Why engineers will be instrumental in shaping Israel’s postwar future

The Oct. 7 terror attacks and ensuing war have plunged Israel into one of the most challenging periods in the history of the country, with impacts that extend far beyond the battlefield. Overcoming this ordeal requires a nationwide mobilization to mitigate the war’s impact on the economy and all aspects of society. A paramount priority is fortifying Israel’s greatest resource: its human capital. It is the people of Israel, their ingenuity and creativity, that have earned our country its reputation as the Start-Up Nation.

AMI MOYAL JULY 24, 2024

The circumstances that preceded the outbreak of the war starkly revealed the need for and importance of human critical thinking for optimal usage of advanced technologies. While technology unlocks vast data streams, converting that raw information and machine analysis into actionable insights requires skilled human analysts to identify flawed patterns and faulty assumptions. This underscores the high-tech industry’s increasing demand for engineers with multidisciplinary knowledge and competencies like critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving.

With this in mind, and backed by industry dialogue, we at Afeka Academic College of Engineering in Tel Aviv began an ambitious yet essential process of transforming the way we educate the next generation of engineers. 

For years, Afeka has been leading a transformation towards competency-based engineering education to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will help them succeed — in their studies, in their jobs and in their lifelong careers. Now, in the wake of the war, the importance of instilling such competencies has become even more apparent. Rebuilding and rehabilitating Israel in the aftermath of Oct. 7 is a challenging endeavor that requires leadership, strategy, creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and a firm commitment to our values.

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