ServiceNow Awards a Grant to BIU in Shlomi Sividia’s Memory

ServiceNow, the AI platform for business transformation, is awarding a grant to Bar-Ilan University’s Keilim Shluvim musical program in memory of software engineer Shlomi Sividia, a company employee murdered at the Nova Music Festival massacre on October 7, 2023.

Keilim Shluvim (Instruments of Communication) is a unique program at Bar-Ilan University’s Department of Music that enables musically talented adults with disabilities to study subjects such as rhythm and drumming, voice development, hearing development, singing in a choir, music production, music software, band work, music history and more, five intensive days per week over a three-year period.

The program also places great emphasis on student empowerment. The final year of study focuses on students' employment future in fields associated with music and culture, combining practical work in various locations and an emphasis on occupational guidance and honing communication skills.

ServiceNow is providing funds to further advance the Keilim Shluvim program, which will facilitate the ongoing development of musical talent amongst people of disabilities, while promoting and empowering students personally, socially and professionally.

“Shlomi Sividia was a valued employee at ServiceNow for over nine years. He loved music, so we searched for a fitting musical project that would honor his memory,” says Maor Cohen, Director of ServiceNow’s Mobile Development Group. “After an extensive search we chose to support Keilim Shluvim because of its unique approach to educate members from a marginalized community and use music integrate them into Israeli society."

 “Many of us at ServiceNow who worked with Shlomi for years feel his presence every day. I am happy to know that Shlomi's memory not only lives on with those of us who knew him, but his legacy of music and giving to those around him continues with those who will be receiving the scholarship," said Senior Director and Israel Innovation Center lead Adar Margalit.

Co-founded, directed and managed by former master’s student Ruth Reinich, under the supervision of Prof. Avi Gilboa, Keilim Shluvim is run in conjunction with AKIM Israel, a national organization for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs.

At the end of each semester Keilim Shluvim students perform songs and compositions they prepared during the semester before their families and other invited guests. As part of ServiceNow’s project in memory of Shlomi Sividia, they sang several songs at a recent ceremony at the company's offices in Israel in the presence of approximately 200 guests, including the family of Sividia, whose sister is a student in Bar-Ilan University’s Gender Studies Program.