First Druze-Jewish Accelerator Launches in Daliyat al-Karmel
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- First Druze-Jewish accelerator opens in Daliyat al-Karmel.
- Program aims to boost Druze high-tech employment.
- Targets 3,000 Druze integrations in five years.
- Provides entrepreneurship, tech, and business training.
- Builds on previous DTec Skills Lab initiative.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to high-tech careers, professional networking, and integration into the tech sector, where only about 3.5% of the Druze community are employed, compared to 12% nationally.
The accelerator will serve as an innovation hub, providing practical tools, professional guidance, and networking support to young Druze men and women. It will cover fields such as artificial intelligence, programming, and robotics, with pathways potentially leading to advanced academic studies, employment in tech companies, or the establishment of startups. The program also includes tracks in entrepreneurship, business, health, and public administration, alongside 21st-century skills development.
Bank Hapoalim's Daliyat al-Karmel branch manager highlighted the program's significance in fostering opportunities for the region's youth. She emphasized that entrepreneurship is not limited to startups but also applies to established local businesses needing to adapt to a changing market.
The accelerator builds upon the DTec Skills Lab, established in late 2022, which has already trained around 100 Druze youth for the tech job market. The new initiative has an ambitious goal of integrating 3,000 Druze individuals into Israel's high-tech industry within five years. The ultimate vision is to create a cycle where successful participants return to mentor and support the next generation, fostering community growth and innovation.