Our Mission Statement

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​Children's Museum of Galilee cultivates curiosity by providing an educational, interactive play place for children to explore, discover and engage with their bodies, minds, hearts and imaginations. We inspire a life-long love of learning.


Children's Museum of the Galilee (CMG) is a not-for-profit amutah in Israel, currently laying the groundwork to become one of a very few state recognized museums.  "Friends of Children's Museum of the Galilee" is a 510(c)(3) non-for-              profit in the United States and can provide tax receipts. Sponsorships are also available                                                                        
​The CMG (HaLev in Hebrew, "The Heart") is a place designed to spark a passion for life-long learning through creative exploration of science, art and nature.

Who We Are

We are professionals, parents, teachers, business people, lawyers, government officials, realtors, and many volunteers helping to make this happen. 
We all share one thing in common:  We care about kids.
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​Laya Saul Jackson
Founder, Chairman of the Board

​Laya’s dream began the journey to build the Children’s Museum of the Galilee in Israel. Her dedication and constant effort along with the rest of the team is making the dream into reality.
Laya holds a Master’s Degree in applied psychology and she is the author of eleven books, ten of which are for children and teens. She is an international speaker (topics like self-help and getting through the hard times). Laya is also known for her book (Sisterhood of the Copper Mirrors) and teachings on women in Tanach.
Eli Moskovitz
​CEO, Children's Museum of the Galilee 
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​​With an MA in business administration and a BA in sociology and political science, Eli served for 24 years as the CEO of Ulpenit Nov, a girls’ high school, established in 1998.
He participated in designing the educational program as well as the school’s physical facilities. He has experience with non-profit organizations and governmental resources.
Previously he served in the IDF for ten years as an HR officer. He continues his service in Military Reserves, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Dr. Netzach Farbiash
Museum Advisor, and Chief Curator
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As CEO and Chief Curator of the Carasso Science Park in Be’er Sheva, Dr. Farbiash is experienced with the process of becoming, building, and running a recognized museum in Israel.
​He is accompanying us through this process and brings to our venture the support of Carasso’s entire staff as needed.
Dr. Farbiash is a highly respected faculty member of Ben Gurion University.

Joint Advisory Committee

Laya Lurie, MA, family therapist, private practice
Moshe Epstein, MA, Jewish Philosophy and Certified Life Coach
Yaron Jackson, real estate developer
Keren Horowitz, retired early intervention physical therapist
Jackie Teplitz, PhD, teacher educator, Gordon Academic College of Education
Barry Shiffman, BSc, MS; retired science teacher
Rachel Raizel Schonberger, community leader, founder and CEO of Jewish Single Parents of San Diego
Naomi Kalfon, MA, CCC-SLP, speech language pathologist
Sara Morrow, retired project manager and community contributor
Perry Vernikoff, hotel and restaurant brand and customer success management

US Board

○      Laya Saul Jackson, MA, author, founder, and president, FCMG
○      Eliyahu Kalfon, MD, cardiology and electrophysiology, Galil Medical Center; secretary, FCMG
○      Mary Ellen Weissman, PhD, licensed psychologist, child and adolescent specialist
○      Barbara Katch, BA, JD, real estate investment and management
○      Seema Gersten, MEd, literacy interventionist
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Our Values

At the museum, every child matters, and everyone who partners with, works for, or volunteers with us is valued. ​We provide educational tools and opportunities with resources that encourage responsibility and strength for all. We create an environment for children to discover new aspects of their potential and how they can impact the world. Parents delight in recognizing more of their children's potential. Families, teachers, and all who work to life the lives ​of children are inspired and encouraged in their roles. 

Be a part of something great.

Sign up for our quarterly newsletter to stay current with all the exciting happenings here at the Children's Museum of the Galilee!
HOURS:
Interested in exploring the Museum and letting your imagination run free? So are we! If funding from generous donors like you comes in as planned, we will open in 2028-2029! 
We are a registered 501(c)(3) in the U.S. and can issue tax exempt receipts. We are also a registered and recognized amutah in Israel also give receipts for Shekel donations.
Email: [email protected]
LOCATION
​A wondrous place in Northern Israel... The Lower Galilee Council, our municipal partner, has generously allocated 20 dunams (approx. 5 acres) for the project.
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Located next to the Golani Intersection, the site is surrounded by a school complex with over 2,000 students, agricultural farms, and a pre-military preparatory program—an ideal environment to engage and inspire the next generation.