Photo courtesy of Kayma, the George Pinto Jerusalem Doctoral Fellows
2020
Jerusalem’s future depends not only on physical development, but on the people who choose to dedicate their talents to the city. By supporting outstanding doctoral candidates whose work strengthens civil society, Kayma – The George Pinto Jerusalem Leadership Fellows Program creates the conditions for a new generation of scholars, practitioners and community leaders to remain in Jerusalem, deepen their impact, and help shape a more resilient, vibrant and inclusive civic life.
Jerusalem has long depended not only on its institutions, but on the people who choose to shape them. Its future is written in classrooms, research centers, community initiatives, and public spaces where ideas are translated into action. Strong civil leadership is not an abstract ideal here. It is a daily necessity, sustaining the city’s social fabric while responding to its evolving challenges. Yet for many of Jerusalem’s most promising young leaders, particularly those pursuing advanced academic work alongside deep civic engagement, the path forward often leads elsewhere. As professional and academic opportunities expand, the city risks losing precisely those individuals most equipped to contribute to its long-term vitality.
Kayma – The George Pinto Jerusalem Leadership Fellows Program was established by the Jerusalem Foundation to address this challenge directly. Developed as part of the Foundation’s Future Leadership vision for 2030, and supported through the generosity of the Pinto family, the program creates a meaningful framework for retaining and nurturing a new generation of civil society leaders within Jerusalem. Its premise is both practical and ambitious. If talented individuals are given the conditions to remain, to grow, and to lead, their impact on the city can be both immediate and enduring.
The program is designed for doctoral candidates in the final stages of their PhD studies who are actively engaged in the work of strengthening civil society, often balancing rigorous academic research with hands-on involvement in social initiatives. Kayma recognizes both the potential and the vulnerability of this moment in their careers. It offers a structured “runway” of support over three years, enabling fellows to live, work, teach, and conduct research in Jerusalem without being forced to choose between professional advancement and continued local engagement.
This support extends beyond financial assistance. Fellows are selected by a steering committee composed of leading figures from Jerusalem’s civic and intellectual landscape, ensuring that the program brings together individuals of exceptional promise and commitment. Once selected, they become part of a dynamic cohort that meets regularly at the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research. These gatherings serve as a space for intellectual exchange, collaborative thinking, and exposure to the complexities of the city. Over time, they foster a network of peers who are not only advancing their own work, but are also positioned to collaborate across fields and institutions.
In return, fellows commit their time and expertise to Jerusalem’s communities and institutions, and to remaining in the city for a three-year period. This reciprocal model reflects a deeper understanding of leadership as both opportunity and responsibility. It is not simply about supporting individual achievement, but about embedding that achievement within the life of the city itself.
The significance of Kayma lies in this dual investment. By enabling young scholars and practitioners to remain in Jerusalem at a critical stage in their development, the program strengthens the very foundations of the city’s civil society. It ensures that emerging leaders are not only shaped by Jerusalem, but continue to shape it in turn. Their research informs policy and practice. Their teaching influences future generations. Their civic engagement contributes to a more resilient and responsive civic environment.
Kayma offers a clear vision of how leadership can be cultivated with intention. It demonstrates that when talented individuals are given the opportunity to grow while remaining rooted in place, the benefits extend far beyond the fellows themselves. They are reflected in stronger institutions, more impactful civic engagement, and a city better equipped to meet the demands of the future.
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