Israeli Lawmakers Visit High-Tech Hub Nurturing Arab Innovation

Members of parliament from the Knesset Science and Technology Committee have visited a community-led center in northern Israel dedicated to promoting innovation in the Israeli Arab sector. 

The visit to the Hasoub center in Ar’ara was led by MK Ayman Odeh, chair of the committee and leader of the Hadash-Ta’al faction in the Knesset. The committee includes MKs from the Likud, Yesh Atid, Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu parties.

Hasoub (Arabic for computer) is a multi-pronged program to develop the high-tech sector in Israel’s Arab community, with input from members of the broader Israeli innovation world, investors and even the government.

The lawmaker praised Hasoub’s stated goal to create a more productive Israeli Arab society and urged government ministries to promote high-tech in the Arab sector, as it would “drive all of civil society forward.”          

“From a strategic standpoint, it is very important to maintain the state’s investment in entrepreneurs, Arab and Jewish alike, who operate in the high-tech field,” said Odeh. “There is no doubt that the advancement of technology and employment in the technology fields is the key to advancing Arab society.”

The Hasoub center opened in 2022 after several years of renovation. The celebratory opening ceremony was attended by members of the local community, representatives of the high-tech sector and the German and American ambassadors to Israel.