The cumulative effects of the past five years sent shockwaves throughout Israel. But for those already vulnerable—like our 8,500 young immigrants in Israel without their families—the economic impact has often times bordered on catastrophic. Even as the Israeli economy begins its slow climb back, personal recovery is quite another issue.

Clearly, these kids have great potential and are highly motivated. But they are at a considerable disadvantage compared to their Israeli peers. With Hebrew language skills still minimal they face increasing economic instability at a time when they are thousands of miles away from their families.

Young soldiers receive standard army pay and the nominal supplemental support; and students receive a subsidy from the Student Authority for three years of tuition but without living expense assistance. It is critical to understand that these independent young people are not looking for handouts. Five years ago, young immigrants alone in Israel were thriving with this basic assistance because they were able to work part-time to supplement this income.

But in today’s environment, with unemployment still in the double digits and heads of families unemployed, these young immigrants simply cannot find the supplemental part-time work to make it without additional help.

While a significant part of our budget is directed towards the responsibility of integrating immigrants, the fact of the matter is that the needs are staggering and far outstrip current available resources. For these young immigrant soldiers and students living alone in Israel, the Jewish Agency is their family. That’s why we established two special funds to provide direct, immediate assistance to these two groups. One hundred percent of the funds raised go directly to the young people. With your support, we are giving them a fighting chance to succeed: a platform of equal opportunity for them to achieve their potential in Israel.

FUND FOR IMMIGRANT SOLDIERS ALONE IN ISRAEL

Army service in Israel is not about living for a three-year tour of duty 24/7 on your military base. Depending on where a young soldier is stationed in Israel, it is not atypical for them to come home on most every Shabbat.

The question: what is home for the 2,500 young immigrant soldiers living alone in Israel, no longer in the subsidized framework of an aliyah program?

When their fellow soldiers go home on leave, immigrant soldiers do not have families to go home to. The Fund helps cover basics such as paying rent, utilities, clothing, laundry expenses, transportation costs and other needs beyond the army stipend. Ensuring that immigrant soldiers have a reasonable standard of living during service so that they can serve their new country with dignity.

Partners in this initiative include the IDF, the Friends of the IDF and the Ministry of Absorption.

FUND FOR IMMIGRANT STUDENTS ALONE IN ISRAEL

There are 4,000 new immigrant students alone in Israel who are determined to receive a higher education.

While three years might be adequate for native Israelis to complete undergraduate studies, it is typically inadequate for most new immigrants. Even the most talented start off with serious language deficiencies, not at the level required for college-level classes. It is not unusual from them to need to devote a full preparatory year—if not ongoing efforts—to closing the language gap.

Not only does this push them beyond Student Authority funding, it also impacts the amount of hours they can dedicate to part-time work. The Fund bridges the gaps, enabling new immigrant students to continue pursuing their dream of receiving a university education in Israel. Assistance does not duplicate aid provided by the Student Authority or the Ministry of Absorption. Immigrant students who have made aliyah within the past seven years and wish to pursue academic degrees are eligible for assistance from the Fund.

Partners in this initiative include the Ministry of Education, the Student Authority and the Ministry of Absorption

For further information please contact: frd@jafi.org