Or Ofir Foundation
It is a master plan for implementing initiatives that were the fruit of the vision and work of the late Ofir Libstein , whose goal is to develop leadership among the next generation of leaders in the Jewish world, and to create a connection between Diaspora Jewry and Israel in general and the Western Negev in particular.
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"I see everything twice
once in my dreams and the second time when it actually happens"
Ofir Libstein
Ofir Libstein fell on the morning of Simchat Torah, during the surprise attack on Israel, while bravely defending his home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. A man of both vision and action, Ofir dedicated his life to strengthening Israeli society and deepening the connection with the Jewish people in the Diaspora
Throughout his life, Ofir served as Head of the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council, initiated numerous projects including the Darom Adom Festival, led as CEO of the Kibbutz Industry Association, was a director at KKL Israel, Chairman of Habonim Dror, and the founder of “Netaim”.
Above all, Ofir was a devoted family man — husband to Vered, and father to Aviv, Idan, Uri, and the late Nitzan, who was also tragically murdered in the October 7th attack.
Our Programs
The Or Ofir Foundation was established to bring Ofir Libstein’s vision to life and ensure that the ideas he championed continue to grow and make an impact. Through our programs, we carry forward his legacy — fostering leadership, strengthening community ties, and building bridges between Israel and the Jewish world.
International Leadership Program
The Global Leadership Network nurtures and supports outstanding, mature leaders who are committed to making a meaningful impact — both locally and globally — across key arenas of the Jewish world. Participants engage in initiatives that influence decision-makers in education, society, economics, politics, and advocacy, helping to shape a stronger, more connected future for the Jewish people worldwide.
Nitzanei Ofir
The program offers a day of leadership in Otef, inspired by the path of the late Ofir Liebstein, intended for organizations and groups interested in receiving tools for leadership and strengthening the sense of belonging and consolidation in the organization while getting an experiential and empowering introduction to the area surrounding Gaza and the story of the 7th of October.
Otef Zahav
Empowerment, respite and resilience activities for the elderly among evacuees from kibbutzim surrounding Gaza and the northern kibbutzim. The purpose of the program is to strengthen the sense of internal and group capability which will allow them to return to their settlements and build a return to routine with a sense of security.
Kehilor Netaim
A program whose vision is to reach every small Jewish community in the world, with the aim of strengthening the community, providing it with Jewish educational content and preserving its heritage. Its mission is to create a “living bridge” between Israel and those small communities, in areas where there is no official representation or mission of national-Israeli umbrella organizations, or where there is an additional need that is not being met.
Hamsa
A program for lone soldiers that accompanies them individually for five years, upon their arrival in Israel, language training in the studio, during their military service and one year from the end of the discharge until they receive citizenship. The envelope of the program includes a personal companion of a social worker, an adoptive family for each soldier, residence in one of the kibbutzim, a personal guide and a large community of equals.
Hallelujah Project
An international leadership program that cultivates youth groups throughout the country among regional councils and authorities in Israel, and opens its doors to youth from all over the world. The program promotes values of Jewish fellowship, multiculturalism, tolerance, leadership and environmental education, and is a bridge to a fascinating encounter with young men and women from abroad.
Speech by Mr. Asif Izak, Head of the Carmel Beach Council and Chairman of the Or Ofir Foundation, Netaim and Habonim Dror, during a conference of heads of municipalities on March 5, 2025.