The Association of Israelis of Central European Origin (AICEO) was founded in 1932 during the Fifth Aliyah as the Association of German Immigrants. Since its establishment, the organization has continuously supported descendants of Central European immigrants from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Czech Republic.
AICEO today is a dynamic, volunteer-based organization led by second- and third-generation descendants.
It upholds a liberal, humanistic worldview while adapting to the evolving needs of Israeli society.
AICEO stands as a bridge between past and present — preserving European Jewish values such as integrity, precision, and civic responsibility while fostering innovation and social engagement in modern Israel.
Community & Culture
AICEO operates cultural and community centers in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, serving as vibrant hubs of activity.
These centers host lectures, concerts, volunteer initiatives, and intergenerational programs, welcoming hundreds of participants each year.
Through these activities, AICEO cultivates cultural dialogue, intellectual exchange, and a sense of belonging among diverse generations of Central European descendants.
Social Solidarity & Scholarships
The Mutual Assistance Project (MAP) –
Established in 1941 to ensure that “no one in our community will go hungry.”
MAP provides financial aid, home support for elderly members, and contributes to the renovation of senior residences.
The project remains a symbol of solidarity and compassion — one of Israel’s oldest continuous social welfare initiatives.
Scholarships & Research Grants –
Each year, AICEO awards 25-28 scholarships to students and young researchers, reinforcing its commitment to education and excellence.
Recipients often pursue studies in social sciences, arts, and community leadership — continuing the intellectual tradition of Central European Jewry.
Heritage & The Jeckes Descendants Forum
The Jeckes Descendants Forum –
AICEO’s flagship intergenerational program strengthens the link between heritage and contemporary life.
The current forum is tailored for members aged 50 and above, offering cultural seminars, exclusive lectures, and community gatherings.
This year, a new cultural track was launched — opening its doors to descendants aged 20 and above, beyond the student scholarship program, creating new opportunities for younger participants to connect with their roots and with one another.
The Forum serves as a living bridge between generations- transforming memory into shared cultural experience and ensuring that the Jeckes legacy continues to thrive in modern Israel.
Preserving the Heritage of Central European Jewry –
AICEO documents and celebrates the contributions of Central European immigrants to Israeli culture and society.
The Association preserves the rich Jewish-German heritage through meaningful heritage events — including annual commemorations such as the Kristallnacht Memorial and Study Day — ensuring that the legacy of German-speaking Jewry remains a living part of Israel’s national memory.
In collaboration with the German-Speaking Jewry Heritage Museum and a wide range of German institutions and heritage organizations in Israel and abroad, AICEO organizes exhibitions, conferences, and cultural programs that connect the past with the present, strengthening the shared values and historical ties between Central Europe and Israel and uniting older and younger generations in a shared effort to pass on values, stories, and traditions.
Elderly Care
HAMA – parents home –
The HAMA – Parents Home Network was founded 70 years ago by AICEO, with the goal of establishing warm and welcoming residences for senior citizens — providing them with a life of dignity, activity, and security.
The organization operates as a non-profit entity with a longstanding reputation for quality, professionalism, and care. All of its resources are dedicated to the well-being of its residents and the ongoing development of its facilities and services.
HAMA’s residences, located in the Ramat Hen neighborhood in Ramat Gan and the Baka neighborhood near the German Colony in Jerusalem, offer a full continuum of care, personalized professional service, and a wide range of leisure, cultural, and social activities.
Media & Publications
Yakinton-MB Magazine –
First published in 1932, Yakinton-MB remains one of Israel’s longest-running community magazines.
Its articles cover culture, history, and social life, preserving the voices and stories of Central European Jewry across generations.
The magazine’s archives document the evolution of Israeli society through the eyes of Central European immigrants — offering a unique record of cultural integration and national contribution.
AICEO also maintains an active digital presence — through social media, newsletters, and online lectures — reaching new audiences in Israel and abroad.
Vision, Values & Global Partnership
Core values –
Vision –
AICEO’s vision is to honor the past while empowering the future — building a society rooted in human dignity, democracy, and cultural dialogue.
National & Global Reach –
With offices in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, AICEO serves individuals and communities across Israel — from urban centers to kibbutzim and rural areas.
It also cooperates with embassies, cultural institutes, and international foundations to promote cross-cultural understanding between Israel and Central Europe.
These partnerships reaffirm the shared values and historical ties that continue to shape both Jewish and European identities.
Location of operations
The AICEO is national, and it has offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Assistance is given to those in need all over the country: in cities, economically depressed areas, moshavim and kibbutzim. Activities to encourage and absorb immigrants are carried out all over the country and abroad in communities in German-speaking countries.
We Invite You to Join Us!
Together, we will continue our efforts to preserve our heritage and support the
Mutual Assistance Project.
The Association welcomes your contribution to ensure the continuation of its vital activities.
Contact us:
The Association of Israelis of Central European Origin (AICEO)
Tel Aviv & Central District Office:
Phone: 03-5164461
Address: 157 Yigal Alon St., Entrance A, 4th Floor, Tel Aviv.
Jerusalem Office:
Phone: 02-6241198
Address: 33 King George St., 1st Floor, Apartment 18, Jerusalem.
Email: info@irgun-jeckes.org