israel

Russ cared deeply about a secure, thriving, and pluralistic state of Israel. Now, more than ever, the Foundation is committed to advancing this vision as the nation grapples with the horrific events of October 7, 2023 and ensuing war with Hamas. Our investments in the rebuilding and long-term resilience of Israel will be guided by our existing program strategies: investing in leaders and institutions that are developing Israel’s northern region; promoting the integration of Hareidim through education and employment; and, in recognizing that Israel’s local governments are best positioned to impact Israelis’ quality of life, working to build capacity and human capital at the municipal and regional level. Furthermore, today, as the nation’s civic and political spheres shift, we are working to preserve and advance a resilient Jewish and democratic Israel. 

Selected Recent Grants

Tech Square LTD To create an online platform, paired with teacher training and job placement services, that will enhance the quality of learning and preparedness of hundreds of Haredi women, seminary graduates, for quality employment as programmers in Israel’s hi-tech industry.

Eshkolot To expand the Eshkolot learning platform targeting Haredi men ages 16‐35, which enables individuals to bridge knowledge gaps and build key competencies for economic self-sufficiency on their own, mainly in English and Math.

Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design To contribute to Bezalel’s newly opened state-of-the-art campus, designate the Russell Berrie Auditorium, and pursue a design planning process in partnership with the Jerusalem Municipality and other stakeholders to revitalize the culture and economy of Jerusalem’s city center.

National Library of Israel To establish the Russell Berrie Entrance Hall within the new National Library of Israel campus in Jerusalem, designed to encourage diverse audiences in Israel and around the world to engage with the Library’s priceless collection of treasures in new and meaningful ways. 

Technion-Israel To support the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute within the Institute of Technology, which boosts Israel’s status as a world leader in nanotechnology research, enabling scientists to work with objects measuring less than 1/100,000 the width of a human hair. 

Kinneret College on the Sea of Galilee To further expand Kinneret Innovation Center’s incubator to strengthen the Agro-Tech ecosystem within the Galil, spurring the creation of new companies and high-paying jobs rooted in local know-how and assets. 

Maoz-Seal To support Maoz North, a network of leaders working to drive change in the North of Israel, in its efforts to accelerate selected prominent projects, leverage collaboration, and serve as a hub for partnerships.

The Portland Trust To establish a MedTech cluster in the Sakhnin Valley of the Galil that can offer high-paying health technology jobs to Arab residents.

Mawared Program at JDC Institute for Leadership and Governance To improve the capabilities of Israel’s Arab municipalities by connecting them to government funding opportunities available through the groundbreaking Government Resolution 922 initiative. 

Shalom Hartman Institute Be’eri Program To transform the way Israeli students, teachers and community leaders lay claim to their Jewish heritage and culture, by engaging them in a curriculum that explores Jewish history, text and tradition through a pluralistic, democratic lens.