Tsofen-Tashbik was founded in Nazareth in 2008 by three aspiring entrepreneurs: Smadar Nehab, a leading tech entrepreneur in the hi-tech industry; Sami Saadi, an independent accountant with extensive experience; and Yossi Kutan, a senior executive in the hi-tech industry. The founders recognized the significant exclusion and underrepresentation of the Arab community in the Israeli hi-tech industry and believed that integrating Arab engineers into hi-tech would serve as a lever for economic growth and contribute to the prosperity of the Arab community in particular and the Israeli economy in general.

Tsofen-Tashbik’s unique strategy focuses on preparing Arab graduates, undergraduates and professionals for employment in hi-tech, while focusing on building a wider community of Arab engineers. Tsofen-Tashbik aims to promote true assimilation and quality employment opportunities.

In 2024, as an expression of the foundational vision, the Arabic word “Tashbik”, translated as “connections”, was added to the organization’s name, highlighting the importance of connections at all levels, networking, Arab-Jewish partnership, and commitment to building a diverse and prosperous community. Tsofen-Tashbik continues to work towards the integration, empowerment, and advancement of the Arab community in the Israeli hi-tech industry, while creating connections between communities and developing new channels of growth.