About Us

Mission

The Siraj NGO strives to integrate Bedouin society into Israel’s hi-tech sector, the country’s engine of economic growth, to activate workforce development processes that will increase economic prosperity and decrease polarization between the Bedouin community and the general Israeli society.

Siraj was founded in 2017 by Bedouin and Jewish academics, social entrepreneurs, and veterans of the Israeli hi-tech industry. “Siraj” means “a source of light” in Arabic and, true to our name, we catalyse and lead the entrance of Bedouins into Israel’s hi-tech industry. Such models currently exist in numbers too small to impact the career paths that young Bedouins pursue, so we work to increase them.

Our daughter company, Siraj Technologies Ltd., strives to be an industry-leading tech company that competes on the global stage while creating highly technical job opportunities for qualified Bedouin college and university graduates.

Model

Our programs work in synergy to grow the funnel of qualified Bedouin hi-tech candidates by offering need-specific programming for four distinct audiences:

College and university graduates
College and university students
High schoolers
Bedouin community members (leaders, decision-makers, parents, teachers)

Read more about our programs for each of these groups here.

Staff

Stephanie RutenbergResource Development

Stephanie Rutenberg is a seasoned resource development professional with a decade of experience supporting nonprofit organizations in Israel and internationally. Stephanie has worked with organizations across diverse fields, including education, economic resilience, family therapy, social inclusion, youth, legal advocacy, and research and development. Her expertise spans grant management, strategic fundraising, and donor relations, helping ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organizations she supports.

Throughout her career, Stephanie has managed international relations and resource development efforts at NATAL – Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, where she secured critical grants and built long-lasting partnerships. At University of the People, she spearheaded fundraising initiatives that resulted in a significant increase in funds raised. Stephanie is fluent in both English and Hebrew, and holds a B.S. in Political Science and International Affairs from Florida State University.

Efrat Rozen ZakenCEO

I was born and raised in Be’er Sheva and now live with my family in the town of Meitar, deeply connected to the Negev. Over the past two decades, I’ve managed organizations in the social, business, and public sectors. My roles included managing the “Rothschild Ambassadors,” establishing and leading youth social engagement programs at the Israeli Council, and driving initiatives to reduce economic and social disparities. I see Siraj as a growth opportunity not only for the Bedouin community through high-tech but for Israeli society and the Negev as a whole.

I hold an M.A. in Gender Studies, a B.A. in Film and Theater, and a group facilitation certificate. I’m also a senior mental coach, supervisor, and lecturer. I believe in every individual’s right and ability to grow, lead, and proactively fulfill their potential.

Samara GhanayimDirector of Student and Alumni Programs

I’m from Sakhnin, with a bachelor’s and master’s in Hebrew literature from Safed College and Ben-Gurion University. I’ve mentored youth since 18 and volunteered for three years in the oncology department at Soroka Hospital. I manage the mentoring, practicum, and OJT programs at Siraj NGO. I believe in aiming high and seizing unexpected opportunities: Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.

Fatma Abu AssaDirector of Schools and Community Programs

Fatma from the village of Umm Batin, with a bachelor’s in psychology and education from Ben-Gurion University and experience as a group facilitator. At Siraj, I manage the engineering program and school programs, including expos, tours, hackathons, and the DigitalTent program. I strongly believe in the power of self-belief for success and personal fulfillment. My life motto is: Never Stop Believing In Yourself.

Public Assembly

The above members of the Siraj Board of Directors also serve on the Public Assembly

Dr. Giora Yaron

Chairman of Tel Aviv University (Executive Council), serves on the Board of Amdocs and on the Advisory Board of the Ministry of Defense. Active founding investor of various hi-tech and med-tech companies.

Dr. Sara Abu Kaf

Faculty member and lecturer in cross-cultural psychology in Conflict Management and Resolution program at BGU. Holds MA in Clinical Psychology, PhD from BGU, and is the first clinical psychologist from the Bedouin society.

Prof. Jihad El-Sana

Department of Computer Science at BGU, Head of Visual Media Lab. Recipient of 1995 Fulbright Scholarship for doctoral studies in the US, earned PhD in Computer Science from the State University of New York, Stony Brook.

Khader Al-SheikhBoard Member

Engineer by training, also holds BA in Business Administration from New England College. Completed Advanced Course for Directors of Public Companies at BGU.

Smadar NehabBoard Member

Hi-tech executive and entrepreneur, 25 years’ experience launching and leading R&D organizations in Israel and California. In 2007 founded and led Tsofen, an NGO aiming to integrate Israel’s Arab community and hi-tech sector.