2022
ESRA is Israel's largest English-speaking community, aiding the integration of olim,
while working toward equality in Israeli society through its education and welfare projects.
Oct2023

About ESRA

ESRA, the home of English speakers in Israel, is committed to making English speakers feel right at home in Israel by serving as a supportive community network. It provides services, offers activities, and acts as a platform to give back to olim of all ages and at all stages of their integration. Our emphasis lies in three key areas:
1. Strengthening personal resilience (emotional, financial, improving understanding of the Israeli systems, skill development, and more).
2. Offering a rich social and cultural framework (learning and enrichment, social and business networking, leisure activities, knowledge of Israeli heritage, and more).
3. Meaningful volunteering opportunities in English, both within ESRA and in the community through educational and welfare projects that we run for various populations in peripheral areas.
As a platform for giving back, and with ESRA’s growth, we have expanded our aid to additional waves of olim, primarily from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. We lead projects aimed at narrowing socio-geographic gaps, including those stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, for immigrants from Ukraine.
Our projects focus on educational reinforcement, English promotion, excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), enrichment, self-growth, and the development of social skills for children, youth, students, special needs individuals, and families in need.
Both ESRA and its founder and honorary life president, Merle Guttman, have received numerous awards for their initiatives and achievements, including the President's Award for Volunteering, presented for contributions to Israeli society and immigrant absorption, and the Midot Seal of Effectiveness awarded for ESRA's commitment to results-driven projects, constant improvement, leadership, and social impact.

Presidental Award
for Volunteerism

Midot Seal of
Effectiveness

Continuing our impact for good during the pandemic

Quickly adjusting to the new pandemic reality, ESRA expanded its welfare services, held many events online, and creatively continued running important education and welfare projects. Such as ESRA Students Build a Community, whereby financially stressed students receive free housing in exchange for mentoring local schoolchildren and becoming community activists alongside shifting ESRA English Tutoring Programs online.

ESRA Branches: Beer Sheva, Five Towns, Haifa, Jordan Valley/Tiberias, Karmiel/Misgav, Modiin, Netanya, Raanana, Ramat Aviv, Ramat Hasharon, Rehovot, Tel Aviv.

ESRA 40+ Community >

ESRA Haifa Branch

ESRA Haifa Branch has existed for many years offering an array of monthly lectures and activities. When the Pandemic hit, these, more or less, came to a halt.

In June 2022, following an initiative from the ESRA National Executives along with the inspiration and support of Dr. Helen Osimo, Head Coordinator of ESRA’s ETP ChatAway Program, and assistance from the ESRA National office, a new committee was formed. Currently numbering 12 dedicated members, we have hit the ground running.

Our first event was a social Meet and Greet in September 2022 attended by 50 people. In November 2022 we held no less than 5 events attended by more than 200 and the calendar is being filled up rapidly.

Current and future plans include: a monthly lecture series; hikes and tours; monthly Meet and Greet events, a weekly Mahjong Club, musical events, exercise classes, a book club, Arts and Crafts Workshops; vegetarian gourmet cooking club, cultural outings, Scrabble, Bridge, movie nights and more. We are also planning activities of interest to families. Additional ideas and involvement are always welcome.

Many Haifa ESRA members take part in ESRA’s English Tutoring Program that enables volunteers to help school children from Elementary to High School levels with their English.

As a new committee, we are currently evaluating several local projects which ESRA Haifa may adopt, with a view to not only raise funds, but also volunteer assistance. In addition, we are planning to expand ESRA’s team of befriending volunteers in Haifa.

We want to help English speakers in Haifa, the Krayot and nearby communities, feel at home and build their community.

Join our Facebook group to keep apprised of our many activities: https://www.facebook.com/groups/348486177354829

If you would like to get involved or volunteer, contact:

  • Chair: Eileen Martell | 0542-105673 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ESRA Haifa Branch Upcoming Events