June 24, 2003
24 Sivan, 5763
Jerusalem

For the first time:
The Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency in partnership
for Jewish Zionist Education
Jewish Agency Chairman Sallai Meridor: a historic decision

For the first time in Israel's history, the Government of Israel will invest heavily in Jewish Zionist Education for the young Jews abroad in order to counter the worrisome trend of assimilation and to connect them to Israel and to the idea of Aliyah. This undertaking will be a comprehensive, long-term program, which will be formulated jointly by the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency, and which will be run by the Jewish Agency.

This educational program was decided upon in a meeting, which had taken place recently between the Director General of the Prime Minister's Office, Avigdor Yitzhaki, and Jewish Agency Chairman Sallai Meridor, with the participation of the Director of Budgets in the Ministry of Finance. The matter was consequently presented to the Prime Minister on 23 June in the meeting of the Government of Israel-Jewish Agency Coordinating Committee in which the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Jewish Agency, the Chair of the Agency's Board of Governors and the heads of the UJC and Keren Hayesod participated.

Jewish Agency Chairman Sallai Meridor said, "This is a decision of historical importance that will contribute significantly to strengthening the partnership between the Jewish People and Israel. The Jewish People are assisting us in our Aliyah efforts, in building the State of Israel and molding its society, while the State of Israel is a partner in saving the next generation of the Jewish People and bringing them to Israel."

According to the decision, the Government of Israel will allocate to this undertaking $10m during 2004, $20m in 2005, $30m in 2006, $40m in 2007 $50m in 2008, and each year thereafter.

A joint Government of Israel-Jewish Agency committee will formulate the various projects associated with this enterprise.

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