A 500% investment and emotional closure: a candid interview with Tomer Hacohen
Actor and model Tomer Hacohen balances film sets with his career as a software developer. He shares his story of an emotional investment in an Israeli company fighting the disease that took his father's life, and reflects on his multifaceted life.
Tomer Hacohen is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing figures on the local scene. The Israeli actor, model, and entrepreneur, who gained widespread recognition during his two-year relationship with singer Noa Kirel, proves he is far more than just a typical model. Born and raised in Haifa and a graduate of the prestigious "Reali" school, Hacohen currently balances the worlds of programming, acting, and fashion with ease.
We met him on the set of HOODIES during a shoot for their winter collection. Tomer describes the atmosphere as special: "We are shooting a cool, beautiful, and fun collection. The clothes are incredibly comfortable, and the process feels like being back in school," he says with a laugh.
Beyond modeling, his academic foundation is already set: "I finished my degree in computer science and entrepreneurship at Reichman University a year ago. It was a long, tiring, but rewarding experience. Now, I am working in the field and continuing to grow," he adds with a smile.
When asked about the criticism that academic degrees are a waste of time, Tomer offers a grounded perspective: "It is a crazy experience. I believe you can succeed without one, but it holds immense value—from the friendships you build to the self-discipline you gain. If you know how to build a study schedule and stick to it, you enrich your mind, even if some content feels less relevant."
Today, Tomer works full-time as a programmer at a data security company. This blend of office life and glamour leads to lighthearted moments: "My colleagues often tease me, saying, 'If you were as serious at work as you are when modeling, the situation would be perfect.'"
Discussing the AI revolution, Tomer maintains a pragmatic view: "Claude Code is a friend, not an enemy. You shouldn't stand against the waves; you should ride them. Programming is becoming more accessible, and it's essential to stay open-minded and embrace trends rather than fearing them."
Currently, Tomer is celebrating the launch of a new series in which he stars. Despite the fast-paced nature of the industry, he is thrilled: "It was amazing—the rehearsals, the cast, the production. We've seen the footage, and I'm confident the audience will love it."
Looking ahead, Tomer is in no rush to narrow his focus: "I've given myself until age 30 to try as many things as possible. Acting, modeling, and technology are my trio for now. I want to conquer the world and experience everything."
The interview concluded with financial advice for the younger generation: "Always make your own research and use critical thinking. Don't just do something because you were told to. Understand the big picture."
When asked about his best investment, Tomer shared a deeply personal story: "Five years ago, I bought shares in an Israeli company called DRTS that treats cancer. They are working on a therapy for the disease that took my father's life—a condition previously considered incurable. I invested during the research stage, and in the last few months, they have successfully treated several patients. My return is up about 500%, and I truly hope the project continues to grow."
