Reaching for the cloud (technology), starts with a good thought
At Machshava Tova, we believe that a challenge is also an opportunity; making technology accessible in a supportive and empowering environment opens up opportunities in education, employment, and helps with integration in society for different communities in Israel. Connecting someone to the modern world can raise their sense of self-worth and belonging. Technology provides a tool for narrowing gaps in Israeli society.
From Challenge to Opportunity
The non-profit organization Machshava Tova (Heb: מחשבה טובה) was founded in 2003 by educators and high-tech professionals to reduce social gaps through technological accessibility and connect disadvantaged communities to the many possibilities in the technological world. The organization works in the geo-social periphery of Israel, and creates social mobility amongst the marginalized communities in society: at-risk children and youth, people with disabilities, job seekers and senior citizens, paying special attention to women, new immigrants, minorities, etc.
Digital inequality affects many sectors and creates obstacles to educational and professional advancement. Even in Israel, known as the “Startup Nation”, a huge digital gap exacerbates social disparities and negatively affects equal opportunity.
In order to fulfill its vision, Machshava Tova operates community technology centers across Israel, as well as mobile computer classrooms for communities who lack access. The centers' dedicated teams tailor programs to each community’s unique needs. Through their personal attention, we support the participants to reach success.
At Machshava Tova we believe that technology is the key to the future. In order for our youth to integrate into society as productive, creative, and innovative citizens, they must be taught modern skills that empower them and advance them in their lives. By fostering their natural interest in technology, we aim to prepare them for success in our global and ever-changing world.
The same goes for senior citizens and job seekers; COVID-19 showed us that access to technology is not a privilege, but a fundamental right of every person. To better integrate into society and feel like active participants on an emotional, professional, and day-to-day level, they must also have access to the same technological tools.
For its work in STEM education and digital literacy, Machshava Tova has been awarded several awards. These include: the Jerusalem Mayor's Prize, the exemplary award at the Israel-Sderot Conference for Society and the Ashalim JDC-Israel Prize. Recently, the United Nations (UN) has given Machshava Tova a special advisory status, in light of its experience and activities over the years.
Board of Directors
Dr. Astorre Modena
An Israeli-Italian entrepreneur, founder, and managing partner of the Terra Ventures Partners venture capital fund. Dr. Modena is active in the social sector, particularly non-profit organizations. He founded the Machshava Tova organization with the aim of reducing technological and societal gaps in the country and has been Chairman on the Board of Directors since the organization’s inception in 2003.
Dr. Modena holds an BSc in Physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a PhD in Plasma Physics from the Imperial College of London.
Dr. Modena previously worked as a physicist at McKinsey & Co. in Paris, advising leading French and Italian companies in the industrial and financial sectors.
Throughout his life, Dr. Modena has gained rich experience in managing and advising in the financial and technological sectors. He is a board member in various leading CleanTech Israeli companies.
Prior to the founding of Terra Ventures, Dr. Modena worked for the Israel Seed Fund, which boasts over USD 260 million in investment capital. Furthermore, he served as a consultant at McKinsey & Co. and Ecole Polytechnique in Paris, and published numerous articles in prestigious scientific journals.
Attorney Ayelet Torem is CEO at APMakers Innovative Capital focused on creating business value through cross-sector advisory, business development, investment banking and business entrepreneurship lines of practices. In addition, Mrs. Torem is a Partner & Head of the Global Markets Practice at the reputable law firm Amit, Pollak Matalon & Co (APM & Co, est.1956) where she is also a Partner at the Hitech & Venture Capital Practice. Born and raised in Israel and a Silicon Valley veteran, Ayelet is perceived as an expert in matters relating to Innovation, has successfully led the formation of leading Innovation Centers in Israel, counsels funds and investment vehicles on formation matters, fundraising and investments, and advises many startup companies in multiple spaces and stages. Mrs. Torem is also a member of the Bar-Ilan University (BIU) Council of Trustees and Board of Trustees and has served on Machshava Tova’s Board of Directors since 2013.
Mr. Neil Corney
Neil Corney is the CEO of Citigroup Inc. in Israel and the director of Citi’s markets division in Russia, Turkey, and Israel. He also oversees the innovation sector for managing EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). in addition to these roles, Neil serves as president of the Association of Foreign Banks and Financial Institutions in Israel.
Corney joined Citi Israel in 2004 and is responsible for, among other things, the establishment of Citi’s development center in Israel, which deals with the technological development in the FinTech (financial technology) field, as
well as the first Israeli accelerator in the financial sector. Neil has served on Machshava Tova’s Board of Directors since 2019.
Mr. Moshe Ferber
Mr. Ferber is an entrepreneur and private investor in the high-tech sector. During his 20 years in the field of computing, he has served as a founder, investor, and consultant for a wide range of start-ups and ventures.
Mr. Ferber holds an MBA from the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya. Mr. Ferber has served on Machshava Tova’s Board of Directors since 2012
Mrs. Talya Gazit
Mrs. Talya Gazit With 30 years of experience in technology and 10 years in cybersecurity, Talya left the IDF as a Colonel after being in charge of the MAMRAM unit. Today, she is a leader in digital transformation and cybersecurity consulting at PwC Israel. Talya's impactful career includes planning, establishing and maintaining large data centers, implementing advanced IT platforms and leading the development of information and combat systems.
Board of Trustees
By alphabetical order
DorLee Lebensart
Social worker, former director of National Insurance Institute’s (Bituach Leumi) Children and Youth Fund
Staff
Alon Artzi
Coordinator for Yokneam Center and Activities in the North
Liat Strumza
Ramot Center Coordinator
Aaron Schreiber
Lab Director
Sara Hanuka
Pedagogical Facilitator for People with Disabilities and Senior Citizens
Yom Tov Desta
Marketing Project Director
Firas Hammed
Training Coordinator for Arab Sector
Naama Feldman
Evaluation and Measurement Coordinator
Yossi Sabag
Bookkeeping
Ronen Zaken
Computer Technician
