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| About us > A Message from the Executive Director |
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When I was part of a group of residents that established a non-profit foundation supporting many and diverse needs of Israel's northern Galilee residents, I knew that I had realized a lifelong dream. Having been raised in the western Galilee of northern Israel, I left the region following my army service in order to study and begin my career. I returned home years later knowing for certain that this is where I wanted to raise my children. In my point of view, the border region of the northern Galilee, stretching from Metulla in the east to the coastal resort town of Nahariya in the west, including all of the diverse rural communities within, is absolutely one of Israel's most beautiful locations, in so many aspects. This particular region possesses both spiritual and esthetic beauty and is an attraction for many visitors and tourists, from Israel and overseas, many of whom have claimed that 'we live here in a small corner of paradise'.
Living in this area of the Galilee however, has a price. The geographical distance from Israel's center expresses itself not only in kilometers, but also in the region's stagnant economy, limited and sporadic cultural and community activities. The two-hour drive to and from the center of Israel also represents the distance between having and not having. Unfortunately, among the communities located along Israel's volatile northern border there is an abundance of "not having". Public transportation for example is scarce, resulting in residents - particularly the children and youth - being wedged within their remote villages with almost no organized activity and with no suitable enrichment infrastructure. There are no local communities & cultural centers, senior citizens clubs or aid centers. As a result, there is an ever-growing range of weaker or impoverished communities such as holocaust survivors, the frail and elderly, children and youth termed 'at-risk' and the list is getting longer. We have to find ways to enrich and care for them and their particular needs. Another 'beauty-feature' of our area is that there are so many wonderful people that can help and are eager to reach out and promote these much-needed changes.
As a resident of the northern Galilee, I see it as my duty to change this reality and to help those impoverished residents, living in the northern 'confrontation line' communities, to gain a more enriched and fulfilling life. Galila, The organization that I helped setup and that I now run, is a fantastic vehicle towards achieving this goal. With the generous help of so many volunteers, patrons and donors, we are gradually reversing negative trends and are vigorously transforming the reality of those who need change the most. We do this out of pride, respect and a sense of duty that this is our home, our communal neighborhood and it is down to us as local residents to do all we can to uplift and regenerate our region.
Happy people build strong communities and in this northern corner of Israel, it is of the utmost importance. In my mind, Zionism is not merely a word, but it is also a shared value and a way of life. Galila is our Zionism in the north. To give is always to receive - there is no higher achievement and purpose. I invite you all , from Israel and from our Jewish communities worldwide, to come and partner with us in making change happen - in an area of Israel that needs it the most.
Shalom from the northern Galilee,
Yael Barlev - Executive Director
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| Galila: P.O.B 9, Migdal Tefen 24959, Israel Tel: (972) 4 9576 333 FAX: (972) 4 9571 950 |
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