Sep 19, 2022

JFNA Connect Displaced Ukrainians With Israel’s Hi-Tech Sector

Israeli nonprofit Reboot Startup Nation is helping immigrants and refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine secure hi-tech jobs in Israel through a partnership with The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Tamar Abramson, one of five volunteer co-founders of the initiative, says, “We were gripped by a sense of urgency to do something for the people who were fleeing [the war in Ukraine] ... and beginning new lives.” The resulting organization introduces displaced professionals and Russian-speaking olim (immigrants) to Israel’s burgeoning hi-tech sector and canvasses Israeli companies, from small startups to global corporations, for available positions and opportunities to fast-track the hiring process. Sophia Tupolev-Luz, another co-founder, explains, “At Reboot, we want displaced professionals and olim to know that they are welcome in Israel … And we want companies to know that they … should be sourcing talent the minute an aliyah application is opened abroad.” Recounts Grigory Kuznetsov, a grateful client, “When you are a refugee in a foreign country, you need help and connections – and the people at Reboot did everything they could to help me find my first job in Israel.” Federation, JFNA and our overseas partners continue to support individuals affected by the war through our Ukraine Emergency Fund.