Israel Humanitarian Michael Cherney Mikhail Chernoy

Michael Cherney Foundation is one of the sponsors of Israel and (Un)Controlled Territories – Staying or Leaving?, a book coming from Culture Bridges / Gesharim Publishing house in Moscow. The book is authored by Dr. Alec D. Epstein, a historian of Arab-Israeli conflict.
The resounding victory of 1967 had to become a turning point in Israeli history and guarantee its security and domestic peace for a long time. Yet in reality Israel’s international standing has drastically come down. At the same time Israel’s leadership failed to develop a consistent policy regarding Judea, Samaria and Gaza which came under Israel's control in the war. Were they “liberated” or “occupied”? As time went by, they became less controlled and turned into a burden. Israel felt remorseful about giving it up, especially since there was no (and still there is no one in sight) a reliable partner for peace. At the same time, controlling a large Arab population was not working out, either. The very issue of the territories’ status became a factor of a sharp internal rift in Israeli society.
This book is the first and only work that, basing its conclusions on a multitude of documents and witnesses’ testimony, provides an answer to the question: How could the politicians turn a brilliant military success of the Six Days War into a Pyrrhic victory? While containing many facts and archive materials, heretofore unknown, the book reads like a documentary thriller that one cannot put down.

MCF has launched a new project to develop and enhance Jewish education and Jewish identity among Israel’s Russian-speaking immigrants (olim).
The Foundation will finance evening classes in small groups for secular adults interested in studying Jewish spiritual heritage.
Most adult arrivals from Russia have no access to studying Torah and Talmud, since classes in religious Jewish schools (yeshivot) and most adult evening schools are conducted in Hebrew, which not all arrivals have mastered sufficiently. At the same time there has always been substantial interest in Torah and Talmud in the Russian-speaking community, and it has grown apace recently.
The new classes financed by the Michael Cherney Foundation are held in Tel Aviv on the base of the Secular Yeshiva, as well as in Modi’in and Jerusalem.

Pinchas Polonsky, Judaism teacher at Bar-Ilan University and a chief editor of "Mechanaim" publications (including website: www.machanaim.org) is also a noted author of 15 books. With assistance from MCF, his new book "2000 years together-a Jewish outlook on Christianity" was published last month (in Russian). The book deals with complex questions such as: why Christianity is not right for the Jews, why Jews do not accept Jesus as a messiah, what was the original sin etc. The largest portion of the book deals with an urgent necessity of dialog between Christians and Jews. The book will be appealing to a very wide audience, anywhere from layman to intellectuals.

The 20th volume in the "Jews and Slavs" series - The Holy Land and the Manuscript Legacy of Slavs - was published with support of the Michael Cherney Foundation.
The process of collecting the Slavic medieval manuscript books in the Holy Land and taking them to other countries began already in 18th century. The interest shown by scholars in the Slavic manuscript heritage in the Holy Land has been growing ever since and now scholars have at their disposal extensive knowledge on the emergence of this heritage, on the periods of its entry into Palestine in the Middle Ages and on its peculiarities, and many MSS have already been published.
The present volume, published with assistance and sponsorship of MCF, has the task to fill some gaps in our knowledge concerning the links within the framework of a joint project sponsored by the Israeli Academy of Science and Humanities and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and implemented jointly by the Center for Slavic Languages and Literatures of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Cyrillo - Methodian Research Center in Sofia.
Of special importance is the fact that the volume has published the first report about the results of the Austrian expedition in 2007 to the Monastery of St. Catherine. Several articles of this volume are dedicated to the problems of the textual tradition of the Christian biblical texts from the Old and the New Testament in their Slavic version and to the descriptions of the Holy City of Jerusalem in the mediaeval literature of the Southern Slavs.

MCF sees the support for a festival of humor, “Time to Laugh”, produced by a famous Israeli-Russian humorist Mark Galesnik, as another contribution to information- war on terrorism. Festival took place throughout the country, including Sderot. Such renowned artists as Igor Guberman, Dmitry Zilber and other performers took part in festival.

Population of Sderot is victimized by regular bombings from Gaza. The population is not only living in continues fear and danger but is constantly injured and wounded. Helping victims of terrorism is priority for MCF. Here are the latest stories of those that were helped: Olga P., a single mother of 2 children has been hurt three times by bombings. As a result, her health is shot, she lost two jobs she was holding and now lives below poverty line. One of the effects on her deteriorating health is loosing all her teeth, which is devastating to any young woman. Uriy K. came to Israel with a young daughter, loosing his wife right before the move. After buying an apartment in Sderot and raising his daughter all alone, he was diagnosed with cancer, which has progressed since the bombings have started. Nadia A. is a mother of three. One son is handicapped and bedridden in hospital. Most of the day the other 2 small children are left without her since she needs to be by her sick child’s bed. As a result, she has found herself in a dire straits. Here what happened to Alexander B. “bombs fell next to my house few times allready. The house and it’s contents took a serious thrashing. My wife and I have been taken away by ambulance twice. My wife is under psychiatric observation and can not work for the past 3months. On april 28th a bomb fell next to our house for the third time and we were hospitalized again. We have stopped leaving our house….”

Diplomatic War for Jerusalem: The Story behind the Scenes published by Gesharim (Israel) was co-sponsored by Israel's Embassy in Russian Federation, Michael Cherney Foundation, and Russian Jewish Congress Foundation and timed to commemorate Israel's 60th anniversary. It is the first comprehensive Russian-language study of the problem of Jerusalem. Authors: Grigori Melamedov, researcher at Israeli Section of Middle East Institute at Russian Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Alec D. Epstein, lecturer at Open and Jewish Universities of Israel and Asia and Africa Institute at Moscow University. The book researches the positions of the parties to the conflict at different stages of the negotiating process. The main focus is on the policy of the states that have controlled Jerusalem, beginning with the '20s - Britain, Jordan, and Israel, as well as PLO, and Palestinian administration since mid-'90s. The authors also explore the policies of Vatican and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Each of the book's five chapters reflects a certain stage of genesis of Jerusalem problem through a period of time. The last chapter analyzes Israeli and Palestinian public opinion on the problem of Jerusalem and attempts to forecast the future events.

Igor Sh. is a father of 4 kids ages 5-17 and is now caught in an absurd hardship. While receiving allowance from the National Insurance Institution (Bituah Leaumi) he started a leadership course in Seminar Ha’Kibutzim, which led to cancellation of the payment from National Insurance Institution and a 7000 penalty fee for studying while receiving the allowance . As of today, his family survives on 1000 NIS from Ministry of Development and 1000 NIS for kids from National Insurance Institution -out of which they deduct 500 NIS for penalty payment. In contrast to idiotic policy of bureaucrats from the National Insurance Institution, MCF rendered assistance to this family

Boris Zinger from Sderot was making ends meet by teaching Yidish in a pensioner’s club. On dec.24th he was wounded by shrapnel from “qassams” that fell next to his house. As a result to injuries to his face, his hearing was severely damaged-to the point him needing a hearing aid for which MCF allocated funds.

MCF sent a grant to an Information Center of Sderot, which today is the most effective and accessible address for up-to-date information for local and foreign media that reports on the situation in the southern region of Israel.
www.SderotMedia.com
www.SderotMedia.co.il

MCF received a letter from a woman who is surviving the winter only by living on her disability pension. She had no means to pay the heating bill so the fund sent an emergency grant to help her out.

Assisting students from former Soviet Union is one of the priorities of MCF and where the funds are allocated according to some very specific criteria. Nataly K. did not exactly fit into such criteria but here is part of her mother’s letter: “I am Rachel K and I am very close to a nervous breakdown. Your Fund is my last hope. In the past 3years, from a healthy person I have turned into a cripple… Receiving from the doctors the worst news there is, as of now I have gone through 5 operations and countless chemo- therapy. Unfortunately, at the state that I’m in, I’m unable to be of any assistance to my family. My oldest daughter finished the army and has been studying in local college. She has to reside in the dorms, since the trip there would require 4 busses…” MCF made an exception and allocated funds for Natalie’s dorm.

During barmitzva in Hadera on Jan.17th,2002, Irena and her son Vadim where wounded in a terror attack with Vadim being in a critical state and Irena with severe wounds. Ever since the attack Vadim is in recuperation and now, sadly, Irena has breast cancer and kidney failure. MCF found it necessary to assist this family immediately.

Friends of Marat K. turned to MCF for assistance since Marat has a progressive leukemia and because of problems with Bituah Leumi forced to pay for some of the treatments himself. MCF understands that life of Marat depends on his ability to have a life saving operation immediately and therefore allocated partial payment for it.

Boris.Sh. is blind and lives alone in home for the elderly where he is still very active, even belonging to the Zionist Club. MCF allocated a small sum to him for purchasing special medication that is not included in the “health benefit basket”.

Ziv Neurim is an Israeli non profit organization, founded by former Navy Commandos in 2000, in honor of Ziv Levy, a commando of the prestigious Shayetet 13 who fell in the line of duty. Its aim is to prevent youth (aged 12-15) at risk from dropping out of school and to succeed educationally through participating in challenging marine activities. The Organization’s underlying philosophy is to provide kids with an opportunity to experience success rather than failure. Today the organization works with 19 groups across the country, and by the end of the year aims to operate 25 groups – from Nahariya in the north to Sderot in the south. The MCF provided asssistance in operating one of the groups consisting of 15 (mainly immigrants from the Former Soviet Union) youths from Natanya. This group will work for the duration of 2 years and we are hoping will have a great impact on these teenagers.

Im Tirtzu is a grassroots organization that was founded by university students after the Second Lebanon War. “Im Tirtzu” is dedicated to strengthening Israeli society and renewing the fundamental values required to fulfill the vision of Israel as a vibrant Zionist state. It brings together people from all parts of Israeli society, working to ensure that the voices of pro-Israel students and young adults will be heard in universities in Israel and in general media. Since January 2007, more than 15,000 members have joined the movement. MCF found it to be a very important project to support, gladly allocating funds for further activities. For more information: www.imti.org.il

A publication (in Russian only) "A Jew-who is he. A national and religious self- determination with precedence rulings by Federal Court ", in cooperation between "Gsharim Jerusalem" and "Bridges of Culture" in Moscow, was published with assistance from MCF.
The laborious job was done by the Lawyer Zeev Farber, translator Sergey Goizman and editor Mordechai Greenberg.
This book can be used as a tool for all those who are interested in Israel and it’s dilemmas in dealings with issues concerning religion and state.

The fourth international “Jazz-Globes” Festival that also included alternative music has come to a close. The festival attracted enormous ammount of participants as well as listeners.
MCF, considering that the festival was organized by immigrants with participation of immigrants and for the immigrants was pleased to give its support.

It has now become a tradition to hold annual festival “Jerusalem Fall” which includes a marathon of literature, movie premiers and grand gala-concert.
The very first festival is also remembered for an appearance by MK Uri Shtern(z’l) who opened the festival with well-wishing and support for this endeavor.
MCF supported this project since it has brought together immigrants and Israelis alike.

In 2008 Ha’sadna will celebrate it’s 25th anniversary since it’s establishment, which in itself is a proof that an idea that every child, no matter what economic background or religion or ethnic background he is from, deserves a chance to study music and dance.
Yet another grant from MCF will provide grants for 450 children (ages 3-18) to continue their studies at this wonderful facility.

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Galina L-a beaten, burned victim of spousal violence was so badly abused that she is now hospitalized and is undergoing numerous operations. It has come to the attention of MCF that Galina has absolutely nobody (except for few good friends) and has nowhere to go upon being released from the hospital. One of those friends turned to MCF for SOS help, which the fund provided immediately.

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Valeriy A is afather of 3children, with one of the kids being seriously sick. The situation has gotten desperate to the point of not having money for food. MCF granted assistance exactly for that need.

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Alex R is recovering from a sudden heart attack and therefore temporarily not able to work and because of bureaucratic problem with Bituah Leumi was forced to partially pay for operation. This in return brought upon him a situation that he has no funds to purchase food. The fund found it necessary to grant him SOS help.

Sveta R. is a Jewish 10y old girl from Kazahstan who, after loosing the only person who raised her- her grandfather, was placed into an orphanage. Rav Meir found her there and brought her to Israel in hope to find a good family that will adopt her.
As of today, no such family has been found but a warm family has taken her in temporarily. While the bureaucracy is being sorted out and an adoptive family is being searched for, MCF allocated funds for the purchase of needed articles for the little girl.

Yakov K. from Ashkelon is 79y old and the only one to survive Holocaust from his family. For the past 16y he has worked on a book of his memoirs and would have liked to publish them. Even though this project in no way fits with MCF criteria, the fund still allocated a modest sum to assist him with publication.

Just one day prior to the end of second Lebanon war, Oleg B, a single father, was wounded in a katusha attack. As of now, Oleg is undergoing psychological as well as physical treatments. The situation is not made any easier by having his only son enlist in IDF.
MCF’s first obligation is to help victims of terrorism as well as wars, therefore the fund granted assistance to Oleg.

This year Alexander Yanatovski, a WW2 wounded veteran, will turn 90, and this is the year he became a widower. Alexander lost his hearing partially during the war, and now he is practically deaf. A pensioner living on a very modest income can not afford hearing aid, therefore MCF sees it as an honor and a duty to assist this veteran in purchasing it.

Michael E. was hit by a taxi. Since he is self employed and all the bureaucracy with Bituah Leumi takes enormous ammount of time, he found himself without any income and in debt.
Michael will need a long and painful process of recuperation ( both legs broken, torn ligaments in shoulder, glass fragments in the head etc).
“As of now I m all in debt and without any hope to be earning anything in the near future since I m still on crutches” –this is what he wrote in his SOS letter to MCF.
The Fund answered to Michael, granting him a one-time assistance.

Moshe Z is a WW2 veteran. Today he is 85y old and still very active. He turned to MCF with a request for assistance in purchasing a life saving oxygen apparatus that is unfortunately not subsidized by the government.
MCF found it necessary to assist Moshe in purchasing this apparatus.

MCF received a letter from Natali R, an ola and mother of 8. Here is the quote from her letter:” the situation is such: married, mother of 8 and thank g-d not starving and everybody is healthy. In “former life” finished university with a degree in math and computers. In “present life” work in kindergarten for 19sh/h. Without additional education there is no possibility to improve our life. To go and study now means to leave the family without even though small but still an income. This is why I’m turning to MCF”…
Natali passed entrance exams and started classes in Microsoft. MCF provides a small grant to this courageous woman to continue her education.

'Israel Academia Monitor' website acts as ‘Big Brother’, by tracking professors’ and researchers’ publications and views on Israel. The idea behind it is to warn students and potential donors of anti-Israel professors and courses at Israeli universities. Sadly, many professors don’t hesitate to weave comments showing “the evil” side of Zionism into their lectures, actively spread pro- Palestinian propaganda, work against government policies and openly preach against Israel’s definition as a Jewish state. Israel’s senior professors do not approve of this growing trend of younger professors politicizing academia by inserting anti-Israel agendas into Israeli institutions. Consequently, the "Israeli Academia Monitor" website was launched in order to warn student of such professors. Posted on the "Israeli Academia Monitor" homepage was a message saying, "Israeli Universities are crawling with extremist staff members, many of whom hate their country, encourage their country’s enemies, and collaborate with international anti-Israel organizations, sometimes even with declared anti-Semites."
Dana Barnet, who runs the website along with Professor Steven Plaut, said that their goal was to expose what was going at universities with the publics’ funding. "We noticed a lot of Israeli academics, who receive their salary from the state, use it for their own private anti-state ideology," Barnet explained, "They spread lies about Israel and there are many people in the world who are happy to hear it."
MCF sees itself as an important partner with this organization in helping the effort to fight anti-Israeli rhetoric on our campuses.
www.israel-academia-monitor.com

The Jerusalem boxing club exists since 1981, and through out that time has seen over 2000 graduates.
The boxers of this club are some of the strongest competitors. They are champions of Jerusalem, Israel and some of the international competitions. 2 girls-Lena Kaplan and Nella Selimov are silver medalists of Israel. Shlomo Niazov-participant of the Olympic Games in Mexico and Aharon Yakubashvili-participant of the Olympic Games in Seoul-started out in this club.
In the years 2003-04 the strongest competitors took part in World Competitions.
MCF provided a grant to the club to start a new program for olim youth from high-risk areas. The idea behind it is to remove them from the streets and with intense boxing training return them to the path of normality. Training raises self appreciation and self confidence, which in return will help that very same youth to join the army and continue with studies in the future. For more information: www.luxboxing.org

MCF rendered assistance to Yakov Z. - a random victim of the second Lebanon war. On July 21, 2006 Yakov was outside when less than 10 meters away from him a rocket exploded. He was delivered to the hospital sustaining numerous injuries as well as in a state of deep shock.MCF found it necessary to provide Yakov with SOS assistance and sees it as a priority to offer help to people who are injured in wars and acts of terrorism.

Roman Dishko, Israeli boxing champion for his age group, qualified for the five strongest contenders in the under 17y of age group during European Boxing Championship. Roman’s participation in this championship was assisted by MCF.

MCF granted new scholarships to 4 rising young stars in performing arts (Israeli Center for Children’s Art ran by Elion Vilenchik and Irena Deich).
Tal Rodnianskaya, Lital Epshtein, Roni Dalumi and David Haikin are all prize winning performers at international festivals and competitions.
It is a pleasure to support and encourage Israel’s young performers.

The first volume in the nine-volume Collected Works by Vladimir (Ze’ev) Jabotinsky has been published. The publication is a joint project by Jabotinsky Institute in Israel and “The Ark”, Moscow Cultural and Educational Center for Russian-Jewish Intelligentsia, under overall sponsorship by Michael Cherney Foundation.
Vladimir Jabotinsky was a prominent public figure and a writer, founder of the Revisionist movement in Zionism and the beacon of Israel’s national camp. Born in Odessa in 1880, he wrote mostly in Russian, and up to 1917 he authored over a thousand articles, essays, and short stories. So far the modern reader has had access to no more than 10 to 15 per cent of these writings, with the rest – published in the periodicals of his day - gathering dust in archives. This publication is the first attempt to bring together all Jabotinsky’s Russian-language writings. 90 percent of the writings that make up the collection have not been reprinted since the first publication.
In March 2007, the first volume came out. The project will be completed in 2010, the 130th anniversary of Jabotinsky’s birth and at the same time the 70th anniversary of his death.
The materials come from various archives – the Russian State Library in Moscow, Jabotinsky Institute in Israel, National Library of Jewish University in Jerusalem, and private collections.
“Today, in view of the war on Islamist terror that the Western civilization and its frontline state Israel are forced to wage, Jabotinsky’s articles sound vital once again,” spoke Michael Cherney (Mikhail Chernoy), international industrialist and philanthropist. Mr. Cherney has lived in Israel since 1994 and is known for his aid to terror victims and sponsorship of informational projects related to the war on terror.
“I’m happy,” says Mr. Cherney, “to be able to help in realizing this project. Jabotinsky’s works, unknown and not reprinted for 60 years, inspire today’s Zionists and all those fighting for Biblical civilizational values. Their spirit is just what we need for victory.”

MCF granted assistance to the Israeli Nation Team in Footzal(in door soccer) that was formed in 2006.
The team was successful in European Championship in Barcelona, and now is preparing for the First World Championship that will take place in Yakutia, Russia.

Publishing house “Bridges of Culture/ Gsharim”, with assistance from MCF, published a book (in Russian only) by professor of Tel aviv University, Moshe Kenigshtein in respectful and loving memory of MK Yuri Shtern.
The book discusses various effects Russian Alia had on the development of Israel and the status of Russian immigrants at present time.

MCF presented Druze community with a grant for publication of a memorial book in the name of Yuri Shtern, who, during his public office, helped out not only with the problems of Russian community but with those of Druze community as well.

In this book, Yuri’s Druze friends and associates will share their personal stories and memories.

MCF was initiated as assistance and help to the victims of a horrendous, murderous act in a Dolphinarium disco. It has been almost 6 years since the murder, but the pain of that terrorist act is still hurting.
Tamara Fabricant was wounded in Dolphinarium. She is a strong girl and even though she has gone through many operations (and another one awaiting her soon), she successfully passed her exams and entered Tel Aviv University.
We are pleased to know that the Fund was able to somewhat elevate her tuition obligation and wish her all the best.

MCF assisted Jerusalem Branch of Union of Soldiers and Partisans of WW2 in holding a commemorative celebration in honor of victory over Nazism 62 years ago.

MCF provided funds for a celebratory evening held in Jerusalem in honor of 62d victory over Nazi Germany. Thanks to the grant, everybody that wanted to participate had an opportunity to do so.

The fund supported an evening, commemorating media and journalism, held by “organization for friendship and cooperation between Israeli and Russian citizens”, headed by Pavel Aronson.

MCF granted assistance to “Ezra Le’Marpe”, headed by Rabbi Elimeleh Firer.

Beit Apel-an orphanage where children live and receive education, is always in the center of attention for MCF. In this orphanage, many children are from former Soviet Union and MCF tries to provide them with as much as they need-from celebrating the holidays to purchasing needed utensils.

With the Fund’s assistance, a book by a known Italian scientist-writer Chezare Michels “The protocols of Zion -a non existent manuscript or the lie of the century” was published this year. All major universities and some municipal libraries, received a copy of the book as a present.

MCF granted assistance in publishing a book of selected aphorisms by David Zilber-a well know author of a humoristic magazine “Beseder”.

MCF participated in a money raising action held by Sohnut for olim-single soldiers.

The first volume in the nine-volume Collected Works by Vladimir (Ze'ev) Jabotinsky has been published. The publication is a joint project by Jabotinsky Institute in Israel and "The Ark", Moscow Cultural and Educational Center for Russian-Jewish Intelligentsia, under overall sponsorship by Michael Cherney Foundation.
Vladimir Jabotinsky was a prominent public figure and a writer, founder of the Revisionist movement in Zionism and the beacon of Israel's national camp. Born in Odessa in 1880, he wrote mostly in Russian, and up to 1917 he authored over a thousand articles, essays, and short stories. So far the modern reader has had access to no more than 10 to 15 per cent of these writings, with the rest - published in the periodicals of his day - gathering dust in archives. This publication is the first attempt to bring together all Jabotinsky's Russian-language writings. 90 percent of the writings that make up the collection have not been reprinted since the first publication.
In March 2007, the first volume came out. The project will be completed in 2010, the 130th anniversary of Jabotinsky's birth and at the same time the 70th anniversary of his death.
The materials come from various archives - the Russian State Library in Moscow, Jabotinsky Institute in Israel, National Library of Jewish University in Jerusalem, and private collections.
"Today, in view of the war on Islamist terror that the Western civilization and its frontline state Israel are forced to wage, Jabotinsky's articles sound vital once again," spoke Michael Cherney (Mikhail Chernoy), international industrialist and philanthropist. Mr. Cherney has lived in Israel since 1994 and is known for his aid to terror victims and sponsorship of informational projects related to the war on terror.
"I'm happy," says Mr. Cherney, "to be able to help in realizing this project. Jabotinsky's works, unknown and not reprinted for 60 years, inspire today's Zionists and all those fighting for Biblical civilizational values. Their spirit is just what we need for victory."

MCF assisted with personal grants for students in a Tel Aviv school of "Mofet".
The name in itself is an abbreviation meaning "Math-Physics-Tarbut(culture)" and also means "Excellence".
Some of the goals of "Mofet" are:
1. Develop skills of each and every student
2. Develop and encourage interest in exact sciences
3. Assist in integration of new olim students and olim teachers
4. Utilize rich teaching experience of olim teachers to enhance Israeli education system
"Mofet's" direction is constant in it's desire to enrich teacher's professionalism, to develop new programs and ways to study diverse subjects. Today "Mofet" is putting forward the system of the developmental instruction.More and more Israelis place their children in "Mofet"- and that in itself is a big, positive indication of success.

MCF assisted in conducting a seminar in Hebron on March 9-10, 2007: “The problems of giur (conversion to Judaism) for Russians in Israel”.
Participants listened to lectures by Pinchas Polonsky (Giur and National Responsibility) and Inna Reizer (The Situation of Giur in Israel).
Participants discussed “Democracy and Judaism” as well as visited Hebron, Kiriat Arba, and outposts of Givat Gal, Maahaz Giborim and Hazon David.

MCF provided assistance to International Federation of Russian-speaking Authors –an Israeli Branch of which opened just recently.
The Federation unites Russian speaking authors that reside all over the world.

MCF provided scholarships to gifted olim-students in a Jerusalem school "Igum".
"Igum" is an Israeli system of education with the best record in "Russian traditions".
This non-profit "Union of Immigrant-Teachers-(IGUM)" was established in 1992 and from 1994-1997 was a project of "Joint" and Ministry of Absorption.
Igum is a chain of kindergartens, pre-schools and study centers throughout the country that are basing their educational system on a concept developed by a famous psychologist Leo Vigotsky.
Igum kindergartens work without strikes, holidays, and vacations 12months a year and educate in 2 languages, which contributes not only to a knowledge of 2 languages, but an exposure to both cultures as well. It has been established that children who are knowledgeable in 2 languages have a higher ability in language analogy, that it develops verbal communication and mental abilities and makes it easier to study additional languages. Starting at the age of 3, kids are taught Hebrew, Russian, and English.

Michael Cherney Foundation's main objective is to provide aid to victims of terrorism in Israel and to those who have been injured in the last war in Lebanon.
However, Michael Cherney Foundation, as an exception to the rule, provided assistance to some most urgent cases such as young Rabbi Meirson from Jerusalem, Mrs. Zitinskaya from Kiriat Gat and Mrs. Chaikovskaya from Shlomi.
Michael Cherney Foundation's policy is to provide humanitarian assistance to people in need directly and never to contribute to organizations. But, in addition to these personal cases, as exception to the rule, MCF gave a small humanitarian contribution to organization “Osim Haim”, which takes children with cancer on overseas trips. We pray all the kids will have a good time and beat the disease.

As an exception to the usual criteria for aid, the Michael Cherney Foundation provided humanitarian assistance to the women’s shelter in Haifa-where the money will directly go to woman with children.

The Michael Cherney Foundation holds strong ties with Israel Support Center for Children’s Art where one of young dancers is a talented 11year old David Haiken.
David can be proud of many various achievements, some of which are:
Gold medalist in a competition at American Academy for Ballet-“Performance Awards”
First place in solo-hip- hop competition of “Star of the Dance”
Winner of international competition in Moscow “ Wind Rose”
In addition, David played major role in a documentary movie “One day in a life of a child”, which will be showing this coming summer.
In February 2007 he will be competing in an Jewish International Festival “Grand-Pri-Ha’Tikva” in Kiev.
MCF wishes him all the best.

Michael Cherney Foundation published a study of the forgery of the century – The Protocols of the Elders of Zion
January, 2007

Michael Cherney ( Mikhail Chernoy ) Foundation has made information war on terrorism a top priority among the activities it supports. This is why it has sponsored a Russian edition of The Non-Existent Manuscript: A Study of the Protocols of the Sages of Zion by Cesare G. De Michelis. The book is a fascinating popular study, where every hypothesis is supported by incontrovertible evidence.
The book is the first publication in the new series called Truth and Lies.

Variety
January, 2007

The fund has received a letter of thanks from a wonderful organization “Variety” that helps children from different walks of life to better integrate into Israeli society.

This year was again filled with tragedy and loss of life from Katusha rockets, Kasams and auto-accidents and like always Zaka is there to do the most difficult job that nobody else can.
In addition to national tragedies and sadness, the Chairman and founder of MCF-Michael Cherney has experienced a personal loss as well when on Dec. 21st 2006 his mother, Faina Cherney passed away.
It is a great Jewish tradition to do mitzvoth and give contributions in memory of the departed, therefore MCF has contributed humanitarian funds to Israel ZAKA for purchasing life saving kits.
May they continue with fulfilling their mission and may they need to use these kits as seldom as possible.

Young Fencing Protege
October 2006

Iris Shehtam-a 16 year old immigrant to Israel with her personal trainer Pavel Evdokimov-from Jerusalem Fencing Club has reached impressive aims. She is joining Israel’s International Fencing Team and going to European Championship, which is being held in Poland.
Her competing, (as well as last year another young prot?g?’s –Kseniya Kobyakova’s participation) would not have been possible without MCF’s assistance.
We wish Iris Shehtman and all the other young fencers much success.

A Yearly Humanitarian Grant to Ha’Sadna
October 2006

The Jerusalem Conservatory of Music and Arts – “Hassadna” was founded in the year 1973, guided by the belief that any child, regardless of his or her socio-economic level, ethnicity or religious affiliation should have the opportunity to study music and dance.
The Michael Cherney Foundation is proud to grant assistance to this Conservatory which serves as a special warm place for 450 children, aged 3 to 18, that can explore and express their feelings through inner creative powers.
The Conservatory faculty, 60 professionals, sabras as well as olim from 10 different countries, offer a comprehensive course of instruction in both practice and theory.
Many students have won prizes in prestigious Israeli and international music and dance competitions and have received scholarships from numerous foundations, among which the American Israel Cultural Foundation. Conservatory graduates have continued their education in Music Departments at the most prestigious Universities in Israel and abroad.

Ezra le Marpeh - Help to Heal from the Heart
October 2006

Directed by Rebbe Elimelekh Firer( Israel's Man of the Year-2003 ), ELM was founded 25 years ago and its motto hasn’t changed since-to bring medical assistance with an open heart to anyone and everyone, free of charge. ELM now has more then 20ambulances, 4million dollars worth of medical equipment available for landing, computerized file of potential blood donors, first aid courses for volunteers, counseling and referral to specialists, and much more.
When patients need to be flown abroad, ELM makes necessary arrangements to insure safe transfer and arrival, arranging for a host family, flight arrangements and transfer to the hospital and even translation service when needed.
In addition, ELM operates medically supervised Health & Fitness Center(Maccabia), Abode(Moadonit) for special children, Rehabilitative Day Care Center and a special department where children of bedridden parents are given a helping hand.
The humanitarian donation by MCF will help ELM in expanding its activities in Isarel for the betterment of life of all those who turn to them for help.

A New Building For Boarding School
September 2006

The Michael Cherney Foundation reported earlier that “in the nearest future in Migdal ha-Emek region of Israel a new facility will be constructed for Rav Grossman’s boarding school designated for the children of new emigrees from the former USSR. One of the main sponsors will be the Michael Cherney Foundation.”
Rav Itzkhak Grossman came to Migdal ha-Emek, a semi-abandoned townlet in Northern Israel, over thirty years ago, and managed to build a real Tower of Light there – Migdal Or.
Thanks to the Cherney Foundation, this year the studies started in the new building.

Terror Victims of Hizballah ( Hezbollah )
September 2006

Besides evacuating hundreds of people from the area bombarded by Hizbollah, Michael Cherney Foundation extended humanitarian assistance to several families in Israel who lost their relatives in the war. One such family is the parents of Denis Lapidus, who was murdered on July 16, 2006, by a direct hit of a Hizbollah rocket in Haifa’s rail yard.
Denis, who was only 24, had come from Minsk in 1992. He graduated from Nativ course, served in the Army, and got a job. The loss of the son created a hardship, both morally and materially, for his parents.

Help for an Israel Terror Victim
August 2006

The Michael Cherney Foundation extended assistance to Sergei Kravtsov, a resident of Ma’ale Adumim, Israel. During his evening walk, Mr. Kravtzov was attacked by two Arabs and received 13 knife wounds in the area of his stomach, chest, right hip, left lung, and left arm. Despite the wounds, Kravtzov managed to wrest the knife and set Arabs to flee.
In a state of shock caused by the sounds Sergei walked for another 300 meters till he met a pedestrian who called emergency.
After a prolonged treatment it is still not clear if Sergei’s left hand would function completely. Since he is a landscape designer, his job is at stake.
The Michael Cherney Foundation helped out with humanitarian funds the courageous Israeli. We wish Sergei a complete recovery!

Scientist’s Progress
August 2006

Khaim Breyterman of Israel delivered a report called Comparison and Analysis of Religious and Scientific Theories of Birth and Evolution of the World, warmly received at the International Scientific Congress on Fundamental Problems of Natural Science and Technology 2006 in St. Petersburg. The attendance of Prof. Breyterman was made possible through the support of Michael Cherney Foundation.

Students Helping Society
June 2006

Ms. Eden Kanowski, head of All-Israeli College Student Association, paid a visit to Mikhail Cherney Foundation. As a result, a number of Michael Cherney scholarships have been earmarked for students who are recent arrivals and in need of financial assistance. The only condition is that the recipients would have to do volunteer work helping newly arrived families adjust to life in Israel.
Here is the text of the address to the Levinsky College students who received the grants:

Dear Students: We congratulate you with finishing another year of college and wish you an excellent start in the coming year. We are also wishing you success in your social project helping newly arrival families in adjusting to their life in Israel. And we are wishing you success in your studies in becoming high-class specialists whose professional activities will make our country a better place to live.
Michael Cherney Foundation

Children from North Relocated to Safety
July, 2006

While Nahariya, Haifa, Tiberias, Migdal ha Emek, and other northern Israel towns are subjected to terrorist shelling, Israel children are not only being endangered physically, but traumatized psychologically. Michael Cherney Foundation has arranged for and financed the humanitarian relocation of 100 children with their families to the hotels in Central Israel. Many of these Israel hotels are already overflowing with refugees from the north, and several raised their rates, the Cherney Foundation has managed to secure a comfortable and secure stay for children from the north.

M.Cherney greets Bar-Ilan at US Ambassador's Residency
May, 2006

Michael Cherney joined the US Ambassador to Israel Mr. Richard Jones and leaders of Israeli business community in praising the Bar-Ilan University and its Business Forum at the 50th Anniversary of Bar-Ilan, which took part at the residency of the US Ambassador to Israel on May 4th, 2006.
Last year The Cherney Foundation has established special scholarships for students from former Soviet Union at Bar-Ilan University.

Donation to Women's Shelter in Haifa, Israel
May, 2006

MCF sent a humanitarian donation as an act of SOS to Women's Shelter in Haifa, where two women from former Soviet Union are currently living.The money will be used for very specific purposes for these two women.

Stipends for Young Artists
May, 2006

Israel Center for Children Art organizes each year festivals and competitions as well as participates in at least 10 international competitions. As such, violinist Mark Tiktiner is studying in Conservatory of Minchin, and Anna Verovlanskaya was invited to the Israeli Opera.
The latest stars of the competition are clarinet players and brothers, Dani and Alex Gurfinkel as well as a dancer Yuliya Gorbunov. The brothers have given concerts all over the world with Zubin Meta, Vladimir Spivakov and Uriy Bashmet.
Yuliya, even though she is only 16, gives regular master-classes for dance teachers in Russia. This year she is invited to appear on stages of Spain, England and Russia.
MCF has awarded stipends to brothers Gurfinkel and Yuliya Gorbunov.