Founded in 2009 by a group of motivated young Druze, Ofakim Le’Atid aims to drive social change, reduce disparities within the Druze community and with other sectors, while emphasizing the preservation of Druze and universal values. Vision: The vision of Ofakim Le’Atid is to lead the Druze community in Israel towards becoming a volunteer-oriented, progressive, excellent, and influential society, while preserving its unique heritage. The organization strives to strengthen the connection to the state, aiming to be an integral part of Israeli society on the path to equality. Key Programs: Youth Leadership Project: Engages young Druze in leadership and volunteerism, targeting both at-risk and high-achieving students. Provides mentorship and activities that promote social responsibility and personal growth. Community Development Project: Involves community members in identifying and addressing local needs. Established Youth Clubs in multiple villages, providing recreational and educational activities to over 130 adolescents. Goals and Activities: Promoting Volunteerism: Encourages values of volunteerism and cooperation within the community. Future Leadership Development: Provides programs to empower young leaders and prepare a future generation of leaders. Encouraging Excellence in Education and Higher Learning: Offers support and activities to promote education and academic achievement, including support for at-risk youth.Advancing Gender Equality: Promotes gender equality and opportunities for women within the community. With around 800 young members from across all Druze villages, Ofakim Le’Atid is a key player in fostering social cohesion and development within the Druze community and beyond. The organization maintains extensive collaborations both within and outside the Druze community, ensuring a broad impact and outreach. Shelter Project In response to the summer 2024 escalation of violence and threats along the northern border, Ofakim Le’Atid has launched a critical initiative to enhance the safety of Druze communities. Leveraging their deep community ties and backgrounds in government and the military, they aim to install fast-deploy shelters in high-risk villages. Project Highlights: Objective: Install 45-55 shelters to protect vulnerable Druze communities. Cost: Estimated total cost between 2,061,000 and 2,519,000 ($565,000-$691,000), with each shelter costing approximately 45,800. Priority Areas: Villages like Horfeish, Kisra-Sumei, Yanuh-Jat, with plans to extend to other areas based on evolving needs. Shelter Specifications: 23-ton reinforced shelters, designed for rapid deployment and accommodating up to 15 people. This project is vital for providing mediate safety and security to the Druze communities amidst escalating regional tensions. Ofakim Le’Atid’s leadership ensures a strategic and efficient implementation of these shelters.