Jerusalem’s population is a microcosm of Israeli society. The city is also a portender of issues that will face the country in the future. By encouraging grassroots, entrepreneurial solutions in Jerusalem, we believe that the seeds are being sown for solutions to many of the challenges that Israeli society as a whole faces. We see Jerusalem as a critically important demonstration ground, a laboratory for social entrepreneurship and vibrant social change, an ancient muse where old problems can be re-constructed to pilot new solutions.

Jerusalem of biblical times was the center of the world, not only in terms of purely religious beliefs, but also in today’s nomenclature of social entrepreneurship. We envision Jerusalem rising again as a center of social activism and entrepreneurship. The city has become a hub for young people building civil society and renewing those ancient ethos. We believe the intensity and diversity that many point to negatively for Jerusalem is actually the city’s foremost advantage.

Jerusalem is also one of Israel’s poorest cities. A focus on workforce development in two key communities in the city with special focus on career quality and advancement reflects the values of our founders.