Inspiring Social Initiative: We encourage creative social activism by educating Israelis about the astonishing work of ordinary citizens, leaders, and professionals from every cultural and religious sector. Throughout the year, we award activists in the areas of equality, social services, and tolerance. We have granted awards for projects like: philanthropic medical advancements, nationwide programs for values, and more. Awardees are recognized at national ceremonies and widely publicized in the media – Israelis learn that every individual can create new solutions for a better country. Objective: To research and identify outstanding social activists; to present them to the Israeli community through the media and in national award ceremonies.
Acceptance and Tolerance / Sports: Too often, contention – even hatred – comes to the fore in Israel’s sports arenas and playing fields. Fist fights and name-calling overwhelm games in both national and youth leagues. Ironically, sports are often valued for their encouragement of social values, teamwork, and acceptance. Our sports and values project reverses that irony through publicity, lectures, and workshops that encourage values in the arena. Sports permeates a great part of Israeli society. Better values for hundreds of thousands of sports fans can significantly affect our entire society. Objective:To hold workshops and lectures for youth and adults, and advertise for better sports values.
Social Values Education: The greatest potential for social change rests in our young generation. Our high school curriculum for social values is authorized by the Ministry of Education and makes social justice relevant for Israeli teens. Each year, we train teachers in a new group of target cities, creating a new youth culture for an Israel of equality and justice. Objective: We will collaborate with five Israeli municipalities for teacher training throughout the city or town.
Arts, Culture, Values: Our annual arts program gives thousands of Israeli youth a platform for social commentary through the creative arts. Each year, thousands of high school students participate in a program that encourages social values through artistic mediums: film, photography, creative writing, and more. The program culminates in a competition that is judged by artists and social leaders. Outstanding finalists are presented to the Israeli public. Objective: We will publicize and facilitate a nationwide competition for thousands of youth. Finalists will be presented at the Tel Aviv Cinemateque.
Leadership Accountability: For 25 years, we have held government leadership accountable to civic values and laws. We investigate and bring corrupt politics to light, prosecuting and often achieving accountability (incarceration, fines). As corruption is eradicated, Israelis call for better leadership, true leaders step forward. In 2017 we will implement this program on the municipal level where the absence of accountability and transparency is even more extreme than on the national level. Objective: We will initiate a process of investigation and response to reports of municipal corruption. Our legal and social activists will work to develop better laws and infrastructure for transparency.