Bridging the Gap: How Place-IL is Bringing Israel’s Periphery into High-Tech

2025-01-16

Israel’s high-tech industry is often celebrated as the driving force behind the nation’s economy, but its potential to foster social change is equally remarkable. While the sector thrives on innovation and global investment, it also holds the power to bridge societal divides and create opportunities for underrepresented communities. Idan Tendler, Founder and Chairman of Place-IL and SVP at Palo Alto Networks, is at the forefront of this movement. At the recent Calcalist and Bank Leumi’s Tech TLV Conference, Tendler highlighted how Place-IL is integrating hundreds of workers from Israel’s social and geographical periphery into the high-tech sector, transforming lives and strengthening the industry in the process.

Idan Tendler, during his speech at the Tech TLV Conference, emphasized the dual role of Israel’s high-tech industry: as an economic powerhouse and a social equalizer. Despite the ongoing war, Israel’s tech sector has seen record-breaking startups, exits, and foreign investments. However, Tendler pointed out that the industry’s diversity does not reflect the broader society. Only 33% of tech workers are women, and a mere 12% come from the periphery, despite 25% of the population residing there.

Place-IL, founded by Tendler, addresses this disparity by scouting and screening talent from underrepresented communities, including Haredim, women, and residents of peripheral regions. The organization collaborates with hundreds of tech companies and subsidizes half of a worker’s salary during their first year, making it easier for companies to hire diverse talent. Place-IL has already made significant strides, opening a site in Sderot and recruiting workers from the Negev and Gaza Envelope areas. Their next goal is to expand to northern Israel.

Tendler believes that high-tech is a unique space where diverse groups—Jews, Arabs, religious, secular, and people of differing political views—come together to work and innovate. While societal differences remain, the industry fosters collaboration and social mobility. Place-IL’s success, Tendler notes, is rooted in partnerships with tech companies, government bodies, and other organizations, proving that a shared vision can drive meaningful change.

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What Undercode Say:

The story of Place-IL is not just about filling jobs; it’s about reshaping the narrative of Israel’s high-tech industry. By focusing on inclusivity, Tendler and his team are addressing a critical issue: the lack of representation in one of the country’s most influential sectors. This initiative is a testament to the transformative power of technology, not just as an economic driver but as a tool for social integration.

High-tech industries globally often struggle with diversity, and Israel is no exception. The statistics Tendler shared—33% women and 12% from the periphery—highlight a systemic issue. These numbers are not just about fairness; they represent untapped potential. By bringing in talent from unconventional places, Place-IL is not only diversifying the workforce but also enriching the industry with fresh perspectives and ideas.

The organization’s approach is pragmatic and effective. By subsidizing salaries for the first year, Place-IL reduces the financial risk for companies, making it easier for them to hire candidates they might otherwise overlook. This model could serve as a blueprint for other countries facing similar challenges.

Moreover, Tendler’s emphasis on partnerships is crucial. No single entity can drive such a significant change alone. Collaboration between tech companies, government bodies, and non-profits is essential to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports diversity and inclusion.

Place-IL’s expansion to Sderot and plans to move northward demonstrate a commitment to reaching the most marginalized communities. This geographical focus is particularly important in Israel, where the divide between the center and the periphery is stark. By bringing high-tech opportunities to these areas, Place-IL is not just creating jobs; it’s fostering hope and economic stability in regions that have long been overlooked.

The broader implications of Place-IL’s work are profound. High-tech industries are often seen as elitist, accessible only to those with specific educational backgrounds or connections. Place-IL challenges this notion by proving that talent exists everywhere, and with the right support, it can thrive. This aligns with global trends where companies are increasingly recognizing the value of diverse teams in driving innovation and solving complex problems.

In conclusion, Place-IL is more than an organization; it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that technology, at its best, is a force for good—a tool that can bridge divides, create opportunities, and transform societies. As Tendler aptly put it, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Place-IL is living up to that responsibility, and in doing so, it’s setting an example for the world.