSU Innovation Campus; and Mr.Jason Yager, Executive Director of the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance. The meetings explored opportunities for collaboration and potential partnerships in areas of mutual interest between Montana State University and the Consulate of Israel. The Consul General also attended the October 7 commemoration event in Montana with Rabbi Chaim Bruk, honoring the victims and remembering those affected by the tragic attacks. Advancing innovation, strengthening ties, and deepening Israel–Montana relations. #Israel #Montana #Innovation #AcademicPartnerships #IsraelMontanaRelations

Nearly 80 people—including community leaders and government officials—gathered with EL AL and the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest to celebrate the return of direct flights from SFO to Tel Aviv, bringing our communities closer through personal connections and economic partnership. ✈️✨

A strong turnout for democracy! 🗳️🇮🇱 Consul General Ron Gerstenfeld and Deputy Consul General Maya Avishai were honored to lead the overseas voting initiative in San Francisco yesterday, 15 October 2026, welcoming Israelis from across the Pacific Northwest as they exercised their democratic right to vote. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and made their voices heard! #Community #Democracy #OverseasVoting #IsraelInSF

Consul General Ron Gerstenfeld welcomes U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) to the Consulate General of Israel in San Francisco. Consul General Gerstenfeld expressed his appreciation for U.S. Congressman Panetta’s visit. They also exchanged views on shared priorities and explored opportunities for future collaboration to strengthen ties between Israel and California's 19th Congressional District.

🇮🇱🇺🇸 A Meaningful Gesture of Remembrance and Solidarity The Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest expresses its sincere appreciation to Idaho Governor Brad Little for proclaiming October 7, 2026, as Remembrance and Solidarity Day in Idaho. This meaningful proclamation honors the victims of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, stands with survivors and families forever changed by that tragic day, and reaffirms Idaho’s solidarity with the people of Israel and the Jewish community. We are grateful for Idaho’s friendship and its commitment to remembering the victims and standing against antisemitism and terrorism. 🇮🇱🤝🇺🇸

🇮🇱🤝🇺🇸 Strengthening Israel–California Partnerships Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest Ron Gerstenfeld, Deputy Consul General Maya Avishai, and Chief Economic Consul Michal Nidam recently held a series of productive meetings with government leaders and officials in Sacramento. The delegation met with Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, Matt Ceccato, District Director in the Office of U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D., California Water Director Thomas Gibson, and Carol Tate, Principal Assistant at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The conversations offered a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, highlight shared priorities, and explore new avenues for collaboration in areas of mutual interest—including water, agriculture, innovation, and economic development. These engagements reflect Israel’s commitment to deepening its relationships with California’s local and state leadership and to building meaningful partnerships that benefit our communities. We look forward to continuing the conversation and strengthening the ties between Israel and California. 🇮🇱🌉🇺🇸

Remembering October 7 in Montana 🇮🇱🇺🇸 ​Yesterday, Deputy Consul General Maya Avishai represented the Consulate General of Israel in San Francisco at the State Capitol in Helena, joining the Montana Senate to mark three years since October 7. ​Standing in the Senate to represent Israel was a deeply meaningful moment. October 7 is far more than a date on a calendar; the nation carries forward the memory of that somber morning, the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the pain that continues to reverberate across Israel and around the world. ​The Consulate General expresses its sincere gratitude to Governor Greg Gianforte for issuing a meaningful proclamation in remembrance of October 7, and to Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras and Senate President Matt Regier for hosting the delegation and standing in strong solidarity with the Israeli people. ​#October7 #RememberOctober7 #Israel #Montana #IsraelUSA 🇮🇱🇺🇸

𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟳 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 | 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼 ​In commemoration of the third anniversary of October 7, the Consulate General of Israel in San Francisco, led by Consul General Ron Gerstenfeld, joined local community organizations and members at the Menorah Center for an evening of remembrance and solidarity. ​The solemn gathering remembered every life lost in the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023—honoring the families who lost loved ones, the survivors who continue to carry the wounds of that day, and all whose lives were forever changed. ​In his remarks, Consul General Gerstenfeld also highlighted the extraordinary courage and resilience of Israeli society. In the aftermath of the attacks, first responders and soldiers rushed toward danger, volunteers opened their homes, and Israelis from all walks of life united to support the displaced, the wounded, the bereaved, and the families of the hostages. He underscored that, after ​three years, Israel continues to rebuild, heal, and look toward the future with determination and hope. On the sidelines of the event, attendees also experienced a moving exhibition by Israeli artist Melanie Gal, featuring powerful portraits and stories of October 7 survivors. Pictured delivering their speeches are Consul General Ron Gerstenfeld; Rom El-Hai, Nova festival survivor; Rabbi Shimon Margolin, and Oleg Ivanov of StandWithUs. ​Israel remembers. Israel honors. Israel stands together. 🎗️

Statement by Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest Ron Gerstenfeld Marking Three Years Since the October 7 Massacre

🚀 **Leverage Israel is coming to San Francisco!** Where Tel Aviv meets San Francisco, innovation takes center stage. 🇮🇱🤝🇺🇸 Join 1,200 founders, investors, and tech leaders for a full day of ideas, connections, and groundbreaking innovation at the flagship showcase of Israeli tech in San Francisco. 📅 October 7, 2026 | 9 AM–5 PM 📍 Downtown San Francisco **Stay tuned as we bring Israel’s innovation ecosystem to the heart of SF Tech Week!** #LeverageIsrael #IsraeliTech #SFTechWeek #Innovation #IsraelSF

October 7 Community Commemoration 🕯️ As we mark the third anniversary of October 7, 2023, we come together in remembrance, solidarity, and hope. We honor the lives lost, stand with survivors and all those forever changed, and reaffirm the strength and unity of the Jewish community. Join us for an evening of testimony, memorial prayers, and shared remembrance as we honor the past and carry their memories forward. 📅 Tuesday, October 6, 2026 🕡 6:30 PM 📍 Richmond District, San Francisco We remember. We honor. We stand together. To register: luma.com/nl0z98co #October7 #WeRemember #NeverForget

🇮🇱 Israeli Universities Making Their Mark on U.S. Innovation! 🇺🇸 Israel's leading universities are contributing to the growth of America's billion-dollar startups, with their graduates making their mark as founders of U.S. unicorns. 📊 According to the study: 🔹 Tel Aviv University — 12 founders, 11 unicorns 🔹 Hebrew University of Jerusalem — 8 founders, 8 unicorns 🔹 Technion – Israel Institute of Technology — 7 founders, 6 unicorns According to the figures shared, graduates of these three Israeli universities who earned master’s degrees went on to found U.S. unicorn companies valued at $1 billion or more. These numbers underscore the global reach of Israeli talent and the role of Israel's academic institutions in nurturing entrepreneurship, technological innovation and business leadership beyond its borders. From Israeli classrooms to America's billion-dollar startups, innovation knows no borders. 🇮🇱🌎🇺🇸 #IsraeliInnovation #TelAvivUniversity #HebrewUniversity #Technion #StartupNation #USInnovation