Size-wise, it’s one of the world’s smallest countries, but when it comes to entrepreneurship, Israel is near the top.

An upcoming program entitled “Israel and the Silicon Valley: Building Entrepreneurial Bridges” will look at how Israel’s high-tech industry has boomed in the last two decades, breaking down cultural and financial barriers to raise the largest amount of venture capital outside North America.

It will also give a glimpse at some of the latest technology coming out of Israel — from USB flash drives to high-definition television and DVD.

David Akov, Israel’s consul general in San Francisco, will introduce the program. The main event, a panel discussion on the past, present and future of Israeli high-tech, will feature entrepreneurs from three firms with offices in Israel: Dan Harkabi from SanDisk Corp., Ram Ofir from Zoran Corp. and Dave Welsh from Partech International.

The free program will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 in the Ron Barrett Ballroom at San Jose State University’s Student Union. Among its sponsors are the Consulate General of Israel, Hillel of Silicon Valley, the California Israel Chamber of Commerce and Sharone Hadassah.

For more information, contact Michal Michlin Friedlander at (415) 844-7505 or email [email protected].