Technology Fighting Antisemitism

Students from HIT - Holon Institute of Technology presented an innovative initiative focused on raising awareness about the October 7th events among young audiences worldwide. The project was presented at a donor and investor event from the Adir Challenge community in the United States, with the aim of advancing their initiative.

Additionally, Dekel Makmal, part of the initiative team, together with a group of American students, won first place in a hackathon specializing in developing technological solutions to combat hate speech and antisemitism among communities and players in the gaming world. The hackathon, held at NYU, attracted leading companies in the gaming industry and top-tier researchers from American academia.

The win represents recognition of the innovation and technological excellence of the Israeli students.

The initiative was created as part of the "LIGHTS OF INNOVATION" program launched last November. As part of a collaboration between the FUTURE entrepreneurship center at the institute and "The ADIR Challenge" foundation for combating antisemitism, the students created an interactive web series about the tragic events of October 7th with the aim of raising awareness about the occurrences. In the first phase, the series will include three episodes and will allow viewers to intervene in the plot and attempt to change it.

The interactive project represents an innovative approach to education and advocacy, combining advanced technologies with a moving human story. Through interactive capabilities, viewers will be able to personally experience the complexity of the situation and better understand the significance of the events. This is a particularly powerful tool in an era where information is spread rapidly and not always accurately or fairly.

The ADIR Challenge initiative is dedicated to the memory of Adir Mesika z"l, who was murdered at the Nova party near Kibbutz Re'im while fighting terrorists with his bare hands and saving the life of his partner and other young people until he was struck down. The foundation was established by Muriel Lotan, Adir's aunt, and has set itself the goal of investing in technological solutions that will help fight antisemitism and hatred toward Jews worldwide.

Adir Mesika's story has become a symbol of heroism and social responsibility, and the memorial fund named after him serves as a bridge between personal memory and broader social action. The foundation not only perpetuates his memory but also works in a practical and tangible way to combat hatred and antisemitism through advanced technological tools.
 

Dekel Makmal, student in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management, whose team won first place in the hackathon,
Shoval Nasimi, student in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management
Paula Krasikov, student at the School of Computer Science,
Ben Mospir, student in the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Logan Hamilton, mechanical engineering student from Tufts University in Boston.

The team composition reflects the institute's multidisciplinary approach to solving complex problems. The combination of students from different engineering fields, together with international collaboration with a student from Tufts University, creates a strong synergy that enables creative and advanced technological solutions.

Professor Eduard Yakubov, President of HIT - Holon Institute of Technology said, "The students' initiative is especially important in these days when hatred and antisemitism toward Jews worldwide is increasing. The institute sees itself as committed to supporting and taking part in this important project and to leading, together with the students, projects aimed at fighting antisemitism."

Professor Yakubov's words reflect the institute's social and responsible approach, viewing itself not only as an academic institution but also as an active force in the world and in the fight against hatred and antisemitism. The institute repeatedly demonstrates its commitment not only to academic and technological excellence but also to important educational values and social responsibility.

Taly Malach Banaim, Head of the HIT FUTURE Entrepreneurship Center said: "Since October 7th, we have been working in the field of advocacy together with various stakeholders from the industry with the aim of raising awareness and finding innovative and technological solutions that will help in the fight against the phenomenon of antisemitism in the world. In this context, we have joined the ADIR initiative and will also present the project to American investors and donors at the annual ADIR Challenge event."

The HIT FUTURE entrepreneurship center plays a crucial role in connecting the innovative ideas of students with the business and entrepreneurial world. Through its international connections and ability to identify business opportunities, the center enables students not only to learn and develop but also to impact the world in tangible and meaningful ways.