Israeli High-Tech Must Be Central in Every Party’s Platform, Warns Industry Leader
Idan Tendler, co-founder of the social initiative "Anu Banu," warned at the Calcalist National Economic Conference that despite recent impressive financial figures in Israel's high-tech sector, the industry remains at risk. He highlighted that in the first half of the year, Israeli high-tech companies raised over $7 billion, a 50% increase from the previous year, and three of the five largest exits in Israeli history occurred recently. However, Tendler cautioned that these successes mask underlying vulnerabilities threatening both the sector and Israeli society.
Tendler emphasized the direct link between the stability of the high-tech industry and the well-being of Israeli society, noting that if the sector collapses, the entire society will suffer. He addressed the growing social gaps exacerbated by the industry's growth, pointing out that while high-tech has created a new wealthy class, it has also widened the divide between those inside and outside this "club." Drawing from his personal experience growing up in Rishon LeZion and joining Unit 8200 thanks to recognized potential, he urged the industry to take responsibility for creating equal opportunities across all social groups.
He compared the social role of high-tech today to the historical role of the Israel Defense Forces as a social melting pot, describing high-tech as the new social pioneer capable of uniting diverse populations including Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, right and left. Tendler detailed the activities of "Anu Banu," founded about a year ago to embed social engagement into the high-tech DNA by connecting thousands of tech professionals and hundreds of companies to social challenges. Volunteers assist in reintegrating reservists and mental health patients into the workforce and support municipal and educational leaders in northern and southern Israel.
Tendler also highlighted collaborations with companies like Nvidia, which create jobs in the Galilee and help young families return to towns such as Hazor HaGalilit, Metula, and Ma'alot. He noted the inclusion of Haredim in high-tech without compromising their lifestyle and stressed that working together helps politically polarized groups learn coexistence. He underscored artificial intelligence as a key tool to reduce geographic and social disparities, describing AI as a great equalizer that can break down barriers if deployed nationwide.
Despite these efforts, Tendler sharply criticized the government's lack of involvement in high-tech over the past four years, pointing out that the latest state budget barely addresses the sector. He lamented the absence of legislation supporting entrepreneurs in the north or promoting English and physics education in the south. As elections approach, he called on all political parties to include plans to strengthen and leverage high-tech for opportunity creation, concluding with a call to industry professionals to see this mission as a national responsibility, not just a business goal.
