NEFESH B’NEFESH & GVAHIM JOIN FORCES TO CREATE FIRST ISRAELI NON-PROFIT TRAINING PROGRAM

Participants of pioneering Olim B’Amutot program, which helps prepare Olim for employment in the non-profit sector, celebrate their graduation

(Jerusalem, 28 June 2010) This Sunday, June 27th, a group of Olim, who participated in the Olim B’Amutot program, had a graduation ceremony at the Nefesh B’Nefesh office. Following a rise in interest in the Israeli non-profit sector, Nefesh B’Nefesh and Gvahim launched “Olim B’Amutot”, the first program of its kind, aimed at assisting Olim seeking employment in the Israeli non-profit sector. According to the Israeli Center for Third Sector Research, non-profit and non-governmental organizations account for 13.3% of Israel’s GDP and 10.9% of the total employment in Israel. Over the past 5 years, approximately 15% of Olim sought employment in the non-profit sector.

The program incorporates eight weeks of formal training with experts in the field, including CEOs of non-profit organizations and NGOs, human resources representatives, and resource development consultants. The training is followed by a 4-6 month internship in leading non-profit organizations including, NATAL, Ma’ase, Tebeka, Reuth, and Nefesh B’Nefesh.

“These Olim came to Israel with a specific expertise and a desire to contribute to Israeli society and help strengthen the Israeli third sector. They left good jobs and comfortable lifestyles, and made Aliyah in order to fulfill the Zionist dream. Our program provides outstanding Olim the opportunity to better realize their potential in Israel,” said Mickael Bensadoun, the Executive Director of Gvahim.

The training program was hosted by a variety of non-profit organizations including the Rashi Foundation, Sheatufim, Latet, Beit Issie Shapiro, Reuth, and Nefesh B’Nefesh which works closely with the Jewish Agency for Israel, and covered topics such as philanthropic trends, transparency, evaluation, resource development strategy, marketing tools and tactics, and partnership development.

According to Kim Ephrat, Associate Director at Nefesh B’Nefesh’s employment department, “Many Olim, looking to make a meaningful contribution to the country, want to apply their experience and talent to the non-profit sector in Israel but find that the transition can be challenging. We were excited to work with Gvahim in developing this program. We believe by providing both formal training by top professionals as well as hands on experience in the field, the graduates of the program are better prepared for a successful career in the non-profit sector.”

 
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Gvahim: Carine , +972 52 653 0924/ [email protected]
Nefesh B’Nefesh: Renana Levine, +972 54 244 9747 / [email protected]