From the Midwest to the Middle East

Last Updated 12 months ago In part II, Philip Stein and Yair Benjamini continue diving into the latest Israeli tax reforms, unraveling how the new “wallet company” and “trapped profits” legislation is shaking up the business world. Discover what these changes mean for business owners, especially U.S. citizens living in Israel, and how they can navigate this complex landscape. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with insights and practical advice! The post Episode 141: The Changing Tax Exemption Landscape for New Olim, Part II appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.

Last Updated 12 months ago In this podcast, Philip Stein and tax lawyer Yair Benjamini discuss significant changes in Israeli tax law affecting Olim (new immigrants) and returning residents. They explore the implications of new reporting requirements for foreign income, the voluntary disclosure program for those who may have misreported income, and the challenges posed by proposed changes to residency determinations. The conversation highlights the urgency for potential Olim to act before the new laws take effect in 2026 and the complexities of navigating U.S. tax implications for dual residents. The post Episode 140: The Changing Tax Exemption Landscape for New Olim appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.

Last Updated 7 months ago In this episode, Yaacov Jacob and Philip Stein discuss the financial considerations for individuals making Aliyah to Israel. They cover essential topics such as how much money to bring, the implications of the 10-year tax holiday, filing the FBAR, and the complexities of investing in passive foreign investment companies (PFICs). The conversation also highlights the advantages of investing in Israel versus the US, and offers practical advice for new immigrants navigating their financial futures in a new country. The post Episode 5: Navigating Financial Decisions for New Olim appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.

Last Updated 12 months ago In this conversation, Professor Dan Ben-David discusses the historical and contemporary socioeconomic challenges facing Israel, particularly focusing on the impact of the 1970s on the country’s growth trajectory. He emphasizes the urgent need for educational reform to address the disparities in the education system and the potential risks of a ‘spiral of collapse’ due to skilled emigration. Ben-David advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, receive the necessary skills to thrive in a modern economy. Takeaways Israel was on a rapid growth path until the 1970s. The Yom Kippur War shifted national priorities away from growth. Current education levels in Israel are comparable to third world countries. Half of Israeli children are receiving inadequate education. The gap between skilled and unskilled labor is widening in Israel. A small percentage of the population pays a large portion of taxes. Emigration of skilled professionals poses a risk to Israel’s future. The education system needs a complete overhaul to be effective. Demographic changes are impacting the socioeconomic landscape. A focus on education can help bridge the gap and improve the economy. The post Episode 139: Challenges Facing the Israeli Economy appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.

Last Updated 1 year ago Join us for a follow-up conversation with Maya Natan, CEO of Keshet DAF IL, as we explore how Israeli giving has evolved since our 2019 discussion. Tune in for insights on how donors drive greater impact through long-term philanthropy and social investment. The post Episode 138: Keshet 2.0 appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.

Last Updated 1 year ago History buffs, this one is for you! Join Philip and his guest, historian Shalom Lamm, founder of OperationBenjamin.org. Operation Benjamin is devoted to preserving the memories of American-Jewish servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the cause of freedom during World War I and World War II. Tune in and enjoy! The post Episode 137: Righting History appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.

Last Updated 2 years ago Featuring Shlomo Schreibman of Turning Point by Brand Launcher, this episode explores the highly sensitive issue of working with family. The post Episode 136: All in the Family? appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.

If you haven’t heard of her yet (where have you been?), here’s your chance to get to know the powerhouse that is Fleur Hassan-Nahoum!Fleur is Israel’s Special Envoy for Trade and Innovation, the former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Co-founder of the UAE-Israel Business Council, and so much more! Tune in and enjoy. The post Episode 135: The Fleur Factor – Leadership, Innovation, and the Power of Ideas appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.

Last Updated 1 year ago In the first episode of 2025, Philip interviews Philippe Blumenthal, Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit Governmental Savings Institute. Philippe’s primary goal is to help Americans retire overseas while still accessing their earned healthcare benefits. He also focuses on helping Americans living abroad become eligible for residence-based taxation. Additionally, he advocates for making self-defense training compulsory for all high school girls, aiming to reduce the rate of sexual assaults on women significantly. Get ready for a fascinating episode and learn “how the sausage is made” in Congress. The post Episode 134: How the Sausage Is Made appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.

Last Updated 1 year ago Join Philip and guest Roee Azizi. During the past year, after serving in southern Israel post-October 7th, 2023, Roee changed his life, moved to the Western Negev, and established “Hinenu“(here we are). This movement encourages young men and women to move to the Western Negev and participate in its revival and prosperity. Tune in to this inspiring episode about Israel’s younger generation and how they define Zionism 2.0. The post Episode 133: Heading West, featuring Roee Azizi appeared first on Philip Stein & Associates.