Major new charitable client (Municipality)

HaYoreh and the Israel Homeless Association project added the Municipality of Haifa to its client list in October 2020.

Haifa has been a client of the Bedek Habayit synagogue renovation & repair program, as well as the Lawyers of Last Resort program, but this is the first time that Revacha has utilized RHIF's Israel Homeless Association to provide assistance.
The program initiated in October pays for urgent repairs to flats of pensioners who cannot afford the payment. In the first round, IHA paid for:

(a) three repairs of holes in the walls or roof exposing the flats and their residents to the outside elements; 

(b) new toilet and shower facilities where no working facilities has existed at all for over a year; 

(c) new electric wiring where the wiring had frayed to the point of fire hazard. In one case the fire dept turned off electricity until the wiring could be repaired, and the woman (age 81) resided over 90 days without electricity because she couldn't afford the wiring but couldn't alert anyone to her plight.

Once again, these projects underscore the misnomer of the Israel Homeless Association, which should more likely be named the Israel pre-Homeless or Homeless Avoidance Association program.

The Israel Homeless Association program is housed in the Cottrell Center of the HaYoreh: First Rains NGO incubator. (www.first-rains.org)
Executive@RobinHoodIsrael.ngo

‘Highlights for Kids’ are now available in Israel

The English Language Initiative will now deliver free copies of ‘Highlights for Kids’ to Israeli schools across the country. Our goal is to give the children of Israel access to top-caliber English publications that are otherwise completely unattainable outside of the US.

The English Language Initiative is a project by Robin Hood Israel Foundation. It aims to enhance the English proficiency of Israeli elementary and middle school students in some of the most underprivileged areas in Israel. The project is executed by shipping large quantities of publications from the US to Israel, and then distributing these publications to a variety of schools across the country. These magazines are otherwise completely unavailable to schools in the Israeli educational system. 

Robin Hood Israel Foundation can provide free copies of 'Highlights for Kids' to Israeli public schools' libraries or offer a highly discounted subscription for a larger number of students in both private and public schools across the country.

If you would like to take part in this exciting opportunity and receive free or discounted copies of children’s magazines in English, you are kindly invited to contact us at executive@robinhoodisrael.ngo.

RHIF brings ‘National Geographic for Kids’ to Israeli Schoolchildren

The English Language Initiative will now deliver free copies of ‘National Geographic for Kids’ to Israeli schools across the country. Our goal is to give the children of Israel access to top-caliber English publications that are otherwise completely unattainable outside of the US.

The English Language Initiative is a project by Robin Hood Israel Foundation. It aims to enhance the English proficiency of Israeli elementary and middle school students in some of the most underprivileged areas in Israel. The project is executed by shipping large quantities of publications from the US to Israel, and then distributing these publications to a variety of schools across the country. These magazines are otherwise completely unavailable to schools in the Israeli educational system. 

Robin Hood Israel Foundation can provide free copies of 'National Geographic for Kids' to Israeli public schools' libraries or offer a highly discounted subscription for a larger number of students in both private and public schools across the country.

If you would like to take part in this exciting opportunity and receive free or discounted copies of children’s magazines in English, you are kindly invited to contact us at executive@robinhoodisrael.ngo.

RHIF Helps Bring a Sweeter New Year to Needy Israeli Families

On September 24, Robin Hood Israel Foundation participated in the annual Rosh Hashanah food drive in Netanya.

This charitable event is initiated by the Ladies Circle Netanya in cooperation with the NGO “Mazal Ve Bracha”. It has attracted dozens of volunteers, including students from the Yonatan Netanyahu high school, Beitar Nes Tubruk youth soccer club and Israeli scouts.

The Netanya food drive is scheduled to last four consecutive evenings. It will provide food baskets and gift vouchers worth 300 NIS to over a thousand needy families.

"The only way we can succeed in what we do is with the help of donors, such as Robin Hood Israel Foundation", says Natalie Feder from the Ladies Circle Netanya, which also runs community programs for kids of different ages, soldiers, Holocaust survivors, and is currently working on opening a women’s shelter.

"The economic situation is difficult, and many families need help before the holidays. The Robin Hood Foundation helps us get more and better packages", says Moti Ratsabi from NGO “Mazal Ve Bracha”.

Robin Hood Israel Foundation, which has also contributed to High Holy Days food drives in Hadera, Jaffa, Raanana and Beer Sheva, is wishing everyone a shana tova!

‘Sports Illustrated for Kids’ Is Now Available for Israeli Schoolchildren

The English Language Initiative will now deliver free copies of ‘Sports Illustrated for Kids’ to Israeli schools across the country. Our goal is to give the children of Israel access to top-caliber English publications that are otherwise completely unattainable outside of the US.

The English Language Initiative is a project by Robin Hood Israel Foundation. It aims to enhance the English proficiency of Israeli elementary and middle school students in some of the most underprivileged areas in Israel. The project is executed by shipping large quantities of publications from the US to Israel, and then distributing these publications to a variety of schools across the country. These magazines are otherwise completely unavailable to schools in the Israeli educational system. 

Robin Hood Israel Foundation can provide free copies of 'Sports Illustrated for Kids' to Israeli public schools' libraries or offer a highly discounted subscription for a larger number of students in both private and public schools across the country.

If you would like to take part in this exciting opportunity and receive free or discounted copies of children’s magazines in English, you are kindly invited to contact us at executive@robinhoodisrael.ngo.

‘Time for Kids’ Finally Available in Israel

The English Language Initiative will now deliver free copies of ‘Time for Kids’ to Israeli schools across the country. Our goal is to give the children of Israel access to top-caliber English publications that are otherwise completely unattainable outside of the US.

The English Language Initiative is a project by Robin Hood Israel Foundation. It aims to enhance the English proficiency of Israeli elementary and middle school students in some of the most underprivileged areas in Israel. The project is executed by shipping large quantities of publications from the US to Israel, and then distributing these publications to a variety of schools across the country. These publications are otherwise completely unavailable to schools in the Israeli educational system. 

Robin Hood Israel Foundation can provide free copies of 'Time for Kids' for Israeli public schools' libraries or offer a highly discounted subscription for a larger number of students in both private and public schools across the country.

If you would like to take part in this exciting opportunity and receive free or discounted copies of children’s magazines in English, you are kindly invited to contact us at executive@robinhoodisrael.ngo.

HaYoreh’s Next Mission: to Provide its Incubees with Office Space

HaYoreh: First Rains, one of the largest accelerators for nascent NGOs, charities and philanthropies in Israel and the Jewish World, has undertaken a mission to provide its 23 incubees with office space. Additionally, it has a waiting list of 20 other NGOs and charities. 

HaYoreh: First Rains is currently in negotiation with two Israeli banks to rent their unused office space at a discounted rate. This will serve as the Cottrell Center for Social Initiatives.

“We are proud to confirm that thanks to the administrative, marketing and communications support provided by HaYoreh: First Rains, our incubees benefit from reduced NGO running costs. Statistics show that, on average, a nascent NGO can save 42% of its expenditures by collaborating with HaYoreh. The next step is to provide these charities and NGOs with expanded office space, which will permit the newly dedicated Cottrell Center to incubate up to 40 charities and NGOs. In order to make this happen, we need to raise a substantial amount of money, so HaYoreh: First Rains and its incubees would be truly grateful for donations”, says attorney Susan Freiman from the Robin Hood Israel Foundation’s Board of Directors.

If you would like to contribute to this meaningful cause and provide nascents NGOs with the much needed office space, please explore your donation options here.

RHIF Is Now Included in the UN Civil Society Database

The Robin Hood Israel Foundation is now included in the Civil Society database of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).  It has also been approved to attend standing committee meetings of several UN bodies, such as The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), its Emergency Directors Group (EDG) and Operational Policy and Advocacy Group (OPAG).

“We are gratified that Robin Hood Israel Foundation has been included in the DESA's Civil Society database. Our next goal is to receive consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Being a recognized UN charity will help us in our efforts to improve the welfare of Israeli citizens and strengthen Israeli society”, says lawyer Benjamin Rotstein, representing the Robin Hood Israel Foundation.

The Tel Aviv Facility of HaYoreh has been renamed the Cottrell Center

The Tel Aviv Facility of HaYoreh: First Rains accelerator for nascent NGOs and charities has been rededicated as the Cottrell Center, in memory of Sarah Cottrell whose vision and effort brought the facility to fruition.

“Sarah Cottrell (nee Nany Greenwald) passed away on October 22nd after a brave battle with cancer. A Palo Alto, California native, Sarah spent her primary career in London and California developing what has become Xerox’s corporate venture capital arm. She applied that expertise to philanthropic finance, co-authoring the seminal plans at Harvard Kennedy School that became HaYoreh: First Rains, the first incubator/accelerator for nascent charities and NGOs in Israel. She is survived by her son, Aaron, and more than 25 new charities, social causes, and NGOs that could never have existed without her vision and stubborn determination. Her life defined the expression “doing well while doing good”. The HaYoreh: First Rains incubator in Tel Aviv will be rededicated as a Cottrell Center in her memory and honor.”

Barnard College Magazine, June 2019

Israel Homeless Association Passover Campaign: A Huge Success!

We are happy to report that thanks to the generous donations of friends and supporters from around the world the Passover campaign by our incubee the Israel Homeless Association, was a great success.
 
In total, 2123 families received a parcel full of kosher groceries:

• 500 in Beer Sheva
• 1123 in Southern Tel Aviv
• 500 in Hadera 

The parcels were delivered to working families in need through IHA’s wide distribution network and in collaboration with Yad Eliezer, the Ministry of Social Services in Beer Sheva, Du Kiyum (Two Cultures) and Latet.
 
Many thanks to all donors for giving needy families in Israel a joyous Passover!

Israel Homeless Association Passover Appeal

PLEASE consider a Passover Contribution to our incubee the Israel Homeless Association (IHA).

IHA has over 2500 working families earning less than the government's own stated minimum required monthly income. Passover becomes a particularly frightening time for them, as they cannot begin to afford a festival meal without begging at multiple locations.

We cannot comprehend the humiliation these hard working people face. Let's try to minimize it as much as possible as we enjoy our families and seder feasts.

We can't meet the demand, but we can come as close as resources permit. You can help by donating to our ma’os chitin campaign.

100% of the money you donate will go directly towards helping working families manage the expensive holiday season. Through IHA's wide distribution network, we will provide families with a parcel full of kosher groceries, matzos and wine for the sedarim.

Please donate now to fulfill the special mitzvah of ma’os chitin (donations to purchase matzos for the poor).

Our donation page will walk you through all online or personal check donation alternatives. All donations qualify for IRS tax deduction. When making a donation, please specify you are donating to the Passover Campaign.

Thank you and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous Passover!

Expected legislative changes to Israel's nonprofit sector in 2017

The Knesset is expected to pass significant third-sector legislation this year.

Most significantly, the Knesset is expected to promote a new Law to Promote Specified Nonprofit Activities (NPO law). This law will consist of a comprehensive regulatory framework to impose increased transparency on NGOs (associations/NPOs and public-benefit companies) regarding their activities, especially when the majority of funding is from donations from ‘Foreign Political Entities’. NGOs will have to provide detailed information regarding their corporate governance, relation to their funding sources, its scope of activities, and mode of operation. The law will also prescribe supervisory and enforcement arrangements customized for the different types of NGOs.

Furthermore, the Frisch Committee report and its recommendations concerning making amendments to the tax benefit clause (section 46) of the Income Tax Law are expected to be included in the new legislation. The Israeli Tax Authority is also expected to recommend certain technical-procedural aspects for ascertaining eligibility for the tax benefit clause.

To find out what these legislative changes mean for your nonprofit, please contact us.

HaYoreh listed on 972VC

HaYoreh has been included in 972VC's guide to the Israeli Startup Funding EcoSystem. 972VC is the go-to place for Israeli entrepreneurs and startups to seek out accelerators, incubators, private equity, venture capital and angel investor groups as well as crowdfunding platforms, coworking spaces, venture debts, startup communities and more. 

StartUpRoots wants to bring salad bar growth stations to disadvantaged schools in Israel

HaYoreh’s incubee StartUpRoots is now working with Local Grown Salads, an agriculture and technology company that grows and packs green salads using its own self-contained farming units and integrated packing rooms, and Irving Backman, internationally renowned benefactor of sustainability and advanced technology initiatives and leader of the DATT Group (Developers of Advanced Technology Today), to see if it can improve the hydroponic systems currently available in Israel and begin installing salad bar growth stations in disadvantaged schools. 

Schools interested in installing the salad bar growth stations will have to teach StartUpRoots science, culinary arts & nutrition, and entrepreneurship curricula developed by its experts and the schools' teachers, as a requirement to receiving the system. This will allow students to learn to respect nature, recognize the benefits of healthy eating, and get to grips with basic business concepts through the miracle of food production from seed to compost.

For more information on StartUpRoots, please visit their website.