How the Yael Foundation Is Changing Lives on the Ground
Not all movements start with headlines. Some begin quietly, with a single idea that grows over time. In 2020, Yael Poliavich and her husband Uri took one powerful belief and turned it into something global: every Jewish child deserves more than just access to education. They deserve an education that inspires, includes, and builds a stronger future. That belief became the Yael Foundation.
Where the Impact Is Felt First
Yael Poliavich learned early on that opportunity isn’t handed out equally. Raised in Kyrgyzstan and later building a career in finance, she saw how education could open doors — and now she’s focused on opening those doors for others.
Her work with the Foundation isn’t theoretical. It’s practical. And here’s what that can look like:
- Support for updated classroom tech and better learning tools.
- Trains teachers and school leaders across 37 countries to strengthen local education.
- Helps over 18,000 students in remote or underserved communities.
- Summer programs that build identity through culture and learning.
- Grants that help schools grow without losing quality.
How the Model Works
The Yael Foundation adapts its approach to each community, and that flexibility is key to its success.
Listening Comes First
The team starts by understanding the community’s needs — not assuming them. This keeps programs relevant and welcomed, not forced.
Building From Within
The foundation focuses on what’s already strong, then makes it stronger. From guiding school leaders to connecting rabbis and teachers, it builds on local talent to create lasting impact.
Helping Schools Help Themselves
Grants are available year-round to Jewish schools and programs that align with the foundation’s mission. The money helps with real needs — like hiring staff, improving buildings, or offering tuition aid.
What Makes the Yael Foundation Different
The Yael Foundation stands out by doing more than just writing checks. It builds trust, listens closely, and stays involved long after the first grant is given. What sets it apart?
- Community-first mindset: Programs are shaped by local voices, not outside assumptions.
- Long-term support: The foundation sticks around to help schools grow over time.
- Holistic focus: It supports both Jewish identity and strong academics — never one without the other.
A New Chapter for Jewish Schools in Europe
When two major forces in Jewish education come together, the results go beyond just funding — they spark real transformation. That’s exactly what happened in 2024, as the Yael Foundation teamed up with the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation. This partnership isn’t just about improving schools. It’s about reimagining what Jewish education in Europe can be.
With a shared goal and years of experience, the two foundations are now helping schools upgrade classrooms, train teachers, and build learning spaces that truly connect with Jewish life. It’s not just about buildings — it’s about shaping identity for the long run.
As Ronald Lauder put it: “I have been waiting decades to partner with people like Uri and Yael, and this partnership represents the best news for Jewish schools in Europe over the past 20 years. As an organisation deeply committed to advancing Jewish day schools across Europe, we believe this renovation is the project of a century, and are incredibly honored to be part of it.”
The Yael Foundation isn’t solving everything overnight. But it’s doing something powerful: giving Jewish education the care, creativity, and support it needs to thrive.
And thanks to Yael Poliavich’s vision, it’s no longer just about keeping traditions alive — it’s about helping the next generation learn, grow, and lead with confidence.