(Source: Yaelpoliavich.com)
Access to strong Jewish education remains uneven across the globe. While major urban centers benefit from established schools and resources, many local communities struggle with limited infrastructure, staffing shortages, and financial instability. Addressing this gap has become the defining mission of Yael Poliavich, co-founder of the Yael Foundation.
Through a long-term and strategic approach, Poliavich has helped expand access to high-quality Jewish education in regions where consistent schooling was once difficult to sustain. Today, the Yael Foundation supports 132 institutions across 45 countries, strengthening both Jewish and general education worldwide.
Born in 1982 in Kyrgyzstan, Yael Poliavich was raised in a home where education was a central value. Her mother, a music teacher, emphasized discipline, intellectual curiosity, and cultural awareness: principles that continue to influence Poliavich’s philanthropic work.
She later earned a degree in Economics, Finance, and Credit, developing the analytical foundation that now informs her structured investment strategy in education.
After finishing her studies, Yael Poliavich built a strong background in finance over many years. Her career has focused on driving business operations, financial planning, and organizational management.
In 2020, she completed a conversion to Judaism (giyur) and married under a traditional chuppah.
Her personal journey across countries and cultures reinforced her belief that education plays a vital role in shaping identity, continuity, and long-term community resilience.
Founded in 2020, the Yael Foundation was established to ensure that every Jewish child, regardless of geographic location or financial background, can access education.
The foundation focuses on structural, sustainable growth. Many Jewish schools, particularly in smaller communities, face ongoing challenges such as:
To address these obstacles, the foundation operates through five core pillars:
Supporting construction and modernization of schools, including new educational facilities in underserved regions.
Investing in professional development to elevate curriculum standards and strengthen school leadership.
Creating pathways for families who might otherwise be unable to afford Jewish schooling.
Helping partner institutions develop long-term budgeting and operational frameworks.
Reinforcing Jewish values and cultural continuity within school environments.
This comprehensive model prioritizes long-term durability over rapid expansion.
Since its launch, the Yael Foundation has steadily broadened its reach across various regions, rebuilding Jewish educational systems. Key achievements include:
The Yael Awards celebrate educators and mentors whose leadership sustains local schools, highlighting that strong institutions depend not only on buildings but also on dedicated professionals.
For Yael Poliavich, education is more than academic instruction. It is a foundation for stability, identity, and generational continuity. As Jewish communities evolve worldwide, the Yael Foundation continues to expand its reach, refine sustainability models, and strengthen educator training systems.
By investing strategically in infrastructure, leadership, and accessibility, Poliavich is helping ensure that Jewish education remains resilient, inclusive, and accessible for future generations.
