2015-2016
Our members have voted to allocate our $20,367.41 among 3 Finalists as follows:
Center for Jewish Non-Violence Grant: $5,427.33 (27%)
Center for Jewish Non-Violence engages in creative, nonviolent activism in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israel, and Jewish communities around the world with the aim of bringing an end to the occupation. It is a collaborative, democratic organization that engages the international community by bringing Diaspora Jews to Israel to stand in solidarity with Palestinians in nonviolent actions. The Center was founded by Ilana Sumka, a DFI alumna, who now serves as Director.
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Grant: $6,530.69 (32%)
The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) works around the world to protect refugees who have been forced to flee their homelands because of who they are, including ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities. In the 2000’s, the organization expanded from assisting Jewish refugees to including assistance to non-Jewish refugees. The organizations is involved in advocacy for refugee issues, resettling refugees, and protecting refugees by providing legal, psychosocial, and supporting employment.
Kaima Grant: $8,409.38 (41%)
Kaima’s vision is to help Israeli dropout and at-risk teenagers and young adults to turn their lives around through a multi-layered educational process which combines hands-on organic farming, leadership development, business learning, and community development. By selling produce from the farm, Kaima supports environmentally sustainable agriculture in Israel and socially-responsible business.