Every year, Israel Tech Week convenes the brightest minds in global innovation—a convergence of founders, technologists, investors, and visionaries focused on what’s next. In 2025, one event sets a distinct tone: purpose, alignment, and genuine connection.
On March 30, as the energy of Israel Tech Week 2025 fills Miami, Genesis Business Humanity Club will host a private VIP networking event—a curated gathering designed not for spectacle but for substance.
Held during the weeklong celebration of Israeli innovation (March 27–April 3), this exclusive experience will bring together a select group of startup founders, venture capitalists, and impact-driven leaders for an evening of meaningful conversation and values-based collaboration.
“Israel Tech Week has emerged as one of the most important global platforms for Israeli tech and innovation,” said Amiel David Aviman, Co-Founder of Genesis Business Humanity. “As a club rooted in the values of purpose, progress, and partnership, we are thrilled to create a unique space where mission-aligned leaders can connect, share ideas, and shape the future together.”
This is more than just a networking event. It reflects what Genesis Business Humanity stands for—a global network of entrepreneurs and investors who believe business is at its best when it serves humanity. At this invite-only event, the emphasis is on real relationships and catalytic conversations—not just business cards and pitches.
Guests can expect an atmosphere where human-centered innovation, impact investing, and long-term thinking take center stage. From emerging fields like AI and deep tech to climate solutions, digital health, and social enterprise, the Genesis community represents a cross-sector alliance of leaders working to build a better future.
“We’re curating a room where purpose meets progress, and deals are made with meaning,” shared one of Genesis’ pre-event posts. “Closed-door connections. Big ideas. Real alignment.”
Hosted in Miami, a rising hub for both tech and culture, the event reflects Genesis Business Humanity’s growing global footprint. With roots in Israel and a network that spans the U.S., Europe, and beyond, Genesis is actively shaping a new ecosystem where founders and funders align not only by opportunity but also by shared values.
The VIP event on March 30 is more than a gathering. It’s a signal—that the future of business isn’t just about scale but about soul. Meaningful things happen when you bring together the right people in the right room with the right intention.
The Genesis Business Humanity Club is proud to welcome Yonel Devico, a trailblazer in the financial sector and a visionary leader, as its newest member. Yonel’s story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, from his academic achievements to his rise as a prominent figure in the world of finance and real estate.
Yonel’s journey began with a deep dedication to education. He earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia University, where he cultivated a passion for finance and strategy. His academic path led him to Harvard University, where he further developed his expertise in navigating complex economic landscapes. These formative years at two of the world’s most prestigious institutions not only shaped his intellect but also instilled in him the foundational skills needed for a remarkable career.
With a strong foundation in finance and a vision for innovation, Yonel co-founded Lakeport Capital, where he now serves as CEO. Lakeport Capital specializes in alternative investments, offering tailored financial solutions that align with the evolving needs of investors. Under Yonel’s leadership, the firm has earned a reputation for integrity and innovation, becoming a trusted partner for clients seeking growth and resilience in an ever-changing market.
Yonel’s expertise, however, extends beyond traditional finance. As a multilingual entrepreneur fluent in French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and English, he has built a vast international network of contacts, clients, and investors. This global perspective has been a cornerstone of his career, allowing him to navigate diverse markets and foster connections that drive his ventures forward.
His career in real estate began with a focus on bridge lending, providing short-term loans to developers. This niche allowed him to invest in projects that others might have overlooked, offering financing solutions that bridged the gap between property acquisition and long-term financing. Yonel’s ability to identify and seize unique opportunities also led him to the field of litigation finance, where his meticulous due diligence and deep understanding of the legal landscape enabled him to excel in a competitive space.
Yonel’s journey from Columbia University alumnus to a prominent figure in Miami’s real estate market is a testament to his resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to innovation. Currently, he is exploring new opportunities in the tech and fintech sectors, particularly at the intersection of real estate and technology. His projects include investments in tech startups focused on real estate automation, blockchain technology, and AI-driven solutions. Yonel firmly believes that technology will play a significant role in shaping the future of the real estate and finance industries.
Beyond his professional ventures, Yonel remains an active voice in the community. He mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and shares his journey with those looking to follow in his footsteps. He offers insights into his personal life and career through social media platforms like Instagram, building a legacy of inspiration and mentorship.
Yonel’s decision to join the Genesis Business Humanity Club reflects his belief in the power of collaboration and shared purpose. He aligns seamlessly with the club’s mission to leverage business for the greater good, joining a network of professionals dedicated to ethical leadership and community impact. His insights into strategic investment, sustainable growth, and technology integration promise to enrich the collective endeavors of the Genesis community.
Looking ahead, Yonel envisions leveraging his expertise to empower others and champion causes that drive meaningful change. His commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders and his dedication to merging financial innovation with social responsibility make him a perfect fit for the Genesis Business Humanity Club. We are thrilled to have Yonel Devico join our community and look forward to the positive influence he will bring to Genesis Business Humanity and beyond.
Genesis Greater Good is honored to spotlight Andrea Bartzen—a true catalyst for global change. In a world where creativity and innovation collide, Bartzen, biotech visionary and proud member of the Genesis Business Humanity Club, is championing change on a global scale. As the founder of The Global Passion Projects, Bartzen has established a transformative platform that connects legacy families and high-net-worth investors with trailblazing scientists and entrepreneurs to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Art Bio Miami: A Celebration of Hope and Innovation
During the 2024 Art Basel week in Miami, Bartzen’s vision came to life through the inaugural Art Bio Gala. Hosted by iconic artist Romero Britto at the exclusive Britto Palace, the gala was more than an event—it was a movement uniting art, science, and philanthropy. Luminaries from Silicon Valley, Miami’s investment community, and philanthropic circles gathered to champion solutions for critical global challenges.
The evening’s highlights included a heartwarming fashion show featuring young cancer survivors proudly dressed as their future selves—an ode to hope and the limitless possibilities of life. This celebration also showcased groundbreaking innovations funded through Bartzen’s foundation, reinforcing her commitment to blending passion with tangible impact.
Pioneering Partnerships and Breakthroughs
At the heart of The Global Passion Projects is its dedication to catalyzing innovation in areas like cancer, Alzheimer’s, mental health, and preventive diagnostics. The foundation’s partnerships exemplify its mission:
Wellvii™ and VitalDetect®: Revolutionizing rural healthcare with non-invasive monitoring tools that make remote patient care accessible.
DermaSensor: An AI-powered handheld device democratizing early skin cancer detection, recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024.
Humaniti Foundation: A U.S. and Canadian foundation that is combining the vibrant forces of entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration to solve the world’s most monumental challenges, focusing on health, water, and food relief efforts around the world.
National Pediatric Cancer Foundation: Spearheading collaborative research initiatives to combat childhood cancer with less toxic, more effective treatments.
Through these collaborations, Bartzen’s foundation is not just funding solutions—it’s fostering a culture of hope and transformation.
From Biotech to Global Impact
Bartzen’s journey from biotech leader to global changemaker reflects her passion for driving meaningful innovation. The Global Passion Projects inaugural event, the Hamptons Garden Gala, held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, served as a pivotal moment, kickstarting a series of impactful initiatives and collaborations. This event brought together thought leaders, innovators, and philanthropists to strategize on pressing health issues, setting the foundation for all future projects and events. “Our mission is to merge philanthropy with impact investing to accelerate innovation,” she shares. By bringing together legacy families and cutting-edge thinkers, Bartzen and her team create ripple effects that extend far beyond the communities they serve.
Looking to the Future
The success of Art Bio Miami sets the stage for a series of high-profile events in 2025, including gatherings in Palm Beach, New York City, London, and the Middle East. Each event promises to continue fostering collaboration and driving solutions that align with the values of the Genesis Business Humanity Club: impact, progress, and humanity.
Andrea Bartzen’s work through The Global Passion Projects and her involvement with Art Bio Miami showcases the power of connecting creativity, science, and philanthropy. Together with the Genesis Business Humanity Club, she is paving the way for a brighter, healthier, and more hopeful future.
Join the Movement For more information on The Global Passion Projects or to explore partnership opportunities, visit globalpassionprojects.com.
The Genesis Friends for Life Foundation announced today that their first Celebrity Ambassadors, Yaakov-Zada Daniel, star of the hit Netflix series Fauda and other movie and television shows, and Omer Hazan, Israeli-American actor, known for his performances in The Engineer, Al Techaki Li, and Asfur, will be headlining the October 7 Memorial Gala in Miami next month.
This year, they are joined by the newest Friends for Life Celebrity Ambassador and Israeli Pop Star Ben El, who is donating a live performance of his greatest hits on November 21, at The Temple House in Miami Beach, where hundreds of supporters of the Foundation will gather.
Yaakov Zada-Daniel, from the hit show Fauda, himself an orphan who has established an orphanage in Israel, earlier this year attended an event in Miami produced by the Foundation to raise funds for immediate support of orphans, widows, children, and families most affected by the October 7 terrorist attacks.
Yaakov, who was orphaned at the age of three, grew up in the desert village of Neradim, a children’s-home and kibbutz for vulnerable kids from across Israel. He spent 15 years living with his new brothers and sisters. Today, he continues to support an orphanage, which the Foundation recently granted $10,000. He was named the first celebrity Ambassador and the face and voice of “Friends for Life” in 2023, shortly after the October 7 massacre.
Amiel Aviman, Yaakov-Zada Daniel, Ranny Yarom, and Aaron Hammer at the inaugural Genesis BH Friends for Life Memorial Gala, October 26, 2023
“It is an honor to represent Genesis Friends for Life Foundation and a privilege to have been one of their first grant recipients,” Zada-Daniel said. “Their vision is enhanced with innovation, using technologies the Genesis Business Humanity Club is expert in and has invested in, to identify orphans whose lives were nearly destroyed on October 7, and then engage with those orphans, the remaining members of their families if any, and ensure these orphans receive care and compassionate support. This includes providing mental health professionals, overall healthcare, education, safe and comfortable places to live, and mentorship as each orphan selected for the program is cared for through their late teens, including getting into the best universities in Israel. This is an extraordinary strategy, and one being implemented by experienced leaders with integrity, heart, and a love for Israel and Israel’s children and families.”
Additionally, Omer Hazan, known for his acting roles in Al Techaki, The Engineer, and Asfur, who attended the event on October 25 in Miami and is also on the Foundation’s Board of Advisors, is helping raise awareness and promote the Foundation’s mission.
Scenes from the 2023 Genesis BH Friends for Life First Memorial Gala, 2023
“I was invited to attend one of the most moving events I’ve ever been part of on October 26 in Miami,” Hazan said, “and will never forget meeting so many friends of Israel who were so deeply committed to immediately helping those orphans, widows, children, and families near the Gaza Strip who were murdered and traumatized by Hamas terrorists. Children are the future of Israel, and this includes those children who lost their parents and other family members on October 7 and in the resulting war over the last few months. What distinguishes Genesis Friends for Life Foundation is their solid strategic approach, their commitment to for life, and their presence in both the U.S. and Israel where partnerships have already formed, and support is flowing.”
The organization announced Ben El’s support earlier this month. He is well known as one-half of the highly successful duo Static and has earned acclaim for his extensive solo material. His performance promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the evening, representing Friends for Life and raising support for orphans and widows impacted by the horrific attacks on October 7 with the same passion that has made him a beloved figure in the music industry.
Amiel David Aviman, co-founder and Managing Partner, Genesis Business Humanity Group and Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation
“We are incredibly honored to welcome Ben El to our Friends for Life Advisory Board and are deeply grateful for his generosity as he invites his millions of followers and fans to learn more about and support our mission,” said Amiel David Aviman, Co-founder Managing Partner, and Chairman of the Board of Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation, which is headquartered in Miami.
Together with the Foundation’s first two celebrity ambassadors, Yaakov-Zada Daniel (award-winning star of the Netflix hit Fauda) and Omer Hazan (known for Al Techaki, The Engineer, Asfur, and other film and television roles), Ben El will be a lend his heart and voice to the cause, including sharing stories of the orphans and widows whose lives are being transformed through the kindness of sponsors, donors and other supporters.
“When I was approached by Amiel and learned about the incredible work the team in Israel is doing on the ground and learned about the first few families who are benefitting, I immediately agreed to contribute what I can,” Ben El said. “I am humbly honored to join the Friends for Life team and look forward to performing on The Temple House stage as part of the Memorial and Gala this November.”
This second Annual Memorial and Gala is dedicated to honoring and uplifting the lives forever changed by the devastating Hamas terrorist attacks. On that tragic day, as the nation observed the sacred holiday of Shmini Atzeret, Hamas terrorists launched a violent, bloody attack on Israel from Gaza, firing thousands of rockets, breaching the country’s borders, and killing and wounding over 1,000 innocent people.
Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation’s mission is to identify, serve, follow, and continuously support the Genesis family of orphans into their adulthood; this is an innovation that will make a tremendous difference in every orphan’s life, including finding career opportunities in the Israeli tech sector – from internships to high-paying jobs.
“We are honored and grateful for the continuing and intense support Yaakov and Omer bring to our Advisory Board as special members, and we look forward to attracting additional celebrities to this important mission, supporting orphans, widows, children, and families in Israel in the wake of the horrific massacre,” said Amiel Aviman, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Genesis Business Humanity and Co-founder and Co-Chair of Genesis Friends for Life Foundation based in Miami.
“We are bringing immediate and ongoing resources to orphans, widows, children, families, and small communities in Israel during and following the war, and the support of Yaakov and Omer is priceless as we continue to raise money and implement projects in Israel in real-time,” said Ranny Yarom, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Genesis Business Humanity and Co-founder and Co-Chair of Genesis Friends for Life Foundation based in Miami.
Yarom is leading all projects on the ground in Israel, working with community leaders and the IDF (as a retired Colonel and entrepreneur), and ensuring resources go directly to those most affected by the brutality and destruction near the Gaza border.
The city of Sderot has always stood as a symbol of perseverance. However, for the Megera family, it became the center of unimaginable loss on October 7, 2023, when Hamas terrorists launched an attack that would change their lives forever. Avi Megera (z”l), a beloved father of four and a devoted husband was taken from his family that day, but his legacy of love, dedication, and resilience continues to shine through the darkness.
On that fateful morning, Avi was doing something he loved—riding his motorcycle with a group of friends. For Avi, these moments were a release, a time to embrace the freedom of the open road and connect with a passion that balanced his busy life. But as they rode out of Sderot, a group of terrorists ambushed them. Avi and several other bikers were shot in cold blood; their lives were cut short as violence spread through the streets of the city.
Avi, 48, left behind a family that adored him. His wife, Michal, and their four children—Shaked, Ilai, Shalev, and Ori—now face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives without the man who was the pillar of their home.
“Avi was more than a father; he was our best friend,” said Shaked, Avi’s eldest son and a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade. “He was always there for us, no matter what, and he taught us to always put family first.”
The trauma of the attack has compounded the pain of losing Avi, but the Megera family is determined to honor his memory by staying strong and supporting one another. As Michal, the heart of the family, navigates the grief and the sudden role of single parenthood, her resilience is both a tribute to her husband’s enduring spirit and a source of strength for her children.
“We feel his presence every day,” Michal shared. “I see him in Shaked’s smile, in Ilai’s curiosity, and in the way Ori and Shalev care for each other. He is always with us.”
The Megera family’s story has touched many, and support for them has grown as the community rallies to help them through this tragic time. Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation has been at the forefront of these efforts, offering emotional, academic, and financial assistance to ensure that Michal and her children have the necessary resources to rebuild their lives. Shaked, who hopes to pursue a career in architecture, has been granted support to further his education, while his brother Ilai, a bright and ambitious student, is receiving academic tutoring to help him pursue his passion for computer science.
In November, Michal and her children will travel to Miami as part of the Friends for Life Ambassadors Trip, a program designed to provide healing and growth opportunities for families like theirs. During their visit, Michal will share her story with a broader audience, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of supporting those affected by the events of October 7.
Genesis Friends for Life is committed to ensuring that the Megera family and others receive the long-term support they need. “We are not only honoring Avi’s memory,” said Dr. Lior Aviman, CEO of Genesis Friends for Life Israel NGO, “but we are also standing with his family to ensure that their future is bright. Avi’s legacy lives on in his children, and we will do everything we can to help them succeed.”
The journey ahead for the Megera family is long, but they are not walking it alone. Avi’s love and dedication to his family remain a guiding light, and the outpouring of support from their community and Genesis Friends for Life is helping to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
As we reflect on the profound loss endured by the Megera family and others impacted by the violence of October 7, we are reminded of the resilience and strength that emerges in the face of tragedy. Genesis Friends for Life is working tirelessly to provide orphans and widows with the emotional and practical support they need to heal, grow, and thrive.
In Avi Megera’s memory, we honor not just the man he was but the future he envisioned for his family. Together, we stand with Michal, Shaked, Ilai, Shalev, and Ori, ensuring their journey is one of healing and hope.
To support the Megera family and other families affected by the events of October 7, you can sponsor and purchase tickets for the upcoming Genesis Friends for Life event, “Love Always Wins,” by visiting this website.
Itay Chen, a 19-year-old member of the Israel Defense Forces born in New York City, is believed to be among the 130 or more people kidnapped from Israel by Hamas terrorists now being held captive in the Gaza Strip.
“We are asking the president to do what he can in order to bring our kids back safely home,” said his father, Ruby Chen, standing alongside other family members and supporters.
They wore T-shirts that read “Help Find Itay,” with a photo of a grinning Itay Chen, and held signs that said, “USA protects its citizens!” “Bring Itay Home Now,” and “Help find Itay.”
The U.S. embassy sits facing the Mediterranean Sea, the very same one Hamas fighters infiltrated to launch their deadly offensive.
An emotional Ruby Chen, holding hands with his wife, called on the Biden administration to reach out to Hamas leaders who kidnapped his son and other Americans to demand the militant group follow international laws for protected war prisoners.
Attempts to reach son go unanswered
Corporal Itay Chen serves in Israel’s Armed Corps and was on the Gaza border during Saturday morning’s attack.
He was raised in New York, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each day and cheering on American sports. Itay Chen grew up a Los Angeles Lakers fan who adored Kobe Bryant while his dad rooted for the hometown New York Knicks.
“That’s how kids are,” Rudy Chen told CNN. “They always are rebellious.”
Rudy Chen later moved his family to Israel, where he resides with his wife and three children Netanya, north of Tel Aviv. Ruby remains a U.S. citizen and U.S. taxpayer.
After attempts to contact their son after this week’s Hamas attack were unsuccessful, Ruby and his wife Laity Chen made their way to the Lahav 433 center for identifying the missing after the first day of the Israel-Hamas war, named by Israeli forces as “Operation Swords of Iron.”
There, his parents were officially notified of his status as Missing In Action – or MIA. The Israeli Defense Forces defines a person as MIA when no officer has identified him in the last 36 hours. This means he was not found in any hospital, had not been identified as deceased, and in this context, had a high probability of currently being held in Gaza.
Chen’s parents and the IDF believe that there is enough evidence to suggest he is a Prisoner of War.
White House not sure how many hostages are Americans
At least 11 Americans were killed in Hamas’ stunning weekend attacks on Israel. The Biden administration has confirmed U.S. citizens are unaccounted for but not said how many Americans are being held hostage.
“While we are still working to confirm, we believe it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas,” Biden said in a statement Monday. “I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis.”
Biden said that includes sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the U.S. government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts.
John Kirby, a White House spokesman on national security matters, said the U.S. does not know how many Americans are hostages. “We’re in constant touch with the Israeli officials right now to try to get a sense of the whereabouts of all the unaccounted Americans,” Kirby said in an interview on Fox News.
A State Department spokesman declined to comment to USA TODAY when asked about the whereabouts of Itay Chen and whether the U.S. is tracking him.
Hamas has claimed that four hostages were killed by Israeli airstrikes and pledged to kill additional hostages if Israel doesn’t stop bombing civilian areas in Gaza.
Abu Obeida, spokesman of Hamas’ armed wing, said Monday the group will kill one Israeli civilian captive any time Israel targets civilians in their homes in Gaza “without prior warning.”
‘Step up for our children,’ father says
Outside the U.S. embassy in Israel, Chen told USA TODAY that the government of the United States needs to stand up for all Americans − including those living in Israel and abroad.
“Kids need to know that the U.S. is behind all of its citizens,” he added.
Itay Chen’s younger brother, Alon, was set to celebrate his bar mitzvah this coming Saturday, expecting to share it with his family. “We are still hopeful that we will be able to celebrate together as a family,” Chen added.
Saturday’s attacks marked the deadliest incursion into Israeli territory since Egypt and Syria’s attacks in the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago. Israel responded with attacks on Hamas infrastructure in Gaza.
The death toll on both sides from the three-day war rose to about 1,600 on Monday, including 900 in Israel and more than 680 in Gaza.
With each passing moment, the Chen family only grows more concerned for their son, adding fuel to the fire of what their mission is. “What about liberty, justice, and freedom for all?” his father asked.
“Biden needs to step up for all children — all citizens deserve protection, and kids need to know that the United States is behind them 100%.”
