Marva – Law, Welfare and Empowerment was founded in 2015 by legal professionals and social workers with the purpose of assisting individuals who have difficulty caring for themselves. The organization is dedicated to empowering the most vulnerable sectors of Israeli society—those who often face significant challenges in safeguarding their welfare, well-being, and rights. Marva works to protect their rights, uphold their independence, and preserve their dignity.
The name Marva, which means healing plant (Salvia), is more than symbolic- it is also a Hebrew acronym for Law, Welfare and Empowerment, the three core pillars of the organization’s work. True to its name, Marva integrates legal, social welfare and therapeutic jurisprudence method to provide holistic support.
This multidisciplinary collaboration—made possible by Marva’s diverse team of staff and volunteers—enables the organization to deliver comprehensive solutions to the challenges faced by at-risk individuals and their families.
Each year, Marva assists thousands of at-risk older adults experiencing abuse, neglect, or self-neglect; individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia; people coping with mental health challenges and other disabilities; their families; and victims of war.
In addition, Marva provides training to thousands of professionals annually, including social welfare and health workers, law students, and other practitioners. These trainings promote effective, holistic responses to the needs of at-risk populations and advance an innovative legal-therapeutic consultation model, integrating legal interventions into the work of professionals serving these groups.
Marva operates nationwide—from Safed and Kiryat Shmona in the north to Sderot and Be’er Sheva in the south—serving all sectors of society. Many of those supported by the organization live in poverty. Marva partners with over 70 local authorities, civil society organizations, health agencies, the National Insurance Institute, and other stakeholders to expand its reach and impact.
