Soaring to victory, Boys Town Jerusalem’s Robotics team clinched second place out of 41 teams in the national 2025 Israeli First Tech Challenge Competition. The team also won the prestigious Innovate Award for robot design, as BTJ’s robot became the sole Israeli contestant to meet a daunting international challenge.
Overcoming setbacks to build a winning robotics team
The team’s rise to glory was remarkable. “In the qualifying matches for the national meet, we were plagued by glitches,” admits team member Levy Ekstein. “Then, with only one month to morph into winners, we worked ‘round the clock to design, build and program a super robot.”
As they gathered speed and skill, the 13-member team dared to tackle the additional international challenge. “Our champion robot flawlessly, autonomously climbed, flipped and hung securely three feet above,” he proudly reports.
From student to mentor: Shay’s inspiring role
For BTJ Robotics Team mentor Shay Neuhaus, a former team member and captain, the 2025 victory joins other impressive wins. Now tapped by the IDF to complete his Technion Engineering degree prior to enlistment, Shay devotes every free minute to guiding BTJ’s Robotics team. “Along with our boys’ fierce motivation to win is their eagerness to cooperate with other teams through strategic alliances.”
Balancing innovation with Jewish values
Both Shay and Levy noted the complexity – and advantages – of the BTJ team being Sabbath observers. “Our work week is shorter,” Levy admits. “We work straight through the weeknights, filled with new energy and faith.”
Young talent: meet one of Israel’s brightest students
Another BTJ robotics team marvel is Amichai Romain, Grade 8, whose brilliance and ingenuity have made him one of FTC Israel’s youngest contestants. Amichai spearheaded BTJ team’s community outreach effort, helping a high school launch and activate their own robotics team.
Why robotics education matters at BTJ
BTJ CEO Yoni Strimber stresses the importance of offering Robotics to boys from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Robotics opens tomorrow’s world of technology, nurturing creativity, cooperation and confidence for life.”