By: Nativia Samuelsen

“The Arabs of Israel are not only citizens of the State of Israel, but they are also part of the Israeli people. Our goal is to make this integration as complete as possible.”
-Israel’s founding Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion

In the vibrant mix of Israeli society, its Arab citizens are a unique and often overlooked segment of the population. From bustling cities to quiet villages, Israel’s Arabs are not merely residents, but an integral part of the nation’s cultural, economic and social fabric, making up some 20% of the Israeli people.

Amid the nation’s multicultural society, Israeli Arabs often face economic and socio-cultural barriers that hinder their access to higher education and professional opportunities. These obstacles can leave many graduates struggling to secure meaningful employment, leaving them with limited prospects for advancement.

In Israeli society, the Russian word “protekzia” has come to refer to the common practice of using personal connections to secure assistance, information or opportunities. This Israeli brand of ‘networking’ is built over generations and through community ties to forge an informal yet powerful support system that can open doors to career opportunities. However, Israeli Arabs often enjoy minimal access to these networks, leaving them at a disadvantage. Without it, they face significant challenges in competing in the job market and improving their economic status.

“While Arabs make up 15% of hi-tech students, they hold only 1.4% of hi-tech jobs, with Arab women even less represented”, explained market expert Kav Mashve.

Realizing this, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is sponsoring an innovative mentorship program designed to level the playing field for Arab Israelis interested in breaking into the lucrative field of hi-tech.

The mentorship program targets Arab youth, providing them with essential tools to land a place in the tech industry—one of the most dynamic and high-paying job sectors in Israel today. This program not only offers technical skills training but also focuses on building professional connections that are crucial for career development. Participants are paired with experienced mentors who offer guidance, connections, practical insights and training, thereby helping Arab students succeed in a very competitive job market.

The program is more than just an educational initiative. It represents a strategic effort to dismantle the barriers that have historically limited the career prospects of Israeli Arabs. By equipping these promising young Arabs with both the skills and the networking needed to thrive, ICEJ empowers them to find good jobs employment and achieve long-term career growth, while contributing significantly to Israel’s already vibrant tech sector. This approach not only betters their individual lives, but also enriches the broader community with a more cohesive yet diverse workforce.

The mentorship program, designed to empower 90-120 young Israeli Arab tech students each year, is more than just a career booster—it’s a lifeline. With the ICEJ’s help, they are able to bridge the socio-economic gaps that have traditionally held them back.

However, the journey still comes with many challenges. The current conflict has strained Arab-Jewish relations within hi-tech companies, limited site visits, and impacted job availability. The nation’s economy is hampered by the war, leading to increased layoffs, and making job placements for junior professionals even harder. Yet, amid the turbulence and economic uncertainty, the program has delivered inspiring results. From the 2022/2023 class, 56% of participants have found positions in hi-tech. Although this figure falls short of the initial 70% target, it is a remarkable achievement given the challenges.

One of the program’s recent success stories is Nur, a Haifa University graduate who now thrives as a developer at Moveo. Nur describes the mentorship program as her “gateway to the hi-tech industry.” Her journey from a small Arab village to a leading tech company is a testament to the program’s transformative power.

“Every session enriched my knowledge and skills,” Nur insisted. “The certificate I received didn’t just boost my resume—it opened doors and impressed interviewers. The follow-up support was crucial, even after the sessions ended.”

Inspired by her success, Nur is now committed to giving back within her Arab community.

“I want to guide high school students, share my story, and encourage them to pursue their dreams”, she shared.

Her dedication to mentoring the next generation underscores the importance of having positive role models and supporting emerging talent.

Including more Arab Israelis in hi-tech innovation builds a stronger and more cohesive society where all Israelis can work together and share success. By investing in these young talents, the ICEJ aims to break down barriers, empower lagging communities, and help build a brighter future for all Israel. Partner with us in our Hope and a Future aid campaign.

Donate today at: help.icej.org/future-hope