Ultra-Orthodox Employment in Israeli High-Tech Sector Surges Over Past Decade

A new report titled "The Ultra-Orthodox High-Tech Report 2026," produced by Tel Aviv University and the nonprofit Kama-Tech, reveals significant growth in the employment of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel's high-tech industry over the last ten years. The study, led by Dr. Nahomi Yaffe, doctoral candidate Chaya Lerfeld, and Kama-Tech CEO Moshe Friedman, shows that the proportion of ultra-Orthodox workers aged 25-35 in high-tech rose from about 2% to 6% within a decade. In 2016, approximately 8,500 ultra-Orthodox individuals worked in high-tech, representing 3% of the ultra-Orthodox workforce; by 2024, this number increased to around 12,750, nearly 5% of the sector. Friedman estimates the current figure is close to 15,000.

The report highlights a notable gender disparity, with ultra-Orthodox women comprising about two-thirds of those employed in high-tech roles, while men account for roughly one-third. Female ultra-Orthodox participation surged by 77% from 2014 to 2023, rising from 3.1% to 5.5%, a growth rate exceeding natural demographic increases. In contrast, male participation grew modestly from 0.9% to 1.1%. Among new entrants to the high-tech workforce, ultra-Orthodox individuals constitute about 11%, nearing their 13% share of Israel's general population.

The report also notes a 45% increase in ultra-Orthodox students enrolled in high-tech academic programs between 2018 and 2021, with women representing 67% of these students. Entrepreneurship within the community has expanded, with around 200 ultra-Orthodox startups founded in the past decade and 5-9% of innovation grants awarded to ultra-Orthodox entrepreneurs. Kama-Tech's accelerator has supported 80 such startups, some achieving notable success.

Despite progress, significant challenges remain, including wage gaps of approximately 57% between ultra-Orthodox and non-ultra-Orthodox high-tech workers, limited early digital literacy education, delayed workforce entry due to extended religious study, and social barriers such as lack of professional networks and employer biases. Friedman emphasizes that ultra-Orthodox integration into high-tech is no longer merely a social goal but an economic necessity for Israel's national resilience, given the sector's contribution of nearly 20% to the country's GDP.

Friedman, a descendant of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, co-founded Kama-Tech about 15 years ago after a conversation with Israeli high-tech pioneer Yossi Vardi. The organization focuses on technological training, entrepreneurship support, and community outreach, collaborating with major companies like Microsoft, Google, Intel, and Qualcomm. Friedman notes that initial rabbinical concerns about ultra-Orthodox participation in high-tech have diminished as success stories demonstrate compatibility with religious observance.

Looking ahead, Friedman is optimistic about artificial intelligence's potential to further open opportunities for ultra-Orthodox workers by lowering technical barriers. He also links high-tech employment to improved living standards within the community, citing higher salaries compared to traditional ultra-Orthodox occupations. The report was released in conjunction with Kama-Tech's 10th anniversary celebration at the Israeli President's residence.