Jewish Agency Chairman, Zeev Bielski visits Sderot on Sunday morning, November 26th and meets with Mayor Eli Moyal at 9:15am

The Jewish Agency Will Provide Assistance to the Residents of Sderot and the Gaza Perimeter in the Sum of about 11 Million Shekels Courtesy of Contributions from US Jewry

The assistance will allow about 8000 children to get out of the range of the Qassams by sending them to camps in Central Israel during the Hanukkah vacation, to "tranquil weekends" throughout Israel as well as allowing them to participate in enrichment activities in protected areas. Additionally, about 700 students from Sapir College will receive tuition assistance

In light of the Qassam firings, the Jewish Agency has decided to award an immediate assistance package to the residents of Sderot and the Gaza Perimeter communities in the general sum of about 11 million shekels, from contributions raised by the United Jewish Communities, The Federations of North America. The assistance will allow thousands of children and teenagers to be hosted in camps in Central Israel over the Hanukkah vacation, to step out to "tranquil weekends" throughout Israel during the next months and, additionally, to participate in organized enrichment activities that will take place in protected areas during the afternoon within the communities where the children reside. In addition the Jewish Agency will provide scholarships to 700 students who will register for the current academic year at Sapir College.

About 3 million shekels ($ 700,000) will be allocated towards removing thousands of children and teenagers outside the range of the Qassams via three central programs: operating camps in Central Israel over the Hanukkah vacation where the children will sleep over for a number of days and participate in educational and experiential activities; participation in "tranquil weekends" at a variety of sites throughout Israel where the children will receive enrichment activities and education; and participation in educational activities and daily attractions in Central Israel.

About 5 million shekels ($ 1, 200,000) will be allocated for conducting enrichment activities for thousands of children and teenagers in the afternoon hours within protected spaces. This initiative is intended to keep the children off the streets and allow them to participate in structured leisure activities and enrichment circles in accordance with their area of interest, and these will take place in protected areas in the communities where they reside.

About 3 million shekels ($ 500,000 + $ 200,000) will be allocated to awarding 700 scholarships to students who will register for studies at Sapir College for the current academic year (5767). The scholarships are intended to stimulate enrollment at Sapir College; to attract a young population to the region and facilitate the continued activity of the college as an occupational, communal, cultural and educational center. In return for the scholarship, in the sum of about $ 1000, the students will obligate themselves to volunteer four hours a week in communal activities and in helping young people with their studies.

The Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Zeev Bielski, updated the Mayor of Sderot, Eli Moial, regarding the decision and stated "the residents of Sderot and the communities of the Gaza Perimeter are a model not only for the citizens of Israel, but for the Jewish communities world wide. Therefore it is especially important for World Jewry to contribute and augment their staying power. The Jewish Agency will continue to lead the efforts to assist and support the beleaguered residents."