About the Association
From a legacy of giving to a vision for change
Bemitavi – The Ruth Vrobel Foundation was founded in 2013 out of a deeply personal story of love, resilience, and human connection.
Ruth Vrobel (of blessed memory), who lived with cancer, left behind an unwritten legacy of generosity, compassion, and a profound ability to truly see the person in front of her.
This spirit became the foundation of our organization.
Over the years, we came to understand that alongside chronic illness, another quiet and painful challenge often emerges — loneliness.
Today, Bemitavi works to change the health equation in Israel by addressing both physical and emotional needs, and by strengthening the connection between healthcare systems and community.
We connect students from health and care professions with people facing health challenges, build bridges between medicine and society, and promote an integrative approach that sees the whole person — body, mind, and community.
Late Ruth (Ruti) Vrobel
Ruth’s life story is the compass that guides our work.
For decades, Ruth devoted her life to education and to supporting underserved populations. She was known for her ability to listen deeply, to recognize the unique value of each individual, and to offer a sense of dignity and belonging.
At the age of 51, Ruth was diagnosed with cancer and given only a few months to live. She chose a different path.
Rather than surrendering to despair, she drew on extraordinary inner strength and continued to live, create, and give to others for six additional years.
Her illness never diverted her from her values. On the contrary, it deepened her belief in the strength of the human spirit.
BeMeitavi was established to continue that unwritten legacy: to see the other, to extend a hand, and to choose life and optimism — even in the face of the most difficult challenges.
The Numbers Behind the Heart
Behind every statistic stands a person. Through partnerships with Israel’s healthcare system, social services, nonprofit organizations, and local authorities, Bemitavi provides complementary and comprehensive support alongside conventional medical care.
We are proud to lead initiatives that improve the physical and emotional well-being of thousands of people every year — transforming loneliness into meaningful human connection.
100,000+
One-on-one meetings of listening, emotional support, and companionship between students and participants
33,000
Individuals supported in communities and medical centers through a caring, human-centered framework
1,300+
Scholarship students trained and empowered as ambassadors of integrative and empathetic care
50
Strategic partners across the public sector, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations
Reaching People Wherever We Are Needed
Our programs operate nationwide, from Kiryat Shmona in the north to Eilat in the south, across diverse communities and regions in Israel.
North
Central
South
The People Behind the Impact
The Bemitavi team is made up of professionals from the fields of healthcare, therapy, education, and social leadership. Each day, they bring not only expertise and experience — but also deep commitment and heart. Together, they ensure that every person facing a health challenge receives the most supportive and respectful framework possible.
Daphna Dovev
CEO
Ety Balely
Partnerships & Resource Development
Matan Lev, MSW
Professional Guidance and Expert Content
Adi Bar-Shalev
Marketing & Northern Region Projects
Daniel Shaham
Lead, “Hibuk” Unit – Evaluation & Measurement
Chen Shimony Mouret
Project Coordinator
Yael Sikron
Project Coordinator
Loli Gat Finish
Project Coordinator
Vered Zilbershtein
Project Coordinator
Committed Public Leadership
Bemitavi is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors composed of leaders from healthcare, social action, economics, and public service. Board members serve on a voluntary basis and are responsible for shaping the organization’s strategy, ensuring sound governance, transparency, and the long-term sustainability of Ruth Vrobel’s vision.
Chairperson of the Board
Founding President & Board Member
Member of the Board of Directors
Co-Founder & Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Audit Committee
Audit Committee
Audit Committee
Transparency and public accountability
We place the highest importance on ethical and professional conduct.
Bemitavi operates under close oversight and is committed to the highest standards of nonprofit governance, ensuring that every donation is used responsibly and reaches its intended purpose.
The organization has been awarded the Midot Seal for Effectiveness, which evaluates an organization’s ability to create meaningful social impact while making optimal use of its resources.
