why this matters

Odem's World Foundation was born from a profound belief — and wild optimism — in the power of meaningful human connection.

It was born from the certainty that complaining and complacency are never enough in the face of injustice or prejudice.

It is personal.

Born from the strongest love — the kind we feel for our children — and from deep friendship, the kind that fuels courage.

Founded by Michal Lavi and named for her daughter Odem, who arrived eight weeks premature — heartbreakingly tiny, heartwarmingly fierce — she is growing up knowing that patience is often mistaken for a virtue.

Independence is a virtue.
Action is a virtue.
Time is precious — not to be wasted waiting for things to change, or for someone else to do the work.

This foundation — these salons — are how we shape the world we want to live in:
Human. Warm. Exciting. Curious. Just.