Opening New Tech Pathways for Israel's Haredi Community

Israel’s technology sector needs more talent in fields such as electronics, data infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Yet many people remain disconnected from pathways into those careers.

Haredi Jews make up 14% of Israel’s population, but fewer than 1% of Haredi men work in advanced technology. For many Israelis, national service provides technical training, professional experience, and networks that can open doors to technology careers. In the Haredi community, education is designed around full-time religious study and doesn’t typically lead to technical credentials or national service, leaving few established routes into the sector.

Kodcode was created by members of the Haredi community, with guidance from rabbinic leaders, to build a trusted pathway into national service and technology careers while supporting participants’ religious commitments. Kodcode is helping Israel’s technology sector tap into a talented but historically underrepresented pool of workers.

Bridging Religious Life and Career Growth

Participants complete six months of training, including nearly 950 hours of instruction in math, English, computer science, electronics, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. They then enter a 30-month national service placement in technical roles matched to their skills.

The program is designed around religious life. Participants continue Torah study throughout the program, can fully observe Shabbat and daily religious practices, and are placed in service roles that align with community standards around modesty and religious commitment. Rabbinic leaders help shape program design, daily schedules, and service placements, building trust among participants, families, and employers.

Turning Training Into Tech Careers

Since 2023, Kodcode has placed 861 Haredi men into national service and more than 84% of graduates move into full-time tech roles after completing their service. These roles provide access to stable, higher-paying careers, with earnings growing significantly over time.

Applications more than doubled between 2023 and 2025, reflecting growing demand from both Haredi families and government agencies. The program has also gained support at the national level. Israel’s Ministry of Labor recognized Kodcode as a formal joint venture and committed funding through 2026.

As demand for technical talent continues to grow, Kodcode is creating new pathways into technology careers for Haredi men while helping Israel expand its skilled workforce. This brings economic mobility and workforce development into sharper focus and more skilled talent into Israel’s technology sector.