Refael (aka) Rafi Edry is one of Israel’s most successful entrepreneurs. In a career spanning decades, he has taken built several companies in his home country and Africa. Today, he owns several successful companies with his younger brothers, Eyal Edry and Moshe Edree.
But life wasn’t always as hassle-free for Refael Edry. Born in Safed, he belonged to a modest household that had lived in the city for several generations. He’d barely stepped into adulthood when he realized that his father’s income as a building contractor wasn’t enough to put food on the table.
Refael Edry had no choice but to get a job and support his family financially. That meant setting aside his dreams of pursuing a successful career and building a better life. His brothers followed suit.
But despite all these hardships, he continued working toward the life he always wanted to build. Besides his fierce determination and resilience, there was one more thing that kept him going.
Embracing the Fighting Spirit
Rafi Edry was named after his fearless uncle, Refael Edry z|l, who sacrificed his life in Israel’s War of Independence at the young age of 24. Tales of his bravery still echo in Safed’s households and have inspired younger generations, including his nephews.
Philanthropist Refael Edry (the nephew) grew up listening to stories of how his uncle single-handedly hoisted the Israeli flag amidst an incendiary fire. It was the day the British retreated from Safed. Then there was the time when he defended his battalion in the village of Sasa during a raid. All he had with him was a machine gun.
As the nephew of a courageous war hero, Refael Edry couldn’t let his circumstances get the better of him. Every time the going got tough, he recalled stories of his uncle’s fearlessness and pushed forward. It’s what kept him going through all the hardships he faced as a child and young adult.
Paying Homage to His Roots
Refael Edry managed to overcome life’s obstacles and realized his dream of becoming an accomplished businessman. But he knows that thousands of children in Israel’s social and rural periphery are still fighting the same battle.
Living on the country’s fringes, these children have to struggle for basic resources like food and clean water. Pursuing higher education and getting a respectable job is a distant dream. Many of them start doing odd jobs from a young age to sustain themselves.
But is it fair to deny these children the right to a better childhood just because they were born into impoverished circumstances? Don’t they deserve a chance to build a better life? Is this the future Refael Edry’s uncle envisioned when he devoted his life to his country’s freedom?
These are the questions that prompted Refael Edry to establish the Ahinoam Association for the Promotion of Equal Opportunities. Through the organization, he works with his brothers and several volunteers to support children and adolescents in Israel’s periphery.
Welfare Programs for the Youth
From mentoring programs to scholarships – the Ahinoam Association has launched various initiatives for the Israeli youth. The volunteers identify at-risk youngsters and work with them to build personalized growth plans. They even help members of the Ethiopian community in Israel.
Under Refael Edry’s leadership, the Ahinoam Association has also implemented various peripheral development projects, including the establishment of an elementary school library in Safed.
Fundraising for Digital Equity
Besides these initiatives, Refael Edry also started a fundraising campaign in early 2020 to provide computers to underprivileged children. He urged the public to donate when schools in Israel abruptly switched to online classes during the recent pandemic.
It was crucial because more than 400,000 students from underprivileged households in Israel didn’t have personal computers or smartphones. Many of them also lacked internet access at home. In the absence of timely help, these children would’ve had to quit schooling. That meant giving up their one shot at a brighter future.
These efforts helped more than 30,000 children attend online classes and maintain a sense of familiarity despite the pandemic’s uncertainties. While it may not have ended the country’s digital divide, it helped preserve social integrity and resilience.
Every initiative reflects Refeal Edry and his brothers’ earnestness to help their fellow citizens and perpetuate the legacy of their brave uncle. Instead of letting their professional accomplishments define them, they strive for the betterment of those in their community. Their empathy and selflessness are the family’s biggest legacy, which they continue to uphold.
Hey welcome to my blog . I am a modern women who love to share any tips on lifestyle, health, travel. Hope you join me in this journey!
Speak Your Mind