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Joelle Eckstein
Founder and Chair at The Eckstein Fund
Professional Background
Joelle Eckstein is a remarkable leader and social entrepreneur, dedicated to the welfare of the Israeli community through her work at The Eckstein Fund. As the Founder and Chair of the Fund, Joelle successfully continues the legacy of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who passionately worked towards alleviating poverty and providing assistance to the most vulnerable populations in Israel. Under her leadership, The Eckstein Fund implements innovative community-based solutions that empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to foster a strong sense of communal responsibility, following the principle of "Kol Israel Arevim Zeh Bazeh," meaning "All people of Israel are responsible for one another."
One of the flagship initiatives of the Fund is a national social hotline that serves as a pivotal resource for those in need, offering immediate solutions to a variety of issues including nutritional insecurity, medical aid, employment, housing, clothing, and legal assistance. The hotline is manned by a dedicated team of trained intake operators who are fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English, and have the necessary skills to assess callers' needs and connect them with appropriate services or organizations. This commitment to bridging the gap between those in need and available resources has positioned The Eckstein Fund as a vital part of the social fabric in Israel.
Joelle's previous experience serving as the Volunteer Hotline Director at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has further honed her expertise in social outreach and community assistance. Her role involved significant coordination and management tasks that evidenced her deep desire to support others while working alongside a variety of stakeholders. Moreover, Joelle’s background as the Owner and Designer at Chez Joelle Handmade Jewelry exhibits her creative flair as well as her diverse skill set that extends into entrepreneurship.
Education and Achievements
Joelle Eckstein's educational background considerably contributes to her impactful career in social services and community engagement. She attended Bar-Ilan University and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she gained valuable insights and skills that have influenced her work with communities and underprivileged populations. By pursuing her education in these esteemed institutions, Joelle has been equipped with the knowledge necessary to understand societal challenges, develop strategic initiatives and implement effective solutions in her professional endeavors.
Joelle's achievements through The Eckstein Fund speak volumes about her commitment to creating positive change within Israeli society. The national hotline that her team operates not only fields an impressive volume of calls—estimated at 100-120 inquiries per day—but also serves an indispensable role in connecting individuals with crucial services and support. In this way, Joelle champions the value of shared responsibility and mutual aid, echoing the timeless Jewish principle of helping one another.
Achievements
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Founder and Chair of The Eckstein Fund: Joelle established The Eckstein Fund as a lasting tribute to Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein's dedication to helping Israel's needy and continues to drive its mission forward with innovation and compassion.
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Spearheaded National Social Hotline: Successfully initiated and developed a hotline that not only provides critical support for individuals in desperate situations but also integrates community efforts to address a wide range of needs.
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Multilingual Support: Implemented a multilingual hotline service featuring operators fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English, helping to cater to a diverse populace and ensuring accessibility to all.
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Empowerment Initiatives: Focused on empowering the most at-risk citizens in Israel through strategic partnerships with various professionals and organizations, enhancing the resilience and welfare of communities.
Joelle’s innate passion for service, underscored by her educational pursuits and professional experiences, demonstrate her unwavering commitment to strengthening the social fabric of Israeli society. By focusing on community outreach and support, she continues to make a significant impact in the lives of many, creating a chain reaction of goodwill and mutual support throughout the nation.