The HESEG Foundation is a charitable foundation created by Canadian CEOs Gerry Schwartz and Heather Reisman in 2005[1] to provide free tuition to former lone soldiers who serve in Israel's military under Israel Defense Forces.[2][3]

HESEG provides money to cover tuition and living expenses for former "lone soldiers" who wish to remain in Israel to study after they've completed their military service.[4]

Approximately 6,000 "lone soldiers" serve in the IDF in any one year.[1]

In 2006, HESEG donated 100 mobile air conditioning units to provide relief for residents of northern Israel forced to live in bomb shelters during the Israel-Hezbollah War.[5] To be eligible for free tuition, the immigrant to Israel must join the Israeli Defence forces, and complete their term of active service.

Heseg is the Hebrew word for "achievement".[6][4]

Controversies

Schwartz and Reisman's role in the foundation has led to a boycott campaign by activists of the Chapters and Indigo book chain (Chapters/Indigo). It was the largest Canadian book retail chain at the time of its merger with Chapters Inc. in August 2010. Reisman owns the chains and Schwartz, her husband, serves on the company's board of directors.[6][4]

As of 2023, the IDF has been under scrutiny for its international human rights and humanitarian law violations.[7][8][9]

References

  1. 1 2 Kennemer, Daniel, "New fund for lone soldiers launched", Jerusalem Post, May 4, 2005
  2. ↑ HESEG Foundation website Archived 2007-10-09 at the Wayback Machine, accessed January 1, 2008
  3. ↑ Falconer, Sara, " Indigo donates millions to Israeli soldiers", The Hour, June 7, 2007
  4. 1 2 3 Wheeler, Glenn (2007-06-07). "Indigo's Israel Problem". NOW Magazine. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
  5. ↑ Rettig, Haviv, "Canadians bring breath of fresh air to shelters", Jerusalem Post, July 21, 2006
  6. 1 2 Wheeler, Glen, "Indigo's Israel problem Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine", Now Magazine, July 7-13, 2007
  7. ↑ "Chapter 3: Israeli Settlements and International Law". Amnesty International. 2019-01-30. Retrieved 2023-11-23.
  8. ↑ "International law questions abound as Israeli forces raid Gaza hospitals". NBC News. 2023-11-21. Retrieved 2023-11-23.
  9. ↑ "UN chief says 'clear violations of international humanitarian law' in Gaza". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2023-11-23.
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