Haim Taib to Light Independence Day Torch for Advancing National Unity

Haim Taib, visionary philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and founder of the Menomadin Foundation and Mitrelli Group, has been chosen to light a torch at Israel’s 77th Independence Day ceremony in recognition of his lifelong commitment to national unity, resilience, and social innovation.

The Public Committee for Selecting Torch Lighters praised Taib for “building bridges of hope and unity between diverse communities within Israel, and between Israel and communities around the world.”

Taib’s work spans continents and sectors. He has led strategic national projects in education, welfare, leadership, and regional development throughout Israel, including efforts in Netivot, the Western Negev, Gaza border communities, and the Kinneret Valleys. Through his work, Taib has strengthened Israel’s geographic and social periphery, investing deeply in young leadership, including within the Druze community, and in providing scholarships for reserve duty students.

In his remarks, Taib called the honor “a deeply emotional and meaningful moment,” dedicating the moment to Israel’s hostages and their families. “Lighting the torch is a full-circle moment for me and my family both personally and nationally and a symbol of my commitment to strengthening the resilience of the State of Israel.”

Taib’s impact extends far beyond Israel’s borders. He has spent over 30 years leading development initiatives in Africa, partnering with governments to bring Israeli technology to the fields of education, water, health, agriculture, and energy. As president of Save a Child’s Heart in Africa, he has helped save the lives of children through heart surgeries in Israel and training local medical teams abroad.

He also founded the Israeli Congress, an initiative promoting social cohesion and national unity, and has been instrumental in remembrance projects with the International March of the Living, bringing together Holocaust survivors, victims of October 7, and hostage families in shared acts of memory and hope.

Born in Olesh to Tunisian immigrant parents, Taib has dedicated his life to living out the values of mutual responsibility, national strength, and global connection.

As Israel prepares to celebrate its 77th year, Taib’s torch will shine as a symbol of hope, remembrance, and the enduring strength of the Israeli people in the Land of Israel and beyond.

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