Emek Hefer Foundation
Israel’s First Foundation for Rural Development
The Emek Hefer Fund for Development (PBC) is a public benefit company with full organizational independence. It works to strengthen social, economic, and environmental resilience in Israel, while preserving, developing, and enhancing the Hefer Valley and rural areas for the benefit of the general public.
Through resource development, leading projects, strategic partnerships, and large and diverse project collaborations, the Fund serves as a central anchor for development, growth and the creation of impact at the local, national and international levels.
The core activities focus on the areas of: heritage and commemoration, sustainability, education and welfare, culture and community, sports, innovation, agriculture and availability of rural areas, resilience and security.
The Foundation has all the approvals required by law to operate and raise donations from Israel and abroad – it has a confirmation of proper administration and confirmation of tax credits for donations (in accordance with Section 46 of the Income Tax Ordinance), partnership agreements for raising tax-recognized donations in the United States, Canada, England and more… and advanced technological tools, services and means for the development of resources and the realization of its activities.
The Foundation’s Partnership in the Re’im Memorial Project
Since October 7, 2023, the Emek Hefer Foundation has been at the forefront of national efforts, guided by a deep understanding that the recovery of Israeli society depends on the inseparable connection between memory, healing, and renewal. The Foundation has led fundraising efforts and supported a variety of treatment and rehabilitation programs for survivors of the parties and those affected by the war. Since then, in cooperation with Raanan, it has continued to lead the “Emek Hefer Healing Place” initiative on the ground – Israel’s largest and leading resilience farm, supporting bereaved families, families of hostages, communities from southern Israel, survivors of the parties, and members of the security forces.
Through the work that was being carried out at the Healing Place, the Foundation developed a deep and meaningful connection with the representatives of the bereaved families from the parties in Re’im, and with the artist Amir Chodorov, which led to an inspirational partnership in promoting the “Reim Parking Lot – The Memory Project”.
As part of the partnership, the Foundation leads the organizational and professional institutionalization of the memorial site, as well as the processes of development, management, realization and control of resources in accordance with the work plan and investments at the memorial site, until the long-awaited impact is realized: turning the site of the terrible massacre into a national and global center of remembrance, alongside the study of human values, solidarity and continuity of life.
The hope is that the project will ensure that the horror is transformed into a living, breathing testament to the enduring Israeli spirit, provide a therapeutic and rehabilitative tool for the affected families, and connect the memory of the past with the creation of a strong moral compass for future generations in Israel and around the world, for generations to come.