How are values formed in a person? For Uri Poliavich, CEO of Soft2Bet, charitable activities began long before the company was founded. At the age of 14, young Uri moved with his family to Israel, later served in the Israel Defense Forces, and received a law degree from Bar-Ilan University.
Before founding the Yael Foundation, which will be discussed in more detail below, Uri Poliavich's philanthropy helped fund Jewish schools and extracurricular programs worldwide. Philanthropy in iGaming is rare, but Uri shows the way.
In this article, you will learn about:
- The founding of the Yael Foundation
- The main areas of the project’s work
- The results achieved
Yael Foundation Launch
The Yael Foundation's history dates back to 2020. At that time, Uri Poliavich and his wife, Yael, decided to undertake a significant mission: to ensure the continuity of education and culture for Jewish children worldwide. The founder of Soft2Bet, without knowing it, paved the way for other representatives of the iGaming industry to become involved in philanthropy.
What does the project do? There are several main areas of activity:
- Funding Jewish day schools and Sunday schools
- Organizing summer camps for young people
- Hosting extracurricular activities with a focus on culture
- Providing direct support to ensure the safety of vulnerable institutions
- Supporting programs to prevent anti-Semitism
The Yael Foundation also pays special attention to children, young people, and institutions that shape their personalities at a young age, for example, Sunday schools or camps that focus on learning about cultural heritage. In the context of the modern challenges facing national cultures in an era of distraction and division, the question is one of preserving identity.
What Are the Results
2025 promises to be an exceptionally successful year for the Yael Foundation and Uri Poliavich philanthropy in particular. By the end of that time, more than 17,000 Jewish children in 44 countries worldwide will receive support. In addition to personal scholarships, funding is provided for summer camps, preschool education programs, and individual initiatives aimed at combating anti-Semitism.
Sadly, where the lives of people with Jewish roots are not safe, Poliavich allocates funds for security guards and steel doors. We believe that the efforts of the Yael Foundation will lead to a reduction in the need for steel doors and the creation of a sustainable and safe environment.
Philanthropy in iGaming may seem contradictory. But the example above proves that a company's success and sincere assistance can coexist.
Joint Initiatives
The story of Uri Poliavich's philanthropy would not be complete without mentioning Ronald Lauder. Ronald Lauder is an American entrepreneur and public figure with Jewish roots, serving as the president of the World Jewish Congress.
Together, Uri and Ronald invest in the development of strong institutions that further the goals we have already discussed. For example:
- Coordinated educational programs in Eastern and Western Europe
- Financial support for safe school infrastructure
- Cross-border exchange programs for Jewish youth
- Emergency assistance in response to the rise of anti-Semitic incidents
In addition to their resource base, the partners share responsibility for results, which is particularly valuable in a world of fleeting loyalties.
A Lasting Legacy
While many in the iGaming industry chase viral popularity, Poliavich is betting on continuity. That's why his name appears not only on gaming award lists but also on the list of the 50 most influential Jewish figures in the world.
People often confuse money with real influence on the world. With a project that makes tens of thousands of people around the world happy without unnecessary pomp and photo shoots. We can only wish the Yael Foundation good luck and thank them for the work they have already done.
