2. 1991
Parts of Duvdevan’s
activities were revealed
to the public
2014
Duvdevan Association grants
34 scholarships and has 60+
workers/volunteers in the
organization
2011
Duvdevan Association starts
Scholarship Program
granting 11 scholarships
2000
Duvdevan
Association
established
2002
Operation
Defensive
Shield
2014
Duvdevan participates in operation
“Protective Edge”.
Duvdevan Association sent 10K supplement
packs to all IDF soldiers in battle
Gilad Waldman
Captain (Res)
Duvdevan Association
CEO:
My goal is to make sure that every soldier in
Duvdevan knows the Duvdevan Association
is there for them, whether it’s a lone
soldier who needs help buying food before
Shabbat, an intelligence soldier with financial
difficulties back at home, or a reserve duty
soldier struggling to pay his university tuition.
They know we are here to watch over them
and help them succeed. From the cook
who prepares food before missions to our
supporters around the world, the Duvdevan
Association is not just an organization – we
are a family.
Lieutenant
Colonel K’
Duvdevan Head
Commander:
2014 has been a dramatic year for the unit’s
operations against terrorism in Judea and
Samaria – The West Bank. We operated day
and night to protect the residents and citizens
of Israel, carrying the load of the ongoing
work as part of the central command. On
this occasion, I’d like to thank and express
my appreciation to all of our supporters
during Operation Protective Edge, Operation
Brother’s Keeper, and throughout the whole
year. Your support enables us to focus on our
missions, improves the quality of our fighters’
service, and gives them the feeling that they
are in your hearts.
The Duvdevan Association was established
in memory of Doron Hirshman z”l, a
beloved officer and team commander in
Duvdevan who died during his service in a
diving accident at the age of 22. Doron’s
soldiers meant the world to him and he did
everything he could to look after them.
The goal of the Duvdevan Association is
to maintain Doron’s altruistic ideals and
continue his legacy of taking care of the
Duvdevan soldiers and graduates.
It is our responsibility to give back to the
brave young men who chose to risk their
lives for the State of Israel and the Jewish
people. We strongly believe that nurturing
and investing in these soldiers and alumni
will foster valuable leadership skills,
encourage social involvement, and help
contribute to Israeli society.
Our Vision
1989
Rumors spread around
the world: “Israel has a
secret undercover unit"
1986
Duvdevan
established as a
top secret unit
Ehud Barak
Founder of Duvdevan & Prime Minister of Israel
1999 -2001
I want to create an undercover unit,
a unit where its people will look like Arabs,
talk like Arabs, ride a bike in the refugee camps
of Nablus as if they are on Dizengoff Street
in Tel- Aviv.
People who can work undercover and make
contact with the enemy without the need of
using large forces and early exposure
1987
First intifada
begins
3. Mentorship
Program
This empowerment program, in partnership
with the CZCA, is designed for Duvdevan
alumni who are in need of guidance before
making a big life and/or career decision.
The Mentorship Program is a year long
program matching selected Duvdevan alumni
with Israeli leading figures from a variety of
fields and professional backgrounds, such
aseducationalentrepreneurship,technology,
economics and more.
Each mentor is carefully chosen to provide
the selected alumni specific guidance
based on their career needs and personal
development.
Eran Bresller
Captain (res)
Participant in
Mentorship Program
The mentorship program introduced
me to an experienced leader who is
familiar with the field I am interested in
pursuing. The down-to-earth meetings
with my mentor enabled me to perceive
a true and broad understanding of the
profession. At some point during the
program, our connection grew beyond
professional conversations and into a
true friendship.
Our Projects
4. Leonard Asper
Toronto Canada:
The soldiers of the elite undercover
Duvdevan unit sacrifice some of the best
years of their lives to protect the State
of Israel and its citizens. During their
service they learn discipline, unparalleled
leadership capabilities and invaluable
life skills that must be nurtured and
supported. Investing in their education
by providing scholarships not only serves
as a gesture to thank them and show
our appreciation, but it is also a tangible
opportunity to harness these invaluable
and demonstrated leadership skills, so
that they can become the future leaders
of the country and make significant
contributions to Israeli society
Scholarship
Foundation
The Duvdevan Scholarship Foundation, in
partnership with the “Heseg” Foundation,
CZCA, and the Canadian Friends of
Hebrew University, grant academic
scholarships to Duvdevan alumni.
Scholarships are granted to veterans
based on financial needs and excellence
during Army Service. As part of their
scholarship, our graduates are required to
complete 130 hours of volunteer work in
the community.
Yossi Tanuri
Director
Jewish Federation of Canada
Tami and I are proud to
be a part of the Duvdevan
family and even prouder to
stand with our soldiers,
who guarantee the safety
of Israel
5. Colonel Shimon Edri
Duvdevan Former
Head Commander
2009 - 2012
As a commander, I had endless responsibilities,
mostly in the operational field and preparation
for operations.
Yet, leading and managing the combat realm
is possible only if the most fundamental
issues are dealt with – our soldiers’ welfare.
If there is even one soldier who is unsettled
for any reason, from my perspective, I failed
as a commander.
After a series of home visits, it turned out
that several soldiers were lacking elementary
items in their homes.
Items such as a refrigerator or a bed, that are
usually taken for granted, were missing.
The military welfare system couldn't assist,
because by definition – on paper they weren’t
poor soldiers.
My last resort was the Duvdevan Association,
and the rapid response I received was caring
and professional. Within a few days, I lead a
slightly different "operation" than I was used to.
We managed to furnish each and every one
of the apartments according to their needs.
That operation demonstrated what the
Association constitutes for the Unit - a Family.
Like a caring family, the Duvdevan Association
is here for us whenever we need them.
New Path
Project
The transition from soldier to civilian is one
of the most complex junctions for soldiers.
During this period, which is fraught with
much confusion and a feeling of emptiness,
many dilemmas arise concerning the future.
This is why we established the New Path
Project – a program to provide the newly
released soldiers with the tools to help
ease their transition back to civilian life
and start their new path.
2014 is our 5th year running this program,
and we are proud to say that 100% of
Duvdevan graduates participated.
On this program, which takes place during
the last week of their service, we take
them on a week-long trip, separating them
from their guns and uniforms, to create a
friendly and peaceful atmosphere. The
soldiers are hosted by different hotels
in Israel, meet financial advisors, talk
about their army experiences with a
top psychologist (to reduce chances of
PTSD), hear safety guidelines from world
renowned tour guides, and enjoy traveling
around Israel.
At the end oftheweek,we give the soldiers
a gift as a small token of appreciation, and
send them off to begin their civilian lives.
In these comfortable and
non-judgmental settings, soldiers feel
free to share their difficult experiences.
Group members help one another
realize that many people would have
responded the same way and felt the
same emotions.
6. Memorial
Project
“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a
great name.”
We must never forget those who sacrificed
their lives for us.
As part of this project, we organize an annual
dinner strengthening and supporting our
bereaved families.
We also attend every memorial ceremony,
laying flowers on each fallen Duvdevan
soldier’s grave.
Portraits of fallen soldiers
drawn by
Duvdevan alumni
given to bereaved
families
Supporting
Duvdevan Unit
The Duvdevan Association works hand in
hand with the active duty Duvdevan Unit
itself. The Association supports the Unit
on a daily basis by ensuring they have
the economic freedom and the ability
to accomplish their operational goals. In
addition, we support long-term projects
such as the renovation of buildings,
maintenance of infrastructure, and any
additional aid needed that is not provided
by the government.
All soldiers are provided with an operational
watch after completing the intensive
16 months of training, and a top-notch
backpack before their release from the army.
Networking
Program
The army service is an important and vital
part of the lives of Duvdevan graduates.
However, after graduating from the Unit
most graduates lose contact with other
teams, companies, and the Unit. Our aim
is to reunite all Duvdevan graduates by
assembling an Alumni Group, connecting
veterans from 1989 to newly released
soldiers from 2015.
We do this by organizing different events
and building a platform to professionally
connect with Duvdevan alumni.
7. Eyal Schwartz
New Path
Project
Army Service:
2005
Occupation:
Medical
Student at TAU
Yaron Sait
Memorial
Project
Army Service:
2004
Occupation:
Medical
Student at TAU
Amit Rotem
Networking
Program
Army Service:
2007
Occupation:
Mechanical
Engineering
Student at TAU
Ouriya Kroov
Mentor
Project
Army Service:
2005
Occupation:
Law &
Business
Student at IDC
Tomer Levine
Digital
Marketing &
Foreign
Relations
Army Service
2008
Occupation:
Film Student
Ophir Shtilman
Scholarship
Program
Army Service:
2008
Occupation:
Behavioral
Sciences
student
at Tel-Hai
Gilad Waldman
CEO
Army Service: 2006
Occupation:
Mechanical Engineering
Student at TAU
Ariel Rubin
Executive Director
Army Service: 2007
Occupation:
Upround Ventures
Business Analyst
Yotam Bar Haim
Executive Director
Army Service: 2008
Occupation:
Economics & Accounting
Student at IDC
Top Management & Project Managers
Duvdevan Association Structure
Itamar Guaron | Chairman
Army Service: March 1996
Occupation: CEO Portofino Investment Banking
Idan Pundak
Army Service:
November 2000
Occupation:
Homeland Security
Shay David
Army Service:
January 1991
Occupation:
Founder & CEO Klein’s
Udi Weissman
Army Service:
April 1994
Occupation:
Finance, Position
Roy Kahane
Army Service:
November 1994
Occupation:
CEO KahaneABB
Matan Yagel
Army Service:
March 2004
Occupation:
Accountant KPMG
Liron Kahana
Army Service:
March 1990
Occupation:
Attorney & Partner MAMlaw
BOD
Audit Committee
Duvdevan Association has 75 volunteers and one paid salary
to the CEO – all volunteers, workers, and members are former Duvdevan soldiers:
8. Total cost
for 2014:
$168,420
Total cost
for 2014:
$31,570
Scholarship
Program
8320
Hours of volunteer work
completed by
scholarship recipients
34
Full scholarships
granted
Mentorship
Program
10
Duvdevan
graduates
successfully
paired with
leading Israeli
mentors
Lets Talk Numbers
2014
Accomplishments
New Path
Program
27
Professional talks
delivered to
soldiers
(psychologists,
financial
advisors etc.)
3
Programs
completed
210
Backpacks
given to
released
soldiers
Total cost
for 2014:
$21,315
9. Total cost
for 2014:
$3,835
Memorial
Project
1
Annual Dinner
organized for
bereaved families
with the
participation of
Duvdevan
top commanders
32
flower bouquets
laid on
graves during
memorial
ceremonies
Total Income
$589,485
Total Program Expenses
$384,653
Operating Expenses
$62,455
Operational ratio for 2014
10.5%
Operating Expenses include:
· One full time salary to CEO
· Transportation refunds
· Fundraising expenses
· Accountant fees
· Lawyer fees
· Governmental fees
· Communication fees
· Mailing & Printing expenses
Assisting
the Unit
10,000
Supplement
packages sent to
soldiers in Gaza
during Operation
Protective Edge
180
Operational
watches given
to soldiers
4
Pergolas constructed
1
Recreational
lounge built
40
Soldiers in need
assisted
Total cost
for 2014:
$150,790
Total cost
for 2014:
$8,723
Duvdevan
Networking and Events
Duvdevan
10k Race
Duvdevan
Alumni
Platform
reaches 4200
graduates
Duvdevan
career
conference
10. Milestones
Keep what we have
for years to come
For the past 4 years we have worked
extremely hard to build the Duvdevan
Association as it is today.
For us, every year starts with many
question marks as to which projects
we can fund and which we cannot. Our
main and most important goal for the
future is to maintain and sustain all of our
projects with some slight modifications
listed below. Our objective is that every
16-year-old in the recruitment process
will know that, upon selection into
Duvdevan, he will receive an operational
watch at the end of training, he will
partake in the New Path Project before
his release, and he will be eligible to apply
for a Duvdevan scholarship.
Add social aspects to
mentorship program
Our Mentorship program, as of today, is
an individual program which is primarily
business oriented. Our vision is to add
social aspects to this program that will
make a change in our society.
Grant 50 new
scholarships per year
There are 200 Duvdevan graduates annually.
Analyzing their needs, we realized that 25%
were in need of scholarships.
We aim to grant 50 NEW scholarships per
year. In 2014 we granted 34.
Moreover, once we reach 50 new annual
scholarships, we will build an endowment
fund for the years to come.
Add a full day to the
New Path Program
focusing on PTSD
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is
a topic that is never discussed, especially
during the soldiers’ active service.
As of now, we dedicate less than a day
during our New Path Program to discuss
soldiers’ experiences during their service.
Providing the soldiers with the opportunity
to talk about their various stressful army
experiences just before being released
to civilian life, significantly reduces the
chances of suffering from PTSD.
Looking forward:
A 5-year plan
Duvdevan Association is a small
organization with very modest goals
supporting a small and special elite unit.
Our vision is to preserve and sustain the
projects we have established for years
to come. We want to guarantee that our
brave soldiers receive what they deserve.
We want to encourage Duvdevan alumni
to work together, build a successful
network, and support each other.
We want to ensure our fallen soldiers will
never be forgotten, and their legacy will
continue to live on.
We want to enable young released
soldiers who have lost their path to lean
on us and acquire an education through
our Scholarship Program. Above all, we
want to help Israel become a better place.
