Hacking on Shabbat
Hacking on ShabbatFlash 90 / Arutz Sheva

120 hackers, software developers and computer programmers are to take part in in the first ever hack-a-thon for Israel and the Jewish People event simultaneously, in Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv.

The event is labelled Hacking to Create Community Change in Israel and the Bay Area, and is a collaborative effort by "Hasadna" (the Public Knowledge Workshop of Israel) and the Schusterman Philanthropic Network.

It is described by organizers as “a collaborative, interactive and international approach to combining open-source, open-data, networks of savvy coders and inspiring challenges to leverage the power of technology for positive change in the Jewish community and Israel.”

"Developers, designers and other creative individuals who have a passion for using technology to address pressing social challenges will hack together simultaneously in Tel Aviv and Silicon Valley on two main channels, one focused on Israeli municipalities and one on strengthening the global Jewish community," said the organizers on the event's website.

"We are giving everyone the opportunity to use their specialized skills and expertise to create and improve tech-based tools that will benefit Israel and Jewish communities around the globe.” 

Unfortunately, “everyone” does not appear to include Shabbat observant Jews. The event, which follows the tradition of a “Friday Night Hack,” will take place on the night between Friday and Saturday, July 19-20.

When asked why he thought a pro-Israel event would be scheduled for Shabbat eve, a seasoned hi-tech executive from Ra'anana told Arutz Sheva, simply: "The hi-tech world is not religious-friendly."