Bill Ackman, one of the world's leading capital market investors, and strong Tel Aviv Stock Exchange proponent, opened trading at TASE on September 9, 2025. Along with the Chairman of the Israel Securities Authority (ISA), Chairman of the TASE Board of Directors, TASE CEO, and CEOs and chairpersons of the companies included in the TA-125 Index, they highlighted the strength of the Israeli capital market.
In the photo from right to left: Prof. Eugene Kandel, TASE Chairman; Seffy Zinger, Chairman of the ISA; Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. and Ittai Ben Zeev, TASE CEO. Photographer: Elad Gutman. Free of charge.
Bill Ackman’s investment firm manages approximately $20 billion, making him one of the notable hedge fund managers in today’s market. Mr. Ackman last year took an approximate 5% stake in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange through his own personal funds (a first for Mr. Ackman). Mr. Ackman noted that his investment in the TASE stock was “probably the best investment I’ve ever made”, referring to his almost 300% return in under two years (gaining him $73 million). He indicated that he does not intend to sell his shares.
“The value of a country is the value of its total assets minus its liabilities. The liabilities are the national debt. The assets are the people, the intellectual property, the companies, the land. In Israel’s case, the value of its assets — especially its intellectual assets — far outweighs its liabilities.” - Bill Ackman
The billionaire indicated that he intends to invest another $1 billion in companies in Israel.
Mr. Ackman, a Jewish-American billionaire, outspoken Zionist, and one of Wall Street’s most prominent activist investors, is also a notable public figure recognized for his vocal advocacy against antisemitism and his strong support for the State of Israel, particularly since the outbreak of the "Swords of Iron" war on October 7, 2023.
Bill Ackman said during the ceremony: “After October 7th, I realized there was a much bigger problem in the world. That realization came from my own university [Harvard University], where 34 student organizations released a letter saying that "Israel is solely responsible for the acts of Hamas," even though Hamas was still operating on Israeli soil. One of the worst days of my life was October 7th.
Owning an exchange is like owning a royalty on the success of a country. And I said very publicly at the time that I thought there's no better time to invest in Israel.
As bad as October 7th has been for Israel, for Jewish people, for the world, a lot of good has come out of it. I think if you look at the last less than two years, there's been a complete reset of the Middle East situation in a way that I think is extremely favorable for Israel. I think we're close to the end of this war, and I think we're on a path to prosperity and peace. I'm very optimistic about the future. I think the Abraham Accords are going to get expanded.”
Seffy Zinger, Chairman of the Israel Securities Authority: "The performance of the Israeli capital market – and its leading indices over the past two years – serves as a reflection of the Israeli economy as a whole, showcasing exceptional resilience and strength. These results are thanks to the executives of Israel’s leading public companies present here today, as well as the investors, including foreign investors, who have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate confidence in the Israeli economy. A clear example of this confidence was Bill Ackman’s decision to purchase 4.99% of TASE shares at the beginning of 2024, right in the midst of the war. This was a significant vote of confidence in Israel and in the Israeli capital market. The Israeli capital market can and should be a leading player and an integral part of the global financial system, and we are taking concrete steps to make this happen. The transition to a Monday–Friday trading week is part of this strategic vision – a step that will bring the Israeli capital market closer to international investors and strengthen Israel’s position as an attractive investment destination on the global stage.”
“It’s a country that has proven itself exceptionally over the past two years, both militarily and technologically. Israel has also proven itself as a democracy. It’s a country where many people feel comfortable criticizing their leader — and that’s a good sign.” - Bill Ackman
Ittai Ben-Zeev, TASE CEO: “We are proud to host Bill Ackman, one of Israel’s greatest friends, here at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, a symbol of Israel's economic resilience. The last two years have been very challenging for the Israeli economy and the local capital market in the wake of the war. Despite these challenges, TASE has reached record highs, reflecting the robustness of the Israeli economy. Much of this success is a testament to the resilience and strength of Israeli society and our public companies.”
Sources: TASE, Ynet, Globes