In March 2018, our team had the honor of participating in the groundbreaking Bitalon Hackathon held in the historic city of Bitola, Macedonia. This event, organized by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of IT in Macedonia, marked the first-ever hackathon focused on developing innovative digital experiences for visitors to the Beit Hahaim (בֵּית חַיִּים - a Hebrew term that translates to "Park of the Living"), the Jewish cemetery in Bitola. The hackathon took place from Saturday evening, March 10th, to Sunday, March 11th, at the “Center for Culture” in Bitola—a city with a deep, multifaceted history, once known as Monastir, and home to a significant Jewish community.

Our team's idea left everyone in awe. We participated in creating a digital solution to enhance visitors' engagement with the rich history of the old Jewish cemetery and the surrounding community, offering a modern way to connect with the past. The Jewish community in Bitola has a long and storied history, and the cemetery is a poignant reminder of the vibrant life that once existed there. Our challenge was to capture that spirit and present it in a way that is accessible, interactive, and meaningful for modern visitors.

Our Innovative Approach

After much brainstorming and collaboration, we proposed an interactive tourist guide app that would merge the past with the present through augmented reality (AR), video, audio, and visual storytelling. Our app was designed to guide visitors through the cemetery and surrounding areas, providing an immersive experience that brought to life the places, people, and customs of Bitola's Jewish community.

Through AR, the app allowed users to view historical images and videos overlaid onto real-world locations, giving a powerful visual connection to the past. Audio guides narrated the stories of Jewish residents and key historical events, while interactive maps led visitors on personalized tours of the area, highlighting significant monuments and locations. The app’s multimedia features and user-friendly interface enabled an emotional connection to the history of the cemetery, making the experience both educational and deeply moving.

A Touching Experience for All

The impact of our project was undeniable. Our app left an emotional mark on the judges and attendees, with many commenting that it was a truly unique and touching experience. The combination of technology and history created a sense of reverence and respect for the Jewish community's legacy in Bitola, allowing visitors to connect with a past that might otherwise be lost. In fact, some participants were moved to tears by the depth and beauty of the stories conveyed through our application.

The Bitalon Hackathon was a perfect example of how technology can be used to preserve and share cultural heritage. It was an incredible opportunity for our team to contribute to an important project that honors the history of the Jewish community in Bitola while demonstrating our ability to create meaningful and impactful digital solutions.

Why It Matters

For us, events like the Bitalon Hackathon are more than just competitions—they are a chance to showcase our expertise in interactive design, augmented reality, and storytelling, while also contributing to cultural preservation. This experience has enriched our already robust knowledge base and provided us with valuable insights into how digital technology can be leveraged to preserve history in a way that is both innovative and engaging.

Our team’s success at the Bitalon Hackathon highlights our commitment to using technology to solve real-world challenges, whether they involve cultural preservation, historical education, or enhancing the user experience. By participating in events like this, we continuously build on our expertise, which our clients can access through our tailored solutions to meet their unique needs. We are incredibly proud of our team’s contribution to this historic project and look forward to more opportunities to create impactful digital experiences that bridge the past and the present.