October 31, 1999
21 Cheshvan, 5760
JerusalemJewish Agency for Israel Budget for the Year 2000, US$ 376 Million
The Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel, which concluded its deliberations over the weekend, authorized the Jewish Agency a Budget of US$ 376 Million for the year 2000. US$ 55 Million from the budget are contributions earmarked for special projects and for the building of educational installations. Apart from the US$ 376 Million a further US$ 7 Million were allocated for Partnership 2000 programs in impoverished neighborhoods. The budget of the Jewish Agency for the year 2000 will be a balanced budget.
The Board of Governors of JAFI authorized a further US$ 22.5 Million for rescue activities in light of the increased immigration from the Former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and Yugoslavia. The Treasurer of JAFI, Chaim Chesler said that since his election in June and from his very first day in office he has endeavored that the Jewish Agency have a balanced budget. Chesler added "There will be no cuts in the departmental budgets this year as having been somebody who served in field operations I know firsthand the problems that cutting of operational budgets cause".
The new Strategic Plan, which outlines the fields of activity for the Jewish Agency for Israel into the next decade, was passed unanimously by the JAFI Board of Governors. This strategic plan which has been formulated over the past three years seeks to adapt the activities of the Jewish Agency to the changing needs of the Jewish people and to build the Jewish Agency as one more flexible, effective and modern organization.
The Chairman of the Jewish Agency Executive, Sallai Meridor said that based on the strategic plan, the Jewish Agency would concentrate in the next decade on the following four major areas of activity:
- Aliyah, rescue and absorption.
- Jewish peoplehood, unity and tolerance.
- The role of Israel in enhancing Jewish identity.
- Strengthening the State of Israel as the State for all Jews.
The Board of Governors approved JAFI Chairman, Sallai Meridor's recommendation to add Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert; Israeli industrialist and founder of the Israel Forum, David Kolitz; and Israeli businessman, Sammy Friedrich to the 121 member Board of Governors. Their election is part of the Jewish Agency's plan to open its ranks to individuals chosen not on a party-political basis, but on the merit of their contribution to Israeli society.
For further information contact:
Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media, JAFI
Tel: 972-2-6202780
Fax: 972-2-6202708
Mobile: 972-51-601706