Rebecca Stadlen Amir
April 9, 2018

In a new alliance with the Darca Schools, a network of schools serving Israel’s periphery, the Azrieli Foundation has committed ₪110 million over five years toward promoting equal-opportunity education in Israeli society.

As part of the alliance, the Azrieli Institute for Educational Empowerment will be integrated into the Darca School network, supporting the network’s ability to provide educational services to thousands of additional youth in diverse communities and the periphery of Israel.

“For us, and for the children of Israel’s periphery — whom we all serve and towards whom we all feel a major responsibility — it is another very significant step towards making sure that those children will receive, in a sustainable manner over the long term, the same opportunity to participate in Israel’s success and to receive a first-class, value-based education,” said Darca chairman Jimmy Pinto.

From left, Danna Azrieli (Azrieli Foundation), Marc Rowan (Youth Renewal Fund), Gabi Ashkenazi (Rashi Foundation) and Gil Pereg (CEO of Darca). Photo by Maxim Golobnov

The Azrieli Institute for Educational Empowerment began operating in 2004 to encourage Israeli junior high school youth-at-risk to remain in school and reduce educational gaps limiting their success.

The program, which serves 4,000 students each year, provides educational support, social development skills, and educational seminars to improve communication skills between the youth and their parents. The program currently operates in 26 cities and communities throughout Israel’s socioeconomic periphery.

The new partnership with Darca Schools aims to create a stronger, broader, more sustainable impact and an effective support system for Israel’s students.