The Berl Katznekson Center (BKC)
Building a Resilientand Thriving Israel Toward a Democratic, Secure, and just Future Overview 2025-6

PIONEERING CHANGE:
AT THE EDGE OF CIVIL SOCIETY’S IMPACT IN ISRAEL

Founded in 1946, the Berl Katznelson Foundation honors the legacy of labor pioneer Berl Katznelson, a key architect of Israel’s social infrastructure—establishing its first bank, first HMO, first newspaper, and leading labor union.

Continuing Berl Katznelson’s legacy, the Berl Katznelson Center (BKC) is Israel’s leading think-and-do tank shaping a democratic, just, and secure future. For over two decades, our comprehensive approach combines developing innovative ideas and applied research, translating them into concrete policy through public advocacy, and influential leaders who are committed to advancing our vision.

BKC’s sustainability is supported by the foundation’s matched funding, alongside a growing network of supporters—including major Jewish Federations, the EU, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, major philanthropic foundations, and private donors in Israel and around the world.

BKC’S CENTRAL ISSUE-BASED HIVE

In response to Israel’s pressing needs, BKC has developed a comprehensive blueprint for policy, public engagement, and advocacy to build a thriving, resilient nation, focusing on three areas:

  1. Peace & Security:
    Advocating for a transformative shift in foreign policy, emphasizing separation from the Palestinians within a regional framework to promote stability and cooperation.

  2. Socio-Economic Justice:
    Prioritizing the strengthening of public services—healthcare, mental health, and social support—especially in light of the challenges following October 7 and the ongoing war.

  3. Education for Democracy:
    Promoting civic education in public schools and inclusive, high-quality state-religious education as fundamental pillars of Israel’s democratic future.

BKC’S GUIDING FRAMEWORK FOR INFLUENCE IN THREE STAGES

Shaping the future requires preparation and detailed work, in the present. The liberal-democratic camp in Israel must be equipped with a coherent vision, concrete policy tools, and a trained cadre of leaders capable of restoring democratic norms, rebuilding public trust and civil infrastructure, and implementing meaningful policy change along three major areas.

We conduct cutting-edge applied research and turn findings into ready-to-implement policies. We actively engage stakeholders—MKs, public stakeholders, researchers, journalists—to drive policy change.

We shape public debate and center-left policy priorities by publishing books, an online magazine, hosting public events and webinars, social media campaigns that rally support and legitimacy around our issue clusters.

We develop future democratic leaders by building their capacity and integrating them into public service, civil society, labor, local government, to create lasting impact across Israeli society.

High-Impact Programmatic Area – Establishing a National Training and Capacity Building Center for Young Leaders

In 2025-6, BKC will launch a dynamic training center for emerging leaders in Israel. This center will focus on preparing talent for key roles in the civil service, public sector, and other vital areas of public, policy, and political influence. In collaboration with leading pro-democratic organizations, we will combine their grassroots presence with our content and research expertise, to build a cadre of knowledgeable, skilled and capable leaders for positions of influence who will advance a clear liberal democratic agenda in their respective fields.

BKC’S TRACK RECORD OF IMPACT ON POLICY & PUBLIC LEVELS
Policy:

BKC played a key role in advancing important policy achievements, including raising Israel’s minimum wage, passing reforms for free early childhood education for ages 0-3, and promoting safeguard legislation for underserved women during retirement age.

Public:

BKC reshaped key socio-economic priorities in the public eye and media, notably securing unprecedented support for education for democracy in 320 schools and over 70 municipalities across Israel, and increased demand for Haredi public education.

People:

BKC provided vital content and training opportunities for a growing network of thousands of young graduates—university students, public and civil service employees, youth in gap year programs, and local action groups, to take on influential roles across Israel.

JOIN US. THANK YOU.

 Contact Us

EMAIL. RD@berl-k.org.il

T. +9729.745.0335

WEBSITE. berl.org.il/en

OUR ADDRESS. Beit Berl, Kfar Saba 4490500, Israel