Janis L. Oolie, an experienced fund-raiser for Jewish and academic organizations, has been named Executive Director of the American Friends of Kidum (AFK). AFK, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to building awareness and financial support for the Society for Advancement of Education, Jerusalem (SAE) in the U.S. SAE owns and runs 18 high schools and residences for talented youth from all sectors of Israeli society – secular, modern orthodox, ultra-orthodox and Arab.
“Janis combines a proven track record of building strong relationships and increasing support for educational and Jewish service institutions with a lifelong passion for and strong ties with Israel,” said David Mallach, Chair of the AFK. “I look forward to working with Janis, the AFK Board and our colleagues at SAE in Israel to further increase awareness throughout the United States of SAE’s innovative schools, residences and educational programs in Israel.”
From an early age Janis’ father, a former president of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest in New Jersey, instilled in her the need to help others, the virtues of philanthropy and a commitment to Israel. Those ties to Israel have only grown deeper after multiple visits to Israel, both personal and professional.
During a 20+ year career in development Janis has held leadership positions with the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, the Jewish Federation of Princeton, United Way of Greater Mercer County, Bloomfield College and Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County.
“I am very excited to have this unique opportunity to utilize my experience in resource development for American organizations with my lifelong love of Israel,” Janis said. “SAE runs a remarkable network of innovative educational programs unique in Israel. I look forward to introducing more people in the U.S. to SAE’s schools and residences which are giving talented Israel youth from all sectors of society a chance to realize their full academic potential.”
Janis holds a B.A. from Simmons University and resides in Central New Jersey with her husband Robert.
About SAE
The Society for Advancement of Education, Jerusalem (SAE) is a social-educational organization that works to instill academic and social excellence as a bridge and leverage for integration into Israeli society.
For 60 years, SAE has touched the lives of tens of thousands of youth from different circles of Israeli society, promoting social mobility through high quality educational achievement.
SAE initiates, develops and operates educational solutions for youth in schools, residential schools, and educational programs and projects, with the goal of shaping and creating opportunities for excellence and for helping youth realize their full educational potential and instill social values.
Responding to the needs of numerous sectors within Israeli society (ultra-orthodox, national religious, secular, Arab), SAE offers optimal opportunities for education and success to all the country’s children. SAE currently operates 18 schools and residences. Many of the schools are unique in Israel’s educational landscape.
About AFK
The American Friends of Kidum (AFK) is dedicated to increasing awareness and financial support for the educational initiatives of the Society for Advancement of Education, Jerusalem. AKF cultivates relationships and serves as a vital connection between SAE and its friends, supporters, partners and alumni in the U.S.