



In early 2014, I founded the Palestinian Internship Program (PIP) with help from Zach Fenster, our first Executive Director. I had been working with West Bank Palestinians in tech for several years, and saw that many talented young Palestinians were graduating university, hoping to get jobs in tech - but having virtually no opportunities to do so locally. Many of them were leaving the region, or staying but taking jobs in other sectors - in both cases, this was a huge lost opportunity for the Palestinian economy.
PIP would connect the best and brightest of them with paid internships in Israel’s thriving hightech sector that would: give them that all-important first work opportunity; provide them with skills, experience, and networks which they could take home to help build a Palestinian tech sector; and create all-too-rare personal and business connections between Palestinians and Israelis in tech.
We’re extremely proud that 108 PIP’ers have completed internships at companies in Israel. Many have told us that these have been life-changing experiences for them. The interns have also provided great value to the ‘host companies’ - many have been asked to stay on for a time beyond the internship period. And the personal interactions between people who had never had the chance to meet, have helped to break down stereotypes and change attitudes about ‘the other.’
In 2020, during Covid-19, we introduced the Palestinian Mentorship Program (PMP), connecting Palestinian tech entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders around the world. Mentors help their Mentees address the business challenges that all start-ups inevitably face through biweekly Zoom calls, providing guidance, strategic support, and access to a global network. To date, we have made 99 Mentor-Mentee “matches.”
The past 18 months have been tragic for far too many in the region, and extremely difficult for everyone. Rebuilding bridges between Israelis and Palestinians is perhaps more difficult now than ever—but it is also more necessary than ever. We hope to play a small part in this in the coming years, by continuing to help create real, sustained cross-border collaboration —which can contribute to economic (and personal) growth and to the long-term stability of our region.
Despite the immense challenges, we remain committed to this mission. We need your help to continue building these bridges and to expand our impact.
This is a good opportunity to thank PIP’s Executive Directors who have worked hard to achieve the organization’s considerable accomplishments: Zach Fenster, Jesse Divon, Anna Gol, and now Devon Spitzer - as well as the Boyanna Grubeschich financial supporters, volunteer Mentors, and the many others who have helped PIP and PMP over the years.
This is not just about jobs or business. It’s about laying the foundations for a more stable, connected, and hopeful future for all of us.
Yadin Kaufmann
Founder & Chairman
For a decade, the Palestinian Internship Program (PIP) has connected Palestinian talent with Israel’s business sector, demonstrating that economic collaboration is both possible and essential. In 2024—amidst unprecedented challenges—we reaffirmed why our work remains critical.
The Palestinian and Israeli economies are deeply interconnected. Despite high education levels, young Palestinians face persistent unemployment. Regional partnerships benefit both sides—unlocking opportunities for Palestinian graduates while fostering diversity and innovation in Israel.
Economic development – particularly if it is achieved with the help of cross-border collaboration and partnership – will help stabilize the region
Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how professional collaboration shifts mindsets and builds a foundation for long-term stability. Palestine is rich in STEM talent, and Israel boasts a world-class tech ecosystem— together, they create shared success.
PIP’s work is more vital now than ever. The past ten years have shown what’s possible; the next ten can shape a better future built on economic cooperation and opportunity.
PIP envisions a thriving Palestinian society where highly skilled, motivated, and innovative young professionals drive economic growth and integration into the regional ecosystem, despite formidable challenges We also envision a dynamic cross-border tech network, where Israeli and Palestinian professionals collaborate to advance regional innovation.
In order to achieve our vision, PIP leverages Israel’s strong tech sector to provide cross-border opportunities, support, skills, mentorship, networks, and experience for young Palestinian professionals, to help them to play a vital and productive role in the PA business ecosystem and contribute to the growth of the Palestinian economy.
IF young Palestinian professionals are provided with support, skills, opportunities, and experience, AND structural barriers such as market access and networking constraints are addressed, THEN they will be better positioned to play a vital and productive role in the Palestinian business ecosystem and contribute to the growth of the economy.
IF Israelis in high-tech and VCs take on Palestinian interns and mentor entrepreneurs, AND there are supportive policies and networks that encourage long-term collaboration, THEN they can play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Palestinian business leaders and fostering sustainable economic partnerships, while supporting Israel’s economic growth.
Building Shared Economic
Prosperity
IF Israelis and Palestinians work together to strengthen the Palestinian economy and diversify Israel’s high-tech sector, AND there are sustained efforts to address barriers to cooperation such as policy constraints and social resistance, THEN both sides can benefit economically while contributing to long-term regional stability and shared prosperity.
PIP provides skills, networking opportunities, and first internships to young Palestinian graduates to prepare them to be future business leaders in Palestine
Each year PIP works with more than 70 beneficiaries, out of some 400 applicants, who receive soft-skills training and upskilling opportunities To date, 106 PIP finalists have been placed at companies and more than 500 Palestinians have benefited from PIP programming, since PIP’s launch in 2014
With a focus on hands-on learning, PIP provides invaluable real-work experiences through hightech Internships. Participants deepen their understanding of chosen fields and establish crucial connections with industry professionals This exposure bridges their academic learning and the dynamic demands of the tech industry
The Palestinian Mentorship Program (PMP) supports entrepreneurs in start-up challenges and growth . PMP connects budding Palestinian entrepreneurs with experienced Mentors who guide them in developing innovative and impactful startups The program builds and supports one of Palestine's most extensive entrepreneurial tech networks!
Each year, at least one Palestinian Internship Participant returns to join the mentorship program, with their own business venture.
These programs strengthen the Palestinian economy by cultivating a highly skilled and competitive workforce, fostering partnerships with foreign technology actors, and leveraging global business networks for international investment. The pipeline to success elevates individual careers, and the ripple effect of their success advances the broader Palestinian tech ecosystem
108
INTERNSHIPS COMPLETED 553
FINALISTS COMPLETED PIP'S PROGRAMMING
18 CYCLES COMPLETED
34
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
An alumnus is someone who has completed a full internship through PIP. To date there have been 106 alumni.
95% ALUMNI ARE EMPLOYED IN THEIR FIELDS, ENTREPRENEURS, OR ARE CONTINUING HIGHER EDUCATION.
WORKING STATUS AS OF JAN. 2025
74% OF PARTICIPANTS SAY THAT PIP HELPED THEM FIND A JOB OF PARTICIPANTS HAS SEEN GROWTH IN THEIR SOFT SKILLS
OF PARTICIPANTS FEEL MORE PREPARED FOR JOB HUNTING
99
MENTEES PARTICIPATED
8 CYCLES COMPLETED
200+ MENTORS & VOLUNTEERS
335+
CONNECTIONS MADE WITH INTERNATIONAL AND ISRAELI BUSINESSES OR PROFESSIONALS
Other industries include: Venture Capital, Construction, LegalTech, Wholesale and Sourcing, HealthCare, AgTech, Transportation, Real Estate, Insurance Tech
OF MENTEES FELT MORE CONNECTED TO ISRAELI OR INTERNATIONAL TECH
91%
OF MENTEES FELT MORE PREPARED TO CONTRIBUTE TO GROWING THE PALESTINIAN TECH ECOSYSTEM 93%
OF MENTEES FELT MORE CONFIDENT IN KPI SETTING
50% OF MENTEES FELT MORE COMFORTABLE WORKING WITH ISRAELIS 89% 96%
OF MENTEES SAID THEY WOULD RECOMMEND THE PROGRAM TO OTHERS
46%
OF MENTEES HAS GAINED A MORE POSITIVE VIEW OF THE ISRAELI SOCIETY
97% 100%
OF MENTEES FELT BETTER EQUIPPED TO BE A BUSINESS LEADER OR EXECUTIVE
OF MENTEES SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED THE KEY BUSINESS ISSUES THEY IDENTIFIED
The ongoing tragic events have posed significant challenges for PIP, particularly with permit restrictions preventing in-person events and on-site internships. Although many of these challenges have long existed, they were greatly exacerbated over the last year and a half This disruption created uncertainty for participants on both sides, many of whom faced emotional and professional setbacks. Despite these difficulties, PIP remained committed to its mission.
To adapt, PIP maintained open communication and guidance for participants and alumni, offering adapted mentorship, career support, and networking opportunities The program proceeded with its internship cycles as planned, providing continuity and stability, though there have been far fewer internship opportunities.
We won’t lie, it was incredibly difficult to continue operations as a cross-border organization after October 7, 2023. There were miscommunications, pauses in programming, and we lost a few mentors, mentees, finalists and volunteers from the program
However, through resilience and strong partnerships, PIP ensured that cross-border collaboration continued. Even in challenging times, PIP remained committed to its participants, mission, and work.
PIP is committed to continuous growth, expanding opportunities, and enhancing the experience for our participants. As we move forward, we aim to strengthen our partnerships, introduce new career development resources, and provide even greater support for Palestinian professionals entering the tech industry.
In 2025, PIP introduced the Career Coach Pilot Initiative, pairing PIP Finalists with mid-career professionals who guide them through a specialized soft-skills curriculum. Most Career Coaches are based in Israel, and the program leverages Zoom meetings to foster meaningful professional connections, aiming to expand outreach within the Israeli tech industry, and ensuring personalized development for Palestinian finalists.
To further job-seeking resilience , PIP and EMDR 4 Peace propose a collaborative pilot workshop focused on self-efficacy, confidence, and mental preparedness for professional settings, particularly in Israeli workplaces. Given that many PIP Finalists have limited exposure to Israelis , this targeted training will be crucial for their success, career development, and future interactions with Israeli counterparts.
Blending Bridges will reconnect Israelis and Palestinians within PIP’s network for cross-cultural, language, and historical exchanges. This program will serve as the base for rebuilding bridges that collapsed after October 7. Both Israeli and Palestinian participants will become advocates for developing cross-border professional relationship.
Managing Partner, Aviv Partners
In the few years that I have been involved in PIP/PMP, I have seen the impressive impact the program makes on the skills, confidence and employment prospects of participants.
It’s also been hugely rewarding to have the opportunity to build personal connections with talented and ambitious people living in the West Bank and Gaza.
PMP has been a delightful experience for me For a number of years I have been pursuing opportunities to enable Israeli Jews and Palestinians to get to know each other in roles different from the common interaction across check points PMP is a perfect opportunity for that I met a number of talented and ambitious Palestinians and it was an opportunity for them to meet me as an Israeli who sees them as people. A special part was that at least two of my mentees found me outside the process and we became good friends. Another special experience was working with Tamara and taking her and her husband for a visit to the Kibbutz where I grew up, which is located less than 10 miles from her town Shweike
CEO, AntHill
I would say that "the greatest part of having been part of the PMP, has been my engagement with extraordinary individuals - entrepreneurs who seek to continually question and reinvent themselves in order to maximize future opportunities This reinvention probably best occurs in playgrounds of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) Such is the PMP environment which enables and supports innovation, entrepreneurship and creates the space for co-creation of success It is also a key means of elevating leadership skills and good leaders
It’s amazing to experience both, being a mentee and a mentor. It helps me understand both, boost my confidence, and give more accurate advice.
Three months after completing my PIP journey as a finalist in Cycle 16, I was offered an internship with Gigawatt Global, a Dutch-Israeli solar energy company I was initially hesitant because of the uncertainty that loomed over everything at the time. My internship began in December 2023, and had to be adapted to a remote format due to permit restrictions Gigawall Global’s commitment in such a politically charged time was both surprising and deeply encouraging, but what ultimately motivated me to take this opportunity was more than just professional growth As a Palestinian, I felt a strong sense of duty to contribute to the relief and support of my people, especially in Gaza, where Gigawatt Global was actively working on solar and energy projects with Palestinian teams on the ground
Life in the West Bank has always been filled with significant hardships, but in recent months, it has become even more unbearable. Beyond the humanitarian and political challenges, working remotely during such an emotionally and mentally charged period tested my resilience. My role in Gigawatt focused on communications, research, and grant writing, requiring direct engagement with organizations, government officials, and embassies—interactions that thrive on in-person presence and trust-building I was supposed to visit solar energy installations, learning firsthand about the technology and its impact, but permit restrictions made that impossible Despite these struggles, this experience reinforced my belief in the power of dialogue, resilience, and partnership. Being the only Palestinian in the team was daunting, but the Gigawatt Global team especially CEO Mr Yosef Abramowitz—welcomed me with open arms, and then continued to support me even beyond the conclusion of my internship. Despite the challenges, I learned so much from my internship This experience proved that even in moments of crisis, bridges can still be built, and I am incredibly grateful to PIP and Gigawatt Global for making it possible and showing me that even when the world feels like it’s falling apart, opportunities for connection and impact still exist
My journey with PIP didn’t end when I completed the 6month programming it only deepened. I strongly believe in PIP’s mission and remained engaged with the community long after my first internship. The experience I gained and the network I built through PIP played a crucial role in my professional growth, and I wanted to continue being part of this impact. When I saw that PIP was hiring a social media, evaluation, and monitoring intern, I didn’t hesitate to apply. I knew firsthand the struggles Palestinian graduates face, from breaking into the job market to securing meaningful career opportunities, and I was eager to help others navigate those challenges
Now, as part of the PIP team, I feel incredibly grateful and inspired to work alongside dedicated professionals who share the same vision of empowering Palestinian talent. Every day, I have the opportunity to support young professionals, ensuring they receive the same guidance, mentorship, and opportunities that helped shape my own path Beyond the job itself, this role allows me to contribute to something larger than myself helping to build a stronger, more connected professional community.
My time at PIP has been both rewarding and transformative, allowing me to give back to the communities that have given me so much—both PIP and my Palestinian peers. It’s a full-circle moment, and I am excited to continue this journey of growth, mentorship, and impact, helping to shape the next generation of Palestinian professionals.
I grew up in a town near East Jerusalem in the West Bank Though I loved design and wanted to become an engineer, I wasn’t accepted to my university’s competitive engineering program I opted for Computer Science Upon graduating in 2020 amidst the pandemic, I struggled to find a job in my field Determined to begin my career, I dove into my passion for design, freelancing as a marketer and graphic designer Leveraging my design skills from Computer Science studies, I taught myself through online courses and YouTube videos
While I secured some freelancing projects for companies in the Gulf, I wanted a full-time position Unfortunately, junior marketing positions were hard to come by The turning point came when I discovered PIP on social media I saw the success stories of other computer science graduates who transitioned into new roles and realized it was the perfect avenue for me to do the same I invested in PIP’s workshops and learned how to market myself- an essential skill for venturing beyond my academic field
PIP’s “Aleph” Hebrew Course proved invaluable to my daily life and my work Though I live in a mixed society, I never understood the language and culture of those around me After the course, I gained insights into Jewish Israeli culture, traditions, and food To my surprise, I found many similarities between Israeli and Palestinian cultures
Upon finishing my 6 months cycle at PIP, I recognized it was a big advantage for my CV. After many interviews, I was invited to Intern as a Road and Traffic Engineer. Finally, an Internship! I was excited and nervous, given my lack of engineering experience Despite this, my company was dedicated to my learning My managers were supportive and encouraging, guiding me through every step, from learning AutoCAD to navigating public transportation.
Navigating this experience taught me independence. I love being an engineer, and I plan to take online courses and earn certifications in Road and Traffic Eng to advance my work My PIP and Inte journeys granted me a second chanc my career toward engineering In five envision holding an engineering certi and, ultimately, establishing my own engineering firm Thank you to my In and PIP for making these dreams fee attainable!
The Internship delved deep into AutoCAD, testing my attention to detail, an essential skill in engineering The best part of the
My name is Arafat, and I am a proud alumnus of the PIP program I currently serve as the Director of the Internet and Camera Project at Comet-ME, leading efforts to provide sustainable internet access and security solutions to remote communities in Area C.
Our specialized internet service, powered by AirFiber technology, connects over 400 families in isolated areas with no traditional telecom infrastructure. This access is crucial for communication, education, and emergency response, and we are expanding to serve 2,500 families.
Following the events of October 7, we installed security cameras in 20 communities to document incidents and deter violence. Residents have reported a noticeable decrease in attacks, improving their safety and sense of security
During my internship at Comet-Me, I contributed to optimizing digital infrastructure solutions, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and enhancing network reliability. I worked closely with teams to improve real-time analytics and data processing methods, gaining hands-on expertise in network technologies and project management. These skills now help me drive impactful solutions at Comet-ME to support underserved communities
"The failures of past Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and the current decade-long impasse prove that focus on diplomacy, absent sustained public support for peace within both societies, is no match for the spinning blades of the conflict Developing Palestinian-Israeli relations at the society level, especially in the allimportant hi-tech industry as the Palestinian Internship Program does, works to lay the foundations of trust, gainful cooperation and interdependence between societies in order for any renewed peace efforts at the political level to thrive Out of this nader in Palestinian-Israeli relations that the attacks of October 7 and the Gaza War have wrought, PIP is a role model for peacebuilding civil society by demonstrating both how to improve the lives of Palestinian individuals ready to forge ties with Israelis and to effect institutional change: to create a more inclusive business sector and cross-border ties that show both peoples the winwin nature of a peaceful future."- Brian Reeves, (Director of Strategic Relations)
“Economic prosperity is vital for humanity, both in this region and globally Communication and the exchange of knowledge and goods form the foundation of economic growth and progress no economy can thrive in isolation
For the past 15 years, I have been dedicated to capacity building and fostering communication between the international high-tech sector and the Palestinian community My journey began at Cisco and continues today as CEO of the IsraeliPalestinian Chamber of Commerce, where I work to build bridges between people
PIP and PMP are crucial pillars of this effort, and as a mentor in PMP, I am honored to contribute to something truly meaningful On a personal note, mentoring at PMP gives me the privilege of meeting extraordinary entrepreneurs individuals with a spark in their eyes, aiming for the moon While I hope my experience helps them on their journey, I can say with certainty that I learn just as much from them Their passion and determination strengthen my optimism about the region’s future ” - CEO Gai Hetzroni
In 2024, PIP underwent organizational consulting through Amal-Tikva’s Fieldbuilding 360 program Following this, PIP joined a consortium of crossborder organizations, each committed to fostering a more stable future in the region As part of this collaboration, PIP has two upcoming projects in partnership with fellow organizations We are excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it will create over the next decade
Nir Heimann CTO & CO-FOUNDER
PIP opened a door for us to recruit from a talent pool we could never otherwise reach They set clear expectations and created a streamlined process to make it non-cumbersome to hire a Palestinian from the West Bank We also liked the flexibility in the Internship length, so our Intern had the time to learn about our product and how to work on our team We really enjoyed working with the PIP Intern and plan to hire other Palestinians in the future Most importantly - our company believes in what PIP is doing It is the most productive way to do something good in the region PIP is building bridges in the Middle East
Karin Shlomo COO
Our experience with PIP has been extremely positive Non-experienced individuals face more challenges when paving their way in the industry, and young Palestinians come across more immense barriers and fewer opportunities As an organization, we are committed to fostering the growth and development of young talent and promoting diversity The PIP intern brought fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and valuable skill sets They settled in quickly and became valued team members, building strong professional and personal relationships with their colleagues and contributing to a positive work culture It's a win-win overall and a highly recommended program!
Chemi Peres MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER & CO-FOUNDER
We were privileged to work with Nataly Yousef through PIP. Nataly is passionate about venture capital and impact investing and came to us with energy and passion that is contagious. She immediately started working on impact projects and gradually worked with our whole team in reviewing investment opportunities and value creation. The match done by PIP between Nataly and us was perfect, and indeed after a few months, Nataly accepted an offer to join our team on a fulltime basis. This is the best proof of finding the right person for the right job. She is hard-working, motivated, smart, and dedicated, and we couldn’t be happier to have her on our team She is living proof that diversity is important for companies Thanks, PIP, for this perfect match
YADIN KAUFMANN founded PIP in 2014. Yadin has been involved in venture capital since 1987. He founded Veritas Venture Partners, an early-stage Israeli venture fund management company, and Sadara Ventures, the first fund investing in early-stage Palestinian technology companies. Yadin is the Founder and Chairman of Tmura, a leading non-profit organization in the Israeli high-tech sector. In 2017, Foreign Policy named Yadin one of its 50 “Global Thinkers”.
ABED NASHEF is the managing partner and co-founder of NAS&Co., a boutique business law firm, and is Of Counsel at Pearl Cohen, an international law firm which operates from offices in Tel Aviv, NY, Boston, LA & London. He practices diverse areas of corporate and commercial law, with particular focus on cross-boarder transactions, venture capital financing and acquisitions and representing entrepreneurs and venture-backed start-ups. Abed is involved in several non-profits and initiatives focusing on fostering technology and entrepreneurship.
MAYSA BARANSI, a human rights and a peace activist, co-founded All for Peace radio, the first PalestinianIsraeli Peace radio station, and served as its Executive Director for over ten years. She currently serves on the board of a number of organizations, including JEST Hub in Jerusalem, Alliance for Middle East Peace, and Kids 4 Peace. Maysa since worked in the fields of CSR, PR and entrepreneurship at BCI Group, a leading telecommunication company in Palestine, Jordan & the UAE.
HANI ALAMI is CEO of Coolnet, one of Palestine’s leading providers of broadband and communication technologies. With multiple acquisitions and mergers in the telecom sector, he leverages his experience and network to Mentor and support emerging entrepreneurs. In 2015, Hani established JEST (Jerusalem Entrepreneurs for Society and Technology), the first entrepreneurship center and hub for startups in E. Jerusalem. JEST, a PIP partner, promotes technology and the culture of innovation, focusing on women & youth.
JESSE DIVON is a strategy & commercial growth specialist in the tech sector, currently at Placer.ai. He has consulted widely on projects relating to economic development and international cooperation in the Middle East. From 2016 to 2018, he served as PIP’s Program Director. Jesse studied a BA in Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies with Arabic at Cambridge University and an MBA at Tel Aviv University. Originally from the UK, Jesse lived in Israel for 10 years before moving to the United States, where he now resides.
TALLY ZINGHER, an attorney and technology consultant, is CEO of Dawsat, a weight loss and wellness solution based on the traditional Middle Eastern diet. Previously, she was managing director at Blue Laurel and the co-founding managing director of the MENA Investment Network. Tally also practiced corporate law at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, including a secondment with Istithmar, the sovereign wealth fund of Dubai. With expertise in Middle East economic development, she is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
RON AVIV is a multidisciplinary manager with particular focus on impact, diversity and inclusion. As Managing Director of Hybrid, an Israel-based accelerator for Arab-led startups, Ron advised dozens of earlystage entrepreneurs who went on to raise $5M to date. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Robus, a marketing and consulting firm focused primarily on law firms. Ron holds an MBA from INSEAD, as well as an LLB an BA in Law and Government from Reichman University. He is fluent in Hebrew, English and Arabic.
Devon Spitzer
Executive Director Mohammed Atira Program Manager
Boyanna Grubeshich
Business Partnership Manager Ahmed Nawafla
Communications Associate
We want to extend the utmost gratitude to our sponsors who enable us to continue doing our work. We’d like to thank Leana and Marc Katz, B8 of Hope, and the Schusterman Foundation for their continued support into 2025.
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