Gadi Gvaryahu began Tag Meir in 2011 to address racism in Israel and to help solidify a more democratic and humanitarian society informed by Jewish values. Members of the organization come from all sectors of the Israel Jewish and Arab communities as well as from other established social justice organizations. All share a deep desire for a more just and compassionate society.
Israel
Israeli Transgender Association
Guided by her own difficult journey, Linor Abergel, a trans woman, found her way out of prostitution to establish a Tel Aviv community center that offers other women in similar circumstances a safe space, nourishing food, clothing, cultural activities and educational opportunities. Linor has also become an advisor to Knesset members on issues important to her community.
Our grant provides funds for individuals who find themselves in need of emergency support.
JLM Food Rescuers
40% of edible food, around 2.5 million tons in Israel alone, is discarded unnecessarily along every step of the food supply chain. At the same time, food insecurity, or the ability for people to provide sufficient healthy food for themselves or their family, continues to be a problem. Daniella Seltzer and Itay Peled have come together to start the JLM Food Rescuers in the Givat Shaul produce market in Jerusalem. This creative social business builds community in the city, while at the same time rescues tons of beautiful produce which is redistributed to hungry people, and also used for delicious recipes for the program’s catering business.
Our matching funds are directed to expenses incurred at the produce market where the program operates.
Ruca’s Farm
Nir Lahav grew up on a kibbutz in Israel where farming and working the land always had great relevance — “a place where there is an encounter between body and mind, one that, I believe, can do ‘wonders.’” he says. He knew that there were certain populations that could benefit from such an experience. After speaking with a friend doing research on PTSD, he realized that many IDF soldiers who have returned from service with this diagnosis — an estimated 58,000 — could be helped by a therapeutic farm. He maintains “… the combination of agricultural work, group support and appropriate group therapy can help those coping with PTSD.”
And so, with the help of four friends, Ruca’s Farm has become a reality. Numerous fruit trees have been planted on the donated land, staff has been hired.
Our matching funds are used for land development.
Negev Refugees Center
Based in Beersheva in the Negev where there are thousands of African asylees, Negev Refugees Center provides food, social support and children’s programming through a mostly volunteer staff, one volunteer in particular is a refugee himself. Unlike in Tel Aviv where there are many, many organizations set up to help this group, there are very few in this region.
Our funds provide supermarket scrip.
Magen for Jewish Communities
Sexual abuse within Israeli society (and elsewhere) has finally come out of the shadows and is receiving the attention it deserves. As the Executive Director, Shana Aaronson and her staff are deeply committed to providing multiple ways to support victims of this trauma. Working with compassion, they offer victims access to therapy and other communal resources. But, perhaps, most important is their belief in the victim, so often missing in these circumstances. Magen also works to educate the community and promotes full transparency. For them, victims’ needs take precedence.
Our funds are directed to advocacy and investigatory staffing.