Chronicles
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Congratulations to all Access for All graduates — program supported by the Matanel Foundation — you have proven that with access comes opportunity, and with opportunity comes excellence !

Pictures: Graduation Ceremony , Tel Aviv 28/06/26 - In presence of Johanna Cohen, advisor of the Matanel Foundation
Matanel Foundation
The Shoshani Riddle Wins Award for Best Documentary
Congratulations to Michael Grynszpan, his documentary The Shoshani Riddle,supported by the Matanel Foundation was awarded the Best Documentary in 2023 by the Israeli Critics Association. The film investigates the mystery behind the man known only as Mr. Shoshani. He was an eternal nomad, a mad genius, who attracted disciples such as Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel and renowned philosopher Emmanuel Levinas. Mr. Shoshani is one of the unsolved riddles of the 20th century and is considered one of the ten most mysterious people of all time.
Originally, this award was intended to offer the winner a summer internship at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel—one of the world’s leading centers for scientific research. So today, we would like to offer a sincere prayer for peace as an absolute necessity. For science, like music, is one of the few things that brings us together as human beings, across borders, languages, and conflicts. It knows no passport. And we hope that this prize will one day regain its special significance—and that these young people will, in a more peaceful world, be able to discover Israel.
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On 14 May 2025, the anniversary of the creation of the State of Israel, the brand new EJM College was inaugurated . In the presence of numerous dignitaries, including former Prime Minister and Minister of National Education Gabriel Attal, After visiting a temporary exhibition with contemporary art accents on Nature, the choir pupils sang songs that amazed the audience. The Board of the Matanel Foundation extends its congratulations and wish all the best to the EJM College! https://youtube.com/shorts/Q_9UGFebHT4?feature=share https://youtube.com/shorts/MZJ8BVU-7h4?feature=share
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The 23rd of April , Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion inaugurated a new pathway named after our beloved Rav Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz z"l.Extract of Meni Even Israel's speech:
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Today in Jerusalem | A Street, A Name, A Legacy
This morning, in the heart of Jerusalem—a city whose stones remember everything—a street received a new name. Not just a name, but a legacy. Not only a signpost, but a step in the long road of Jewish history. The street now bears the name of Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz zt"l: a teacher, a translator of eternity, a builder of bridges between minds and generations, hearts and heavens.
It is fitting—profoundly fitting—that it happens here, in this city of dualities. Jerusalem, whose ancient walls have always held both longing and fulfillment, ruin and rebuilding, silence and song. A city that exists not only on a map, but within the soul of a people.
Rabbi Steinsaltz did not merely live in Jerusalem. He listened to her. Argued with her. Translated her language for those who had forgotten how to hear it. For him, Jerusalem was not only sacred past or distant promise—it was a living challenge, a spiritual center, a ladder between worlds.
To walk a street bearing his name is to be reminded that Torah is not confined to shelves or sanctuaries. It walks with us. It argues, it whispers, it demands. Rabbi Steinsaltz gave us not just books, but a way forward—one that refuses the dullness of the middle ground and insists, instead, on the golden path: a synthesis of intensity and discipline, mysticism and reason, inner fire and quiet faith.
The ceremony today was not simply about naming. It was about meaning. It was about declaring, in a world eager to forget, that some names are not forgotten. That some lives shine so brightly, they must be carved into the stones of Jerusalem.
As the prophet wrote:
"I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a hand and a name—better than sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name, which shall not be cut off." (Isaiah 56:5)
This name will not be cut off.
And so we walk this street now—feet on the pavement, hearts lifted upward—knowing that we, too, are invited to be part of something larger than ourselves. Something ancient. Something urgent. Something eternal.
Blessed is the one who lives in Jerusalem, and helps build her.
Who becomes part of the ladder set upon the earth, whose head reaches toward heaven.
And who, in doing so, becomes a living thread in the fabric of her eternity.
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The 30th of June 2025, Mrs. Joelle Aflalo as Matanel Foundation's president , has been awarded the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Couronne de Chêne (Knight of the Order of the Oak Crown), a distinguished national honor bestowed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This decoration is one of Luxembourg’s highest recognitions and is awarded in acknowledgment of exceptional service and contribution. We are proud to share this notable recognition with you.
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We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the Kahan Organization for being awarded the Jerusalem Prize for Israeli Unity 2025. The ceremony has been held this week at the President's Residence, they received extraordinary recognition for their work in advancing Ethiopian-Jewish identity, breaking down barriers of prejudice, and fostering hearts within Israeli society. The Jerusalem Prize for Israeli Unity awarded their innovative programs that promote Jewish-Israeli identity among Ethiopian Jews and Israeli society as a whole, and their efforts to connect diverse communities.
The Matanel Prize for a Book in Jewish Thought- 2025 Thursday — 22 May 2025 — 18:00-20:00 Ben-Zvi Institute, 14 Ibn Gabirol St., Jerusalem
Speeches by the winners
Prof. Zvi Mark, on his book Secrets of heaven and secrets of man : visionary and literary layers in Likkuti Moharan by R. Nahman of Bratslav asconnected to redemption and to the Land of Israel (Bar-Ilan University Press, 2024) Prof. Omer Michaelis, on his book Crisis discourse and the dynamics of tradition in Maimonides' oeuvre (Magnes Press, 2023)Musical interlude
‘Music for the soul’ performed by: Betty Klein, singer and harpistRegistration
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Ramadan Iftar Dinner Aflaka Restaurant in Jaffa Citizens Building Community in presence of Johanna Cohen, Advisor of the Matanel Foundation in Israel. [gallery link="file" size="full" ids="26241,26240,26239,26238,26237"]
Dear Friends,
We are delighted to announce the inaugural cycle of the Matanel Sefarad Seminar, an immersive academic and cultural program dedicated to the rich heritage of Sephardic Jewish civilization.
Hosted by the Institute for Jewish Studies Barcelona (EJB), this six-week summer program will take place from June 2 to July 11, 2025, in the heart of Barcelona’s historic Jewish quarter and along the European Routes of Jewish Heritage in Catalonia.
The seminar is designed for students, educators, and cultural activists from all disciplines who are passionate about exploring the depth and breadth of Sephardic history, thought, and culture. Through a unique combination of textual studies, field excursions, and hands-on workshops, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Sephardic heritage—from its golden age in medieval Spain to its contemporary global expressions and challenges.
We warmly invite applications from those eager to join us for this transformative experience.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with colleagues and students who may be interested in this unique program.
Application Deadline: April 25, 2025
For more information about the program, faculty, and application process, please visit our website: www.ejbarcelona.org or contact us at info.ejbarcelona@gmail.com.
Warm regards,
Institute for Jewish Studies Barcelona (EJB)
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Congratulations to Tenufa Bakehila for winning the 2025 Jerusalem Mayor's Award for Outstanding Aid Organization. Supported by the Matanel Foundation, this association changes the lives of families in need by carrying out urgent home repairs.
יד בן־צבי, מכון בן־צבי לחקר קהילות ישראל במזרח וקרן מתנאל מזמינים את הציבור להגיש מועמדות לפרס מתנאל לספרים בשפה העברית בנושא מחשבת ישראל שראו אור .בשנים 2024-2022 שני פרסים, בגובה 12,500 דולר כל אחד, יוענקו למחברים של ספרי עיון ומחקר מקוריים העוסקים במחשבת ישראל במובנה .הרחב, בכל תחומי היצירה והתרבות .רשאים להגיש מועמדות מחברי הספרים או ההוצאות לאור .הפרסים יוענקו בטקס חגיגי בחודש אפריל 2025 :לתקנון הפרס ולהגשת מועמדות https://ybz.org/מלגות-ופרסים/
?יזם או יזמת חברתיים ?יש לך חשיבה חדשנית ויצירתית ?עשית הרבה למען צדק חברתי ואיכות החיים במדינה !אולי הפרס הזה נועד לך - .תיקון עולם הוא מושג יהודי עתיק בן למעלה מ-2,000 שנה והוא מייצג את השאיפה להטיב ולשפר את עולמנו. הוא מייצג תודעה ברורה של ערבות הדדית, אחריות, ושותפות. ערכים שהם תנאי להמשך קיומה ושגשוגה של מדינת ישראל .פרס מתנאל לתיקון עולם, על סך 12,500 דולר, מטעם אוניברסיטת רייכמן וקרן מתנאל, מבקש להעלות על נס אנשים פרטיים שבחרו להקדיש את מרצם, יכולותיהם ומשאביהם לעשייה למען תיקון עולם וצדק חברתי :מי יכול להגיש מועמדות העומדים בראש מיזמים חברתיים הפועלים לפחות חמש שנים• ניתן להגיש מועמדות בגין מיזם אחד בלבד, והמועמד/ת חייבים להיות ממובילי המיזם• על המיזם להיות בעל היקף נרחב והשפעה לאומית, לשקף עומק מחשבה ורמת ביצוע גבוהה, להיות חדשני ופורץ דרך, להציע מענה לצורך ברור ולייצג את ערכי הפרס•
!זה הזמן שלכם להגיש מועמדות לינק להרשמה
לפרטים נוספים ניתן לפנות ל: matanelaward@runi.ac.il
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Congratulations to the winners of the CER Internet Entrepreneurs Prize 2024.

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New cohort of the Rebbetzin program seminar, supported by the Matanel Foundation in presence of Joelle Aflalo , director of the Matanel Foundation has taken place in Prague on 8-11.12.2024. Attending 45-50 Rebbetzins from all over Europe, the seminar aims to strengthen the bonds between the Rabbaniyot and the topic that will be guiding this seminar is “Inspiration”
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The Extended Board Meeting of the Muslim Jewish Leadership Council (MJLC) has taken place in Brussels this December 1st to 3rd. In presence of Joelle Aflalo, director of the Matanel Foundation. It provided an open and frank space to speak openly about the clear challenges Muslim-Jewish dialogue in Europe has encountered, assess the current situation, hear from external experts, and collectively decide on ways forward together. [caption id="attachment_25784" align="alignnone" width="300"]
MJLC Brussels 2024[/caption] Matanel Foundation
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Joelle Aflalo's visit - Yad Ben Zvi Institute-october 2024
Joelle Aflalo's visit - Yad Ben Zvi Institute-October 2024

Matanel Foundation
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Joelle Aflalo's visit - Merkaz Telem Jerusalem
Matanel Foundation
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Meeting Joelle Aflalo with Avishai Berman - october 2024
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Joelle Aflalo - Visit of the Kotel - october 2024
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With the support of the Matanel Foundation, the Luxembourg Monitoring Committee for the National Action Plan against Anti-Semitism organised a training seminar on the theme of ‘the new faces of anti-Semitism’ with M. Georges Bensoussan,M. Rudy Reichstadt,M. Joël Kotek. [caption id="attachment_25201" align="alignnone" width="300"]
M. Georges Bensoussan,M. Michel Heintz M. Joël Kotek M. Rudy Reichstadt,[/caption]
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M. Georges Bensoussan,Mrs Joelle Aflalo M. Michel Heintz M. Joël Kotek[/caption]
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Matanel Crossroad Seminar – In Preparation for Israel's Centennial, 2048
A seminar envisioning Israel's state and society in its centennial year – 2048. The seminar will consist of 15 graduate Reichman University students from every department, or outstanding undergraduates in their last year of studies. They will meet over an academic school year for 10 sessions, dealing with the core issues Israel is concerned with toward its centennial: education, welfare, culture, religion, health, finance, communication & media, law, foreign affairs and government. Each session will take place over three hours and begin with an expert guest lecture - cf the program The Matanel Foundation supports such seminars in various other settings in all over the country.
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Disability Smart Inclusive Workplace Experience Award update
Although They did not win the first prize, Na Laga’at Center won the encouragement prize for their work in the field of integration and inclusion and received a certificate of appreciation for for increasing economic and social inclusion through a range of innovative enterprises that employ deaf, hearing impaired, blind and visually impaired people as staff and performers.
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Congratulations to Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER), who was awarded last thursday in Aachen, the prestigious Charlemagne Prize for his outstanding efforts to promote the European values of peace, tolerance, pluralism, and dialogue both religiously and culturally.This award is considered the most prestigious award given to individuals and leaders for work done in the service of European unification.

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Joelle Aflalo, along with the delegation of the Conference of European Rabbis, met the Pope Francis at the Vatican.
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The Matanel Foundation extends its sincere congratulations to Professor Meir Buzaglo, founder of the Tikkun Movement created with the support of the Matanel Foundation, for receiving the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor. The Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded to those who have made an extraordinary contribution to the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and all humanity.
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Congratulations to the winners of the Matanel Inclusive Workplace award : the award is aimed at raising awareness and encourage employers for equal representation of employees with disabilities in the labour market. Winners: 1st : Concept for Pharmacy - a health-related business in Kfar Saba that has been employing people with psychiatric disorders for over a decade. The company currently employs 10 people with disabilities in various departments throughout their cooperation. 2nd : Golbary / Sacara - Bnei Brak branch - a clothing store in Bnei Brak that has 12 female employees, of which 3 have cognitive disabilities. Their work entails customer service, organizing and arranging goods etc. One of them even does new employee onboarding. 3rd : Stopmarket – a grocery store in Netanya. Out of 40 employees, they have 10 employees with cognitive disabilities from the Arab sector who reside in the Salam Kfar Kara group homes. They have equal employment rights. Initiative by Ohel Sarah in collaboration with Shekel, and The Commission of Rights of People with Disabilities, the ceremony was held in Tel Aviv the 20th of June in presence of the First Lady of the State of Israel, Michal Herzog.
Yael Berman-Domb, CEO of ‘Tana Yerushalmi’ (photo: The Jerusalem Fund)
Yael Berman-Domb, CEO of Tana Yerushalmi, during an activity (photo: The Jerusalem Fund)
“As part of the selection process, over 100 nominations were submitted to win the new prestigious award,” it was reported to “Khal Ha’ir”. “Many groundbreaking initiatives were presented in the proposals, which strengthen society in all its aspects and have a decisive contribution for the residents of Jerusalem. At the end of a strict selection process led by the judging team, Yael Berman-Domb, CEO of ‘Tana Jerusalem’ and one of its founders, was chosen to receive the prestigious award. Berman Domb, who has devoted many years to diverse social activities, heads the association that leads unique programs to strengthen the city of Jerusalem by attracting and keeping young men and women in the city, as well as shaping active, committed and influential community leadership.”
“The association leads programs intended for the younger generation of various ages in a democratic and pluralistic spirit, including: a pre-military preparatory school, an integrated midrash, programs for students and accompanying communities,” it added. “Many achievements have been credited to the association in its 13 years of activity: 500 graduates of the Jerusalem high school and TANA Jerusalem programs, 70% of the graduates work in the public and social sector and many have chosen to live in Jerusalem.”
It should be noted that the awarding ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 3/28/23, in Jerusalem in the presence of Mayor Moshe Leon
We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to, CEO of 'Tene Yerushalmi' for winning the prestigious "Jerusalem Prize for Young Leadership"
The Jerusalem Prize for Young Leadership is awarded to civil society leaders (up to the age of 50), workers in non-profit organizations, who have presented significant activity to strengthen Jerusalem, the development of the community and the well-being of the residents. The prize, in the amount of 100 thousand dollars, will be awarded to the organization led by the winner and the prize money will be transferred to the cultivation and promotion of its activities.
The association Tene Yerushalmi leads programs intended for the younger generation of various ages in a democratic and pluralistic spirit, including: a pre-military preparatory school, an integrated midrash, programs for students and accompanying communities.
The Matanel Foundation supports their Perach Zahav Bnei Bayit program Matanel Foundation
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Joëlle Aflalo meeting with Aliza Bloch, mayor of Beit Shemesh
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Congratulations to the Ecological Greenhouse Ein-Shemer students that have developed a project of inventing a protein production agro-system, aiming to offer a solution to fight hunger in rural areas in Kenya. Their project won 1st prize in the Isreali competition for sustainable development solutions. here is a short presentation clip, created by the students.

Congratulations to the Musrara 2022 Graduates for their achievements and final exhibition.
Here is the link to the Class of 2022 exhibitions site : https://graduation.musrara.co.il/2022/






















Congratulations to The Na Laga’at Center which was awarded the prestigious prize in the Inclusive Employment category, selected from among 522 nominees across 90 countries as the sole Israeli winner for their contribution to the integration of blind, deaf and deaf-blind people in employment and culture.
The award was presented last weekend at the United Nations offices in Vienna, Austria, as part of the Zero Project Conference 2025, which was attended by over 1,000 participants from 90 countries involved in the integration and accessibility of and for people with special needs.
Supported by the Matanel Foundation, the 'Na Laga'at Center was selected due to the unique model it operates and the fact that it is an accessible cultural institution for people with visual and hearing disabilities, which also provides vocational training and employment. 70% of the center's workforce includes people with sensory disabilities.











The BrightMed team has the great pleasure to invite you to 2024’s edition of the Gibraltar
World Music Festival (GWMF) and the BrightMed events. This year’s theme is ‘LEVANA’
This year’s theme, chosen to address the strong need to rebirth after the Covid years that
left Culture, particularly in Gibraltar, sterile, is linked to tapping into the wonderful female
energy. This energy is seen as the fundamental force for a renaissance.
While some may find that LEVANA was a Roman Goddess associated with childbirth, it
also signifies “white” in Hebrew, and is used to name the full moon. What better
representation of female connection than the full moon and its influences on us, our mothers,
sisters, and partners?
To represent LEVANA, the Artistic Directors selected three powerful artists: Sian Pottok,
Michelle Davis and Ana Carla Maza.
As per every edition, GWMF will arrange a concert at the St Michael’s Cave on the Evening
of the 27th June (from 20.00).
Annual conference of the Matanel Forum at Bar Ilan University dedicated to the philosophy of André Neher.
The lectures at the conference will be conducted in both Hebrew and French .


The Book Histoire Juive de la France, supported by the Matanel Foundation has received the prestigious Mare Nostrum Prize 2023 section History and Geopolitics
A Jewish History of France: this monumental study tracing two millennia of Jewish presence in France stands out for its exceptional documentary and analytical wealth. Produced by 150 renowned academics under the direction of Sylvie Anne Goldberg, this colossal work captivates with its skilful blend of specialist scholarship and accessibility. The great strength of the book lies in its willingness to place the trajectory of the Jews in the global historical contexts in which they participated. Varying its focus from the long term to the study of specific cases, it reveals the full complexity of the relationship between France and its Jews. Supported by sumptuous iconography, this landmark book takes readers on a fascinating journey through the centuries. Its scientific and editorial quality is a credit to the vitality of Jewish studies, and the "Mare Nostrum Prize - History and Geopolitics", awarded to Roberto Mercadini (Le Génie des ténèbres - Les Belles Lettres), was a fitting reward.





Picture : Graduation ceremony at the Tel Aviv University the 5th of June.
Foto: Marc Müller / CER
"MUSEUM" , supported by the Matanel Foundation will be screened at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque on April 16 at 19h
To get a discount coupon. Simply enter the word מוזיאון20 in the coupon box of the reservation form. Here is the 





Congratulations to Elyon Motion for the Premiere of his new documentary : "MUSEUM" , supported by the Matanel Foundation that will be released in theaters on November 30, 2022 in France.
Here are this week programmation:
The Board of the Matanel Foundation congratulates Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt for his nomination as one of the most influential Jews in 2022 by the Jerusalem Post.
500 guests and international speakers are invited to an open discussion and think tank sessions focusing on the challenges of the next decade and on how to strengthen the Zionist movement, the Diaspora, and the state of Israel for a better and united Jewish nation and people.
Prof. Oded Israeli, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev on his book, R. Moses b. Nachman (Nachmanides): Intellectual Biography.

