J.B.H. / Kodcode

Background: The Haredi community in Israel faces significant challenges in workforce integration, with employment rates for Haredi men remaining critically low at around 50%. Compounding this issue is their minimal participation in the Israel Defense Forces, where service has traditionally served as a bridge to professional advancement in Israeli society. Many Haredi men, due to religious and cultural considerations, have been unable to engage with conventional service tracks, which often provide essential training and networking for entry into Israel’s high-tech and defense industries. As a result, they face significant barriers to accessing these fields. However, for those who do participate, even initially for economic reasons, this integration often fosters a stronger sense of affiliation with national and military service. The Program: To address this issue, the Ministry of Defense, in partnership with JBH and The Ministry of Labor, launched Kodcode, a groundbreaking program designed to integrate Haredi men into elite intelligence and technological units. JBH, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and philanthropic partners, recruits Haredi participants, aged 21–29, who then undergo a comprehensive 6-month training program in math, English, and technology. After the successful completion of the program, graduates then join the Ministry of Defense for a 30-month service which includes specialized training and hands-on experience within Ministry of Defense units in a religious environment conducive to the Haredi lifestyle. Kodcode offers a unique opportunity for Haredi men to acquire cutting-edge skills while remaining in an environment that respects and supports their religious values and lifestyle.