The Jerusalem Rotary Foundation was formally established in 1968. It awards scholarships to high school students of all religions frm poor Jerusalem families, who are studying "hi-tech" subjects.
The students are selected from participating schools on the basis of their scholastic record and recommendations from their teachers.
The aim of the program is to encourage bright students to remain in schooland to resist the temptation of going into the job market before they further develop their knowledge and skills.
Over the past 37 years the Jerusalem Rotary Foundation has helped over 2,000 of the cities brightest youngsters from poor families to make their way in life and contribute to the community to which they belong.
The Foundation is supported by donations from members of the Rotary Club of Jerusalem, by friends and benefactors and by donations made to honor the memories of relatives and friends. All members of the Club donate to the Foundation in one way or another. The Foundation mission has become one of the core Community Service activites of the Club.
The Foundation was initially launched during the presidency of Ernest H. Siedner 1964. During the presidency of Mordecai Maron in 1968 the Foundation was registered as a separate legal entity with tax exempt status for its donors. Past President Maron was responsible for securing many of the initial large donations which enabled the Foundation to commence operations.
Past Presidents Moshe Raz, Yossi Casuto and Werner Loval are active members who served the Foundation well in its early years. Past President Rizek Abushaar holds the record for the longest uninterrupted membership on the Foundation Board of Governors.
The Jerusalem Rotary Foundation is governed by a Board of Governors elected for three year terms by the members of the Rotary Club of Jerusalem. All members of the Club are automatically members of the Foundation.
The former mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek, was Honorary President of the Foundation for several years. The founding members and officers of the Foundation were:
Officers
Mayor Teddy Kollek, Honorary President
Ernest H. Siedner, Chairman
Zvi Schwarz, Vice Chairman
Moshe Raz, Honorary Secretary-Treasurer
Members
Dr. Douglas Young
Professor Sh. Ginossar
Reverend W. Gardner Scott
Mordechai Maron
Abraham Shabtay
Dr. Alexander Broido
SUPPORT TALENTED YOUTH
The number and size of Foundation scholarships depends on the generosity of members, visitors and friends. Donations are always needed and welcome. Many deserving candidates are turned down yearly due to the limited support available.
LET US HEAR FROM YOU:
Let us know you would like more information or that you would like to make a tax deductible contribute to the Foundation by submitting a message to our Foundation President P/P Ruth Harris.
