Amos Sapir: We Must Volunteer

An Interview

Mr. Sapir is one of the founding members of the organization, and the Chairman of Standard & Poor's Maalot. He gets around, knows everyone, and pulls every string possible in order to help "Olim Together Bandelay Woodelay" achieve its goals and remain stable and productive. All this is done out of pure Zionism, outside of the spotlight.

Get out there and volunteer. It is your duty to society, and you will enjoy a great feeling of satisfaction. Don't be shy to offer your services, they are needed everywhere. This project cannot be done by one person alone. Together we are creating equal opportunity for these great people, each and every one of us in our own way.

 Amos Sapir- where do your roots stem from, and where are they leading to?

I had a regular childhood, although as a public figure, my father, Pinchas Sapir (head of the ministry of defense when Israel was established, Minister of Industry and Trade for 7 years and Finance Minister for 10 years) was rarely home.

 We were raised to appreciate public, political and social involvement. My mother who took care of things at home on her own under harsh conditions, was involved in Naamat and other charitable organizations.  In 11th and 12th grade I attended "Tel Aviv New High School", which was a politically oriented school. This led to taking interest and involvement in society.

While completing a master's degree at Columbia University in New York, I learned from staff and students that volunteering had no limits. And so, because of my education and background, and because I have the capacity to make changes, I am involved in social activities. I believe that people can succeed, and that we need to give back to the society in which we have achieved success. Perhaps success comes as a result of giving.

I have been involved in higher education for many years. I was a member of the Management Committee and Investment Committee of Tel Aviv University, and currently a member of the Management Committee and Chair of the Finance Committee at the Tel Aviv-Jaffa Academic College.  When I was working full time, it was challenging to keep my volunteer positions, but it has become part of who I am.  Having more free time on my hands during the last decade has allowed me to increase my volunteer activities and I enjoy this immensely. 

I find the positions interesting, enjoy the people, and like having a full schedule. The feeling you get when you are helping people is wonderful, and it is beneficial for both sides. That is where my roots come from in a nutshell.

How did you get involved with Olim Together?

My encounter with Ethiopian Jews began many years ago. Since I was a youngster, I have always enjoyed traveling. After my first year at university, I stayed with an Israeli acquaintance, a cattle merchant, who lived in Ethiopia (then Eritrea and Habash).

 I traveled to visit them by cargo ship from Eilat, and from there continued to Somalia. In Ethiopia I joined my host on a search for cattle.

 I remember standing somewhere in the desert, with the Israeli merchant and a Habash member of parliament. Suddenly, a group of   dark-skinned shepherds came down a slope with their cattle, and the Israeli said to me: "These are the Falashmora – part of your people. They heard I was from Israel and were very excited. Years later I met Yifat and Edva and they told me about the program. 

I knew immediately that I would help. We need to give Ethiopian Israelis an advantage, to help them overcome cultural differences. They arrived into a society that was different from their own, and the apparent visual differences can present a challenge. Arriving into a modern society, where people have already integrated is not easy. It is almost impossible. I believe that affirmative action (which I am generally opposed to) is needed in this case, especially for the gifted members of the group. This is what we do at Olim Together. That is what  impressed me when I met Yifat and Edva. There are so many rifts and scandals in our society that need to be dealt with. And it's hard work. But this can be done quickly and easily. Here we have young, talented people who are just waiting for the right opportunity to shine. If we don't do our share, violence and crime will manifest in society. That is why I am doing whatever I can to help.   

How do you actually help?

First of all, I solicit donations and help with infrastructure. We need to take advantage of all our connections, and to make sure that the system can stay on budget and offer enrichment and mentorship opportunities.

Secondly, I see personal mentoring as a key component. I am mentoring Daniel Alamshet from the first cycle who now works for Deloitte-Breitman-Almagor. We have a great relationship and I enjoy my job as a "father". Last, I enjoy managing the organization and supporting the staff and management team of the program. A small staff with a heavy load to carry.

What is your message to the friends and to the public?

Get out there and volunteer. It is your duty to society, and you will enjoy a great feeling of satisfaction. Don't be shy to offer your services, they are needed everywhere. This project cannot be done by one person alone. Together we are creating equal opportunity for these great people, each and every one of us in our own way.