VIDEO: Elias Saratovsky on CNBC Squawk Box

Birthright Israel Foundation President and CEO Elias Saratovsky made an exciting appearance on CNBC this week, making the case for why firsthand experience in Israel matters more than ever. In a lively, candid conversation, Elias shared that more than 50,000 young people have traveled to Israel since October 7 — a powerful testament to the pent-up demand and deep curiosity that persists despite the noise online. The conversation about Israel should not be reduced to algorithm-driven soundbites. There is simply no substitute for seeing the country for yourself.

Elias brought a grounding perspective to a charged debate, reminding viewers that Israel is not just a nation at war — it's an innovation miracle, with more companies listed on the Nasdaq than any country outside the U.S. and China. He made a memorable distinction between the political and the personal, noting that young people who arrive in Israel with misinformation consistently leave better informed and more confident in telling Israel's story in a human, not partisan, way. His message to viewers was direct and open-armed: come to Israel, learn for yourself, and come back ready to engage with the facts.