Personal loss in bereaved families is an irreparable fracture. The ‘Shikma’ program was created from the understanding that commemoration has the power to create meaning in life in a personal and social sense. The program provides professional guidance and emotional support to bereaved families, who see themselves as entrepreneurs and wish to establish a social enterprise in memory of their loved ones. Its goal is to shape a personal-social memory in connection with their lost loved one and even to create innovative solutions to social challenges in Israel.
‘Shikma’ – developed as a unique accelerator model by Hackaveret, in collaboration with the UJA-Federation of New York, JDC-Ashalim, and the National Insurance Institute – Funds Division, is founded on the belief in the power of social entrepreneurship to re-ripen out of loss, just as the sycamore tree (shikma tree) bears fruit only after being wounded.
Neta Team – A Project in Memory of the Late Neta Epstein
The late Neta Epstein, 21, from Kfar Aza, was killed when he jumped on a grenade to save his fiancée during the terrorist attack in Kfar Aza. ‘Team Neta’, the project conceived by his mother, Ayelet Shahar Epstein, provides training for volunteers and national service members in the field of disabilities – in a way that gives them practical tools, a sense of mission and belonging. The project brings together care workers and community activists, who are driven by values of caring, compassion and leadership – just like Neta.
HaHavura (‘The Gang’) – A Project in Memory of the Late Omri Schwartz
The late Lieutenant Omri Schwartz, a fighter in the paratroopers from Shadmot Dvora, was killed in battle in Jabalia after taking part in fighting and rescuing hostages in Kisufim and Ofakim. His parents, Tomer and Shirley, founded ‘HaHavura’ – a framework that brings together groups of young people who have lost friends for group processes of social entrepreneurship. Through workshops and retreats, a supportive community is built that gives space to pain and converts it into meaningful action.
NoRo’s Vision – A Project in Memory of the Late Norel and Roya Mansouri
The late Norel and Roya Mansouri, sisters aged 25 and 22, were murdered together at the Nova party. Their mother, Sigal Steiner Mansouri, initiated ‘NoRo’s Vision’ – styling sessions, personal empowerment and inspiring discourse for girls and women at risk and from the social periphery. Through the story of Norel and Roya, connection, hope and a renewed self-image are built, and the message conveyed is one of choice, resilience and inner beauty, even in the shadow of loss.
Doll’s Wings – A Project in Memory of the Late Kotz Family
Aviv and Livnat Kutz and their children – Rotem, Yonatan and Yiftach – were all murdered in their home in Kfar Aza. Adi Levy Salama, Livnat’s sister, founded ‘Doll’s Wings’ – an artistic community project that brings together different communities for joint creation around the values of sustainability, belonging and mutual contribution. The project began in July 2023, at the initiative of the late Livnat, as an educational-community act that aims to give “wings and flight” to residents of the Gaza Envelope by collecting old toys and recycling them into colorful stabilizers. Through art and shared action, a healing community is created – that grows new wings from the dirt.
In Noam’s Way – A Project in Memory of the Late Noam Abramovich
The late Noam Abramovich, a 19-year-old military surveillance operator from Givat Brenner, was murdered at the Nahal Oz outpost. Her parents, Adva and Yossi, founded ‘In Noam’s Way – Public Servant Leadership’, a training program for young leaders who aspire to act out of a sense of public, moral, and responsible mission. The project aims to cultivate leadership that works to repair and improve state systems, inspired by Noam’s character and values.
The ‘Shikma’ program expresses continuity and growth alongside pain and loss. The participants in the program turn pain into a lever of meaning, they choose to turn their gaze to the future – and create small points of light within the great fracture.
