Givat Haviva Educational Foundation (GHEF) in New York City is the American arm representing and supporting Givat Haviva Institute. The Foundation comprises a community of supporters and activists who work to increase awareness of Givat Haviva Institute's role in advancing Jewish-Arab relations in Israel. Founded in 1949 by the Kibbutz Artzi Movement, a federation of 83 kibbutzim throughout Israel, Givat Haviva Institute has been educating for peace, democracy, coexistence and social solidarity for half a century. Programs include academic and professional courses; empowerment seminars for Jewish and Arab women and for municipal leaders; dialogue and encounter groups; inter-organizational partnerships; educational curricula and research; and joint Jewish-Arab athletic and arts programs for youth.