Strength Through Community
Anchored in the understanding that we are stronger together, and that community has the power to enrich our lives, community renewal initiatives have created vital networks of support for Ethiopian-Israelis.
These projects aim to harness the force of community to improve the lives of Ethiopian-Israelis.
Friends by Nature
Friends by Nature – Community Strength (FBN) is a pioneering Israeli nonprofit dedicated to empowering at-risk Ethiopian-Israeli youth and fostering strong, resilient communities through education, leadership development, and civic engagement.
Founded in 2005 by a diverse coalition of Ethiopian-Israelis and veteran Israelis—both secular and religious—FBN embraces multiculturalism and social responsibility as cornerstones of its mission. Under the leadership of Yuvi Tashome, the organization implements a unique “Community Garin” model, in which successful Ethiopian-Israelis return to at-risk neighborhoods, forming activist groups that mentor and uplift their communities.
FBN’s activities include:
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The agricultural garden in Geddera, serving 60 Ethiopian-Israeli pensioner farmers, provides a space for growing organic crops using traditional methods, fostering community, pride, and economic security, while also offering a model for sustainable, multi-generational farming initiatives in other communities.
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"Revealed - Moonlit Meetings for Women", a monthly women's gathering hosted in Geddera, where women come together to share stories, engage in personal growth activities, and celebrate their womanhood through lectures, wellness treatments, and a moonlit ceremony.
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The "Youngens - The Next Generation!" program empowers Ethiopian-Israeli youth to become role models and community leaders by providing them with guidance for their futures, opportunities to volunteer, and a platform for engaging with both local and external groups, fostering social mobility and community connection.
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"At Home-Homework", an educational program that focuses on creating suitable learning environments in students' homes by providing private lessons and engaging parents in their children's academic progress, fostering multi-generational change and community support.
FBN's impact has been transformative, with high school dropout rates decreasing to zero after two years of programming, and local violence-related calls to police and Magen David Adom also dropping significantly. The organization has fostered young leadership and expanded its successful model to eight communities across Israel, including Gedera, Kiryat Gat, and Be’er-Sheva.
Friends by Nature continues to transform communities by inspiring young leaders and ensuring that Ethiopian-Israelis play an integral role in shaping Israel’s social and civic fabric.
Read more about Friends by Nature here.
Shavu Banim Community Center in Beer Sheva
Shavu Banim is a vibrant, independent nonprofit education, cultural, and community center dedicated to serving the 15,000-strong Ethiopian-Israeli population of Be'er Sheva, Israel. Nestled in an architecturally stunning complex, the center offers a diverse range of services, including enriching after-school programs, a welcoming synagogue, a modern computer center, a thought-provoking museum, elder care, a cultural heritage hub, and an event hall—creating a dynamic space for growth, connection, and celebration.
Anya Banya
Anya Banya is a transformative youth movement, aiming to empower both Ethiopian-Israeli and non-Ethiopian-Israeli children and youth in Israel.
The movement fosters a sense of belonging and leadership through a unique “youth leading youth” model, where young leaders are encouraged to take initiative, make positive changes, and serve as role models within their communities. By promoting values of equality, responsibility, involvement, and giving, Anya Banya seeks to create a unified, resilient Israeli society.
The movement focuses on developing leadership skills, creating a cohesive sense of self, and building youth engagement through experiential and enjoyable activities, including hiking, field trips, and outdoor challenges.
Founded by social-business entrepreneur and social activist Barak Avraham, Anya Banya began its activities in 2019 with the establishment of its first branch at the Amit Youth Village in Petah Tikva. The movement has since expanded to three other branches in Netanya, Ashkelon, and Hadera, with plans to open a new branch in Yokneam soon.
By providing young people with the necessary tools and skills, Anya Benya empowers them to take responsibility for themselves and their communities, leading to a lasting positive impact on Israeli society. Through its commitment to youth empowerment, Anya Benya envisions a future where its graduates play active roles as civic leaders, volunteers, soldiers, and influencers, contributing to the betterment of Israeli society.
Learn more about Anya Banya here.
