In the Hebrew calendar, the start of a new year is more than just a date. It’s an occasion for looking back and taking responsibility for our actions with the intention of making amends. At the same time, it’s an occasion to look forward with hopes for renewal and change for the better. The new year ushers in a fresh chance to reaffirm our commitment to grow from the traumas of the last two years and take the process of personal and national healing to the next phase.
Social cohesion and commitment are critical for this process, because rebuilding can succeed only if we pool our strengths together.
The rallying of so many partners – philanthropies, businesses and civil society organizations – to support the returning residents of our northern communities and strengthening those in southern communities, proves that we have more strength and resolve than ever.
Let us continue to strive towards a better year ahead, with a return of all the hostages, and to imbue hope in others through our actions.
A shared mission. A deeper impact. A promising future for all.
Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful holiday and good tidings.
With the return of northern residents to their homes after the war, there is an urgent need for infrastructure that can support and sustain a growing local economy. Several partners have come together to meet this challenge: Rashi and other foundations, the local authorities of Kiryat Shmona and the eastern Galilee, as well as bodies in the public and business sectors. This multi-sector coalition, in cooperation with the Tnufa Directorate and the Ministry of the Economy, is driving the Business Hub – a region-wide initiative providing comprehensive solutions to hundreds of small and midsize businesses.
The Hub operates on three main levels: tailored assistance to local businesses on an individual basis, policy advocacy, and contact with business sector companies to secure long-term investments. Serving as a one-stop-shop for business development, it offers professional and strategic consulting, guidance in accessing government compensation and benefits, practical workshops, lectures, and more. Each business is paired with an expert team according to its needs, and the hub’s skilled staff are well familiar with the opportunities and challenges in the region.
In the near future we plan to launch a similar initiative in the western Galilee, adapted to the area’s unique characteristics.
Partners: Kiryat Shmona Municipality, Eastern Galilee Municipal Cluster, Beyachad Foundation, Russell Berrie Foundation, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the Home Front Command, Bank Hapoalim, EY, Bloomberg Regional Initiative \ civix, ARAVA Hub (technology support center)
Once more, the children went back to school; but this school year is different. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution is changing the rules of the game, and education must change with it. The big questions are: what should our children learn, and how should they learn, in order to have more opportunities in life?
We invite students, teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to shape the future of education in Israel, to create a short video answering these questions. The best three videos will receive prizes and gain wide exposure on social media.
The School for Social Management was established in order to provide managers of NGOs with tools to cope with the challenges they face in their work, and to develop social management as a distinct profession. It is based on our belief that a strong and adaptable civil society is the backbone of Israeli society.
The school designs and operates specialized training programs for managers at different levels, as well as modules that can be put together to suit specific groups in response to emerging needs.
Reisheet, our program for managers in senior positions is starting its fourth cycle, and registration is underway for the second cycle of Bareket, the program for middle management. Additional programs that are scheduled to open soon include Odem – mentoring for first-time managers, and Hoshen – for managers in extended reserve duty.
Partners: Yad Hanadiv, the Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto
“The Wohl Legacy is commemorating its 60th anniversary, guided by the vision of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z’l, who left specific instructions to prioritise supporting Jews in grave danger or in a major disaster. It was therefore important to us to find a community in the Gaza Envelope to support, and a programme that we felt could shift the chronic socioeconomic under-performance, give significant opportunity to the local community, and restrengthen the area.
We are delighted to partner with the Rashi Foundation to support Ofakim. Given Rashi’s experience in developing programmes; the strength of Mayor Itzik Danino and his team; and the coalition of funders Rashi has put together to support rehabilitation and regrowth in the area, we saw an opportunity to make a significant difference.
The programme is developing municipal management capacity to set and drive strategy; innovation in education; community resilience; and employment and economic development. These are all important for the future of Ofakim, for its families and young people.
We are confident that these efforts will have a profound and lasting impact.”
Photo (L-R): Kate Goldberg, CEO, Wohl Legacy; Sir Ian Gainsford, Wohl Legacy Trustee; Itzik Danino, Mayor of Ofakim; Prof. David Latchman CBE, Wohl Legacy Trustee and nephew of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l; Jo Cohen, Israel Director, Wohl Legacy; Tal Shaked Cretella, VP Strategy and External Affairs, Rashi Foundation
Members of Rashi’s business forum talk about their social involvement and what motivates them.
“As someone whose job is to figure out what motivates young people and how organizations can relate to them, Rashi’s activities for youth and young adults are an opportunity for me to take part. I feel deeply connected to our joint initiatives, which show young people how they can advance positive change through social media platforms. A good illustration is “Ambassadors of Hope” that we launched during the war with Iran, where the participants created empowering and uplifting messages. I am proud of this partnership that uses the most up-to-date and relevant tools to influence and inspire.”
“As someone whose job is to figure out what motivates young people and how organization... Read More
“I believe that exposure to and application of Artificial Intelligence could do a lot to promote equal opportunities in Israeli society. AI-based tools give access to knowledge, skills and services – but we must ensure that this potential reaches the periphery too.
I am pleased to take part in the activity of Rashi and its partners in this field and other areas. I hope to see the initiatives expand, become incorporated in education and drive change in the periphery. With Rashi and more partners – it can happen.”
“I believe that exposure to and application of Artificial Intelligence could do a... Read More
