GVAHIM REACHES NEW HEIGHTS 2 012− SUMMER 2013 Building the Israeli Dream Through Brain Gain
GVAHIM REACHES NEW HEIGHTS 2012 − SUMMER 2013 Facts & Figures Changes at Gvahim Financial Report Our Supporters Placement Report
2 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
p. 4 p. 11 p. 24 p. 26 p. 28
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD Dear Partners and Friends, On March 18, 2013, Gvahim's Founder and first Chairman, Mr. Yair Shamir, was appointed Israel’s Minister of Agriculture. By law, Minister Shamir had to leave his functions as Chairman. We thank him for his immense contribution to the personal development of Olim and for leading Gvahim so successfully from the beginning. We are lucky that Yair continues to work closely with us and remains a Gvahim Board Member. When we set up Gvahim in 2006 with the Rashi Foundation, we knew from the start that our work had the potential to accelerate the development of Israel at two levels. The successful professional integration of highly-skilled Olim and returning citizens was not just going to strengthen Israel; it was also going to encourage more potential Olim to come fulfill their dream to contribute to our country. Development is about building the infrastructures so that people, societies and whole nations can get from point A to point B—a road, physical or metaphorical. The road that Gvahim has been building along with its partners since 2006 leads highly-skilled Olim, and increasingly potential Olim, straight into the heart of the Israeli economy and society,
where they can make their maximum contribution. This road makes the difference between highly-skilled immigrants looking for meaningful opportunities to express their talents (and wondering how long they will manage to stay in Israel), and an actual, fully realized Brain Gain. This unique expertise that Gvahim has developed is now at the core of joint ventures which we are creating with other organizations, starting with the Israeli Ministry of Absorption. 2012-2013 was the time when more of these seeds were sown and harvested than ever before, making it 18 months of significant growth and achievements, as you will read in this report. This allowed 411 Olim to participate in Gvahim’s core programs and an additional several thousands to join Gvahim’s website or our networking events. The results achieved (see next pages) have convinced us that we need to find more financial resources now to answer all the requests for assistance that we receive. This is why, at a time when the Rashi Foundation will have to decrease its support in the coming years, we call upon all those who believe in the importance of Aliyah, in the Israeli Brain Gain, and in Gvahim, to start or continue supporting us, allowing us to write together a new page in Israel's Aliyah history.
Ze'ev Bielski Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Mickael Bensadoun Executive Director
Mickael (left) welcomes Gvahim's new Chairman, Ze'ev Bielski
2012−Summer 2013 3
Facts and Figures
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS (CDPs) for Professionals
164
quality placements Jan. 2012-June 2013*
263
highly-skilled Olim joined Gvahim's Career Programs in Jan. 2012-June 2013 in 11 new group programs
6.7
out of 7 is the average answer to the question “Would you recommend Gvahim to your friends?” in the latest 3 programs
150
Over 150 participants from previous programs continued receiving assistance in Jan. 2012-June 2013
* See Placement Report p.28
2,500+
new online members received employment support and job offers on Gvahim’s website, which hosts close to 9,000 users
2,500+
highly-skilled Olim benefited from Gvahim’s networking events (over 1 per month), including Gvahim’s Annual Event (Aug. 2012), which alone drew in close to 1,200 participants
Gvahim's Quality Placement Rate Q1-Q2 of 2012 = 8.7/month Q3-Q4 of 2012 = 9/month Q1-Q2 of 2013 = 9.7/month
4 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Facts and Figures
SPOTLIGHT Gvahim’s flagship program since 2006, the “CDP” greatly increases the likelihood that highly-skilled Olim will be successful and stay in Israel, by offering them the training, networking, mentoring and placement tools so they can find positions at the level of their qualifications, professional experience and career goals. Diana K.
Giuseppe C.
Johanna B.T.
Gvahim 14 (Levi Lassen), Aliyah from Russia
Gvahim 12 & TheHive 1, Aliyah from Italy
Gvahim 15 (JNF-UK), Aliyah from the USA
An international MBA student from Russia who decided to make Aliyah during her studies at Tel Aviv University, Diana joined Gvahim 14 and teamed up with Gvahim Mentor Ido OhevZion from Bank Hapoalim. Months of hard-target search and a Gvahim Mentors Event led her to her position as Senior Relocation Coordinator in the department of Global Mobility at Ernst & Young. Diana regularly volunteers in the framework of Gvahim’s activities. “You made me believe, taught me how to appreciate my current skills and follow my professional objectives, how to go forward and not give up.”
“I came here with a dream-help companies branch out to Europe. When I found myself looking for a job again, I talked to Maya (Placement & Mentors Coordinator at Gvahim), who has basically assisted me ever since. In December 2012, thanks to Gvahim, I was approached by Cornerstone on Demand for a Business Development position targeting Southern Europe. In my first month I was scheduled for 2 business trips to Europe. I found a job in a stellar company, in Israel, doing what I love.”
“During one of the Gvahim mock interview sessions, our facilitator Fleur Hassan-Nahoum suggested I connect with someone in her network who she thought might be interested in my international business background. I am now working with Elie Wurtman, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur to help him with his private portfolio of companies. Even before landing the job, Gvahim helped me jump back into the career mindset after having my second child, and to do so appropriately within the Israeli context.”
2012−Summer 2013 5
Facts and Figures
THE HIVE BY GVAHIM for Olim Entrepreneurs
70
new participants (36 startups) joined 4 programs (TheHive Tel Aviv 1-3 and Ashdod 1) in 2012-Summer of 2013
5 in 8
startups in TheHive 1 have raised funds
2
startups received prizes, from Teva (Pressuremed) and from Google (Parko)
6 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Facts and Figures
SPOTLIGHT Born less than two years ago, TheHive by Gvahim has quickly become the program for Olim entrepreneurs to accelerate their project. Here are three of the startups that you may already have heard about in the news.
a gil i t e gear. com Agilite (TheHive1) is revolutionizing the design of tactical gear, and especially of search and rescue equipment. Its Injured Personal Carrier (IPC) and FlatEvac solutions allow soldiers to maintain readiness for combat during evacuations. Agilite’s products have been adopted by US Marines Reckon Battalions and are distributed in over 20 countries. The company now owns a factory and employs a staff of 30, and its business has become sustainable. “As much as it important to have a great idea and a great product and a great business plan, one thing that Olim lack is business connections. TheHive, with our great mentor from Elbit, the mutual help among “bees”, and the wider Gvahim community, gave us that network needed to take the business off the ground.” Itzhak Oppenheim (Aliyah from the USA), COO & Co-Founder, Agilite
p arko.co.il A mobile app that slashes down parking time by sharing parking information between drivers, Parko (TheHive1) won the Israel 2012 Mobile Challenge sponsored by Google (1st place out of 80 startups), raised funding from Gigi Levy & OurCrowd (Jonathan Medved) to the tune of half a million dollars, and launched in Tel Aviv several months ago & already has over 70,000 registered users. “Mentors, legal & financial services, connections & opportunities to pitch anyone & everyone-from market experts to angel investors & venture capitalists-and, last but not least, a community of fellow entrepreneurs to learn from & share experiences with: TheHive provided that help and support we needed as a young startup striving to build the next great company.” Tomer NeuNer (Returning citizen, back from South Africa), CEO & Co-Founder, Parko
ecobasalt.com The joint venture of Olim from the Netherlands, Azerbaijan and Russia, EcoBasalt (TheHive2) has developed a revolutionary way to remove oil from oil spills that is not just more efficient than alternatives, but is also ecofriendly-and the removed oil can be recovered. The startup has completed a first round of investment and is planning to build its own production plant. The startup received the Jury Prize for best presentation during TheHive2’s Pitch Night at Microsoft. “TheHive has given me what any new immigrant entrepreneur needs when setting up a new venture in Israel (…). Specifically, we have been able to present EcoBasalt to well over 50 potential investors and strategic partners, and in several conferences.” Robert Barzelay (Aliyah from the Netherlands), CEO & Co-Founder, EcoBasalt
2012−Summer 2013 7
Facts and Figures
GVAHIM YOUNG LEADERS Internships in Israel for overseas students and Alumni
78
new participants joined in Jan. 2012-June 2013 in 9 programs
15% of job offers following internships (for finished programs)
90% recommend the program, and among them 60% have referred at least one participant in future programs
Aliyah following internship:
22% + 19% + 10% actual Aliyah
8 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
prolonged their stay in Israel for a while before making Aliyah
plan their Aliyah after finishing their studies abroad
Facts and Figures
SPOTLIGHT
A French pilot during 2012, Gvahim Young Leaders has proved so successful among overseas students as well as Israeli companies that it is now becoming an international program. Meet three of the first participants. Esther D.
Jeremy S.
Coralie E.
Gvahim Young Leaders 1
GYL2
GYL4
An agro engineer, Esther was placed in a leading company in her sector, Galam Group. She received an offer to work in the company following her internship, and is now fulfilling her dream to live and work in Israel. “Professional experience, visits of leading companies, discovery of Israel, cultural environment, mutual support-these are the words that define my vision of Gvahim Young Leaders. Looking back, these 5 months have allowed me to lay sound, balanced foundations for the success of my Aliyah, both socially and professionally.”
During his internship, Jeremy decided to make Aliyah and is now enrolling in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). “I should warn you about one thing: if you decide to embark on this journey, the chances that you will want to go back to your country of origin will sharply decrease as the months go by. As for me, it took me just one month to understand that I would not go back to Paris. I have started my new life here.”
Coralie came to Israel for the first time thanks to Gvahim Young Leaders. After a successful internship as a researcher in the Weizmann Institute, she was offered to pursue her Ph.D there and is now making Aliyah. “Though I aspired to come live in Israel, I was long deterred by the fear of coping with an unknown country. Gvahim gave me the opportunity to discover the country and prepare my Aliyah by helping me find an internship, a place to stay, and assisting me through the administrative hassle while providing moral support.”
New pioneers: overseas students and graduates in Gvahim's pilot Young Leaders programs, photographed in the Natan Community Room at Gvahim
2012−Summer 2013 9
10 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Top to bottom: ‘9:06’, ‘11:58’ and ‘16:44’, from the series ‘A Day at TheHive2’, shot at Gvahim's new Yehuda Mor (z"l) Center for Olim Entrepreneurs at Tel Aviv University
Changes at Gvahim
CHANGES AT GVAHIM 2012–SUMMER 2013 Progress throughout 2012 and the first Semester of 2013 has been great enough for Gvahim’s Board to consider that the organization has now moved from the second (“Validation”) to the third (“Expansion”) stage in its development.
Three stages can be identified in Gvahim’s history. Gvahim’s Pilot Stage (2006–2008). During this first stage, one type of program was started and run within the Rashi Foundation, helping small numbers of French Olim. Gvahim’s Validation Stage (2009–2011). In July 2009, Gvahim was created as a subsidiary organization of Rashi and started helping Olim from all over the world. As 2011 ended, Gvahim had a tried-and-tested model yielding consistent results (over 80% of participants working in quality positions one year after beginning programs), and demand for Gvahim’s services exceeded the organization’s capacity by a factor of ten. Gvahim’s Expansion Stage (2012–2015). Several events occurred at about the same time, prompting Gvahim to embark on an Expansion Phase: Gvahim’s model for Career Development Programs (CDPs) was validated, so that scaling up became possible; the Israeli Ministry of Absorption closed its employment centers for Olim and issued a call to farm out its employment services for Olim; the Jewish Agency became less focused on Aliyah; demand for Gvahim’s help continued to increase (hundreds register on Gvahim’s website
every month); and, beyond its long-running CDPs, Gvahim was able to validate throughout 2012 its offer of three flagship programs covering the needs of most profiles of highlyskilled Olim : • Career Development Programs for professionals (named Gvahim 15, Gvahim 16, etc.); • Startup Accelerator Programs for entrepreneurs (TheHive1, TheHive2, etc., see pictures left); • Pre-Aliyah Internship Programs for overseas youth (Gvahim Young Leaders 4, GYL 5, etc.).1 The beginning of expansion has expressed itself, in particular, in the recruitment of additional staff members, turnover in Gvahim’s Board of Directors, the move into a larger space at Tel-Aviv University, the extension of programs outside of Tel Aviv, the beginning of a partnership with the Government, the increased level of definition of programs and the introduction of an “individual track” (to ensure scalability). 1 A visual presentation of the programs can be found here: gvahim.org.il/brochure2013
2012−Summer 2013 11
MEET THE NEW STARS ON GVAHIM’S BOARD In the past 18 months, Gvahim's Board Members have increased their involvement in terms of "Time, Talent and Treasure", with eight important figures joining during 2012 and the first Semester of 2013.
Ze'ev Bielski,
Chairman
Ronit Segelman
Ze’ev Bielski is an Israeli public leader
The Rashi Foundation’s Vice President
who served as a member of the
for Partnerships, Ronit Segelman was
Knesset for Kadima between 2009
born on a kibbutz in the South of Israel
and 2013. He previously chaired the
and holds a degree in International
Jewish Agency and the World Zionist
Relations and Middle Eastern Studies
Organization, as well as working as a Jewish Agency
from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. After being the
emissary in South Africa, playing in the Israeli national
Jewish Agency's Emissary in Denver, she returned to Israel
basketball league, founding the Israel Forum, and serving
and served as the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado's first
as Mayor of Ra’anana.
Israel representative, developing new models of partnerships later adopted on a larger scale. Ronit then opened and headed the Israel office of the Merage Foundation, and joined the Rashi Foundation in 2006.
Moshe (“Moshic”) Mor
Ofer Levy
An Israeli entrepreneur and investor
A seasoned Organization Development
who worked for more than a decade
Consultant with more than twenty-five
in the USA, Moshic came back to
years’ experience, Ofer is the Founder
Israel six years ago to found the Israeli
and Chairman of Lotem Strategies,
affiliate of Greylock Partners, a leading
a leading management consulting
Venture Capital firm. As part of TheHive by Gvahim’s Steering
firm operating in Israel and around the world since 1991.
Committee, he has helped define the program,to which he
Ofer holds a BA in Psychology, Sociology and International
continually contributes his expertise as a panelist, lecturer
Relations and an MA degree in Organizational Sociology
and mentor. In 2012, Moshic, his brother Yuval and their
(both summa cum laude) from the Hebrew University in
sister Vered made a substantial gift honoring their late father,
Jerusalem. He joined Gvahim’s Board during 2012 and
Yehuda Mor (z”l), to enable Gvahim to create TheHive’s
generously offered the team an opportunity to make use of
co-working space at Tel Aviv University (see p. 10).
Lotem’s processes to facilitate collaboration and teamwork.
12 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Changes at Gvahim
Gvahim's Board of Directors Ze'ev Bielski, Chairman Yair Shamir Tania Amar Liran Amir Nelly Assouline Eli Ayalon
Keren Chehanovich Edouard Cukierman Eran Goren Eitan Hayam Elisabeth Kogan Ofer Levy
Martin Lowenstein Moshic Mor Zehorit Peretz Sam Pinto Ronit Segelman Alona Sheffer Caro
Itzik Turgeman Joel Weill Avi Zana Alain Zeitoun Daphna Zevadi
Alona Sheffer Caro
Itzik Turgeman
Alona is the the outgoing Director
Itzik serves as the Rashi Foundation's
General of the Israeli Minsitry for
Director General since October 2012.
Environmental Protection. A mother of
He joined the Foundation in 2008 after
three, she has previously been CEO
a long and acclaimed career in the
of the Life and Environment Organization,
Israel Defense Forces, where he founded
a top lawyer in the environmental organization Man, Nature
and directed the Atidim Program that identifies high-potential
and Law and also served in the private sector. Sheffer Caro
students from the periphery and accompanies them through
also headed the umbrella organization of green movements
the army, academic studies and employment. Itzik received
in Israel and in this capacity spearheaded the struggle
the Israel Security Award in 1988 and the Head of IDF
against global warming, raised awareness for Earth Day and
Intelligence Prize for Creative Thinking in 1999, and in 2003
Earth Hour and worked to advance environmental legislation
he was awarded an honorary fellowship from the Technion.
in the Knesset.
Martin Lowenstein
Edouard Cukierman
From 2010 to 2013, Martin was
Edouard Cukierman is the Founder and
President of the Board of the Jerusalem
Managing Partner of Catalyst Funds
American International School and
and Chairman of Cukierman & Co
currently serves as its Treasurer. In
Investment House, which has advised in
1992, he received his MBA from
more than €4 billion worth of corporate
Georgetown University. Since then, he has managed a family
finance transactions since 1993. Aside from serving on the
investment office, and, in 1997, he founded a private equity
boards of several leading Israeli and European companies
and real estate partnership. Martin has raised millions of
and committees, he is the Vice President of the Fondation
dollars for private schools and Jewish organizations in the
France Israël. He is also a board member of “Alliance Israelite
San Francisco Bay Area. Martin made Aliyah from San
Universelle en Israel” and of Sar-El and serves as a Reserve
Francisco in 2009 and lives with his wife and their three
officer in the Crisis & Hostage Negotiation Team and in the
children in Lachish.
Spokesman Unit of the IDF. He co-wrote the book “Israel Valley: Le bouclier technologique de l’innovation” with Dr. Daniel Rouach, published by Pearson in June 2013.
2012−Summer 2013 13
MEET THE NEW STARS ON GVAHIM’S TEAM With 15 staff members in August 2013, Gvahim is now able to offer a broader array of professional tools to highly-skilled Olim. View the whole team: gvahim.org.il/team
Leah Schneier Training Programs Coordinator
Coming with a wide experience in different fields of the nonprofit world in both the US and Israel, Leah earned her Master’s in Non-profit Management from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Originally from
David Broza
the Washington D.C. area, she made Aliyah in 2007.
Director of Development Gvahim’s new Development Director (with Michael Alvarez-Pereyre taking charge of Marketing), David brings 30 years’ experience and expertise in nonprofit management and resource development. A veteran Oleh from the UK, he holds a BA in Geography from the University of London. David has worked with some of the largest and well known nonprofit organizations in Israel and overseas, including Laniado Hospital, Reuth, Beit Issie Shapiro and Leket Israel. For 12 years he worked in senior positions in the field of Aliya and Klita at the Jewish Agency and the British Olim Society - UJIA.
Sharon Kol
Office Manager Born in Tel Aviv, Sharon earned her BSc in Hospitality Management from Florida International University while working as Security Supervisor for El-Al and coordinating the Israeli Scouts of Florida. After five years in the United States, she came back to Israel and served as Public Relations Manager of the Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv, before joining Gvahim.
Shana Nielsen
Annie-Claire Bloch
Born and raised in San Francisco,
Annie-Claire earned her Bachelor’s
Shana brings nine years’ experience
Degree in Applied Mathematics
in advising, coaching, facilitating
and Social Sciences from France
Director of Training Programs
Marketing Coordinator for Gvahim Young Leaders
and consulting in the not-for-profit, academic and corporate
and made Aliyah 12 years ago. She then enrolled at the
settings. She holds an MA in Organizational Psychology
Hebrew University in Jerusalem and earned her MA in
and Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution from Golden
Communications and Journalism.
Gate University and a BA in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Oregon.
14 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Changes at Gvahim
Patricia Lahy-Engel
Merav Ben Ari
Born in France, Patricia holds a MBA
Merav was born and raised in
from ESCP (Leading French Business
Israel and trained in Behavioral
School) and a BA in Hebrew, Jewish
Science at the Max Stern Yezreel Valley
Director of TheHive by Gvahim
Placement Coordinator
History and Israel Sociology from
College. Before joining Gvahim’s team
INALCO (Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations).
she worked as recruiter at CPS-Jobs, a placement company
Shortly after arriving in Israel in 1996, Patricia opened the
specialized in the hi-tech sector.
representative office of The Walt Disney Company in Israel and successfully developed its activity across different lines of business, eventually serving as General Manager. After a successful corporate career, Patricia assisted nonprofits
Liat Albuch
to develop marketing strategies including self-generated income drivers, social business and partnerships with business
Accountant
corporations. Patricia also serves on the Board of Yaad,
Liat was born in Holon, Israel and
a public company in the Cleantech industry.
started working in a law firm in Tel Aviv at age 15. She then studied Accounting
Tal Kelem
Director of TheHive Ashdod by Gvahim
(Rank #3) at Michlala Leminhal and subsequently worked, among others, as an Accountant at the Avis headquarters in Tel Aviv and as Head of the Accounting Department of the Wholesale Market, before taking charge of
As a young entrepreneur 20 years
all financial aspects of the Landline Phones branch at Partner
ago, Tal founded the first geographical
(Orange) Communications Ltd.
magazine in Israel: Massa Acher. Since then, he has held several management and business development positions including: Director of Economic Affairs to the Israeli Embassy in Beijing and to the Israel Economic
Noémie Alliel
and Cultural office in Taipei, Sales and Market Development
Deputy Director of theHive Ashdod by Gvahim
Director for East Asia at Comverse, VP Marketing and Business Development at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, and lastly, as Business Consultant for
A new immigrant from France who lived
entrepreneurs and startups.
and worked in the U.S.A. for 8 years, Noémie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Florida. She is an alumna of Gvahim’s Career Development Program #17. Before making Aliyah in 2012, she spent a number of years working as a restructuring professional at a leading financial advisory firm in New-York City.
2012−Summer 2013 15
Changes at Gvahim
GVAHIM'S NEW HUB The Adelis and Yehuda Mor Centers at Tel Aviv University
Gvahim’s main challenge for the past years has been to face the soaring demand for its services. To address this challenge, the organization has increased its budget year after year and is working to make programs both more scalable and more self-sustainable (see next sections). Helping more Olim meant that the organization needed to grow in order to design, plan, run and maintain more programs. At some point, space posed a challenge of its own: our former offices no longer provided enough space for the whole staff (15 professionals by mid-2013), let alone for training sessions. Early in 2012, the solution came when Dr. Giora Yaron, Chairman of Tel Aviv University’s Executive Council, expressed the hope that Gvahim would move its offices into the University, which has a high number of overseas students who consider making Aliyah. Dr. Yaron is a longtime friend of Gvahim, is actively involved in the Hive program for entrepreneurs, and made a personal donation to help refurbish the chosen space. The University offered Gvahim a space at a highly-subsidized rent within the Einstein Dormitories and,
16 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
with the help of the Rashi Foundation, the move took place early in the summer of 2012. Several long-standing partners of Gvahim pooled to support the move. In particular, support from the Mor Family and the Adelis Foundation proved instrumental, and the names of Yehuda Mor (z”l) and Adelis were chosen for the entrepreneurs’ co-working space (The Yehuda Mor Center for Olim Entrepreneurs) and Gvahim’s offices (The Adelis Center for Highly-Skilled Olim). The other partners without whom the move would not have been possible are the Rashi Foundation, the Natan Fund (whose name was given to the Natan Community Room), Ella and Yair Shamir, the Sabah Foundation, Michael Golan, JNF-UK, the Carasso Family, Giora and Zila Yaron, and the Gvahim Alumni Fund. Looking back at the move a year later, it was inevitable in order to sustain the expansion of Gvahim’s services for highly-skilled Olim.
Changes at Gvahim
GEOGRAPHICAL EXPANSION
In most of Gvahim’s programs, a number of Olim from the Jerusalem, Haifa and Southern Area of Israel commute to Tel Aviv for workshops and consultations. 2012 was the first year when a program was held outside of the Central area of Israel. Gvahim 14, sponsored by the Levi Lassen Foundation, was run in Jerusalem in a space kindly provided by Nefesh B’Nefesh. Expansion to the South of Israel was planned also during 2012, for a Hive program which was launched in July 2013. The program, sponsored for three years by the Municipality of Ashdod and JNF-UK, will encourage and attract Olim entrepreneurs in the Ashdod area. It started with 14 entrepreneurs from 6 different countries, engaged in 8 promising startups (see picture above). Ashdod Mayor Dr. Yehiel Lasri called the opening of TheHive Ashdod, which is the first accelerator created in the city, "historic"1.
Ashdod Mayor Dr. Yehiel Lasri learning about HommyFood, during the Opening Event of TheHive Ashdod by Gvahim
1 See video at gvahim.org.il/AshdodOpening
2012−Summer 2013 17
Changes at Gvahim
REACHING (INTER)NATIONAL LEVEL
Left-to-right: Lt. Gen. (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi, Governor of the Bank of Israel Pr. Stanley Fischer and Yair Shamir about to take the stage at Gvahim's Annual Event 2012
2012-2013 is when Gvahim’s outreach and visibility can be said to have reached national level, as illustrated by the following milestones: As 2012 came to a close, months of exchanges with Israel’s public services came to fruition when the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption signed a contract to support Gvahim (on a small scale) in 2013. Gvahim 17 (see p. 21) was the first program to be sponsored by the Ministry. An event in July 2013 with Minister Sofa Landver (see picture next page top-right) and new Director General Oded Forer summed up a successful 6 months of partnership, which is due to continue in 2014.
18 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Gvahim’s Annual Event, in August 2012, was held at Tel Aviv University with Governor of the Bank of Israel Prof. Stanley Fischer and other prominent Olim, bringing together close to 1,200 professionals and entrepreneurs from Israel and from all over the world. Gvahim was featured several times in the Israeli news, and foreign delegations started to come learn about Gvahim's models-whether a group of Korean students representing their University, or Mr. Alain Juppé, Mayor of Bordeaux and Former Prime Minister of France, visiting TheHive with a delegation from his Municipality and the French Embassy in Israel, to learn about the model in view of possibly replicating it (picture right).
Changes at Gvahim
Top left: Cutting the ribbon of TheHive Ashdod, with (l-r) Head of Ashdod’s Industrial Development Division Dr. Smadar Itzkovitch, JNF-UK Israel Representative Yonatan Galon, Gvahim Executive Director Mickael Bensadoun, Minister of Agriculture Yair Shamir, Ashdod Mayor Yehiel Lasri and Deputy Mayor Yehuda Frenkel. Top right: Ze'ev Bielski and Minister Sofa Landver celebrate 6 months of fruitful partnership. Bottom: former French Prime Minister and now Bordeaux Mayor Alain Juppé at Gvahim to learn about TheHive's model.
2012−Summer 2013 19
Changes at Gvahim
BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY A team of volunteers, led by former executives of BNPParibas (a leading French bank) and Disney (the media giant), worked throughout 2012 on strategies to make Gvahim less dependent on philanthropic funds. Two directions are emerging, which will be further refined and possibly implemented already in 2013: • On the Corporate side: creation of a loyalty club which Israeli companies will join in order to benefit from a range of services–access to the profiles of Olim, to networking events with Gvahim’s professionals and entrepreneurs, etc. • Within the Alumni community: Gvahim is proud that its Alumni Fund is steadily growing. The Fund is already able to provide scholarships for several new Olim to join Gvahim’s career programs every year. One possibility for the future is to expand the Fund into a broader Membership model. One key to sustainable expansion was also identified in a new, more modular and in fact ongoing model for Career Programs, which is currently being tested with "Gvahim 19", sponsored by the Levi Lassen Foundation. In addition, the development of a CRM and of Gvahim's new website is meant to automate or simplify a number of actions, while delegating others to the Olim, consultants, mentors and recruiters themselves. Finally, synergies between programs are emerging, creating new opportunities and improving efficiency across
20 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
the board. In particular, the numerous overseas students who dream of doing an internship in an Israeli startup are now able to find one quickly through matching with the startups in TheHive, providing those with free, qualified manpower during this crucial early stage (see picture above of Nat, doing his internship at Tag'by, and receiving a scholarship from Gvahim thanks to our partnership with Masa).
Changes at Gvahim
EVALUATION: FIRST FOUNDATIONS ESTABLISHED
Evaluation, started for Career Programs, will now continue with TheHive for entrepreneurs. Picture: Gvahim's 17th Career Programs, in partnership with the Ministry of Absorption
Thanks to the Rashi Foundation’s Evaluation Department, Gvahim started evaluating its Career Development Programs in a systematic way in 2012. This meant, first of all, a clearer process of getting to the bottom line of two “hard facts”: (a) the number of Olim happily employed (i.e. not looking for work) in quality positions (rated both by the Olim and by Gvahim’s Placement Department), and (b) retention of Olim in Israel. Secondly, it meant a more complete picture of our programs’ efficiency by allowing us to assess the contribution of each module in the program. On a different level, a new partner, Lotem Sensing, generously started to assist Gvahim with surveys of the profiles and needs of both highly-skilled Olim and Israeli
organizations. The process, started in 2012, has enabled us to confirm the directions we took with Israeli companies (both sending them select profiles for specific positions, and enabling them to openly post jobs on Gvahim’s website). It has also allowed us to identify gaps that need to be addressed more specifically. For instance, while half of the Olim who took the survey rated their Hebrew level as Fluent, companies and organizations marked the Hebrew level as one of the main obstacles in recruiting Olim. This led to the development of an improved Professional Hebrew Ulpan. Finally, Gvahim is proud to be extending evaluation to its programs for entrepreneurs by joining, in the coming weeks, MATAN-United Way's praised evaluation program. 2012−Summer 2013 21
Changes at Gvahim
GVAHI M’S NEW ARRAY OF PROJECTS
Yosi Bahar, Chairman of Bank Discount, meets Alumni of Gvahim's Financial Sector during a course organized by the bank
As noted above, Gvahim reached a level of maturity throughout 2011-2012 in terms of its array of programs. Still, as Gvahim became the natural address for highly-skilled Olim looking to integrate in Israel as professionals or entrepreneurs, it became necessary to try and meet the needs of all profiles. Thus, several small programs were set up at or with Gvahim: • A Financial Program organized by Bank Discount (see picture above); • A course for French speakers on how to develop a small business (by the Mati Center of Holon); • A program for professionals seeking to integrate the Third Sector in Israel (“Olim B’Amutot 3”); • Improved “Hebrew in the Workplace” courses. In addition, an “Individual Track” was created to enable highly-skilled professionals to join Gvahim in between programs, allowing us to assist dozens of Olim who would otherwise not have been helped. Networking events continued to take place every few
22 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
weeks, targeting specific sectors (non-profit and public sector, financial sector, entrepreneurial sector, etc.), bringing together new immigrants, “old” immigrants and native Israelis. While remaining committed to a model based on quality services given to individuals (as opposed to standard and automated services provided to masses of Olim), we also felt a growing responsibility to answer at least to some extent the needs of all those who turn to the organization. Thus, throughout 2012, the definition started of what will be Gvahim’s new web platform. Finally, the Olim in Gvahim’s community are eager to give more to Israel, which led Gvahim’s Team to include volunteering opportunities in the programs. For instance, participants of Gvahim 16 (sponsored by the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles) met with students of Darca’s Maxim Levi School in Lod in November for an English conversation session. Everybody was asking for more, so that regular meetings were scheduled.
Changes at Gvahim
GVAHIM’S CHALLENGES
It is no longer necessary to prove that Gvahim knows how to help fulfill the Israeli Brain Gain. But it is necessary to multiply Gvahim's action on a large scale. Gvahim’s main challenge remains to face the growing demand to join its programs. While the organization is able to help about 300 Olim per year, several hundreds of highly-skilled Olim register on Gvahim’s website every month, and every year, some 4,000 skilled Olim make Aliyah. To be able to give to all those needing it the tools and support to express their professional talents in Israel, Gvahim is developing the capacity to multiply programs in the coming years. This explains, in particular, why we are currently investing in evaluation of programs, in our fundraising capability, in our volunteer management capability, and in the search for sustainable development strategies (see p.20). We invite you to join forces with us to strengthen the new wave of highly-skilled Olim, and thus accelerate the economic and social development of Israel.
Top: Gvahim Alumni and Team speed-networking with new program participants. Bottom: some of the 1,200 guests at Gvahim's Annual Event 2012.
2012−Summer 2013 23
Financial Repor t
FINANCIAL REPORT 2012 USE OF FUNDS 2012*
33 %
Gvahim Career Development Programs for Professionals
15%
Refurbishment of the Adelis Center for Highly-Skilled Olim and The Yehuda Mor Center for Olim Entrepreneurs, at Tel Aviv University
TOTA L
$1.14 Million
11%
Gvahim Young Leaders Internships for Overseas Students
14 % 19 % Administration & Fundraising
TheHive by Gvahim for Entrepreneurs
7%
Networking Events & Web Platform for the Broad Community
* Based on Gvahim's Financial Report 2012, audited by Stark & Stark, CPA. Annual dollar rate 2012: 3.8557 ILS 24 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Financial Repor t
S OU RCES OF I N CO M E 2012
60% Foundations
5% Corporate
TOTA L
$1.14 Million
12%
6%
Volunteering and In-Kind
Revenue
16% Individual
A crucial moment for Gvahim in 2012 was the decision made by the Adelis Foundation to support Gvahim for 5 years with a yearly $100k gift. New funders included the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (support granted for 3 years for Career Development Programs) and the Levi Lassen Foundation. Several Israeli companies that recruited Gvahim participants made donations or sponsored Gvahim’s Annual Event in 2012.
2012−Summer 2013 25
Our Suppor ters
OUR SUPPO RTERS Gvahim gratefully acknowledges the
generous individuals, corporations and
foundations that support our efforts to make the Israeli Brain Gain a realit y.
The following list comprises donations
received in 2012 and Q1-Q2 of 2013.
2012 – Q2 OF 2013 26 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Our Suppor ters
Gvahim Board Member Sam Pinto (Agudat Sabah) joins TheHive 2 during one of its brainstorming sessions
The Rashi Foundation Fondation Adelis Agudat Sabah David Bensadoun (Pompeian) JNF-UK The Municipality of Ashdod
MASA The Mor Family The Israeli Ministry of Absorption Tel Aviv University The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
The Levi Lassen Foundation The Natan Fund MATANEL Foundation Selway Capital Michael Golan (Golan Telecom)
The Abraham Gertzman Fund (JF Metropolitan Detroit) Elie Ayalon Bank Discount Bank Hapoalim Elie Belames Jean-David Benichou Ze’ev Bielski Ayala Zafrany Bliah Cantor-Fitzgerald Carasso Group
Commtouch Software Ltd. Edith & Ted Croitoru DSPG Simon Devico Eldan Dan Friedlander Brad Hofman Elisabeth & Noam Kogan Lotem Sensing Martin Lowenstein Makhteshim Agan
Sharon Mentlik Nefesh B'Nefesh NICE Systems Ltd. Jed Pittleman Aharon & Alisa Pollack Shibolet Roberts Philippe Saïman Ella & Yair Shamir Joe Straus Yagod Morris Zila & Giora Yaron
Africa Israel Tania Amar Liran Amir Nelly Assouline Rina Barbut Mara Berman Bezeq Remy Bitoun Myriam Boukhobza Michael Breisacher Chambre de Commerce France-Israël Laetitia & Eric Elbaz Hagar Figler Anouk Fischler Eran Goren Yohan Israel
Harmon.ie Yael & Daniel Kessler The Knobil Family Pierre Kohn Jessica Korman Ilanit Kleiman Emilie Levy M&S Galit Manor Tracy Ruth Mathieson Michael Maze Robert Mettoudi Sarah Mimran Sophie Morgenstern Gabriel Mouyal
Dany Moyal Jonathan Moyal Johanna Ohana William J.Orr Cedric Sabbah Ronit Segelman Johnny Sloans David Stein Ilya Talman PMC Sierra Ariel Stern Tel Aviv Municipality Julie Wyler Alain Zeitoun Anya Zhuravel
2012−Summer 2013 27
Placement Repor t
GVAHIM PLACEMENT REPORT Results as of the end of Q2 of 2013 See some of our Alumni's portraits on the front and back covers. Gvahim would like to thank the 200 mentors involved in the development of Olim's careers and startups, and the 300 (and counting) companies that partner with our Placement Department. A big thanks, in particular, to the 3 recipients of Gvahim`s 2013 Employers Award-Makhteshim Agan, Panaya, and Super Derivatives-for the outstanding work of their recruitment teams, mentors, Directors, and Gvahim Alumni already in these companies who were involved in getting new Olim hired. Employed in a Quality Position
25% 75%
Looking
Time axis: how long ago program participants joined Gvahim
42% 58%
28% 72%
18% 82%
26% 74%
// 3 months
6 months
7 months
12 months
(ongoing)
G VA H I M 1 7
OBA 3
27 participants
19 participants
G VA H I M 1 6 ‘J.C.F Los Angeles‘
G VA H I M 15 ‘JNF-UK‘
INDIVIDUAL TRACK
25 participants
32 participants
19 participants
28 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Placement Repor t
GVAHIM PLACE MENTS JAN. 2012 — JUNE 2013 OLE/A
POSITION
ORGANISATION
Russel G. Jed I. P. Betty H. Elad D. Luna E. David R. Natalya P. Ariella M. Keren K. Anath L. Michael K. Dina E. Jonathan S. Michal S. Yulia S. Paul M. Vanessa R. Chaya M. Celine E. Karine B. David G. Max L. Daniel G. Olivier. Mara B. Nessim B. Mati S. Olga B. Tamar P. Karen S. Fanny D. Daniela F. Mort B. Hanna W. Daphna P. Rob B. Ilana H. Aviva M. Albert V. Céline B. Shierly T. Shana N. Allyson W. Amit G. Etan S. T. Chani K. Claire D. Lois L. Allon V. der S. Zachary G. Debbie G. Jason M. Brigitte F. Jérémie B.
Foreign Exchange Dealer Bank Igud Marketing Account Manager AIMS Dir. Int. Relations & Advocacy Ir Amim Partnership Coordinator Alternative Fuels Administration Product Marketing Specialist Amdocs Strategic Business Development Kaiima Content Producer TimeToKnow Marcom Manager Mul-T-Lock Ltd. Marcom and Sales Dev. Britannica Knoweldge Systems Trade Department Royal Emb. of The Netherlands Project Manager NDS Technologies Executive Administrator Cortica - Israel Account Manager Matomy Media Group Marcom Manager TimeToKnow Project Manager, Marketing El-Al Transfer Pricing & Tax Effective Supply Chain Manager Ernst & Young Program Manager LivePerson Grants Administrator Weizmann Institute Europe Marketing Manager Jdate Medical Biochemistry Lab Worker Hospital Assaf Harofe Business Development Tzur Management Program Manager Beit Morasha of Jerusalem Publisher Development Manager TicTacTi Ltd Investment Banking Analyst Citigroup Community Manager Zooz Investment Banking Analyst Citigroup Technical Leader Pontis Analyst (internship) Catalyst Funds Manager, Business Unit Eshnav On line Advertizing Manager Matomy Media Group Articles Indexer GreenPoint Resource Development Zeanook Fund Controller Exigent Capital Management Placement Consultant Dialog - Consulting for HR Ltd Business Development Associate Cornerstone on Demand Affiliate Account Manager Vernet technologies PR Writer NICE Systems Accountant BDO Researcher Political Science Databanks International Executive Director France-Israel Foundation Internship Business Development High Tech Strategies Training Manager Gvahim Assisting Donation Manager We Power Regional Sales Manager Panaya Support Engineer 3M Affiliate Marketing Manager Forexyard Real Estate Analyst Profimex Marketing Consultant Seital Consulting Account Manager, Sales Europe Super Derivatives Mechanical Engineer Assa Aharoni Consulting Engs. EMEA Regional Director Avalere Health Aerospace Researcher Israeli Air Force Outsourced Programmer Dev. Division at Bank Leumi (The 7th Dimension) Project Manager One Telemedia Ltd.
2012−Summer 2013 29
If you feel there is too much text on this page, we will take it as a compliment...
Placement Repor t
OLE/A
POSITION
ORGANISATION
Benjamin K. Pamella A. Danit S. Shlomo W. Tanya L. F. Sharon M. Joel J. Rony Z. Allyson W. Anna H. Daniel G. Rhaquel V. Sara E. Anastasia B. Yoel A. Johanna B. T. Ehav E. Eitan I. Mariela F. Benjamin G. Anabelle P. Maud G. Myriam M. Shira A. Ilana B. Maya A. Beril M. Menahem B. Liza R. Muriel G. Philippe S. Noa Y. Nir H. Hanny K. Diana K. Sophie Z. Mariana T. Shai H. Naomi P. S. Janina S. Z. Shanna B. Danya K. Ayala B. Jerry S. S. Arie F. Allyson W. Jay R. Yvonne K. Andrea B. Anthony B. Shoshana M. Yael C. Emma D. Guy F.
IT Manager Kabbalah Center S&M Coord. South/East Europe Cyber Ark Executive Administrative Assistant Teva Data Specialist Mysupermarket Quality Assurance MediGuide Marketing Specialist Retalix COO and Sales Manager Karmin Industries Spanish Community Manager Payoneer Grant Writer Zeanook Marketing & PR Writer IMP media Programmer JBS Technical Communication Services Sales Engineer Britannica Knowledge Systems Clinical Data Bioforum CDMC Contract Manager Comverse Customer Care Engineer 3M International Expansion & Web Strategy Elie Wurtman (venture capitalist) Compliance Engineer HP Indigo Sales MyHeritage Associate in Transfer Pricing Issues Kesselman & Kesselman Affiliate Manager Society I-Segment Marcom Alpha-Bio Tec Community manager MrParfum Executive Director Supportive Community Marketing Associate Conduit Financial Analyst Hutchison Water Assistant to Project Manager Friends of the Earth Middle East Import & Purchasing Coordinator BSC Distributors Market Data Specialist SuperDerivatives Technical Community Assistant Primesense Financial Manager AGR ENERGY ISRAEL Customer service Galile international Management Institute Business Analyst Inneractive Buyer Vishay Precision Group Sales U.F.X market Relocation Coordinator Ernst&Young Assistant Actuary Shlomo Bituah Inside Sales Nortec Research Analyst International Data Cooperation Consultant AKT Account Manager Gcellular Development Coordinator Hadassah Medical Center Consulting Services For Up and Coming Brands JACOB PERES Business System Analyst Makhteshim Agan Director of Special Projects, Resource Development Herzog Hospital Customer Support The Nation Traffic Marketing Assistant Grand Beach Hotel Business System Analyst Triana Resource Development Coordinator KKL Media Buyer Adorika Information Specialist IVC research centre Bookkeeper Meor Marketing Researcher, French Accounts (temp) PANAYA Social Media and Marketing Manager MyHeritage Resource Manager Ir Amim
GVAHIM PLACEM JAN. 20 JUNE 2 30 Gvahim Reaches New Heights
Placement Repor t
OLE/A
POSITION
ORGANISATION
Davina B. Sarah B. Anat L. Giuseppe C. Jordana G. Martin G. Lauren J. Jordana G. Adam S. Marcela M. Ian W. Chalom T. Michal H. Noemie A. Pascale R. Michele D. Laura B. Viki G. Sandra N. Yael M. Shirli A. Hagay H. Elya T. Sarah B. Hannah S. Ariel M. Chani K. Sharona W. Jeffrey V. Yael M. Anat G. Anna S. Josh S. Katerina M. Simon-Clement S. Hadassa J. David Z. Denise D. Daphna R. David S. Samuel M. Mauricio E. Eliana V. Yanina M. Arie F. Joshua Z. Simmy A. Ayelet G. Andrew G. Anthony M. Gordon G. Friedman I. Michaël H.
Global Marketing & Business Operations Manager Research and Analyst Lawyer Sales Manager, Southern Europe LinkedIn Researcher (temp) Technical Application Specialist Fundraising Associate Lead Generation Marketing Project Manager (temp) Organizational Consultant Marketing Project Manager Application and Solution Manager Lawyer DeputyDirector Sales & Account Director – EMEA Support Engineer Due Diligence Client Director Marketing Manager Clinical Applications Support Manager Marketing Project Manager (temp) International Marketing Manager Automation Engineer Marketing Manager Journalist Sales Operations Marketing Operations Coordinator Business Development Account Manager PR Associate Business Development Account Manager PA Product Manager Marketing Manager Director of Marketing Educational Coordinator Project Manager Product Manager CFO Assistant of the International Division Procurement Manager Technical Manager Physics Researcher Legal Department Marketing & Communications Specialist Technical Program manager Team Pay Director of Development, Fundraising, and Recruitment Marketing/Sales Coordinator Director of Logistics and Administration Strategy Analyst Financial Analyst International Sales Finance Director PR & Advertising Manager
KMS Lighthouse
M MENTS 012 — 013
YaLa Amit, Pollak, Matalon& Co. CornerstoneOnDemand PANAYA iMDsoft LeketIsrael Taptica+appTV PANAYA Deloitte PANAYA Israel Cargo Logistics Yigal Arnon& Co TheHive Ashdod by Gvahim MOBIXELL SolarEdge Leaseprobe-Real Diligence Treato iMDsoft PANAYA SmartTap TopQ Yadwire i24 News VaronisSystems SolarEdge Somoto keebali Alma Pioneer ClickTale d&a Visual Insights Spark Up Masa Program LR DancingE Arrow ECS Israel Keren Hayesod A.B. Dental Devices GSI Ben GururionUniversity IsraelAirportsAuthority Conduit TnuvaFinancials Ltd The Nation Traffic Kibbutz Lotan's Center for Creative Ecology Digital Footsteps Unique NICE Systems Makor-Capital BARZILAI Exhibition Experts Grangeford Limited Toyga 2012−Summer 2013 31
Executive Director: mickael@gvahim.org.il T: +972.50.8855975 Development Director: david.broza@gvahim.org.il T: +972.54.7791964 gvahim.org.il/team 68 Einstein St. P.O.B 39311, Tel Aviv 61392, Israel T: +972.3.5347538 F: +972.3.5347230
De sign : mi cha l-li fshi tz.c om
www.gvahim.org.il