Mission Statement

The Avi Schaefer Fund (ASF) was created in memory of Avi Schaefer to promote the ideals and dreams that inspired Avi throughout his life. The Fund is dedicated to changing the climate of the discussion surrounding Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on North American college campuses, and will develop opportunities to further Avi's values of empathy, mutual respect and active listening.

The strategy and objectives of the Avi Schaefer Fund are:

• Developing the Avi Fellowship for former Israeli soldiers who, like Avi, will be attending colleges and universities in North America and wish to be an effective presence for Israel and for peace.
• Facilitating conferences and retreats that will bring together Israeli and Palestinian students with diverse and conflicting views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; these events will help to facilitate personal relationships that promote the concept that “an enemy is someone whose story you have not yet heard.”

Vision and Core Values

Before his tragic death, Avi was involved in a variety of projects to promote understanding and peace between Israelis and Palestinians.  His passion for this work stemmed from a deep, abiding love for the Jewish people coupled with a commitment to the safety and security of the State of Israel and of all people in the region.  Avi believed deeply in the possibility of forging a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians . His open heart and generous spirit shaped him into a compassionate and empathetic human being. The Fund will be guided by Avi's memory as it develops and supports projects that work toward the fulfillment of his dream of peace.