Iranian Women Community
In Israel
The Foundation’s first steps began in reinforcing the Iranian community and in establishing a support network for the community of Iranian Jews to expedite and facilitate their integration in Israel. In the 25 years of its operation, the program helped thousands of Iranian immigrants to become an essential part of all aspects of Israeli life: culture, education, army, business and politics. In addition, the program has helped young Iranian Jews with their draft into the army, find work and establish their own businesses. Over time, the program evolved and became a unique empowerment framework for Iranian women in Israel in the form of 9 women’s clubs throughout the country.
We believe that women have the power to influence, change and create wonderful things, they can pave the way for all of us and make the country better, more equal and stronger, that’s why we established 9 women’s clubs that give an opportunity to hundreds of women to make a difference in their communities and shape the future of the Jewish-Iranian community in Israel, while redefining Zionism and enriching Israeli society.
Volunteering in the community
The Foundation encourages and initiates volunteer activity among all club participants. Within this framework, the women volunteer in hostels for people with special needs, centers for the mentally challenged, hospitals, nursing homes, children’s clubs, and more.
When you strengthen individuals, you enable them to strengthen others,
Such is the power of empowerment // David Merage //
9 women’s clubs located nationwide
The clubs hold events, workshops and lectures in a variety of fields: economy and finance, health, law, enrichment and culture, as well as social formation activities and activities for female empowerment. Every club has a lead volunteer staff, during the year the staff undergoes leadership and social leadership training under the close supervision of the Foundation’s management.
Jerusalem
Hulon
Raanana – Kfar Saba
Rishon Lezion
Petach Tikva – Ramat Gan
Yavne
Ashdod
Beit Shemesh
Yeruham
Iranian Women Community By Numbers
Partners
Previous programs
Leadership program
The leadership program began its activities in December 2015 under the guidance of professional instructors on behalf of the “Roots” organization, aiming to connect the younger generation of the community of Iranian expatriates to their roots, tradition and customs and to develop a new generation of leaders who will lead the entire society in Israel.
Tmura project
The Merage Foundation considers military and national service as a gateway to Israeli society, particularly for immigrant Jews. The Tmura program, founded in 2010 and to 2017, aimed to encourage recruitment to the IDF and volunteerism in National Service among young Iranian expatriates, to introduce the young people to the culture, characteristics and significance of military service, to make the draft itself simpler and more pleasant for them and to allow them to maximize their inherent potential throughout the service.
The annual cultural event for women of the Iranian immigrant community
A high-end and particularly invested event that has taken place for 10 consecutive years attended by 600 women of the community. The event focuses on leading women who have made impressive achievements, those who are seen by the Foundation and the entire community as leaders and trailblazers such as doctors, social workers, nurses, security forces, lawyers and more. The Merage Foundation aims to reinforce the sense of pride in the community in general and in women of the community in particular, and to encourage women of the community to learn, develop themselves and succeed in life.
Integration of the Iranian immigrant community
Hundreds of thousands of immigrants who arrived in Israel from Iran over the past years left entire lives behind. They let a familiar place, home and homeland to arrive in the promised land. They took with them something of tremendous importance and value – their memories, ancient tradition, unique customs and extensive culture. The Merage Foundation aims to preserve the culture, the values and to continue the traditions of the community and to spread widely the uniqueness of all aspects of Iranian culture.
Employment and ventures
The new immigrants from Iran arrived from a different job culture and were required to adapt in order to integrate in Israel’s employment market. Upon its establishment, the Merage Foundation began helping in the integration of new immigrants in the Israeli job market as self-employed or salaried employees. The program developed and funded courses for immigrants on establishment of businesses and business ventures, professional training and study, operation of a dedicated placement system for Iranian immigrants, provision of financial aid to entrepreneurs and self-employed as well as loans with attractive terms, etc.
