The Mosaica Story
Mosaica – Religion, Society and State, was established in 1999 as a counterbalance to the hostile culture, both individual and collective, prevalent in Israel and abroad. The organization was founded by Rabbi Michael Melchior, currently Mosaica’s chairman and president, in collaboration with Professor Aviad Hacohen and the late Professor Elie Wiesel.
In 2003, the Center for Interreligious Cooperation, under the guidance of Rabbi Melchior was established, which was later rebranded as the “The Religious Peace Initiative” (RPI). Today, RPI continues to operate as a network of “insider religious mediators” mitigating crisis situations and advancing religious peace. That same year, attorney Nurit Bachrach, the current Mosaica CEO, established the Community Mediation Center in Jerusalem, one of Israel’s first community mediation centers. Since then, Mosaica has continued to develop its mediation model, growing its area of influence and expertise, developing a range of models and programs and working nationwide to promote conflict resolution.
Mosaica has always focused on two main areas: community mediation and consensus building through the Mosaica Center for Conflict Resolution by Agreement (CCRA) in Jerusalem AND religion and conflict resolution through RPI. Today, CCRA is directed by Ruth Nachenson and RPI is directed by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth. These two areas of focus have continued to grow over the years as Mosaica develops, implements, and disseminates new models.




Mosaica does not operate alone. The organization works extensively and in diverse fields nationwide thanks to partnerships and collaborations with dozens of institutions: Israeli government ministries, local authorities, universities, NGOs, and organizations. It also operates programs through governmental tenders and provides services for (subsidized) fees to individuals and public organizations.
Mosaica works with a professional staff of dedicated and experienced employees and a select, committed, and diverse group of over 100 volunteers. The volunteers come from across Israel, from all sectors and backgrounds and help to put Mosaica’s organizational goals into effect. [link to volunteer page]. Mosaica was also the 2017 recipient of the Israeli Presidential Award for Volunteerism, recognizing Mosaica’s activities which focus on increasing understanding, dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation among Israel’s diverse society.