When the idea for the Mobile MakerSpace was born, it was a vision of a van equipped with cutting-edge technology, creative workshops, and tools for resilience, traveling across the north to spark inspiration and hope in children.
The war pushed us to reimagine how we could support children in the north. While building the museum remained our long-term goal, we knew we needed to provide something for the kids now—something immediate to help them cope, create, and dream, even amidst uncertainty. On January 16, 2025, that became a reality. At Nitzanim School in Karmiel, we officially launched the Mobile MakerSpace with an event that inspired excitement and joy among the children—and everyone involved. This transformative initiative was made possible by the generous donations and matching contributions from Dr. Drew and Dr. Mary Ellen Weissman (Weissman Family Charitable Fund), whose support has sustained us through our formative years. Thank you also to The Kadosh Family Foundation, and the Leve Foundation, and every donor who has given so generously to help turn a vision of creativity, innovation, and education into a powerful tool for empowering children, nurturing emotional resilience, and inspiring new possibilities. The event was more than a celebration. It was a tangible demonstration of how creativity, innovation, and education can combine to empower children, nurture emotional resilience, and inspire new possibilities. A Day of Creativity and Connection The launch event was filled with hands-on activities designed to engage, inspire, and challenge the children to think differently.
Bringing the Vision to Life The Mobile MakerSpace isn’t just about technology—it’s about meeting children where they are, regardless of background or circumstances, and giving them the tools to explore, create, and dream. This unique initiative, made possible by the Children’s Museum of the Galilee, was developed in partnership with Dror Israel, the FoReal Team, Yaelke Design and the Community Stress Prevention Center, with professional guidance from Dr. Mooli Lahad and Dr. Nira Kaplansky—leaders in emotional resilience. As Dr. Lahad explained, “Resilience is built through creative responses to challenges. The Mobile MakerSpace offers children the chance to discover new ways to express themselves and develop their inner strength.” The Mobile Makers van is more than just equipment - it’s a platform for connection, creativity, and growth. Over the next year, we hope to travel across the north, reaching thousands of children from diverse communities—Jewish, Arab, Druze, and Christian—providing equal access to opportunities for learning and self-expression. A Moment to Reflect and Celebrate The launch event was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to turn an idea into action. From the donors who believed in this program when it was only a dream, to the educators, partners, and children who brought it to life—it was a moment of connection, creativity, and hope. As Eli Moskowitz, CEO of the Children’s Museum of the Galilee, shared, “We are proud to lead an initiative that combines educational experiences with advanced technology. The Mobile MakerSpace gives children the opportunity to create, learn, and dream, leaving them inspired for the future.” This is just the beginning. The Mobile MakerSpace will continue to travel, inspire, and create lasting impact for children throughout the Galilee and beyond. Looking Ahead We believe in the power of creativity to transform lives. We’ve seen it firsthand in the smiles, the stories, and the spark of curiosity that lit up the children’s eyes during the launch event. Thank you to everyone who made this possible—your belief, your generosity, and your commitment to a brighter future for the children of the north. Let’s keep building a future full of creativity, innovation, and hope—together. Donate - Children's Museum of the Galilee
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At the heart of every child’s development lies the transformative power of PLAY. It’s a universal language, one that transcends boundaries, sparks imaginations, and unlocks hidden potential. Through play, children discover who they are, what they can achieve, and how they can connect with the world around them. But play is not a singular force—it’s made up of many essential elements that, when combined, shape the foundation for growth, learning, acceptance, and creativity. In this blog, we explore the four pillars of play--Potential, Learning, Acceptance, and Youthfulness—and why they are critical to a child's development, both as individuals and as members of a larger community. We’ll also explain how, together, they create a space where every child can thrive. Unlocking Potential through Play At the core of play lies potential—the untapped abilities and possibilities in every child. When children are given the opportunity to explore and experiment freely, they uncover strengths they never knew they had. Play enables them to push boundaries, take risks, and develop resilience. Through the freedom of play, children learn to navigate the world on their terms, laying the groundwork for all future development. This untapped potential is the foundation of a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. By providing a space where children can discover their abilities without limits, we set them on a path toward becoming empowered, independent, and courageous individuals. Play gives them the confidence to dream big and take on challenges with determination. Empowering Minds through Learning Learning is one of the most vital outcomes of play. It’s through engaging in hands-on, interactive experiences that children turn curiosity into understanding, and understanding into knowledge. Play is the ultimate learning tool, as it immerses children in experiences that spark questions, inspire exploration, and foster critical thinking. When children actively participate in their learning, they develop the ability to think independently, problem-solve, and retain information. This type of experiential learning doesn’t just educate the mind—it inspires lifelong curiosity and a passion for discovery. Through play, children learn to see challenges as opportunities, which sets the stage for them to be lifelong learners, constantly evolving and adapting to the world around them. Fostering Acceptance in Every Child At its most profound, play fosters a sense of acceptance. It is through the universal language of play that children from all backgrounds, abilities, and walks of life come together, forming connections and bonds that transcend differences. Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued, and play provides a space where children can express themselves authentically without fear of judgment. Through inclusive play experiences, children develop empathy and understanding, learning to appreciate and respect one another’s uniqueness. These interactions teach children that they are not only part of a community, but integral to it. When children feel accepted, they grow with confidence, ready to contribute to a more compassionate and united world. Play is not just a tool for fun—it’s the foundation of social harmony, where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is embraced. Keeping Youthfulness Alive There is a unique magic to youthfulness—the boundless creativity, joy, and curiosity that children exude. Play is the essence of this youthful spirit, keeping the spark of imagination alive. Through imaginative play, children create worlds of their own, transforming everyday objects into instruments of creativity and invention. This unrestricted freedom of expression allows them to explore, experiment, and discover in ways that shape their identities and visions of the world. Youthfulness is not only about play—it’s about nurturing a child’s innate ability to dream, to invent, and to question. As children play, they develop a sense of wonder that propels them forward into adulthood with the same enthusiasm and sense of possibility they had as children. Play keeps that magic alive, helping children retain their curiosity and zest for life, and fueling the innovative thinkers of tomorrow. The Transformative Power of PLAY When we combine these four elements—Potential, Learning, Acceptance, and Youthfulness—we create something truly transformative. It’s not just about one aspect of development; it’s about the holistic growth of a child as an individual and as part of a larger community. Each pillar of play builds upon the other. Potential drives learning, learning fosters acceptance, acceptance nurtures the freedom to explore, and youthfulness keeps the spark of imagination alive. Together, they form the foundation for resilience, creativity, empathy, and innovation—qualities that will help children navigate an ever-changing world. Join us in Creating a Space Where Play Shapes the Future At the Children’s Museum of the Galilee, we believe in the power of play to shape the future. Every child deserves a space where they can explore their potential, engage in hands-on learning, experience acceptance, and unleash their creativity. Together, we can create a place where children are empowered to become the leaders, thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow. Your support makes all the difference. By contributing to this mission, you are helping us create a transformative space for children to grow, learn, and thrive through the power of play. Donate today and be part of shaping a brighter future for our children: Donate - Children's Museum of the Galilee
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Children's Museum of the Galilee is a not for profit organization building a place of curiosity, play, discovery, and joy for all children in Israel. Archives
January 2025
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