(Los Angeles — January 18, 2021) — StandWithUs has launched a groundbreaking new initiative called Connect for Progress. We are taking Israel activism to the next level by identifying practical challenges communities are facing, matching those challenges with unique Israeli solutions, and empowering our network to advocate for those solutions locally. We will announce a major Connect for Progress partnership and project on January 31, 2021, at the StandWithUs International Conference.
Connect for Progress is spearheaded by StandWithUs Executive Director of Research & Strategy, Max Samarov. “Israelis are well known for finding unique solutions that can help people overcome challenges locally and globally,” said Samarov. “With Connect for Progress, we’re empowering people to not only support Israel, but also make life better in their own communities. Despite the pandemic, we’ve already begun doing deeply meaningful and impactful work with partners and activists in Israel, the U.S., Brazil, and beyond.”
Connect for Progress has started with a limited number of projects in areas such as clean water access, renewable energy, and COVID-19 recovery. However, the ultimate goal is to systematically identify matches between local challenges and unique Israeli solutions across the board. From there, StandWithUs will empower its network of activists and partners to build relationships with local leaders and advocate for those solutions in their communities. We will also share and amplify success stories to educate new audiences about Israel and build momentum behind the most effective Israeli solutions.
“StandWithUs is always looking for creative ways to advance our mission of supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism,” said Roz Rothstein, CEO of StandWithUs. “Connect for Progress will improve lives in tangible ways and create unprecedented opportunities for activism, education, relationship building, and civic engagement for Israel. It’s a win for everyone.”
In addition to its own research and outreach, Connect for Progress works with Start-Up Nation Central to identify Israeli businesses and organizations that can help solve local challenges. We have also connected with companies through Israel Economic Missions and other avenues. This has already led to numerous positive relationships with innovative Israeli companies, including a very exciting partnership which will be announced later this month (see above).
StandWithUs will provide further information about Connect for Progress and how you can get involved at:
About StandWithUs
StandWithUs (SWU) is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organization that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism.
Through university fellowships, high school internships, middle school curricula, conferences, materials, social media, educational films and missions to Israel, StandWithUs supports people around the world who want to educate their schools and communities about Israel.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization has chapters and programs on 5 continents, including the U.S., Israel, UK, Canada, South Africa and Brazil.
For the last 7 years, SWU has consistently received the highest possible ratings from Charity Navigator (4 stars) and Guidestar (Platinum).
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