Interview with Michal Shiloah Galnoor
Interview with Michal Shiloah Galnoor
CEO Western Galilee Now, small business consortium and operator of Lauder Employment Center
" Witnessing them not only survive but thrive, fills me with a sense of joy and I feel like an actual person is doing a little happy dance."
Michal moved to the Western Galilee from Tel Aviv over 17 years ago, since then her primary concern is the well-being of the residents of the region and sharing it’s culture and beauty with the world.
Can you tell us about your role and the organization you're leading?
As the CEO of Western Galilee Now, I lead a pioneering initiative focused on transforming tourism in Northern Israel. Recently, we've expanded our scope by operating the Lauder Employment Center, further enhancing our impact on the region's economic landscape. Founded in 2011 by small tourism operators in the Western Galilee, our organization has evolved into an NGO with a strategic vision for growth. Recognized as the first project in the Galilee by the Jewish National Fund USA, we address pressing challenges such as employment and support for small businesses, which comprise over 90% of Israeli enterprises. Our mission is to empower these enterprises through tailored workshops, business advice, and marketing support, fostering growth that benefits the broader ecosystem. We're dedicated to raising awareness through targeted PR efforts, organizing festivals, and engaging with tour operators to attract visitors to the region. Additionally, we operate the General Tourist Information Center in Akko and the Lauder Employment Center, connecting job seekers with opportunities and addressing critical employment needs in the region.
Children Workshops in the Galilee by Western Galilee Now.
Given the current closures and challenges, what is the immediate impact on the Galilee region, and what strategies are being implemented to navigate this period?
The challenges are substantial, but we're focused on revitalizing the area by encouraging local tourism to parts of the Galilee that remain open. Despite the closures, some businesses are operational and in need of support. We've launched initiatives like the JNF Mitzvah marketplace, offering packages to support both small businesses and communities affected by these challenging times. This approach not only helps keep businesses afloat but also fosters a sense of community solidarity. Our initiatives are twofold. On the one hand, we're providing direct support to businesses by purchasing their products for care packages distributed to soldiers and evacuated families. This keeps the businesses running and supports the community. On the other hand, we're engaging displaced businesses and workers in activities that provide both income and a sense of normalcy, like workshops and festivals. These efforts not only support the local economy but also uplift the spirits of those affected. We've tailored programs to address the specific needs of various groups. For IDF soldiers transitioning back to civilian life, we offer workshops focused on resilience, identifying personal strengths, and leveraging AI in job searches. For evacuees seeking employment, we organize job fairs and offer resources to connect them with opportunities. Our goal is to provide practical support while also addressing the emotional and psychological needs of these communities. Our focus is on sustainability that comes from innovation and community involvement. We're constantly adapting our programs to meet current needs, such as developing first aid for small businesses and collaborating with colleges for educational programs. By engaging local employers and providing tools for resilience and adaptation, we aim to build a strong, supportive ecosystem that can withstand challenges and thrive in the long term. Our commitment to the Galilee's development is unwavering, and we believe in its potential to emerge stronger from these trials.
In your work, what do you find inspires you?
The profound impact we have on small businesses is truly remarkable. Witnessing them not only survive but thrive, fills me with a sense of joy and I feel like an actual person is doing a little happy dance. Each action we take yields immediate results and contributes significantly to our community. This sense of purpose fuels me with unwavering energy and optimism every morning, even amidst challenging times. While doubts may creep in by day's end, the knowledge that I'll wake up the next morning ready to make a positive difference propels me forward with renewed energy.
How do you view the contributions of the Galilee Culinary Institute alongside Western Galilee Now, and the Lauder Employment Center to the region's development?
Our goal is not just to be a catalyst for economic growth and employment but to also foster a sustainable, vibrant community where people choose to live, work, and visit. By strengthening the region's tourism and small business sectors, we're contributing to the Galilee's overall development and ensuring that it remains a dynamic and thriving part of Israel's landscape. These organizations play a pivotal role in regional development by providing high-quality employment opportunities and promoting tourism. They are essential for economic growth, especially outside major urban centers like Tel Aviv. I believe that the GCI holds the potential to become the diamond of the area, a beacon of excellence in the region, drawing both local and international interest. Establishments of this caliber are essential in elevating the Galilee's profile and fostering its advancement to new heights. By fostering high-level employment opportunities and collaborating with esteemed organizations and institutions, we create a ripple effect that positively impacts individuals and families throughout the community. The ripples will continue by significantly helping in raising the standard of living in the whole region.
What’s a fun culinary fact about you?
Having spent five years in Italy, I developed a deep appreciation for its culinary heritage, which has left an indelible mark on my life. Even upon relocating to the Galilee 17 years ago, settling in an active village replete with our own olive groves and artisanal olive oil production, I continued to embrace Italian culinary traditions, including the use of olive oil in my baking endeavors. This ethos of blending Italian cuisine with the unique flavors of the Galilee underscores my commitment to localism. I prioritize supporting local producers by exclusively indulging in regional wine and cheese, while also savoring the fruits of our own olive harvest. Residing in an off-the-grid village powered by solar energy, with breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea from my balcony, adds an extra layer of serenity to my daily routine. This idyllic setting provides the perfect backdrop for unwinding with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, offering a moment of tranquility amidst life's hustle and bustle.