Breaking new ground in philanthropy in Israel, the first community “Federation” in Israel, based on North American and international models, will be officially launched in Ramat Hasharon on May 30, 2011.

Named Takdim* – The Ramat Hasharon Community Foundation (*Precedent in Hebrew), the Foundation will be led by local lay leaders, and will raise funds from residents and local businesses for projects in the community, throughout Israel and worldwide.

The Foundation, an apolitical independent non-profit organization, enjoys the active support and cooperation of the Ramat Hasharon Municipality and Migvanim – Multidisciplinary Centers, the local network of community centers.

Takdim has already generated great interest among residents of Ramat Hasharon and has attracted dozens of activists. Chairman of the Foundation is David Ivry, President of Boeing Israel and former Israeli Ambassador to the United States. Among its leadership are Herzl Bodinger, Rami Shalmor, Yehoram Gaon, Miri Eisen and Shlomo Nechama,

“Takdim is creating an ‘Israeli model’ for community-wide philanthropy that will invest in projects that improve the quality of life of all Ramat Hasharon residents,” said Managing Director Arik Rosenblum. “The Foundation is predicated on mutual responsibility, and will raise funds from all local citizens for the benefit of the entire community.”

“By establishing Takdim we are indeed setting a precedent and we hope this will start a movement in other communities in Israel. We believe that it’s our responsibility to work toward improving society and this starts at home. We are giving time and financial resources to make sure this happens,” said Chairman David Ivry.

Takdim is being run like a Jewish federation, with an Honorary President (Mayor Yitzhak Rochberger), Chairman, Executive Council and General Assembly. There are committees and taskforces and “process” is the fundamental operating principle.

Takdim hopes to establish joint projects with Jewish federations in North America and elsewhere, based on a partnership of peers between Israeli and Diaspora donors.