‘My form of Zionism’: Jerusalem nonprofit helps new olim build businesses in Israel

MATI Jerusalem, a nonprofit founded in 1991 by Teddy Kollek and Uri Scharf, assists entrepreneurs and small-business owners in Jerusalem, with a focus on new immigrants, women, Haredi individuals, and East Jerusalem residents. Michael Horesh, a senior mentor, describes his work helping new immigrants establish businesses as "my form of Zionism." MATI provides up to 20 hours of free business mentoring for new olim within their first 10 years in Israel, along with webinars and loan application assistance. Mentors, fluent in multiple languages, help olim navigate challenges like financial management, VAT issues, and self-doubt. Meira Herman, an artist and dog-sitter, and Dr. Tyron Waters, a chiropractor, are two olim who credit MATI and Horesh's guidance for their business stability and success in Israel.