August 30, 2007 / 16 Elul 5767

Mordechai Guri always dreamed of earning a college degree.  But as the oldest of seven children, he always worried how he would finance his education.  Fortunately, during his first year of study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mordecai was accepted to the Atidim in Industry program.  Funded by the Jewish Agency and its partners throughout the world, the program provides young adults like Mordechai from Israel’s periphery with the opportunity to earn the college degree that they may have otherwise only dreamt about. 

Throughout his childhood, Mordechai’s father, who works for the Israel Aircraft Industries, and his mother, a former teacher, stressed the value of education.  Mordechai took this lesson to heart and worked hard to excel in all of his classes.  Now 26, Mordechai feels blessed that the Atidim in Industry program enables him to continue focusing on his studies without worrying about the financial stresses.  Specifically, he appreciates that the program provides him with a full tuition scholarship, a monthly living stipend, a laptop computer and a company that has “adopted” him. 

“Through the Atidim in Industry program, I have been given the opportunity to go to college without worrying about finances. I am so motivated to excel because I know that people are supporting me, and that upon completing my degree, I will have a job in an international computer company. Atidim has given me confidence about my future,” he says.

Mordechai, who was adopted by IBM in Petach Tikvah, has a mentor from the company who assists him with his studies, invites him to company workshops, seminars and conferences, and serves as a role model for Mordechai. “My mentor is the director of marketing for Europe,” says Mordechai. “Despite his busy schedule, he always finds time for me. We go out to lunch every so often, talk on the phone, and he makes sure that I am present at the company events that are important for my future.” Mordechai works for IBM during vacations and throughout the summer and upon graduating, he is guaranteed a job at the company.

“I can’t express my gratitude enough for Atidim. I feel so empowered by this program
and by the confidence the people at Atidim and IBM have in me,” says Mordecai.  “My brother is now a soldier – I am going to make sure that he  applies for Atidim so he will be on the right track for his future.”

Graduates of Atidim find jobs in all fields and contribute invaluable services to people throughout Israel.  These jobs serve not only enrich Israeli society but to help the Atidim graduates build a more secure future for themselves and their families.  With your help, the Jewish Agency can continue to enable capable young adults like Mordechai turn their raw talents into skills that they can use to build a stronger, more prosperous Israel.  To learn more about how you can help, click here.

To learn more about Atidim, click here.