€50m Jewish Education Hub to Break Ground in Limassol

A private education project worth over €50 million is advancing in Polemidia, Limassol, with construction preparations underway for a new school funded by the Yael Foundation.

Work is expected to begin in September, as the final architectural designs are now being completed in parallel with the school’s licensing application to the Ministry of Education.

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International Education Standards

According to information from the Yael foundation, the response from the Ministry has so far been positive, with the school set to follow international education standards.

As stated on the foundation’s official website, the project aspires to create a flagship Jewish school in Limassol, a point of reference for Jewish education both in Cyprus and abroad.

A Beacon of Excellence

The institution will combine Jewish values with modern pedagogical methods in a high-standard academic environment, with the Foundation describing it as a future “beacon of excellence.”

The school is expected to open in 2027 and will host up to 1,500 students from Cyprus and overseas.

Facilities and Leadership

Its facilities will include modern classrooms, science laboratories, creative studios, a library, sports infrastructure, and places of worship, forming a fully integrated learning and development space across primary, middle, and secondary levels.

Leading the new institution will be Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler, originally from Israel, who brings experience from similar educational projects in Australia.

In his statement, the Rabbi said that “The school will be the cornerstone of the Jewish community of Cyprus, making it an even more attractive place to live.”

He frequently travels between Israel and Cyprus to oversee the project and is widely known for his commitment to academic excellence and Jewish education.

The Yael Foundation

Founded in 2020 by Uri and Yael Poliavich, a Jewish couple who have settled permanently in Cyprus, the Yael foundation is dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity through accessible, high-quality education.

The foundation is currently active in 35 countries, supporting around 13,000 Jewish students worldwide.

According to the organisation, it provides funding to 55 day schools, 18 catechism schools, 10 kindergartens, and 17 after-school programmes.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2026

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

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New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.