A new center dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs in Israel’s Druze community was recently inaugurated in Isfiya, honoring the legacy of the late Lt. Col. Mahmoud Khairaldeen. Khairaldeen, who was killed eight years ago in a covert operation in the Gaza Strip, had spent his life committed both to military service and to empowering youth within his community.
Khairaldeen, known within the military as “Lt. Col. M,” served for many years in the Paratroopers Brigade before joining the Military Intelligence’s Special Operations Division. Beyond his military career, he was deeply involved in community-building efforts and education. In 2009, he founded a nonprofit aimed at supporting young Druze individuals, collaborating with Aharai?, a youth leadership program designed to prepare teenagers for successful military service and life beyond.
The new center in Isfiya, which opened its “accelerator” program just weeks ago, seeks to assist young Druze entrepreneurs in breaking into Israel’s high-tech industry. This initiative, funded with the support of Dr. Miriam Adelson, represents a milestone for the Druze community, providing mentorship and practical tools that bridge military experience with civilian innovation and entrepreneurship.
Khairaldeen’s family established the Lieutenant M Foundation to preserve his memory and continue his work. They are currently developing several projects, including a commemoration and heritage center that will feature educational spaces dedicated to sharing Khairaldeen’s story and values. Additionally, the foundation is creating a community and parenting support center designed to empower local families with resources for nurturing youth development.
Mamduch Khairaldeen, Lt. Col. Khairaldeen’s brother, emphasized that their family’s approach reflects their late relative’s philosophy of quiet leadership—leading by example and investing in human capital to foster positive social change. “Mahmoud was not only an extraordinary officer and commander; he was deeply dedicated to education, leadership, and empowering youth,” he said.
The foundation works in close partnership with the Association for the Advancement of the Druze Soldier, also known as the Druze Veterans Association, a nonprofit group founded by Koftan Halabi. Halabi dedicated the initiative to Khairaldeen’s memory, an honor appreciated by the family. The partnership aims to empower Druze soldiers, veterans, and youth by connecting them to Israel’s high-tech ecosystem and providing opportunities that align military resilience with professional growth.
Through these efforts, the family and partners seek to carry forward Lt. Col. Khairaldeen’s legacy by expanding opportunities for future generations and fostering a greater integration of Druze talent into the national economy.