The Jerusalem College of Technology has embarked on an ambitious program to train Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) men and women for the Israeli high-tech work force as engineers and industrial managers.  This pioneering program has the endorsement and encouragement of the Israel Government who is encouraging JCT to become a central institution of higher education for the Haredi community.

By designing a variety of special academic programs of the Haredi population, JCT is enabling the Haredi community to acquire the necessary tools to work as equals within the Israeli workforce and thereby enabling them to support themselves and improve their economic situation which, in turn, will reduce their dependence on social support; giving this community the opportunity to take an active participatory role in Israeli society and its economy; creating the opportunity for the general Israeli public to interact directly with the Haredi population in a work environment, thus helping to change each other's pre-conceived views of the other.

The academic education of the Haredi community and their entrance into the workforce is one of the central issues of contemporary Israel.  There is an ever-increasing awareness within the Haredi community of the need for professional education, which will enable them to support themselves and their communities.

Haredim Graduation 2004

Photography by: Debbi Cooper and others