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The Jewish Agency's Zionist Education Department figures show that in 2001 there was only a 15% drop in the number of youngsters participating in educational programs in Israel, compared with the year 2000. Department Director Alan Hoffman said that these figures are encouraging in view of the security situation. JAFI educational programs are designed to enable Jewish youngsters from abroad to become better acquainted with Israeli society and strengthen their ties with Israel. In June, the Education Department called upon Jewish community leaders worldwide to continue to send their children on educational programs in Israel in spite of the security situation. The Agency, earmarked $700,000 for increased security costs for visiting groups. In 2001 a total of 20,000 teenagers and students participated in educational programs in Israel, compared with 23,000 in the year 2000 (a 15% drop). However, this modest decline was due to increased numbers of young adults who participated in the birthright program. By contrast, participation in programs for youngsters decreased. Thus, 8,301 teenagers and students participated in summer programs in Israel this year, compared with 13,128 last year. Participation in long-term programs in 2001 droped by just 9%, since most of the participants in these programs started during the year 2000, before the violence erupted, and only a few dropped out during the year as a result. The Jewish Agency Education Department director said that at this stage it is impossible to estimate the number of participants in short-term programs for 2002. However, the department is preparing to encourage youngsters to carry on visiting Israel.
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