Augmented reality glasses at the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem’s Old City. (Hadas Parush/Flash90)

Israel earned the title “startup nation” through seven decades of relentless persistence, sheer audacity, and a massive dose of Heavenly assistance.

While companies like Waze, Wix, and Mobileye are household names throughout the world, Israel was not always the go-to locale to find the world’s top innovators.

How did this tiny Middle Eastern country surrounded by enemies and lacking in natural resources transform itself from a fledgling nation on the verge of destruction to one of the most technologically advanced states in the world?

Get ready for a wild 71-year ride!