Speaking Jerusalem brings together residents of East and West Jerusalem through language learning, interest groups, and shared experiences. Participants build friendships, strengthen language skills, and develop tools that support educational and employment opportunities while gaining a deeper understanding of one another’s communities. Under the leadership of Suzan Sayyed and Lior Urian, the organization is helping create connections across divides and building a more inclusive and connected Jerusalem.
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Sidreh
Recognizing the barriers facing Bedouin women in the Negev, Khadra El Sana and other Bedouin women founded Sidreh to create opportunities for education, economic independence, and leadership. Through traditional weaving, literacy programs, and community development initiatives, women gain skills, confidence, and income while preserving an important cultural heritage. Their work is helping Bedouin women strengthen their families, communities, and futures.
Sunflower of Westchester
Walt Ritz founded Sunflower of Westchester to improve the lives of children and families involved in the foster care system. Drawing on the experiences of foster youth, foster parents, and community partners, Sunflower provides mentorship, resources, respite care, and practical support to help children and families thrive. Through their work, more young people and families receive the encouragement and stability they need to build brighter futures.
TransParent
In a world that has become increasingly hostile to the realities of the transgender experience, TransParent provides safe harbor and community to parents with a transgender family member. Originally created by families in St. Louis, today the organization is headed by Susan Halla and operates sixteen chapters in nine states. Put very simply, TransParent seeks “to normalize this naturally-occurring human experience and to empower children to live authentically.” By creating opportunities for parents to connect with each other, fostering advocacy and providing resources, TransParent offers compassion and hope in an increasingly alarming environment.
Terra Uma
Tomer Weinberg was severely injured at the beginning of the Second Lebanon War. As he continued his recovery he lost his father, whose hobby was wine-making, to a tragic motorcycle accident. At that time, Tomer made a promise to continue his father’s work. Little did he know the impact that decision would have on restoring his life and also those of many others suffering from PTSD.
Founded in April 2022, Terra Uma supports veterans coping with PTSD, helping them regain a full and meaningful life through viticulture – an innovative, pioneering rehabilitative process that integrates winemaking with healing, rooted in the deep connection between the human soul, the land, the vine and the wine.
Sport – Bridge to Education
Engaging in sports teaches kids so many life lessons. They learn about rules, discipline, boundaries, cooperation and more. Dr. Rutie Pilz-Burstein has dedicated a good part of her life to sports and research on its impact. Using those years of experience and study led her to begin Sport-Bridge to Education which operates in many youth villages and utilizes different sports activities to reach vulnerable youth who have lost their way.
