The ‘Galila – for a Better Future’ Foundation, with its roots deeply embedded in Galilean soil, was founded in 2005 with the aim of building a better future for the region’s residents.
The foundation partners with, promotes, and manages innovative and diverse projects in education, welfare, and community areas to improve quality of life, enhance community resilience, and develop the northern periphery of Israel. Galila operates in collaboration with numerous partners, based on the value that only together can we achieve accomplishments of significance and high impact.
Galila has extensive experience in initiating and leading philanthropic initiatives for Israel’s northern residents, in both routine and emergency situations. The fact that the Galila staff and volunteers are all residents living the Galilean life empowers them to become an authority in understanding the multi-level community needs, and strategic decision-making across this region. As a result, the organization demonstrates great success on the ground with a record of significant achievements in various arenas.
Galila excels in its sensitivity to the social, cultural, and religious diversity existing in the Galilee region, and is skilled in engaging with strategic collaborations and mobilizing many volunteers during emergency situations. Globally, Galila enjoys widespread support and recognition, due to its organization’s ethical values and high standards of operation and accountability in representing numerous donors and philanthropic foundations.
Galila Team
Yael Barlev
Co-Founder and CEO
Yael is the Co-Founder and CEO of ‘Galila - for a Better Future’, and her mission is to develop strong community life, vibrant local economies, and initiating meaningful collaborations and partnerships across the Galilee region. Since founding the organization in 2006, Yael has been at the forefront in leading educational, social, and economic ventures, and connecting key regional players and sectors (government, business and philanthropy) to work together with the common vision of regional growth. Galila also activates social entrepreneurship in the region and supports initiatives promoting the goals of peripheral communities in the northern Galilee region. Yael holds a B.A. degree in Communication and Behavioral Sciences together with a master's degree in Conflict Resolution from Tel Aviv University. She resides in the northern Galilee community of Kfar Veradim.
Lisa Zecharia
Internal Affairs Manager
Lisa joined Galila in 2014 and ss the Internal Affairs Manager, she is responsible for organization’s operation, accounting, marketing, design and efficiency processes. Over the years, Lisa has worked to improve the organization's operational systems, and she contributes to advancing Galila’s evolution and expansion by improving the quality of services the organization provides. She lives in northern Galilee community of Kfar Veradim.
Sharona Shalev-Mayer
External Affairs Manager
As the External Affairs Manager of the Galila Association since 2024, Sharona leads the organization's collaborations with partner initiatives and non-profit organizations, alongside her responsibilities for oversight on projects in the communities and organizing site visits and tours for partner groups and other VIP individuals. Simultaneously, she is the founder of the "Galilean Human Mosaic" association, currently in partnership with Galila, which promotes connections between Galilean communities through cultural and sports events, integrating people of all religions, ethnic sectors, and groups with physical/mental challenges. With a professional background in community and social development, Sharona has a deep love for running groups and developing inter-community programs by creating and nurturing community leaders. She lives in the northern Galilee community of Kfar Veradim.
Reut Livne Nof
Partnerships and Development Manager
With over a decade of experience leading strategic growth in medium and large non-profit organizations, Reut specializes in organizational development, resource mobilization, and cross-sector partnerships. She advises social, business, and public organizations in the fields of philanthropy, corporate responsibility, organizational development and strategic planning. Reut also coaches and mentors' senior executives and organizational teams.
She holds a BA in Behavioral Sciences and an MBA for Social Leadership from Ben-Gurion University, in partnership with the Mandel Foundation. She is a certified mentor and organizational consultant. Reut resides in the central Galilee community of Kibbutz Hanaton.
Association Members
Yael Barlev
Founder and CEO
Ofra Kresanti
Chairperson
Batya Gilad
Board Member
Adv. Ella Schwartzman Audit Committee
Audit Committee
Adv. Perry Lazar
Audit Committee
CPA Raymond Antian
Association Member
Dr. Vered Tamir
Association Member
Prof. Ilana Singer
Association Member
Mordechai Cohen
Association Member
Dr. Irit Gertler Davidovitz
Association Member
Iris Drang
Association's CPA