The California Israel Chamber of Commerce to Honor John Chambers for his Technology Investments in Israel

San Francisco – November 1, 2005 – The California Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC) today announced it will honor John Chambers, CEO and President of Cisco Systems, with the prestigious International Partnership Award. The ceremony will take place on November 10, 2005 at a special Silicon Valley Gala dinner attended by over 400 VIPs, dignitaries and business executives from Israel and California.

The International Partnership Award recognizes entrepreneurs and companies whose unique vision and global leadership have ignited successful business partnerships and technology collaboration between the States of Israel and California. Previous award recipients include Gordon Moore, Eric Benhamou, Uzia Galil, Dr. Dan Maydan, Mike Splinter and Dr. Levy Gerzberg.

Chambers Cites Israeli Driveand Innovation

John Chambers will be recognized for his commitment to investing in Israel’s technology growth and people. In 1998, Cisco established a design center in Netanya, Israel. Over the years, Cisco has grown its activities in Israel through R&D, sales resources, business development and direct investments including the acquisitions of several leading Israeli start-up companies.

Cisco Systems’ Israel facility is now its second largest design center outside the U.S., with over 500 Israeli research and development engineers who focus on designing and creating Cisco’s most advanced technology products – including high-class routers and switches, network management and network security technologies.

In addition, Cisco Systems has invested in its Cisco Network Academy Program in Israel and currently has over 50 academies and 1,700 students enrolled in the program. Cisco has also launched the net@ program to help reduce the technology gap for young Israelis, Arabs and Jews with technological and English language skills that will ultimately prepare them for higher education degrees.

“Through Cisco’s R&D center and the Cisco Networking Academy Program, we have found unique ways to invest in the innovation and drive of the Israeli people,” said Mr. Chambers. “Cisco is proud of its relationship with Israel, and I am honored to receive this award.”

Zvi Alon, CICC’s Chairman of the Board, applauded Chambers’ and Cisco’s contributions to the overall economic and social health of both State economies. “We are pleased to honor John Chambers with this prestigious award. Mr. Chambers and Cisco Systems are very fine examples of the forward-thinking mindset needed to embrace the opportunities in our expanding global market. CICC continues to salute companies such as Cisco for recognizing Israel’s innovative potential and for investing in its social and technological infrastructure”.

About the CICC

The CaliforniaIsraelChamber of Commerce (CICC) is the only non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to strengthening business and trade relations between California and Israel. CICC leads programs designed to engage global technology companies and investors with Israel’s emerging tech startups and entrepreneurs. With its wide and dynamic network of companies, business executives and governmental leaders, CICC is positioned to serve as a facilitator and active supporter for joint venture programs between the two business communities.