Campus Strauss for Haredi Students

Background

Israel is undergoing a major demographic and economic shift. The Haredi community is the fastest-growing population in the country, expanding at more than twice the national rate. As this sector becomes a larger share of Israel’s working-age population, its successful integration into the economy has become a national priority. Yet significant gaps remain. Nearly 43% of Haredi families live in poverty, and as of 2023, average household income in the community was 55% lower than that of non-Haredi Jewish households.

In this context, our mission and program — to prepare Haredi men and women for successful entry and integration into the workforce — represents a vital contribution to Israel’s future.

The Response

Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College responded to this need by establishing the Strauss Campus in 2012 — a dedicated academic environment for Haredi students. Located in central Jerusalem and developed in partnership with the Lomda Institute, Israel’s leading Haredi professional training center, the campus provides a full academic pathway from preparatory studies to job placement. All programs are delivered in gender-separate settings that respect community norms, and students receive tailored academic support to help bridge educational gaps.

Since the 2013–2014 academic year, a total of 6,868 Haredi students — men and women — have studied at Strauss Campus. Among men, 33% are Hasidic, 29% Sephardi, and 38% Litvak. Among women, 38% are Sephardi, 39% Litvak, 8% Hasidic, and 15% are from abroad, representing a mix of communities.[1]

The Program

Today, Strauss Campus is one of the largest initiatives within the Council for Higher Education’s Haredi framework. Between 600-700 students are enrolled annually, approximately 75% women and 25% men.

Students can choose from seven fields of study, all carefully selected for their high demand in the work force.

• Medical Laboratory Sciences (3-year program)
• Communication Disorders (Speech and Language and Audiology) (7- semester program)
• Optometry (4-year program)
• Computer Science (3-year program)
• Social Work (3-year program)
• Biotechnology (3-year program)
• Management with a specialization in Information Systems (3-year program)

In Fall of 2026, Campus Strauss will also launch a BA in Psychology for men and women.

The Impact

Graduates of Strauss Campus are reshaping the economic future of the Haredi community. Many are first-generation college students. Employment outcomes are strong: 100% job placement among recent graduates in optometry and communication disorders, and 85% in fields such as social work, computer science, and biotechnology. Among students in medical sciences and biotechnology, 30% continue to graduate studies or pursue medical degrees! 

These professional pathways provide not only financial independence but also long-term stability. Graduates are lifting their families out of poverty and becoming role models within their communities.

To the Campus Strauss Hebrew website