Israel Independence Day
The anniversary of Israel’s independence is always an occasion for celebration and pride. As part of the ongoing work of the Rashi Foundation to address the challenges facing Israeli society, one of the strategic issues we focus on is employment, a field with special significance at this time.
Employment is a main key for economic and social resilience, forming the basis for long-term independence of individuals and families, as well as of the country as a whole.
While the Israeli economy has shown remarkable recovery from the COVID crisis, the gaps are growing larger. In line with Rashi’s mission of advancing social mobility, we see an urgent need to prevent young adults from turning into a “lost generation” and to ensure that all parts of Israel’s society have access to fulfilling careers.
This is not a simple challenge, but working together we can create opportunities for young people in the periphery and other vulnerable populations to join and enrich Israel’s human capital – our most valuable asset.
Wishing you a happy Day of Independence,
In response to the war and the refugee crisis in Ukraine, Rashi and its affiliates have mobilized to help those who came here after fleeing their homes. The activity, in collaboration with the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and the Jewish Agency, involves both answering immediate needs and thinking ahead.
Beit Yatziv in Be’er Sheva organized a communal Passover Seder and a science day camp for children for a group of 50 Olim staying in its guest house. Gvahim Association offers individual support to the newcomers along with lectures and workshops on subjects such as education, health, employment and so on. Gvahim is also planning a job fair for those who want to make Israel their home. Representatives of Ma’ase Center joined youth organizations aiding refugees at the Ukraine-Poland border.
Alongside the activity in Israel, the Rashi Foundation joined the UJA-JFN Passover for Ukraine campaign, to fund delivery of food packages to Ukrainian Jews and communal Seders for refugees and volunteers who are helping them in neighboring countries.
Rashi focuses its efforts and investment on issues critical to Israel’s social resilience: Education, with an emphasis on hybrid schools and 21st century skills; strengthening communities and local authorities; prevention and treatment of domestic violence; and inclusion of underprivileged populations in productive employment.
Our approach in this field is intended to provide a “springboard” for people who lacked opportunities growing up, and to enable them to bridge the skills gap. We work with government agencies and other partners to develop services and infrastructure that will help people build a career through vocational training or academic studies adapted to the dynamic world of work.
“Our main aim in joining the project was to improve the ability to recruit skilled workers. The number and quality of applicants we got exceeded those of the placement companies we work with. We are quite satisfied with the collaboration and would be happy to continue it.”
Yehonatan Bitton
Co-founder and CTO, Copyleaks
“Our main aim in joining the project was to improve the ability to recruit skilled work... Read More
“This is an amazing initiative that creates a special ecosystem, a culture of cooperation between residents and businesses, an entire community of entrepreneurship and creativity. It promotes the region’s success by creating a major center of attraction in it.”
Dmitry Apartzev
Mayor of Katzrin
“This is an amazing initiative that creates a special ecosystem, a culture of cooperati... Read More
“I am a graduate of the service year program of Ma’ase Center. Young people like me often don’t know what direction to take in life, what to study and how. When I heard about the program I got excited, I felt that this is a great opportunity for me. It’s amazing that the alumni organization creates opportunities for us with relevant training options that will help us enter the job market.”
Yosher Sirmakesh
“I am a graduate of the service year program of Ma’ase Center. Young people like me oft... Read More
“I graduated high school with a matriculation certificate but was unable to complete an academic degree, and had almost no computer skills. Still, I wanted very much to make a career change that will also improve my economic situation. The big obstacle was the tuition fee and the time to study, because I work ten hours a day to provide for my children. In addition, the abusive relationship I was in undermined my sense of self-worth.
The program paved a new path for me; every stage was a step up. Becoming a certified data analyst is way beyond what I could dream of. Thanks to the program I am a different person – I’m much more than just a mother. Now I volunteer in a community initiative helping women and men victims of violence.”
Hagit, graduate of the first course of Her Way
“I graduated high s... Read More
“In my high school, only the best students could choose majors like computer science. The rest, me included, were automatically routed to mechanics. One day a week, instead of going to school, we would be taken to work in a welding factory.
This is a great program, because programs like it don’t exist in the periphery. There is a pre-training stage with instructors who support you constantly. My instructor was the best – she was available around the clock and strengthened my confidence that I can make it. Without the course I would probable still be working in a grocery store.”
Dor Azulai, 24, completed high school without matriculation,
currently works as Network Manager at Harmonic
“In my high school, only the best students could choose majors like computer science. T... Read More
