January 6, 2003
3 Shevat, 5763
Jerusalem

In the Wake of the Grave Situation in Venezuela:
Jewish Students in Venezuela Continue to Learn Via Internet Thanks to the Jewish Agency

For the past two weeks Venezuela has been paralyzed by strikes, which have created a serious economic and political situation. Many citizens have not left their homes. Jewish schools have likewise been struck.

Jewish Agency Education Department emissaries have found a way to enable their students to keep up their studies: the Internet. Six emissaries continue to teach their students Hebrew, Jewish and Israeli Studies by the Jewish Agency Education Department Spanish language website.

18,000 Jews currently reside in Venezuela. 90% of the Jewish children (1,700) study in Jewish schools. In addition to the Jewish Agency's teaching emissaries, a Jewish Agency community affairs emissary and two young ladies in National Service are serving in Venezuela.

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