Celebrating 9 Years of Building Bridges Between Rhode Island and Israel
Dear Friends, Members, Supporters, and Collaborators,
On June 6, 2026, the Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC) proudly celebrates its 9th anniversary. As I reflect on this milestone, I am filled with gratitude for the many people who have helped make this journey possible.
Nine years ago, RIIC was founded with a clear mission: to strengthen and expand collaboration between Rhode Island and Israel in academia, business, research, innovation, healthcare, and cultural exchange. Today, RIIC serves as a key connection between Rhode Island and Israel and operates as a nonprofit, all-volunteer Chamber of Commerce dedicated to creating opportunities and building relationships that benefit both communities.
What began as a vision has grown into a vibrant network of partnerships and friendships. Through conferences, exchanges, business initiatives, healthcare collaborations, educational programs, and cultural activities, RIIC has connected universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, healthcare professionals, students, community leaders, and government officials on both sides of the ocean.
To see the breadth of RIIC's activities and accomplishments over the years, I encourage you to visit our blog page. It captures many of the partnerships, programs, events, and success stories that have helped shape RIIC's journey.
Among the accomplishments of which we are especially proud are supporting academic and medical exchanges, fostering healthcare and life sciences collaborations, promoting business and innovation partnerships, and advancing cooperation in BlueTech and aquaculture. We are particularly proud of initiatives such as the Brown University–Tel Aviv University Medical School exchange program, the work of our Healthcare & Life Sciences Committee and BlueTech & Aquaculture Committee, and the many collaborations we have helped facilitate between Rhode Island and Israeli organizations.
Looking back over the past nine years, one of our greatest sources of pride is that RIIC has engaged thousands of individuals in both Rhode Island and Israel—students, researchers, physicians, entrepreneurs, business leaders, public officials, and community members—helping to create connections, foster collaboration, and build lasting relationships that continue to generate opportunities today.
One of the things that makes RIIC so special is its people. As an all-volunteer organization, every achievement has been made possible by dedicated individuals who believe in our mission.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to our founders and members of the Board of Directors, many of whom have been with RIIC since its earliest days and continue to work alongside us today. I would also like to thank our committee members, advisors, members, donors, sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and friends of RIIC. Your dedication, leadership, and support have helped transform an idea into an organization that continues to make a meaningful impact.
As we celebrate our ninth birthday and begin our tenth year, we look forward to expanding healthcare and life sciences collaborations, growing academic and research partnerships, strengthening business relationships, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and creating new opportunities for collaboration between Rhode Island and Israel.
If you have been part of our journey over the past nine years, thank you. If you are not yet involved, we invite you to connect with us and explore how you can become part of our next chapter.
If you are looking to connect with the Rhode Island and Israeli ecosystems in business, academia, research, innovation, healthcare, or entrepreneurship, please do not hesitate to contact us. Helping build those connections is at the heart of RIIC's mission.
Thank you for your friendship, partnership, and support. Together, we have built a strong foundation, and together, we will continue strengthening the relationship between Rhode Island and Israel for many years to come.
With gratitude and warm regards,
Avi Nevel Founder & CEO Rhode Island–Israel Collaborative (RIIC)
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