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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Bethan McKernan and Quique Kierszenbaum in Bnei Brak

‘A big shock’: the Israeli startup helping ultra-Orthodox Jews enter world of hi-tech work

Ultra-Orthodox Jews at the Mego training centre
Yitzaik Crombie, Mego’s founder, centre, wants to ensure that ultra-Orthodox Jews do not get left behind in an increasingly digital world. Photograph: Quique Kierszenbaum/The Guardian

Entering Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood just a few kilometres away from the gleaming towers that testify to Tel Aviv’s prowess as a global hi-tech hub, feels like stepping into a different world.

Despite the startups and advanced technology initiatives on their doorstep, much of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, population still shuns modern inventions such as television and smartphones, which are viewed as a threat to their way of life.

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