Friedberg Economics Institute

Promoting Economic Freedom

Upcoming seminar

30.08-03.09|2026| Sun–Thu

Economics, Growth and Prosperity | Summer Seminar

FEI’s five-day residential seminar is designed for outstanding students who want to examine the ideas and policies that shape prosperity. It combines rigorous lectures, small-group discussions, and informal conversations with

Event date: 30.08-03.09|2026| Sun–Thu

Event location: Ramat Rachel Resort

All Expenses Paid

Previous seminars >

The Power of Economic Freedom Ideas That Drive Prosperity

FEI connects students and future leaders in Israel with the ideas of economic freedom, free markets, growth, and prosperity.

What is economic freedom?

Economic freedom exists when property that individuals acquire – without the use of force, fraud, or theft – is protected from physical invasions by others and they are free to use, exchange, or give their property, as long as they do not violate others identical rights.

Why does it matter?

There is compelling evidence, from data analyzed in academic studies, that greater economic freedom in a nation produces highly desirable outcomes: more economic growth and prosperity, less poverty, improved health, more fairness and justice, and more political freedom.

Where does Israel stand?

Fraser Economic Freedom of the World

Rank 39th

Out of 165

Our Impact

Since 2014, FEI has advanced economic freedom in Israel through seminars, lectures, alumni programs, and connecting students and future leaders with leading economists and policy thinkers.

Over0 Seminar Alumni

Over0 Leading Speakers

Over0 Seminars & Events

Featured Events

How to Return to Rapid Per Capita Growth | Yogev Gardos

26.11.2025Tel Aviv

Inflation: What Happened and What Comes Next | John Cochrane

29.07.2025Tel Aviv

Doing Business in the Abraham Accords Countries | Simeon Djankov

23.12.2024Tel Aviv

Trump’s Tariff Policy and Its Global Implications | Douglas Irwin

31.07.2024Tel Aviv

How Innovation Works | Matt Ridley

17.06.2021Jerusalem

Free to Grow: Principles and policies to maximize economic growth | John H. Cochrane | 2019 Alumni Program

26.02.2019Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv

For additional lectures in the 2019 Alumni series, please follow these links:

Adrian Wooldridge
Tyler Cowen

News and Publications

FEI Executive Workshop

Setai Hotel, Tel Aviv | 18-20 November, 2026

03.06.2026

FEI Monograph: Economic Freedom and Doing Business

Perspectives on the Abraham Accords Countries, Saudi Arabia, and Iran

01.06.2026

Douglas Irwin on Trade

Globes newspaper interview

01.06.2026

Op-Ed: What is economic freedom and why should Israelis care about it?

Jerusalem Post Op-Ed by FEI Director Bob Borens

30.05.2026

Past Speakers

Yehonatan Givati Professor of Law, Hebrew University Law School

José Piñera Distinguished Senior Fellow, Cato Institute

Russ Roberts President, Shalem College; Founder, EconTalk

Omer Moav Professor of Economics, Reichman University and University of Warwick

Michael Sarel Former Chief Economist, Israeli Ministry of Finance and Kohelet Economic Forum

SEE ALL SPEAKERS

What Alumni Say

FEI alumni are an exceptional network of students, professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and public-sector leaders. Their reflections show how FEI seminars shape the way they think about economics, policy, growth, and Israel’s future.

Shlomi Cohen Legal Counsel, Corporate Secretariat & Securities Compliance Manager, ICL Group

“The seminar offers a truly exceptional experience in the Israeli landscape. The combination of leading speakers from Israel and around the world, thought-provoking discussions, and an outstanding group of participants provides fresh perspectives and creates lasting professional and personal connections.”

Ron Arbel Co-Founder & CEO, Aryon Security

“Driven by a desire to keep growing as a business leader, I joined the Friedberg Economics Institute seminar. It exposed me to new ideas, broadened my perspective on markets and growth, and gave me practical tools that continue to shape how I make decisions, manage, and lead a growing company.”

Hadar Turjeman Fraud Analyst

“I had the privilege of participating in a Friedberg Economics Institute seminar alongside students from Israel and the Abraham Accords countries. It was a rare opportunity to learn directly from leading researchers and policymakers, broaden my perspective, and form meaningful friendships—a formative experience that stays with me to this day.”

Shaked Maane Product Operations Manager

“Nearly a decade later, I still remember the enriching lectures, engaging conversations, and the people I met—some of whom remain friends and professional connections to this day. That perhaps says more than anything about the quality of the experience. Highly recommended.”

Daniel Kravitz Intern at the OECD

“The program helped me connect the economic theory I had studied with the real world, learn from outstanding lecturers, and become part of an exceptional community of inspiring people.”