Zeev Bielski, right, chairman of the Jewish Agency, met in Jerusalem last year with Lior Kalfa, head of the Gush Katif settlers’ committee, to discuss support and relief efforts for the 8,800 Gaza evacuees. Photo by Sasson Tiram/JAFI
February 14, 2008
United Jewish Communities and North American Jewish federations are steering an additional $715,000 to support educational, economic, and community development programs for former Jewish residents of the Gaza Strip and Northern Samaria in the West Bank.
The sum is part of a larger package of $2.6 million set aside last year to meet the needs of those relocated from these areas.
Of the amount just allocated, $608,000 will underwrite community-building initiatives, including counseling for families, children, and adolescents and financial training for new and prospective homeowners.
The remaining $106,000 will be directed toward educational initiatives, including purchasing equipment for kindergartens, day care centers, schools, and youth clubs. Additionally, funds will continue supporting a program to train teachers to help children deal with lingering trauma and feelings of loss.
Approximately 8,800 Israelis are now counted as former residents of Northern Samaria and the Gaza Strip, according to Israel’s Interior Ministry.
The Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey participated in raising the funds for the national system. In addition, the federation has taken several direct steps.
Under the leadership of executive vice president Stanley Stone, the Central federation was one of the first North American federations to recognize the resettlement challenges facing Gaza evacuees and call on the federation system to provide help.
The Central federation has also provided $30,000 for a community center in Nitzan, which became home to nearly 500 Gaza families after the evacuation. This month, residents inaugurated the new Activity Room of the community center, and extended thanks to the Central federation.
“The addition of this room will allow [us] to enlarge the scope of our activities for the enjoyment of all: children, youth, and adults,” according to the Gush Katif Committee newsletter. “Already at the inauguration we enjoyed the performance of the Nitzan orchestra and hope that this will be the starter for other community events.”
Last July, the federation’s Mack Ness Business Loan Fund for the Negev started advertising with the Gush Katif employment Web site, offering assistance to those interested in starting new businesses in the Negev region.
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