Investing in the Jewish Future: The Yael Foundation’s Work – and Why Belgium Matters

In a moment when many communities are asking what continuity looks like in practice, the Yael Foundation is acting on a simple, demanding idea: the strongest Jewish future is built in classrooms, in school corridors, and in the experiences that make learning feel like belonging.

A philanthropic investor, not a passive donor

The Yael Foundation is a global philanthropic investor in the Jewish future, dedicated exclusively to strengthening Jewish identity through high-quality Jewish education and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Founded in 2020 by Uri and Yael Poliavich, the Foundation operates in more than 130 schools and educational initiatives across 45 countries across Europe, Latin America, Central Asia, and North America a reach that places it among the largest philanthropic efforts in Jewish education. The Foundation approaches that work with a long-term view, treating schools as communal infrastructure that must be built, strengthened, and led for the future.

Uri and Yael Poliavich are mission-driven philanthropists committed to expanding access to excellent Jewish education and meaningful Jewish experiences for every Jewish child. They approach Jewish education with the rigor, scale, and strategic discipline that define successful global enterprises – focusing on strong institutions, leadership, academic standards, and long-term economic viability.

The Foundation’s work spans infrastructure development, leadership advancement, academic excellence, and institutional stability, positioning Jewish schools to lead with confidence, deliver measurable excellence, and serve as anchors of communal strength for generations to come.

For the Foundation, this work is ultimately measured not only in systems, but in the confidence and identity of the students themselves.

“Success in Belgium means helping Jewish children feel confident and proud of who they are, giving them the skills and vision to succeed, while rooting them in a strong identity and community they value,” said Elisheva Aarons, project manager for the Yael Foundation.

Belgium: a European anchor with deep educational roots

Belgium is a central hub of European Jewish life, with a well-established and deeply rooted educational tradition. In Antwerp and Brussels, Jewish schools play a foundational role in shaping identity, developing confident and knowledgeable students, and preparing the next generation for meaningful engagement and leadership within their communities.

The Yael Foundation supports multiple schools and programs in Antwerp, Brussels and Edegem, partnering with institutions to strengthen educational quality and meaningful Jewish experience. Support varies by school and by need, but the through line is consistent: reinforce what already works and help schools build the capacity to meet the next decade with stability and ambition.

Partner schools and programs

• Tachkemoni (Antwerp)

The school combines academic excellence with a strong Jewish and Hebrew curriculum. With Yael Foundation partnership, Tachkemoni continues to uphold and enhance high standards while nurturing both intellect and Jewish identity.

• Yavne (Antwerp)

Yavne integrates academic studies with a deep commitment to Jewish life, tradition, and a love for Israel. The school plays an important role in sustaining religious continuity and developing future communal leadership.

• Chai Sunday School (Edegem)

The community-based Jewish learning through the Chai Center offers accessible programming for families seeking connection, identity, and continuity outside the full-time day-school framework.

• Ganenou (Brussels)

A leading Jewish day school serving a diverse cross-section of Brussels, Ganenou combines rigorous general studies with high-quality Jewish and Hebrew education, strengthening both academic excellence and a grounded Jewish identity.

• Beth Aviv (Brussels)

Beth Aviv emphasizes experiential learning with Jewish identity at the heart of school life. With Foundation support, it enhances teaching, resources, and opportunities for students to connect meaningfully with their identity.

At the school level, this shift is felt most clearly in the day-to-day experience of students and families.

“Over the past two years, the change has been tangible and visible every single day. Thanks to the support of the Yael Foundation, we have finally been able to implement ambitious programs in Jewish studies and Hebrew, programs we had envisioned for years but simply could not afford before, said Victor Franco, Board member of Beth Aviv in Brussels. “For a long time, we were focused on making ends meet; now, we are building. This shift—from survival to development—has transformed the daily experience of our students. There is more depth, more structure, and more ambition in what they learn.”

What support looks like in practice

Across Belgium, the Foundation’s support is tailored to each institution, but it often focuses on the practical ingredients that make excellence sustainable: stable enrollment, strong teachers, modern learning environments, and high-quality programming.

• Recruitment initiatives that help schools reach new families and stabilize enrollment.
• Teacher support: salaries, training, and professional growth that raise classroom quality.
• Educational upgrades, including technology and learning resources aligned with modern standards.
• Program development that enriches Jewish learning and meaningful Jewish experiences.

These investments are designed to strengthen schools as they are – reinforcing leadership, raising academic outcomes, and improving student experience – while respecting the character and culture that families have chosen.

A local story with global implications

The Yael Foundation invests in Jewish education and experiences because it sees them as the most powerful drivers of Jewish identity.

Looking ahead, the focus is on building schools that develop students with both deep identity and the capabilities to lead with confidence in any environment.

“It’s about giving children roots and wings: deepening their connection to Am Yisrael while equipping them with modern skills like critical thinking and adaptability. By combining the wisdom of generations with the tools of tomorrow, educators can empower students to lead with confidence in any world they encounter,” said Chaya Yosovich, CEO of the Yael Foundation.

 When schools are strong, communities are stronger, more resilient, more confident, and better equipped to carry Jewish life forward with clarity and pride.

Belgium offers a clear case study: targeted, long-term investment can help schools become future-ready, so they can continue to serve as enduring pillars of Jewish continuity and strength for generations to come.