December 14, 2023
Givat Haviva 2023 End of Year Appeal
Dear friends,
In these challenging times, our thoughts are with you and your loved ones. We hope this message finds you safe and well.
As we approach the end of this year, we reflect on the remarkable resilience and unity witnessed in the wake of October 7th. These horrific attacks affected all members of Israeli society, making our work essential in maintaining peace and preventing the deterioration of Jewish-Arab relations.
In the face of tremendous uncertainty, and insecurity, Givat Haviva's mission, vision, and values shine brightly through our dedicated staff and volunteers. Their flexibility and unwavering commitment allowed us to swiftly adapt our programs to meet the urgent needs on the ground.
Givat Haviva stands as a beacon of hope and a safe haven, where the principles of a shared society—rooted in mutual respect, trust, and equality for all citizens of Israel—are put into practice.
Our new initiatives, including programs for Arab students entering university, leaders in the Arab employment field, and shared society educators, have all achieved remarkable success. Their accomplishments underscore the vital importance of this work in the current moment.
At the heart of our recent efforts is Jessie Colton, the campus director at Givat Haviva. When crisis struck, she swiftly led the transformation of our campus into an evacuee center, embracing families seeking refuge from turmoil. In her words, "Immediate joint mobilization of our diverse staff, Jewish and Arab alike, was our unequivocal response."
The rapid setup for over 260 evacuees was made possible by the tireless dedication of our partners and staff members. Their expertise ensured a comprehensive and compassionate response to the diverse needs of those seeking shelter.
Navigating the complexities of diverse cultural backgrounds and the profound trauma experienced by evacuees presented significant challenges, but we addressed them swiftly. Our Art Center's therapeutic endeavors provided crucial support and healing for those in need. The generosity of volunteers allowed us to establish a complete psychological center with clinical psychologists specializing in trauma treatment.
Despite the trials faced, optimism prevails. The unity forged at our center demonstrates that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.
We can't do this without you. Your support enables Givat Haviva to continue promoting peace, shared society, and social equality.
You have the potential to save lives and prevent the outbreak of violence in Israel. As we work through these difficult times, we invite you to join us in making a lasting impact. Your contribution will extend our initiatives and build bridges between communities.
We would like you to forward this email and share our message on social media to spread the word and encourage others to join our mission.
Together, let's write a story of hope, resilience, and shared understanding. Join us in creating a more inclusive and just society for all citizens of Israel.
Please share this appeal with your network to spread the word about our critical work.
With gratitude,
Michal Sella, CEO
Mohammad Darawshe, Directer of Strategy
P.S. You can double the impact of your donation by checking if your company offers a matching gifts program.
Please reach out with any questions or if you would like to learn more about our work.