Finally Direct Flights to Israel
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Finally Direct Flights to Israel

  •   Article in the Worcester Telegram
  • 2/26/2015
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    ​Following the excitement of the fall 2014 announcement of the agreement between El Al and MassPort, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get down to business. There is much work to be done, from spreading the word to "branding" New England in Israel, just as we are known here as "start-up nation." We are already doing our share to advance these goals
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    ​For three decades it has been the dream of many in both New England and Israel to restore non-stop flights between Boston's Logan International Airport and Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport. 

    The wait is almost over. 

    The maiden El Al flight is scheduled for June 28, and thereafter New Englanders will initially be able to fly the route three times a week. 

    Much work went into this achievement, the lion's share done before my arrival a year ago. The benefit of this exciting development to New Englanders and Israelis alike is massive. The most obvious is the convenience of shorter flights and no layovers between departure and arrival. Travelers bound for Tel Aviv will no longer have to fret about reaching their destination as planned (together with their luggage). 

    More importantly, families and friends of those living on both sides of the Atlantic will finally have a comfortable way to connect and keep in touch with their loved ones. 

    The business community will particularly enjoy and benefit from this new service — overseas planning can now be streamlined with the availability of non-stop flights. 

    Israeli and American entrepreneurs will be able to take care of their affairs in a much shorter period of time than previously possible. Boston also happens to be closer to Israel in time (just seven hours difference) than any other major American economic hub, giving it an added advantage when doing business remotely from country to country. 

    Following the excitement of the fall 2014 announcement of the agreement between El Al and MassPort, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get down to business. There is much work to be done, from spreading the word to "branding" New England in Israel, just as we are known here as "start-up nation." We are already doing our share to advance these goals. 

    Which raises an important question: how is business in Israel these days? 

    Not a trivial question. 

    During July and August, the height of tourism season, our economy appeared to come to a standstill as Israel focused on protecting its citizens against rocket attacks from Hamas. Israel's Manufacturers Association estimated the total economic impact of the military operation in Gaza on Israeli manufacturers to be about $336 million. According to this assessment, Israel's tourism industry lost at least $566 million after tourism dropped by 26 percent last year for the month of July. 

    Sobering figures, to say the least. It would not be far-fetched to measure recuperation time in months, if not more. 

    Surprisingly, however, our Central Bureau of Statistics recently determined that Israel's economy actually grew slightly during the 50-day conflict. Despite the tough summer hit tourism figures for 2014 remained on par with the previous year (due to a particularly robust period beforehand). And growth in 2014 has been adjusted upward to 2.6 percent. 

    Only an economy as resilient as Israel's could both withstand a war and actually emerge with positive indicators. But this is an open secret to those in the New England business community who have been part of a miraculous relationship with Israeli-founded companies which brought billions of dollars in revenue to the commonwealth in 2012 alone. 

    And if anyone needed proof, a new development serves as the perfect example: MediSafe, an Israeli medical software startup whose app (downloaded by 1.3 million people) conveniently reminds users to take their medication, recently announced it will be opening an office in Boston. The 12-person company will soon start hiring business development staff in the U.S. after raising $6 million from local venture capital funds. 

    This story has become a matter of routine. Indeed, the robust business ties between New England and Israel are a success story that promises to flourish even more in the wake of non-stop flights. Don't miss out. 

    Yehuda Yaakov is Israel's Consul General to New England.