Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zahavi joined the Galila Fellows program in 2015 as a social entrepreneur in the field of “public diplomacy” and promoting the Galilee to groups, individuals, and opinion leaders in Israel and abroad. In 2018, Sarit established the ALMA Center – an educational research institute that publishes articles, conducts research, participates in panels and lectures in Israel and abroad, and is regularly quoted by global media outlets, academic circles and other entities requiring informational materials regarding the turbulent northern arena.
In 2024, the ALMA Center experienced significant growth in its influence and international exposure. The center hosted approximately 10,000 visitors from around the world in direct meetings, border visits, panel debates and Alma’s researchers were interviewed by global TV and Radio networks. Additionally, the center interacted with even larger audiences through digital platforms such as Zoom, Twitter, and other social media networks.
The highlight of the year was the ALMA Center’s first international conference, which attracted diplomats, journalists, researchers, and academics from around the world. The conference was broadcast live internationally, expanding the center’s influence on a global level. Alma is now recognized globally as the #1 resource for extensive knowledge on Israel’s strategic security challenges along its northern borders with Lebanon and Syria.