Judith Yovel Recanati

Judith Yovel Recanati
Judith Yovel Recanati, 2017
Born
Judith Recanati

1948 (age 77–78)
OccupationsSocial entrepreneur, philanthropist
Known forFounder of NATAL; Chairperson of the Gandyr Foundation
Children3
FamilyLeon Yehuda Recanati (grandfather)

Judith Yovel Recanati (born 1948), often referred to as Yudi Yovel Recanati, is an Israeli social entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the founder of NATAL – The Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center,[1] and the chairperson of the Gandyr Foundation.[2] Recanati is recognized for her work in developing social resilience and trauma treatment models in Israel, for which she received אhe President's Volunteer Award.[3][4]

Early life and family

Judith Recanati was born into the Recanati family, a dynasty central to Israel's financial history. She is the granddaughter of Leon Yehuda Recanati (1890–1945), a Zionist leader and philanthropist who founded the Israel Discount Bank in 1935.[5] While her family is synonymous with the leadership of the IDB Holding Corporation, Recanati chose to focus on the philanthropic and social sectors.[6]

Personal life

Recanati was married to Israel Yovel, an Israeli gynecologist and businessman, until his passing in 2004.[7] She has three daughters, Gili, Noa, and Daria, who are active partners in the family's philanthropic activities.[8]

Career and Philanthropy

NATAL — The Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center

In 1998, Recanati co-founded NATAL together with Dr. Yossi Hadar.[9] The organization provides multidisciplinary support for those affected by war-related trauma and terror. NATAL's model has been adopted internationally, including partnerships in the United States to assist veterans.[10][11]

The Gandyr Foundation and Education

Through the Gandyr Foundation, established in 2004, Recanati promotes civic engagement among Israeli young adults.[12] Recanati has been a significant supporter of the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yafo, funding the establishment of the Master's program in Youth Studies and providing graduate scholarships.[13][4]

Awards and Recognition

References

  1. ^ "NATAL Management: Judith Yovel Recanati". NATAL Official Website. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  2. ^ "Leadership: Judith Yovel Recanati". The Gandyr Foundation. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  3. ^ a b "Presidential Award for Volunteerism Recipients". Office of the President of Israel. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  4. ^ a b "THE LOUNGE | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 4 March 2019. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
  5. ^ Levy, Eran (2010). The Recanatis: A Family History. Historical Society of Israel. p. 112.
  6. ^ Sadeh, Shuki (16 May 2014). "The Recanati Dynasty: From Banking to Social Entrepreneurship". Haaretz. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  7. ^ "Judith Yovel Recanati: A Big Heart with a Woman Inside". eJewish Philanthropy. 22 January 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  8. ^ "About Gandyr Foundation". The Gandyr Foundation. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  9. ^ "NATAL Marks 20 Years of Trauma Relief" (Press release). PR Newswire. 8 May 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  10. ^ Klein, Zvika (20 February 2019). "Israeli Trauma Center NATAL Helps US Veterans Cope with PTSD". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  11. ^ ולצר, יעל (20 February 2026). "האישה שהוציאה מהארון את הפוסט טראומה: "מאות אלפי ישראלים סובלים"". Ynet (in Hebrew). Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  12. ^ "Member Spotlight: The Gandyr Foundation". Jewish Funders Network. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  13. ^ "Strategic Partnerships: The Gandyr Foundation". The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  14. ^ "Rappaport Prize Laureates: Judith Yovel Recanati". Rappaport Family Foundation. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
  15. ^ Ariel University (3 September 2025). "Ariel University Confers Honorary Doctorates on Seven Distinguished Individuals". www.ariel.ac.il. Retrieved 8 March 2026.

See also