OUR
HISTORY
In 2012, a group of 14 organizations came together to form a joint council, later known as MAKOM, created to help address the socio-economic issue at the root of the social protest movement. While these organizations represented many different sectors of Israeli society, they found a common mission and built their shared vision around the ideals of “Tikun Olam” (Repairing the World).
It was from this vision that a central, collective goal was established: to strengthen the social fabric of the country by incorporating the partner organizations into a national council. Through this partnership and collaboration, their shared mission could be achieved through individual as well as collaborative initiatives and mutual cooperation for the betterment of all Israelis.
Soon after, the council incorporated itself as MAKOM, as a registered association for social pioneers from various backgrounds and ethnicities, working throughout Israel’s social and geographical peripheral regions from within. These communities span across the entire country, and work independently and collaboratively, as part of the MAKOM network, to support activities promoting a stronger and more unified Israeli society.
ABOUT US
While Israel has become a successful hub for economic growth, cutting edge technologies and growing start-ups, there is a growing movement that spans across many different socio-economic, religious and ethnic populations in response to the increasing cost of living for the average Israeli resident. Although Israel’s peripheral regions in the North and South offer more affordable alternatives to the metropolitan center of the country, the average salary is disproportionately lower, while offering less quality employment opportunities and a more limited quality of life. However, the emerging movement of social entrepreneurs, volunteers, community leaders and young pioneers is gaining more momentum as they help to address the needs and challenges facing the social and geographic periphery in Israel today.
Working together with local municipal, regional and national entities, MAKOM provides a vast network of resources and human capital to help support challenges as they arise. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, during periods of escalation of violence, as new immigration rises from Eastern Europe and from around the world and more, MAKOM is at the forefront of the communal and social efforts to assist the national priorities of Israel and provide the on-the-ground support needed to successfully navigate these challenges.
MAKOM’s national initiatives include strengthening formal and informal educational programming; supporting at risk youth, providing food security through meal delivery networks and food kitchens; caring for Israel’s elderly and youth populations; nurturing the multicultural and religious identities of Israeli communities, including Druze, Mountain Jews, Ethiopians, Ultra Orthodox, Secular and National Socialists; creating cross cultural collaboration and leadership institutes that invest in today’s emerging young leaders, as well as future generations and much more.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The MAKOM Board of Directors is comprised of about 20 members, representing each of the 14 associated organizations. The number of representatives from each organization is proportional to its size, in addition to an elected Board Chairman, who serves a term of 2-3 years. These are lay leaders from within the communities served by MAKOM who meet monthly in addition to their roles in the day to day operations of their respective organizations.
MAKOM’s Chief Operating Officer oversees the Board of Directors, as well as the Government Advocacy Committee and Program Development Committee.
The Resource Development Director works with the Resource and Partnership Development Committee, and is responsible for securing the philanthropic funding needed to ensure MAKOM’s growth and continued impact.
OUR TEAM
