In the midst of heightened tensions and unrest in Israel, a noteworthy campaign is underway that showcases the resilience of Jewish-Arab cooperation.
A long history of promoting coexistence
Tsofen, a non-profit organization founded in 2008 by Jewish and Arab hi-tech professionals and economists, focuses on integrating Arab engineers into the hi-tech sector. In the current climate of heightened societal tension brought on by the war, the organization emphasizes the crucial role workplaces play as meeting grounds for diverse communities, providing opportunities for connection and understanding.
“We at Tsofen call on more companies to take actions that strengthen the sense of belonging of the engineers from the Arab society, and invite more companies to join the campaign and use Tsofen to build a bridge and a conversation.”
Significant growth in the hi-tech sector
In 2008, Arab engineers represented a mere 0.5% of employees in Israeli hi-tech, amounting to around 350 individuals. Today, this figure has surged to 3.5%, with approximately 5,000 Arab engineers making significant contributions to the industry. Tsofen’s goal is to elevate this percentage to at least 10% by 2025, reflecting a commitment to a more inclusive and diverse hi-tech landscape.