February 23, 2003
21 Adar I, 5763
Jerusalem

For the First Time!
Zionism 2000: The Jewish Agency Sends Emissaries to Goa, India

Zionism 2003: The Jewish Agency's Department of Jewish Zionist Education will send emissaries from Israel to Goa, India to organize activities for Israeli youth who have traveled there.

The Chairman of the Jewish Agency's Education Committee, Amos Hermon confirmed that the first four emissaries would depart in the beginning of March and will visit Bombay, Thane, Puna and Vashi Panuel, where they will conduct Jewish Zionist educational programs in schools and synagogues.

During the course of their stay in India, these instructors/youth leaders will visit the region of Goa, which is known for its high concentrations of Israeli youths who visit the area for varying periods of time. It is estimated that some 3000 young Israelis pass through Goa each year. The emissaries will examine the possibility of conducting Jewish Agency educational programs for Israelis in India and other countries, which are frequented by large numbers of Israeli youths. "We decided not to spare any means and to reach all areas where young Israelis are, in order to strengthen their Jewish and Zionist identity."

These instructors underwent training in Jewish philosophy, Judaism Jewish tradition and Israel advocacy in a special course conducted by the Agency's Jewish Zionist Education Department, in the context of a program entitled "The Zionist Seminar." In this program, 300 instructors are scheduled this year to visit 80 Jewish communities throughout the world reaching out to 50,000 Diaspora youngsters.

For additional information contact
the Office of the Spokesman:
Yehuda Weinraub
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media
Jewish Agency for Israel
Mobile:972-53-927017
Fax: 972-2-6204013