I was born in Yaffo (Jaffa) 32 years ago, where I grew up with my Arab and Jewish friends in harmony. This became the basis for my belief, that we – as a people – should do our outmost to become true neighbors with all of Israel's minority groups – Arabs, Bedouins, Druze and Circassian (Caucasian).

I joined the Noar Oved and Lomed at an early age, and it became my second home. It was there that I soaked up the values that lead me today: love of Israel, respect and tolerance for fellow humans and equality for all.

After serving in the army, I was part of the founding garin of Kibbutz Ravid, where I learned that education is the best tool for making a real change in our society. I decided to move northward to the extreme periphery of Israel, where I felt my contribution to the community would be so much more significant.

The Ma'ale Yosef region borders with Lebanon, and over the past decades – has been continually bombarded and suffered missile attacks. The children in the area live a life unlike any other, and have to work harder to achieve the small successes that are taken for granted in other regions in Israel.

The Youth Futures program, and the position of Program Coordinator it offered became a wonderful opportunity to create new alternatives for children and teenagers in Ma'ale Yosef that have lost their faith in themselves and in Israel.

The Trustees have also won the opportunity to develop themselves, as well as their children – and I feel privileged to be able to lead them on their way. We know, all of us, that it is up to us to make a difference. It is our home, our responsibility and no-one else will do it for us. Thank you for creating the platform that has set us on our way and for supporting us in our mission.