June 17, 2003
17 Sivan, 5763
JerusalemThe Jewish Agency and UJC raise $10m. for summer camps for Israeli children.
The Jewish Agency and the UJC this year raised $10m from American donors for summer camps for Israeli children, following an urgent request by Education Minister Limor Livnat.
Last year summer camps were held for some 250,000 Israeli youngsters thanks to donations, which the Jewish Agency had received from American Jews via the UJC. Last year's operation was defined as one-time occurrence, However, given the security and economic realities prevailing in Israel, Minister Livnat requested the Jewish Agency's assistance and the Chairman of the Jewish Agency and the and UJC leadership answered the minister's request. And raised $10m for the summer camps in 2003.
In the wake of uninformed criticism in the Israeli press, Jewish Agency Chairman Sallai Meridor said that these publications, which emanate from interested sources, distort the reality. Instead of thanking donors for having enabled Israeli children to spend the summer in a wholesome environment, they choose to criticize the donations.
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