A Voice for Israel, A Leader in The Market - Bill Ackman Rings the Opening Bell at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) In support of Israel's Economy: "Owning an exchange is like owning a royalty on the success of a country"

Rhea-AI Summary

Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, rang the opening bell at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TVAVF) on September 9, 2025, demonstrating support for Israel's economy. The event, attended by key Israeli financial leaders, highlighted Ackman's significant 4.99% stake in TASE acquired in early 2024 during the war.

During the ceremony, Ackman expressed optimism about Israel's future, particularly regarding the expansion of the Abraham Accords and the path to prosperity post-war. The ISA Chairman highlighted the Israeli capital market's resilience, while TASE's CEO emphasized the exchange's record highs despite recent challenges. A notable strategic development includes the transition to a Monday-Friday trading week to align with global markets and attract international investors.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Ongoing geopolitical tensions and war impacts affecting market stability
• Challenges in international market integration due to current trading schedule

TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bill Ackman, one of the world's leading capital market investors, opened trading at TASE (TASE: TASE) this morning. The event was attended by Seffy Zinger, Chairman of the Israel Securities Authority (ISA), Prof' Eugene Kandel, Chairman of the TASE Board of Directors, Ittai Ben-Zeev, TASE CEO, as well as the CEOs and chairpersons of the companies included in the TA-125 Index. Together, they marked a unique opportunity to highlight the strength of the Israeli capital market and its growing potential to expend its global reach.

Bill Ackman has served as the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. ("Pershing Square") since its inception in 2003. He has served as Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. ("HHH") since May 2025.

Mr. Ackman also serves as Chairman and CEO of Pershing Square SPARC Holdings, Ltd. He is co-trustee of The Pershing Square Foundation, part of Pershing Square Philanthropies, which he founded in 2006 to bet on innovative leaders solving humanity's big societal, environmental, and health challenges.

Mr. Ackman 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, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. 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, 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 7^th.

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."

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. On this occasion, we would like to thank Bill Ackman for his work on behalf of the State of Israel and for strengthening global support, as well as for the confidence he has shown in the Israeli capital market.  We are committed to driving the continued growth of the Israeli stock exchange and the Israeli economy, fostering a more open market for increased more international investment." 

Contact:
Orna Goren
Head of Communication and Public Relations Unit
Tel: +972 76 8160405
tase.ir@tase.co.il

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2768811/TelAviv_Chairmen.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-voice-for-israel-a-leader-in-the-market---bill-ackman-rings-the-opening-bell-at-the-tel-aviv-stock-exchange-tase-in-support-of-israels-economy-owning-an-exchange-is-like-owning-a-royalty-on-the-success-of-a-country-302550945.html

SOURCE The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd.

FAQ

What percentage stake did Bill Ackman acquire in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TVAVF)?

Bill Ackman acquired a 4.99% stake in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange at the beginning of 2024, during the midst of the war.

What major change is TASE implementing to attract international investors?

TASE is transitioning to a Monday-Friday trading week to align with global markets and strengthen Israel's position as an attractive investment destination.

How has the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TVAVF) performed during the recent conflicts?

Despite the challenging wartime environment, TASE has reached record highs, demonstrating the robustness and resilience of the Israeli economy.

What is Bill Ackman's view on investing in Israel's market?

Ackman stated that "there's no better time to invest in Israel" and expressed optimism about the country's future, comparing owning an exchange to owning a royalty on a country's success.

Who are the key leaders present at the TASE bell-ringing ceremony?

The ceremony was attended by Seffy Zinger (ISA Chairman), Prof' Eugene Kandel (TASE Board Chairman), Ittai Ben-Zeev (TASE CEO), and CEOs and chairpersons of TA-125 Index companies.