About us
The largest non-profit project in Israel distributing refurbished computers to low income and minorities at a subsidized price and the only one with a national, supervised, transparent and equitable distribution model
Our vision
Promoting social mobility and equal opportunities through closing the digital divide
Mission statement
Establishing a national operation distributing refurbished computers to vulnerable communities at low rates, while protecting the environment and creating employment for people with disabilities.
Our operation
Collection
We collect high quality used computers and screens from companies across the country. The collection and transport services are free of charge and every donation is issued with tax-recognized donation certificate (section 46). Any equipment that is not refurbished goes to recycling corporations and is processed as required by law.
Refurbishing
Our goal is to provide high quality, complete computer kits. Each and every computer is being upgraded and renewed in our labs, a collaboration with “Hameshakem” company, where we offer fair employment for people with disabilities who are specially trained to uphold the market’s highest refurbishing standards. Following the distribution, our volunteers offer free training and technical support in 7 different languages. In addition, all of our computers come with a one-year warranty allowing any malfunction or repair to be taken care of.
Distribution
Our refurbished computer kits are distributed through formal entities (such as local authorities, schools, community centers, parent leadership groups, youth centers, etc.) for a symbolic participation fee of 570 NIS including all equipment, operation systems and support.
Our distribution model is based on a broad national perspective, prioritizing distributions according to unified criteria which, together with our logistical setup and broad cooperation, ensures that our computers reach those who need them the most.
How it all started
During the covid-19 outbreak, the first socio-economic desk was opened at the national crisis management operation room aiming to utilize the power of the business sector for the benefit of Israeli society. As quarantine was mandatory and hundreds of thousands homes in Israel, from all sectors of the population, were still disconnected, without even one computer, the digital divide was identified as the most pressing problem to be worked on.
Although there were, at the time, small associations, public and private projects, and efforts trying to address this issue, there was no permanent, sustainable solution.
Therefore, “Mitchashvim” was established, aiming to provide a holistic solution allowing to connect an existing resource (computers) with those who really need it.
Our team
Adi Shamgar
CEO of Mitchashvim
Adi has a rich experience and many years of expertise in the field of resource development in the social sector. In some of her various roles, Adi led the development teams at Elem NGO, for at-risk youth and at Batsheva Dance Company. As part of her roles, she initiated and led innovative projects, including Elem race, donation galas, and a creation of a new fund.
Adi also brings vast business experience in managing complex projects from roles she has held in commercial companies such as Elit and Strauss group. Adi holds a Bachelor's degree in Law, a license to practice law, and a Master's degree in Business Administration.
In her leisure time, Adi enjoys creating within the framework of playback workshops and creative writing, of which she is a member.
Mor Valnci
VP Partnerships
Mor holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from David Yelin College and has seven years of experience running social programs under the The Israel Association of Community Centers. As part of her duties, Mor managed budgets and broad projects of non-formal education at the youth and children department as well as in the national operation for senior citizens volunteering.
Bar Zakai
Operations manager
Bar grew up in the Hadera nautical club, a youth movement engaged in water sports and over the years became a sailing instructor.
When enlisted to the IDF, Bar served in the technical formation of the Air Force in various positions, including the formation "Adir", "Sofa" and other formations in which he performed core duties until he was released from his final position an air armament officer in squadron 119 (the bat) at a Captain rank.
In addition to his position as Mitchashvim’s operations manager, Bar volunteer’s with people with disabilities and guides underprivileged children at the water sports center.
Flor Byrner
Director of Resources
A community social worker with a master's degree in nonprofit management specializing in community building processes and networking.
In recent years she has worked in associations in the field of community settlement and in the Jerusalem Municipality.
Flor led social projects on a large scale, from the concept stage to execution, while recruiting hundreds of volunteers and connecting them to community action.
In her spare time she is engaged in film production and art design, and on Saturdays you can find her on the tennis courts.
Sagi Pecker
Operations & Partnership Coordinator
Sagi joined the Mitchashvim team after he was released from a long permanent service in the Navy.
As part of the military service, he served as the head of the electrical team on the vessel, and was in command of its control and control center room.
Sagi developed, absorbed and implemented projects and theoretical study materials and maintained a continuous technical and operational competence of the technical systems in the vessel at the same time as a lot of operational activity.
Sagi Pecker
Operations & Partnership Coordinator
Sagi joined the Mitchashvim team after he was released from a long permanent service in the Navy.
As part of the military service, he served as the head of the electrical team on the vessel, and was in command of its control and control center room.
Sagi developed, absorbed and implemented projects and theoretical study materials and maintained a continuous technical and operational competence of the technical systems in the vessel at the same time as a lot of operational activity.
Yossi Bonfil
Director of Operations
Yossi has extensive experience in managing operational and quality systems and leading operational and technological projects in global manufacturing companies (Merck, Intel) and start-up companies in the fields of chemistry, aviation, semiconductors and nanotechnology.
In recent years, he held the positions of Vice President of Operations and Plant Management while establishing, developing, running and improving advanced production areas.
Yossi holds a PhD in Chemistry from Tel Aviv University.
In his spare time he likes to run long distances and has successfully completed several marathons.
Yossi Bonfil
Director of Operations
Yossi has extensive experience in managing operational and quality systems and leading operational and technological projects in global manufacturing companies (Merck, Intel) and start-up companies in the fields of chemistry, aviation, semiconductors and nanotechnology.
In recent years, he held the positions of Vice President of Operations and Plant Management while establishing, developing, running and improving advanced production areas.
Yossi holds a PhD in Chemistry from Tel Aviv University.
In his spare time he likes to run long distances and has successfully completed several marathons.
Board of Directors
Rami Lipman
Hi-tech entrepreneur and investor
Rami has been engaged in social development through entrepreneurship and impact investments.
Among his social engagements, Rami was one of the founders of Mitchashvim, he participated in the establishment of multiple Finetech and impact companies and is a leading partner in several nonprofit organizations working to reduce the gaps within the startup world between central and peripheral communities in Israel.
Shahar Bar - Or
Chief Product Manager and CEO of Infinidat Israel
Before that he managed Western Digital's development centers in Israel.
As part of his social involvements, Shahar took part in the development and establishment of the Israeli cyber championship (with the Ministry of Education), an Ultra Code program training orthodox women for High Tech professions and Mitchashvim national social enterprise.
Shahar holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Ben Gurion University and a master's degree in electrical engineering from Tel Aviv University.
Ronit Ronen-Carpol
Former Deputy CEO and Human Capital Manager of Western Digital Israel
She previously served as diversity and inclusion manager at the Sandisk global organization and has experience in human resources at m-sys tems - and Amdocs.
Serves as a public representative at the Innovation Authority and as a member of the board of directors of the "Mitchashvim" association and the board of the human resources association as well as a member of the Friends of Alam organization.
Has a master's degree in Bar Ilan in social psychology.
Dan Inbar
President, Engineering ISG (Infrastructure Solutions Group)ת Dell Technologies
Dan is the president of the engineering and development field at the infrastructure engineering group at DELL international.
Dan has over 25 years of experience in high management positions in the technology industry including positions at Dell Technologies, N-trig, SanDisk, e-Mobiles and NICE.
Dan holds a Bachelors in electrical engineering from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and a Masters in business administration from INSEAD University in France
Noam Shay
Founder & Former CEO of Mitchashvim
During the covid-19 outbreak, Noam established and managed the first socio-economic desk at the national crisis management operation room. Noam was discharged from the IDF at a captain rank. In her last position, she managed the Office of the Military Secretary to the Israeli president Reuven Rivlin, where she led the social security field. Prior to that, Noam established and managed the school for IDF commander’s cultural competency.
Noam is also a BA law student, a certified team guide and a qualified instruction development and impact evaluation practitioner.