As we approach almost a year since the devastating events of October 7th, a group of social entrepreneurs from Israel’s southern region visited Detroit during their Midwest tour with the Restart Delegation from Kolot. These dedicated entrepreneurs are leading initiatives to rebuild and revitalize their communities.
The delegation represented the following projects:
- ESTHER’S PROJECT: Establishing a training center to support informal education systems.
- OHAD’S PROJECT: A Future for the Region: Ohad transitioned from his start-up to lead “A Future,” a movement for local leadership and public involvement in the region’s renewal.
- SAPIR’S PROJECT: The Workshop: Sapir will manage a communal arts space, continuing the legacy of Livnat Kutz, z”l.
- VERED’S PROJECT: Community in the City: Vered leads a welfare initiative to support families in crisis through communal networks.
- TOMER’S PROJECT: Iron Business: A mentorship program pairing local business owners with IAF Pilot Course graduates to provide business guidance.
- ELYASAF’S PROJECT: Let the Artistic Bomb Shelters Speak: Creating a network of stories about the decorated bomb shelters, sharing their art and life-saving significance.
- ORLY’S PROJECT: Mothers Group: Transitioning the successful “Moms of the Region” Facebook group into face-to-face gatherings for deeper connections.
- ADI’S PROJECT: Spoiled by the South: Curating gift packages from southern region products for targeted audiences in Israel and abroad.
- RAPHAEL’S PROJECT: In My Hand: A digital platform for regional businesses to pool resources and reach new markets.
- SIVAN’S PROJECT: The Dialogue Farm: Establishing a therapeutic farm for animal rehabilitation and community healing.
- YAEL’S PROJECT: Holistic Women’s Health Center: A one-stop center for women’s health, providing medical and alternative treatments.
- DORON’S PROJECT: Paint the South More Than Red: Creating a series of festivals to promote social and economic growth.
- YARIN’S PROJECT: The Forum: Empowering border residents to influence security policy through strategic advocacy.
- YAFFA’S PROJECT: Higher Education: Encouraging higher education and advanced degrees among residents.
- ALEX’S PROJECT: Making ‘The Future’ Local: Supporting access to local higher education for residents.
Leon Wiener Dow, Director of Beit Midrash, shared, “We were fascinated and inspired by [the MIBA’s] work, deeply moved by your dedication, and grateful for your warm hospitality in such a stunning setting. It was a perfect conclusion to our 9-day journey.”
The MIBA was honored to host this inspiring group and share insights into our work in Michigan. We have no doubt that their innovative ideas will evolve into meaningful change and lasting impact.
