Foundation News

With lead support from Koret, Shalom Hartman Institute North America has begun its next phase of growth. For the past five years, the San Francisco Bay Area has served as a pilot for elevating Jewish thought leadership in an entire region. Hartman is using its experience in the Bay Area to expand to more cities across the country, including growing its research centers and programs nationally.

Veterans News Report announces Koret’s new initiative, supporting Bay Area veterans in workforce development, health care, and transition to civilian life.

San Francisco Symphony celebrated another successful year of its Music and Mentors program with a year-end luncheon for its music educators and mentors. The annual celebration brought together teaching artists and community supporters to share program highlights, accomplishments, and special moments. Pictured is San Francisco Symphony Principal trombone Timothy Higgins visiting and coaching students in the program.

The Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies at UC Berkeley created its first endowed chair in Israel Studies. Koret was an early and lead funder for the Institute, and recently awarded a new $1 million gift. The Institute’s interdisciplinary approach addresses the complex challenges of modern Israel and Jewish identity, allowing students to explore these issues from different angles.

Koret CEO Jeffery Farber reflects on the connection between Israel and Diaspora Jews and how we can continue strengthening the US-Israel relationship.

The Koret Foundation sends its thoughts and prayers to the victims, families, and community of Chabad of Poway in San Diego. As we continue our combat against anti-Semitism, we stand in solidarity with all those working to fight hate in our communities.

Officials broke ground on April 25 to begin improvements to San Francisco’s playgrounds most in need. As part of the Let’sPlaySF! campaign, the first 5 of 13 playgrounds began construction to ensure that all San Francisco children have safe and accessible places to play. The campaign is part of a partnership between San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and the San Francisco Parks Alliance.

The Koret Foundation has awarded $1.2 million in new grants to organizations that serve Bay Area veterans, with a focus on workforce development, health care, and the transition to civilian life.

This month, SF Ballet’s student matinees offer an introduction to classical and contemporary ballet for 6,000 Bay Area K-12 students as part of the Dance in Schools and Communities (DISC) program. The special performances allow students to peek behind the scenes of the ballet and to experience the power of creativity through the performing arts.