The purpose of support and the available support tracks

The support aims to motivate local authorities in Israel to strengthen and empower the role of health units, enhance their managerial infrastructure, and implement an annual program promoting residents’ health through participation in the EfshariBari in the City project.

Support details

Response to clarification inquiries

Below is a presentation shown at the meeting dated March 28, 2023 including a summary about the project, the prerequisites and the submission of a work plan.
See the presentation (HE)

See the response to clarification inquiries (HE)

For your information: 

• Local authorities interested in taking part in this public appeal will submit their applications through the Merkava system
• Submission requirements should be fulfilled as detailed in Appendix A of the public appeal. The list of documents, along with instructions for filling them out and submitting them, is also provided here.
• Once all the necessary documents have been uploaded to the Merkava system, proceed with the process of "submitting a completed application" (on the homepage, under the category "applications"). Without completing this step, even if the documents have been uploaded, there will be no confirmation of their submission
• The final decision on the allocation of funds will be made subject to the confirmation of the support committee

Downloadable files and links

A. The complete support document

Public appeal 15849 for the Ministry of Health’s support in Local Authorities for implementing programs and gaining recognition as EfshariBari in the City authorities for 2023

B. List of documents, links and instructions for their submission:

Recommendations and sources for planning

1. It is crucial to thoroughly review the public appeal, with particular emphasis on the chapter that addresses the instructions for writing a work plan in Appendix B.
2. It is important to rely on mapping or a survey, if previously carried out by the authority, as well as the index questionnaire, which you are required to complete as part of submitting this public appeal. Part of the health indices are presented in the localities’ health map in the geographic information portal of the Ministry of Health.
3. Seek assistance from the following sources:
   
   • EfshariBari Guide for the Local Authorities (HE): a ten-step guide, including physical activity recommendations, healthy nutrition recommendations, smoking-free environment recommendations, recommendations for promoting resilience among youth
   • Healthy Urban Space - Efsharibari in the City
   • Age Friendly Environments
   • Efsharibari website
   • Healthy cities in Israel: Healthy Cities Network document
   • Nutrition Division, the Ministry of Health
   • Health Initiatives Database for the Local Authorities
   • Measurement and Assessment in Efsharibari including assistance tools for mapping action strategies and defining measurable goals
   • Israel Physical Activity Report Card for Children and Adolescents

Involved parties and professional assistance

1. Involving the diverse program partners is essential, with a particular focus on engaging the heads of the education and sports departments, the Steering Committee or Health Committee, and senior officials within the authority. It is crucial to involve them in advance to obtain their approval regarding the necessary budgetary commitment.
2. It is important to involve the health-promoting personnel in the health bureaus while designing the work plan.
3. For any inquiries or assistance, please contact the coordinators of EfshariBari authorities via email according to the district divisions:
   
   • South, Ashkelon, Center, and Jerusalem districts: Mr. Michael Ochayon: michaelo@br7.org.il
   • Tel Aviv, Haifa, and North districts: Mr. Nasim Asi: nasimahealth@gmail.com
4. To receive assistance, make use of the expertise of health promotion program writers and engage professionals based on the specific topic of the program:
   
   • Municipal and district dietitians 
   • Healthy Cities Network: Ms. Sima Wetzler, professional coordinator of  the Israeli Healthy Cities Network, simawetzler@gmail.com
   • Health coordinators in Eshcolot
   • The Israeli Dietetic Association (ATID): the association compiles a list of certified nutritionists
5. It is advisable to seek assistance of experienced individuals who are proficient in submitting public appeals onto Merkava authorities and prepare for completing all the documents and forms in time.
6. Attending the meeting, which addresses inquiries and offers support for document completion, is highly recommended.

List of primary contact persons

Further reading

Local authorities’ programs and projects on Efsharibari website
Programs and projects in the educational system
Programs and projects in workplaces