Mandel Program for Social Leadership in the North
The Program aims to cultivate a diverse network of social leaders in Israel’s North, grounded in regional understanding, a commitment to drive values-based change in Israeli society and the ability to influence and lead joint initiatives across sectors.
Program FormatFull-time studies
DurationOne academic year
The multi-faceted challenges facing the diverse communities in the North require comprehensive solutions. As a full-time program, fellows are given the opportunity to alter their professional path, expand their thinking and improve their ability to initiate and develop innovative solutions—with the overall goal of making a positive impact on life in the North. The program aims to instill new ways of thinking and real- world analysis, which will be used by the graduates in their future leadership roles and help ensure high-quality decision- making and action, alongside ongoing concern for social justice.
The fellows, who come from various communities throughout the North, exhibit a strong inner drive and a proven record of leadership in the region. They are committed to taking a year to focus on their studies and personal development, as a means of enhancing their ability to lead change and make an impact on societal arenas in the North. Fellows also represent a wide range of professional fields and settings, including local and national government, civil society organizations, education, social work and the IDF.
Course of Studies
The program's full-time format enables an intensive learning experience, combining a broad spectrum of theoretical and practical studies. Fellows deepen their understanding of complex issues and develop a solid theory of change, drawing on both humanities studies and practical wisdom. The curriculum includes practical components – both group and individual – in which fellows plan responses to real-world challenges, guided by Mandel staff and professional mentors. A distinctive feature of the program is the Diverse Society Lab, where fellows study and practice “leadership in a diverse society” as an applied discipline.
Impact in the Field
Graduates of the Mandel Program for Social Leadership in the North have launched outstanding initiatives and assume vital leadership roles in public service and nonprofit organizations. Examples include:
Strengthening Beit She’an: Since 2024, a program graduate has served as deputy and acting mayor of Beit She’an, working to promote initiatives in education, employment and community-building, based on the belief that strong communities and meaningful networks are fundamental to personal and social resilience.
Teacher education in the Haredi community: Another graduate works for Teach First Israel, where he leads a specialized program to train hundreds of Haredi (ultra- Orthodox) teachers in core curriculum subjects such as English and math – subjects that are largely absent from Haredi schools. He is working on implementing tailored educational models and creating new opportunities for students and educators within Haredi society. His goal is to drive change processes in the education system that lead to equal opportunities for all children in Israel.
Prisoner rehabilitation: YOUTURN, a nonprofit organization founded by a graduate, is dedicated to rehabilitating prisoners after their release. The organization’s innovative and effective approaches have earned high praise from the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs and from local authorities in the North.
About the Center
The Mandel Center for Leadership in the North aims to contribute to the development and prosperity of Israel’s Northern region by cultivating diverse leadership – women and men from all communities in the North – who have the passion and commitment to change reality and to lead initiatives that improve life for all communities of the region.