Sociological study examining the future perceptions of young Israelis following the war

Israel relies on exceptional human talent, that led the creation of a remarkable science-based tech economy. For many parents and children in Israel, fulfilling “the Israeli dream” has meant graduating high school with five units in mathematics, serving in an elite army intelligence tech unit, studying engineering at university, and then finding a lucrative R&D position in a high-tech company. This dream has been a major motivational driving force in recent years, helping the foundation and its partners expand Israel’s pool of talent.

But now, as we look towards the next decade, we must reexamine this perception. On the one hand, a technology revolution based on artificial intelligence and machine learning is approaching our shores, bringing with it immeasurable promise as well as threat. Leading this huge wave will require constructing new knowledge and skillsets. On the other hand, Israel is going through destructive turmoil, with domestic rivalry, economic instability, and a dreadful war, all of which are influencing the foundations of our social systems, damaging levels of trust and the appeal of high-tech.

The jury is still out on how the situation in Israel will evolve, with many Israelis still functioning in survival mode. They have set aside internal divides and volunteered to help the evacuees and the families of victims. Younger adults have been drafted into army reserve duty, leaving behind their families and jobs, while expecting full-fledged support from government and the public. Teenagers seem to be confused, as they stayed home when schools closed, and then gradually returned to a partial learning schedule, with growing gaps that had already started during the pandemic.

These dramatic events may very well reshape perceptions of what Israelis want to do with their lives after the war. This reality is now unfolding and its implications for education will be crucial. Therefore, we are proposing to take a deep dive into these initial trends and possible changes. As we prepare a new roadmap for the foundation’s strategy, we suggest commissioning a sociological study to investigate these underlying currents. We are planning to use the findings of such a study for a strategy paper that will inform the discussions of the foundation’s consultations in November 2024.

To do so, we turned to Tamar and Oz Almog at the University of Haifa, renowned Israeli scholars who have studied Israeli society over the years. They have written books on the Israeli “Sabra” generation and Generation Y, which ignited extensive public discourse. In response to our approach, Oz and Tamar Almog are proposing to conduct a study that will focus on the changing patterns of perception among high school students and graduates (aged 17 to 22), following the war and in anticipation of rebuilding their future lives.

The study will seek to answer questions regarding their changing perception, including:

1. How do young Israelis perceive their future, and in which areas is it important for them to succeed (professional, financial, family life, education, and in contributing to society)?
2. Have the war, recent domestic unrest, and the approaching technological revolution been significant influences on young people’s outlooks for their future?
3. Are there differences in perception among various demographic groups in Israel, for example, based on gender, ethnicity, and place of residence?
4. Are there differences in perception between students of five units in mathematics and their parents, as compared to other students?

In order to address these questions, the study will conduct surveys targeting a representative sample of 1,300 Jews, Arabs and Druze youth aged 17-22. In-depth interviews will be conducted with young adults and their parents, as well as with employers, army officers, and educators who will share their perspectives. The survey will include a dedicated segment for students and graduates of five-unit mathematics, as well as a designated focus group of such students and their parents.

The final report will be published by September 2024 and disseminated to the professional community and the public. It will be part of the background materials for the foundation’s biannual consultation in November 2024.

* The text above shows the grant as approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors / Grant 568