Twins, Study Partners, Excellence Students

As part of the Psagot program, Harel and Netanel Belay will complete a bachelor’s degree in software engineering and a master’s degree in computer science (without thesis) in just four years. They are currently in their second year of studies. According to Harel, “We knew we wanted to pursue a degree in computer science, especially at the Technion, which is considered one of the leading institutions in the country in this field, and we wanted to serve in a place where we could realize our potential in the army. Therefore, Psagot at the Technion was the best option for us.”

They grew up in Rishon LeZion and studied in separate classes in elementary school, but in middle school and high school, they studied together in gifted or excellence classes in software engineering and physics tracks. They finished high school with outstanding excellence both academically and socially.

From ninth grade until the end of high school, Harel and Netanel participated in Nitzotzot Mada (Science Sparks) – an excellence program at the Weizmann Institute of Science. “In the first two years we conducted experiments and met with researchers,” said Netanel, “while in the last two years of the program we developed leadership, guidance and personal empowerment skills. We participated in a scientific leadership camp called ‘The Common Denominator,’ which included students from several excellence programs at the Weizmann Institute.”

During high school, they volunteered in the “Working and Learning Youth” movement, where they were active as counselors. “We provided them with educational and enjoyable activities and helped them with their studies by giving private lessons,” they shared.

They give much of the credit for their success to their parents, who “from a young age pushed us toward excellence, supported us, and encouraged us to continue studying and investing. Much of our success today is thanks to them and the dedicated education they provided us. We have another younger brother, Aviel, 16 years old, who is currently in 11th grade in the same tracks – software engineering and physics – and is in the midst of a civilian pilot course. He will receive his license before enlisting in the IDF.”

“Learning as twins in the same class was a significant experience for us,” said Netanel, “and it had many advantages. We always collaborated and studied together. Of course, we competed with each other, but ultimately, the competition only pushed us to improve. Throughout all the years of middle and high school, we sat together in class, and the teachers never knew how to distinguish between us. We quickly transformed from Harel and Netanel to ‘the twins’ – our trademark that accompanies us to this day.”

This experience continues to accompany them in their faculty studies as well. “We study the same courses together, are partners in submissions whenever possible, and beyond the fact that we also live together in the dormitories, the chemistry between us is excellent, which makes us the best study partners.”