Blog

Tech in Israel
Essay by Olivia Biernacki

As it stands, Israel has the second-highest concentration of high-tech companies, with more startups per capita than any other country in the world. To properly comprehend this title, one has to first understand how it came to be. From the very beginning, Israel emphasized education and state-based research. Even before it was recognized as a country, Jewish immigrants founded the country’s first university: the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. More recently, heads of state have often preached quality over quantity, with priority on science and technology. They wished for quality of people and technology, both of which are achieved through higher education. This mission reaches beyond the government, as cybersecurity is part of Israel's high school curriculum. Similarly, a large number of ex-Army members have returned to become a part of the technology world, creating tech startups.

As required by law, every citizen has to serve in the Israeli military for several years. Since Israel has placed so much emphasis on the furthering of technology within its borders, many technical skills are taught during one's time in the military. The father of a current military member says an integral part of basic training is the act of dismantling and reassembling a weapon. Military service is mandatory for all citizens, with a few exceptions. Consequently, the majority of the country knows how to maintain a weapon. This is a prime example of the diffusion of knowledge to every corner of the country that enables the state to propel itself forward in the world of tech. Between engineering skills taught in the military and cybersecurity taught in high school, Israel's goal of quality has been accomplished thoroughly and efficiently. Going forward, Israel plans on continuing this course of action, further propelling the country onto the world stage.

Apart from their military knowledge and technology, Israel is also known for inventing modern tech. Such examples include voicemail and instant messages. The country lacks conventional energy sources like fossil fuels, instead having to import the majority of the energy to meet its demand. Nevertheless, it makes up for this lack with the development of innovative alternative energy sources. Many homes in Israel contain solar-powered water heaters. Combine this knack for modern creation and the unmatched ability to educate, and you have Israel; a tech powerhouse.

US Support for Israel
Essay by  Lillie Wallis

It is important for the US to support Israel because we are currently their greatest friend.  We have many shared values such as our committed democracy economic prosperity, and regional security.  Considering that Israel is the only democracy in the middle east, it is important that the US has an ally with something in common to them on that side of the world.  The US was the first country to recognize Israel as a state in 1948, and thanks to President Trump, the first country to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in 2017. The United States has had a long-standing priority to promote and to find a solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, but along with that, to normalize bonds and ties between Israeli and Arab countries.

After speaking to a dear friend of mine from Israel Omri Barkin, I was able to hear the perspective on this topic from someone who is actually in Israel.  Something he said that stood out to me was that “In this crazy area it’s nice to have a country that you can count on and work with.”  I think was super important because obviously, Israel is surrounded by enemies, and I think that lots of people that are inside of Israel feel that it is nice knowing that there is another country in the world that is working to support them and help them.  

After the research I have done, I have realized that before I looked into this, I had no clue how important it was that we do support Israel and lend a helping hand to them.  Now, I realize the importance of this and will continue to do what I can to help Israel and the people within it.

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF)
Essay by a Confirmation student

Israel long has had “mandatory” military service. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was established when Israel was formed in 1948 to counter Arab aggression toward the Jewish state. Being considerably outnumbered, Israel needed a powerful army in order to survive. Physical and mental tests are administered to all Israeli youth beginning at age 16 to determine in what position they can best serve in the military. They begin to serve at least three years of mandatory service at age 18. While both men and women serve, it is only recently that women have been allowed combat positions. A conversation with a friend of my dad provided some insight into service in the IDF. His friend served in the air force, both in the Infantry and Air Defense Commission. He described being stationed on the border of Lebanon. He served for three years. Some people in more specialized units train and serve for longer periods of time.

Despite the myth that everyone is required to serve in the IDF, two groups are exempt from compulsory service: the ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis. These two groups now comprise about 30% of Israel’s population and, due to their high birth rates, are expected to grow to 60% of the population by 2050. Additionally, the number of draft-evasions recently has increased, as Israeli law has become more lenient on those who evade service. It has been estimated that 65% of Israelis avoid military service without facing significant consequences.

The Israeli government has not successfully countered this increase of draft-evasion, but rather has begun to embrace it. Some government officials believe that requiring mandatory military service and maintaining such a huge military is not the most efficient and effective way to defend the nation and fear that becoming more strict with these policies would bring about “unnecessary expenses and would be operationally ineffective.” Adapting to this increase of draft-evasion, the IDF recently has made some major changes. First, Israeli government has become less focused on the large number of soldiers, prioritizing advancements in technology and professionalism. In 2015, the IDF cut 2,500 officer posts and discharged 100,000 combat soldiers from the reserve army. The Israeli government justifies both of these decisions citing a shift in threats to the state. While it previously viewed other hostile countries in the area as its main threat, it currently believes the growing dominance of Hamas and Hezbollah, and Iran’s development of nuclear weaponry, to be more immediate and important concerns. In contrast with their more strict past policies, the IDF now seeks to become a smaller, more efficient and effective military.

These changes have had a significant impact. The IDF now no longer reflects the diversity of the Israeli population. Society and military have become distinct entities, resulting in those who do and don’t serve having less in common. The IDF has attracted poorer youth to serve with economic incentives. While providing more benefits to poor Israeli youth, the IDF’s own chief overseer speaks for many as he asserts that, “the IDF is currently at its worst crisis, and will not be able to deal with current threats.” Despite having long implemented mandatory military service, increased draft-evasion and new governmental policies have altered this system and the structure of Israeli society.