MOoNA - A Space for Change

National Network
إسرائيل
Address

Shorashim
Shorashim 2016400
إسرائيل

Telephone
972-54-3276176
Fax
972-4-6999708
E-Mail
Moonadevelopment@gmail.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2013
Fields of Activity
  1. Youth and education
General Information
MOoNA is one of the most innovative Jewish-Arab organizations in Israel. it aims to promote technological growth and social cohesion in Israel's northern periphery.  For these purposes MOoNA has 5 employees. MOONA's major partners include: Partnership 2Gether Pittsburg 60,000 USD; Israeli government-$60,000; U.S. Foundations –$65,000; Israeli corporate sponsors-$50,000; Israeli foundations-$26,000.  MOONA's major programmatic areas are:   1.Robotics First – A course preparing and mentoring Jewish and Arab high school students for their participation in the "First Israel" Robotics international contest, as the first joint Jewish-Arab regional team; 2.Shpitzim – A course about space for dozens of Arab and Jewish middle school students acquiring advanced technological knowledge, awarded the equivalent of a matriculation exam in science; 3.Maker Space – Engages, equips and enables young and talented students (50% Arab, 50% Jewish) to develop their ideas into ventures; 4.Kehila Forward – A community outreach program that invites  young adults, to create prototypes that will benefit the community.
Mission and Objectives

MOoNA serves as a physical and virtual space for the promotion of technological growth and social cohesion in Israel's northern periphery. Addressing a void in two major obstacles to growth in the Galilee – lack of technological education and a thriving Hi Tech industry, MOoNA considers the strengthening of education, entrepreneurship and innovation in space, science and technology as the most sustainable way to seed regional development among the region's Jewish and Arab residents. In order to achieve these goals, the MOoNA Science and Technology Lab is launched this November 2014 in the Arab village of Maj'd Al-Krum. It will offer various tech-oriented trainings, workshops and courses with the aim of developing the local residents' future skills, supporting entrepreneurship opportunities and creating new jobs and educational opportunities.

Main Projects / Activities

Through its joint activities MOoNA supports the development of shared citizenship that is promoted vastly in multi-sector ventures that engage the private sector/Hi-tech industry,  local municipalities in the Galilee, civil society organizations and academia in Israel. These activities take place in MOoNA 's lab. MOoNA Lab was set up in 2014 in the Arab town of Majd Al-Krum. The lab serves as a “home” for regional technological, scientific and space-related programs, studies and innovative ventures. It also serves as a focal point for cross-sector collaborations between the Jewish and Arab communities of the Galilee.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

MOoNA can contribute to the network in Israel by  enhancing ethnic and cultural understanding, ameliorating social tensions through Israeli-Arab cooperation. In the course of the recent war between Israel and Hamas, tensions among Arab youth and Israeli police forces in Northern Arab Cities, Jerusalem and the West Bank as well as violent attacks of right wing Israeli youth towards Arab citizens have shown that there is a rising propensity for violence in Israeli and Palestinian society. After a terrorist rammed his car into a light rail train station end of October in Jerusalem and following restrictive measurements by the Israeli security forces, clashes erupted once again between Palestinians and the Israeli police. Following a week-end of heightened turmoil Palestinian President Abbas urged the US for intervention before the violence spirals out of control (Haaretz, 27th October 2014). Both the Israeli and Palestinian public have lost hope for real prospects of peace. As Arab and Jewish youth have very little occasions to get to know each other, it is of vital importance to facilitate shared spaces where they can meet, get acquainted with each other, work on joint projects and overcome social divide.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

MOoNA is interested in being a part of a group of organizations that will act together for conflict resolution between different communities in Israel, and promote democratic values through Actual work on the ground. We hope to include more organizations in our programs. This will help us in providing concrete contribution to conflict transformation.

Contact (1) Full Name
Mr. Asaf Brimer
Head of the organisation
Mr. Asaf Brimer