The project, a model strategic alliance between the Jewish Agency with Keren Hayesod-UIA, Cisco Systems, Inc. and Israeli non-profit Tapuach, is creating a technological "dream team" to help close the gaps associated with the "digital divide." Net@ is an expansion of an international online learning project initiated and sponsored by computer networking giant, Cisco Systems, to teach Internet technology skills to youth around the world.

Net@ has been running for three years in cities and development towns throughout Israel. Avi is part of the first group of graduates, hailing from the Lod/Ramle region in the center of the country. Lod/Ramle is a microcosm of Israeli society where Jews and Arabs, both religious and secular, live together in harmony. The Net@ participants are no exception.

Shai Chordeker, Net@ coordinator in Lod/Ramle says, "The kids have different languages, different cultures, and sometimes entirely different social frameworks. The beginning of the first year of the course can be fairly difficult. However as time goes by, the barriers begin to go down. With this group we have seen real friendships develop and it is very encouraging.”

Maram Higazi, an Israeli Moslem Arab, is another of the first group of graduates. A vivacious 17-year-old, she hails from the village of Neve Shalom, itself a leading example of Israel/Arab co-existence. Maram, whose father is a professor of medicine at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital and her mother a leading neurologist, intends to also study medicine after leaving high school.

"Net@ has given me so much. It is a major stepping stone for me into the world of computers that will serve me well in my future studies and in later life," Maram explains. “Perhaps more importantly, it has given me insight into a part of Israeli society that I may not have seen, and helped me to make unexpected friendships. For this I will always be grateful to the people at Net@ and to the Jewish Agency for their efforts and their support.”

Describing how Net@ operates, Shai stresses that the course is extra-curricular and held entirely in English. The demands and standards are very high. "We give each participant lots of encouragement both academically and socially. We want these promising high school kids to be leaders not only in technology, but also in Israeli society."

Over 1,000 youngsters from 14 communities are participating in NET@.

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