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“The Ascent to Excellence Foundation is an outgrowth of my personal experiences, and the vision and of Prof. Gabi Barbash, a leading figure in the Israeli medical and scientific, landscape, and with the support of the Daniel and Daniela Steinmetz family.

Our vision is to create better opportunities for young men and women who have left the fold of the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel and who wish to be integrated into secular society, based on the vital importance of higher education as a stepping stone to career success and integration into society. As a former member of the Orthodox community, I know how difficult, if not impossible, it is for ultra-Orthodox men and women who lack a core secular education including math, English, science, civics, and other subjects, to gain acceptance into academic study programs in Israeli universities, and even more so without financial or family support.

We established this program to help them, financially and otherwise, as they navigate this major life change. Ultimately, Israeli society and the Jewish people will benefit greatly from their talents and success.

Ascent to Excellence is the first scholarship program designed for individuals who have demonstrated excellence in pre-academic preparatory courses despite not studying core subjects. Ensuring that this tremendous potential is not lost is both a personal mitzvah and serves a national mission.

My own path out was one of loneliness, doubt, and fear, but it has also opened my heart to help others on the same path. Indeed, this foundation was born so that no member of the ultra-Orthodox community who aspires to academic and career excellence, and integration into society, would be forced to give up on a dream just because of financial and hardship and lack of support.”