Meet Avivit Ohana

We had the good fortune of connecting with Avivit Ohana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Avivit, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After October 7, the connection between the global Jewish community and Israel became more crucial than ever. My own bond with the American Jewish community began when I was just 13 years old, attending URJ summer camps in the U.S. as a teenager from Israel. On the professional side, my journey as an entrepreneur, having founded an e-commerce company and worked in corporate, VC, and startups, always fueled my passion for bridging the entrepreneurial world of the Startup Nation with the global Jewish community.

When I was called up for IDF reserve duty, I felt an even stronger responsibility to do everything I could to strengthen this connection and support the global Jewish community during such a critical time.

The idea for ELI (Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Israel) truly crystallized in February 2023 after a lecture I gave at SDSU about my journey as a former IDF officer and entrepreneur. The students’ enthusiasm, their eagerness to connect, and their hunger to learn more about Israel’s business ecosystem made me realize the immense value of building bridges between young Jewish professionals and the Startup Nation.

As a young professional and former IDF officer, I’ve seen how transformative leadership development can be when paired with a strong global network and the support of someone who opens doors at the start of a career. I realized that many Jewish young adults are passionate about making an impact but often lack the resources, networks, or mentorship to unlock their full potential.

ELI was born to bridge this gap. It equips participants with essential business and leadership skills while fostering a meaningful connection to Israel and a deeper sense of Jewish identity. My vision is to empower the next generation of Jewish business leaders to excel professionally while strengthening their ties to Israel and their communities. By doing so, we not only build future leaders but also reinforce the bonds that unite us all.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
ELI, which stands for Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Israel, is a program dedicated to empowering young Jewish professionals and students globally. Our mission is to forge a meaningful connection to the startup nation, providing the skills, mentorship, and networks that will elevate the next generation of Jewish business leaders. ELI stands out by combining practical leadership training and hands-on experiences with a focus on strengthening participants’ connection to Israel and their Jewish identity. We connect our participants with industry leaders and peers across the globe, making it accessible for anyone passionate about business and entrepreneurship.

I’m particularly proud of the real impact we’re making. Participants are not only developing professional confidence and opening doors but are building long-lasting, meaningful connections. Getting ELI to where it is today has been a journey. In January 2023, I traveled to the U.S. with no specific plan or budget, driven by a desire to clarify my purpose. With a lifelong connection to the American Jewish community, I knew I wanted to build something meaningful that bridged this relationship. During this time, I was invited to speak at San Diego State University. I shared my personal story—my experience serving in the Israeli Air Force, founding an e-commerce business, and working in Israel’s tech ecosystem. Afterward, students approached me with enthusiasm, and I realized how powerful it could be to connect young Jewish adults with Israel’s entrepreneurial spirit. This experience planted the seeds for ELI.

Along the way, I faced challenges, from gaining support from key figures in the tech industry to establishing effective strategies and building a sustainable operation. Overcoming these hurdles required patience, persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to our vision. I learned that to succeed in an extraordinary way, people need three things: practical experience, a valuable network, and someone who opens that first door. ELI provides all three for our participants.

My goal with ELI is to create a generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders who feel a deep connection to Israel and are poised to make a positive impact in their communities and industries. ELI embodies everything I believe in—it’s my passion, my mission. We bring together young Jewish professionals with shared values and ambitions, strengthening both their careers and their identities. Having this kind of international impact and nurturing the next generation of leaders in the startup and business ecosystem is not just a goal; it’s our purpose.

Everything is possible. Dream it, work for it, and make it happen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting LA, I’d plan an unforgettable trip to showcase the city’s best spots, combining classic landmarks with hidden gems. First things first: we’d rent a beautiful convertible sports car—preferably a Porsche—for the full, exclusive LA experience.

We’d definitely hit Santa Monica and Venice Beach to walk around, catch the sunset, and enjoy a cocktail. Nothing beats that classic LA coastal vibe. And in Malibu, breakfast at Malibu Farm Café on the pier is a must—the pancakes with an ocean view set the tone for a relaxed yet incredible day. Afterward, we’d head to Pepperdine University for breathtaking views of the Malibu coastline.

For the Hollywood & Griffith Park Adventure, we’d start with acai bowls from Backyard Bowls in West Hollywood, then make our way to Griffith Park for a hike up to the Hollywood Sign. After snapping those iconic photos, we’d stop by the Griffith Observatory to catch a planetarium show. Lunch would be a quick stop at In-N-Out Burger before a night out in West Hollywood, where rooftop bars like EP & LP offer stunning views of the city lights.

No trip would be complete without a drive through Calabasas, winding through the beautiful mountains, luxurious homes, and iconic scenery—it’s all about soaking in the unique LA vibe.

LA offers endless options, unique energy, and a reminder that anything is possible with a mix of determination and a little fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give a huge shoutout to the Israeli-American Council (IAC) and their annual conference, which I attended in January 2023 in Austin, Texas. The IAC’s spirit, bringing together the Israeli and American Jewish communities, is truly a unique experience. Through the connections and inspiration I gained at the conference, I was able to shape my vision for ELI. The energy of being surrounded by passionate leaders and change-makers from around the world was transformative. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of a united, global Jewish community and the importance of connecting young Jewish professionals with Israel.

The IAC community gave me the initial steps and network to help bring ELI to life. Their commitment to strengthening ties between Israel and the global Jewish community has truly fueled my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of this inspiring network.

Website: www.eli-org.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avivitohana/

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/avivitohana