One of the most fascinating and unique aspects of Israel is how it simultaneously pulls you into both the future and the past. All the word-class entrepreneurs and VCs give us a peek into the future, while studying its complicated history offers us a chance to better grasp the modern geopolitical landscape. It was a grounding experience to turn our attention from disruptive innovations to the story of one of the holiest places in the world. We realized our professor didn’t intend for a visit to the Old City of Jerusalem to be a leisurely break from the back-to-back talks. We had a fantastic guide who gave us a rich overview of the three Abrahamic religions and explained in impressive detail why the Old City is an important place for each of them.

Jon Medved is an influential entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and startup ecosystem leader. He is the founder and CEO of OurCrowd, a leading global investment platform that focuses on equity crowdfunding and connects investors with early-stage companies. OurCrowd enables accredited investors to invest in startups and provides support and mentorship to these companies. We met Jon at OurCrowd Offices during our visit to Jerusalem.

Yad Vashem, established in 1953, is known as the World Holocaust Remembrance Center and transports visitors across the different time periods that take place leading up to and throughout World War II. Situated in Jerusalem on the Mount of Remembrance, the strategic architectural design of the center imposes symbolic significances – through the structure of the building cutting through the mountain and history itself, the winding path visitors must take, and the height difference between where it starts to where you lead out onto the balcony at the end of your visit.