These past few months we've been busy wrapping up 2021, and rolling out 2022. We've opened new After-School Centers, expanded Jump Start to reach more struggling adolescents, distributed higher education scholarships, and are providing Holocaust survivors and families in need, including Ukrainian refugees, with food packages for Passover (see below). We've also been reconnecting with our supporters in Israel and globally -- with in-person events -- a first since COVID-19 began! 
We’re proud of the work we're doing. We hope you will be too.

Check out our latest annual report to learn more about
our efforts in 2021, and plans for 2022! 

Program Highlights

Passover Food Campaign

You can help us ensure that thousands celebrate Passover in joy and dignity!
Elderly people, Holocaust survivors and families, including families that have fled the war in Ukraine, will receive food packages from our Food Distribution Center this Passover. As you know, these are people who are struggling and and have very limited resources. We are appealing to our supporters worldwide to join us in this initiative. 
Each package of perishable and non-perishable foods costs just $95 US.

Help us fight hunger today.

360° Higher Education Scholarship Program

The Jaffa Institute's Scholarships increase access to higher education for promising individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Scholarship recipients demonstrate drive and achievement despite significant obstacles. Scholarships ease the financial burden and enable students to focus on academics, creating a path towards economic opportunity and social advancement. Each scholarship recipient "pays it forward" by volunteering weekly within their community, or in the Jaffa Institute's programs for children and the elderly. In February, this year's first batch of scholarships were awarded in a ceremony at the Jaffa Institute. 

As part of the 360° Higher Education Scholarship Program, the Harvey & Gloria Kaylie Foundation Scholarships were provided to four promising students in the field of electrical and electronic engineering, such as Michael, aged 23, from South Tel Aviv. Michael has worked since age 13 so he could help contribute to his family’s finances. He was selected to study in a dual B.Sc. degree program in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Physics. 

"With this scholarship I can focus on my studies, instead of focusing on how to pay for them. My father is unable to work and my mother earns a small salary, so my family cannot help me out. I am grateful for any and all help I can get." 
Asher, 29, is studying medicine at the Technion

New Program for Mothers in South Tel Aviv-Jaffa

The recently launched Mother to Mother program, an initiative of the Jaffa Institute's Parent-Child Center, pairs experienced mothers or grandmothers with struggling new mothers for the first year following the birth of their child. During weekly visits, the veteran mothers guide the new mothers, providing parenting tips, emotional support, and an extra hand. Program staff include psychologists and social workers, and volunteers represent the community's diversity of native Jewish and Arab Israelis and immigrant  women. Although the program is still in its "infancy", the response has been positive, with new mothers saying that they feel "seen and understood" and value the volunteers' experience and support. 

Our Global Community

The Jaffa Institute's Gala in Israel

Photos: (Left) Dr. David Portowicz, Founder of the Jaffa Institute; (Middle) Shirley Rieger-Agiv, Gala Chair; (Right) Ester Rada, Master of Ceremonies. 

Just days before Purim, the Jaffa Institute inaugurated its 40th year of serving Israel’s disadvantaged populations with dinner, music and celebration. With almost 1,000 people in attendance, Master of Ceremonies, Ester Rada, a special address by Israel’s First Lady and longtime Jaffa Institute friend & supporter, Michal Herzog, and a musical comedy performance by Shlishiyat MaKashur, this gala was not one to be missed! We were also honored by the attendance of the Ambassadors to Israel from Morocco, Mr. Abderrahim Beyyoudh, and France, Mr. Eric Danon. Our collaboration with Achinoam Vineyards provided participants with a take home gift that included fresh-pressed olive oil. 

A big shoutout and lots of gratitude to supporters and honorees Mr. Edward Cohen, Mr. Geoffrey Jayson, NRx Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Jonathan Javitt, Gala Chair Shirley Rieger-Agiv, and to our many corporate and private sponsors.

Photos: (Left) Chaim Hurwitz, Chair of the Jaffa Institute Board; (Middle Left) Honoree, Edward Cohen; (Middle Right) Honoree, Geoffrey Jayson; (Right) Honoree, Dr. Jonathan Javitt and his wife, Dr. Marcia Javitt, with Dr. David Portowicz.

Check out additional photos from the Gala here.

Champagne Afternoon Tea and Auction at Christie's in London

In November 2021, the International Friends of the Jaffa Institute held a sparkling Champagne Afternoon Tea & Charity Auction at Christie's in London for 130 guests. Auctioneer, Arlene Blankers, led an auction that included exquisite jewelry, works of art, unique Israeli experiences and gallery tours. Lots were auctioned to support the Jaffa Institute's programs for at-risk children and families.

Special thanks to the honorary committee members: Prof. Dr.Dirk Boll, Maria Cristina Buccellati, Susan Coller, H.R.H. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Aviva Edison, Chaim Hurvitz, Nurit Jaglom, Marit Meisler, Dr. Andrew Renton, Stefania Sabbadini, Rolf Sachs, Dr. Bryan Sheinman, Serge Tiroche and Baroness Esther von Salis-Samaden. The charity auction was generously supported by the EFG Private Bank and other sponsors and friends.  

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