The Yael Foundation will substantially increase its financial commitment to Jewish education, Israel Hayom reports, with its annual budget rising to 40 million euros from its previous 25 million euro allocation. The announcement came during an unprecedented gathering of Jewish educators outside of Israel and North America.
The foundation's expanded budget was unveiled by its founder Uri Poliavich at a major educational conference in Limassol, Cyprus. The three-day event has brought together Israeli officials and approximately 200 educators and thought leaders to address current challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide.
Addressing the conference participants, Poliavich highlighted the intensified threats facing Jewish communities. "Over the last 15 months since the massacre on October 7, our enemies have physically targeted the Jewish State on seven fronts," he noted, emphasizing the concurrent rise in global antisemitism.
Following the events of October 7, the foundation has strengthened its focus on enhancing security measures for Jewish educational institutions. A new European initiative has been implemented to address growing security concerns across the continent.
This security enhancement program incorporates detailed risk assessment of Jewish communities throughout Europe, utilizing comprehensive data analysis and security expertise. Educational facilities have been designated as priority recipients for these protective measures.
The conference features contributions from key figures including Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Amichai Chikli, IDF Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog of the Jewish Agency, and Special Envoy Michal Cotler-Wunsh. Among the speakers is Iris Chaim, who transformed her personal tragedy – the loss of her son in a mistaken IDF shooting during his escape from captivity – into an inspirational message.
Participants include educators from communities facing direct antisemitic challenges, with representation from an Odesa institution that now serves as a sanctuary for displaced Jewish students from conflict-affected areas of Ukraine.
The Yael Foundation, which began its work in 2020 through the vision of Uri and Yael Poliavich, continues its commitment to ensuring educational access for Jewish children worldwide, guided by its principle that no Jewish child should be denied educational opportunities.
