Who we are
The Merage Foundation is a family philanthropic foundation established by Andre & Katherine Merage, David & Laura Merage from the United States. Since 1998, and inspired by the vision of David Ben-Gurion, the Foundation has been involved in various social and economic fields, strengthening pioneering spirit, groundbreaking entrepreneurship, and the unity of the Jewish people, through programs for the development of the Negev, immigration, and national resilience with the goal of advancing Israeli society.
The foundation operates at a national level to strengthen a variety of populations, including: senior citizens, lone soldiers, immigrants, reserve soldiers, and youth. The foundation has developed unique models for community development and building, strengthening cohesion, and creating circles of impact that touch the lives of thousands of Israelis.
Our Vision
We strive for a thriving and united Israeli society, committed to the well-being of its citizens. We believe in the development of leadership, community building, innovation, and economic growth. We create and accelerate circles of change with the understanding that those who are empowered have the ability to strengthen others, and from there, lead to growth for all citizens of the country. We believe in leveraging advanced tools and methodologies from the business world to the philanthropic world, in order to maximize their impact on society.
Our Method
We are venture philanthropists bringing the highest standards to accelerate social impact– professionalism, innovation, boldness, dynamism, forward-thinking. We tap into existing networks, infrastructures and distribution channels that enable us to scale rapidly and leanly, in order to reach our full potential for impact and reach
Strategic Objectives
1
We are promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity to the Negev region by strengthening the main drivers of economic growth and revitalizing city centers.
2
Transforming the Negev into a leading international destination for agricultural and wine tourism by developing an ecosystem and improving the quality of agricultural-tourism products, with an emphasis on wine and cuisine.
3
We are promoting the advancement of the Iranian community in Israel through women leadership programs and the exposure of the Persian culture to Israeli society.
4
We are building a renewed sense of community and solidarity among army reservists by training and supporting community leaders within the reserve units.
5
We are connecting hundreds of high school and university students to train senior citizens in using their smartphones. Having access to day to day technology strengthens the social and family ties and builds resilience and independence for thousands of senior citizens throughout Israel.
6
Encouraging Immigration – We are scaling Wings, Israel’s leading lone soldier program, supporting over 3,500 young Olim every year, from the moment they arrive in Israel and years after they return to civilian life.
When you strengthen individuals and communities, you enable them to strengthen others.
Such is the power of empowerment.
// David Merage //