What do haredim have to do with Israeli high-tech? Evidently a lot, when we consider the high-tech industry�s major HR shortage, and that the haredi community is an untapped resource that can meet this growing need.
This was the purpose of the haredi high-tech conference held at the Jerusalem Waldorf Astoria on Wednesday. The conference, organized by Bizmax � Achim Global�s Jerusalem business hub, established with the Kemach Foundation and the Jerusalem Development Authority � brought together 1300 HR managers, executives across the high-tech industry, and officials promoting haredi integration in the workforce.
Increasing haredi integration in the workforce has been a top priority. Indeed, over the last decade we have seen significant improvement in haredi employment. But increasing employment isn�t the full story. As Professor Eugene Kandel, CEO of Startup Nation Central wisely noted at the conference, it�s specifically high-tech that will bring the haredi community to financial stability, because the salaries � even entry-level ones � are double that of other industries. He noted further that the haredi demographic, with the right training, can be an asset. Israel�s high tech industry numbers 330,000 employees. Over the next decade, 100,000 more will be needed, and already now there is a pressing need for an additional 15,000 software engineers. Although presently haredim comprise just over 1% of the high-tech industry, they comprise over 10% of the population and so their HR potential is enormous.
CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority Aharon Aharon explained that long term, without haredim high-tech will be insignificant. Executive Chairman of JVP Erel Margalit echoed these words, saying that �Israel must decide if it wants its high-tech employees in Bnei Brak or in Kiev,� noting that if Israel doesn�t implement strategies to maximize haredi human capital, hundreds of thousands of software development jobs will be outsourced abroad. �We can create 100,000 jobs in high-tech in the coming decade, of which haredim can obtain a significant share. Thus, high-tech can be the greatest bridge between secular Israelis and haredim.�
President and co-founder of Achim Global Marc Schimmel noted that the Israeli economy has grown enormously and now has ample opportunities for foreign investment. �As Israel changes, so must the perceptions and actions [of Diaspora Jewry]. We should be investing in businesses and future high-tech employees.� He stated further that �we�re not looking to change haredim, rather to give people who are ready and willing to work, the training to do so and earn well.�
Chairman of Achim Global Motti Eichler stated that the solution is simple and already here: �Achim is bridging the skills gap among haredim. All that�s needed is the willingness and openness on the part of high-tech employers.�
Itzik Crombie, CEO of Bizmax summed up the conference, saying �We know that Israel�s high tech industry is the major driver of the country�s economy. Equally, we know that the haredim are the fastest growing sector in the country. The two must work hand in hand to ensure a thriving economy for Israel.�
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One Response
One person says, �…high-tech can be the greatest bridge between secular Israelis and haredim…�
Another person stated that �we�re not looking to change haredim…”
Which is true?