Technion Australia brought creativity, culture, and cutting-edge technology together this week as 30 Year 10 students at Moriah College took part in a powerful two-day hackathon exploring Jewish Identity in the digital age.
Partnering with the Sydney Jewish Museum, Tzofim, Wix.com and Base44, the program challenged students to blend critical thinking with Jewish values as they tackled some of the most urgent issues facing young Jews today.
Over the course of the hackathon, presenters set three complex real-world challenges:
- Supporting youth in responding to antisemitism online
- Identifying and preventing deepfake manipulation of Holocaust survivor testimonies
- Helping youth movements grow and engage the next generation
Students worked intensively in teams, guided by workshops and one-on-one mentoring. Shimrit Nothman delivered an engaging session on writing effective prompts and using AI safely, equipping students with essential tools as they built their prototypes. Wix.com and Base44 further elevated the experience by supplying development credits and expert technical support.
The hackathon culminated in a pitch session judged by Rabbi Mendel Kastel (CEO, Jewish House), Ryan Gill (Head of High School, Moriah College), Itai Shai (Base44), and Yoash Dvir (CEO, Technion Australia).
The winning team impressed judges with a thoughtful and practical concept: an online safe space where young people who experience antisemitism can share their stories, access support, and find reliable resources. Their solution stood out for its empathy, clarity, and potential to make a real impact on the wellbeing of Jewish youth.
Yoash Dvir, CEO of Technion Australia, said:
“This hackathon was a remarkable blend of innovation, identity, and student leadership. Watching young people confront difficult questions with such creativity and moral clarity gives me tremendous hope. They weren’t just solving problems – they were shaping the future of our community.”
Ryan Gill, Head of High School at Moriah College, added:
“Our students rose to the occasion with insight, teamwork, and genuine curiosity. The partnership with Technion Australia and our guest organisations created an environment where deep learning met real-world purpose. The standard of thinking was exceptional.”
Technion Australia looks forward to expanding its school-based innovation programs in 2025, empowering students across Australia to explore technology, creativity, and Jewish identity in meaningful and forward-looking ways.