Dear friends,
Thank you so much for your warm welcome.
I feel honored to join the Wikimedia family as the new ED of WMIL and to become part of this devoted team that works continuously to make the Wikimedia vision a reality.
My personal thanks and appreciation to you, Michal, for introducing me to the impressive work done at WMIL under your leadership. You left your mark on the organization, and I am sure that you will continue to do so, wherever you choose to be.
I look forward to working with you all, colleagues, volunteers and staff, with the goal of continuing to develop and strengthen WMIL in anticipation of the challenges and opportunities that are expected in the future.
Best Regards
Revital
בתאריך יום ד׳, 18 בדצמ׳ 2019 ב-15:31 מאת Itzik - Wikimedia Israel < itzik@wikimedia.org.il>:
Dear friends,
I wanted to share with you some changes in WMIL. This weekend, after more than 6 years of service, Michal Lester will conclude her position as WMIL's ED.
Michal, WMIL’s first ED, joined us more than 6 years ago, and was our second employee. Michal’s joining marked the transition of WMIL from an organization operated and managed by volunteers only to professional hired staff supporting and leading the activity with the volunteers.
Michal started to initiate and lead large-scale projects and raise the resources needed for the activity through collaborations, donations and fund grants. From a one-employee organization with a limited budget, she brought us to the current position as an established NGO, with varied activity, hired staff to support it, volunteers and a sufficient budget to support all of that.
Under her leadership, we initiated the education project in Hebrew, and later in Arabic. We guided tens of thousands of teachers on how to work with (and for) Wikipedia. We created training tools and tutorials, formed years-long collaborations with dozens of organizations, and hosted the international hackathon and later the GLAM conference. We represented WMIL and our movement values in Parliament discussions and in discussion with archives; and when they failed to cooperate we did not hesitate to “force” them to give back to the public the photos that belong to them by law. The list of projects and achievements is too long to summarize in one email.
We are proud to say that WMIL turned not only to a leading and recognized organization in Israel, but also to one of the important and active affiliates of the global movement.
Michal’s activity in WMIL was beyond that of an employee, but true recruitment and belief in Wikimedia’s activity and values. Her round-the-clock investment and great love to the movement, organization, its employees and volunteers, serves proof. Many volunteers benefited from Michal’s attention, advice and support at all times.
The Board, and I personally, would like to thank Michal for this significant contribution that brought us to our current dignified position, and we wish her the best of luck in the future. We will remember you as the first ED who saw the hardship and labor pains of WMIL, and as WMIL’s “mother” in its professional role. We extend to you our greatest thanks.
While Michal is leaving, I would like to congratulate Revital Poleg, replacing Michal in her position. Revital is a former diplomat. She was one of the founders of the Peres Peace Center, she served as Chief of Staff for the Knesset Speaker; VP Business Development of a lobbying company; External Relations and Resource Development Director for the Ruppin Academic Center; and in her last position – Chief Executive and Head of the Jewish Agency Mission to Brazil.
Revital brings extensive experience in large organizations, both local and international, and a vast network of contacts in the private and public sectors. She speaks Hebrew, English, Portuguese and Spanish.
We wish her good luck in her position, in filling Michal’s big shoes, and we are positive she continues to advance WMIL forward.
*Itzik Edri* Chairperson (volunteer) itzik@wikimedia.org.il +972-54-5878078