The Jerusalem-based Hakova Hahafuch collective wants you to know it isn’t playing the same game as those other fundraising non-profit organizations. While many groups raise money for good causes, Hakova Hahafuch (which means literally “upside-down hat,” as in, passing the collection plate) makes sure to give its benefactors something in return that’s a little more fun than a tax break: a fun night out. The knowledge that almost every shekel goes towards helping someone less fortunate makes Hakova Hahafuch’s parties all the more enjoyable.
Started two years ago with the simple idea that charity money doesn’t have to leak out through bureaucracy and fees before reaching its intended recipients, Hakova has managed to become one the biggest names in youth-oriented event planning and fundraising in Jerusalem, despite working completely through volunteers and donations from everyday people. And perhaps thanks to the wise move of partnering up with event co-sponsors like Hitorerut, Tze’irim Bamerkaz and New Spirit, themselves vibrant forces in Jerusalem’s booming youth culture scene, Jerusalem’s students are participating in throngs.
“We can change the way people think by getting everyone involved,” chairman Hanan Rubin explains to GoJerusalem.com. “We want to give people culture on the one hand, and we want to get people socially involved on the other.”
The group has held a number of successful events, attracting thousands of young people and raising over 100,000 NIS for various charities. The trend continues on July 25 with a Tu B’Av sing-along event at the Underground Prisoners Museum to raise money for a summer camp for disabled children.
The camp’s very existence this summer, Rubin says, depends on whether or not they can raise enough money, driving home the direct connection between the NGO and the recipients of their largess. But going, and paying the 20-50 NIS entrance/donation fee, will net you more than a pat on the back.
Aside from a tour of the museum, one of the more intriguing ones around town, participants will be treated to a communal sing-along on the subject of love (Tu B’Av is the Jewish equivalent of Valentine’s Day). Most of Hokova’s events involve sing-alongs, which Rubin says are what the people want, but they have also hosted concerts, theater performances, DJ parties and a sporting event.
Though the group started in Jerusalem, the all-volunteer model is beginning to spread and has already inspired splinter groups in Kiryat Shmona and Tel Hai. “Every community has people that are needed, and every community has people who can give,” Rubin explains. “We ‘sold’ the idea to them, and we will be very happy if people all around can imitate what we are doing.”
