Ofir Akunis, Israel’s minister of science, technology and space, addressed the crowd at IAC EDGE in Los Angeles. (photo by Linda Kasian Photography)

Earlier this month, hundreds came together on both the East and West Coast at IAC EDGE, the first summit of its kind for Jewish and Israeli-American young professionals that puts career development at the center. The summits, hosted by the Israeli-American Council, took place in Los Angeles on Sept. 5 and in New York on Sept. 8.

IAC EDGE connected attendees to industry and thought leaders, while harnessing the inspiration of Israeli entrepreneurship, innovation and chutzpa to bring them closer to their roots and the Jewish state.

“The IAC was thrilled to unite Jewish young professionals across the country around the spirit of disruptive Israeliness through career development programming that has never been offered in the Jewish world before,” said Shoham Nicolet, IAC co-founder and CEO. “We hear all the time about how millennials are hungry for programs that will provide them with the hands-on tools to launch their careers. IAC EDGE is answering this call.”

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from and connect with leaders in real estate, health, media, entrepreneurship, technology and other fields. Speakers at the Los Angeles summit included Ofir Akunis, Israel’s minister of science, technology and space; Saul Blinkoff, supervising producer at Dreamworks Animation; Ilana Golan, general partner at Homrun and Forbes Business contributor; and Gary Wexler, award-winning creative director and professor at the University of Southern California.

For information, visit israeliamerican.org/edge.