March 11, 2007 / 21 Adar 5767

The Jewish Agency will distribute 1,250 flak jackets to Israel’s brave, emergency first responders in the North with the generous support of the United Israel Appeal of Canada. In the event of another war, these essential, lifesaving jackets will allow first response teams to enter the field feeling protected and confident. Local municipalities and the IDF’s Home Front Command will oversee the distribution, ensuring that the jackets reach those who are most in need.

At the same time, the Jewish Agency will begin the next phase in its renovation of public bomb shelters in the northern city of Karmiel. During the second Lebanon war the Jewish Agency assisted the Home Front Command in retrofitting thousands of shelters in the North. Emergency amenities including air conditioning units, televisions, emergency lighting, water coolers and chemical toilets were supplied. These efforts are now continuing with the support of the Pittsburgh Jewish Federation to ensure that the bomb shelters are operational in the case of future attacks. Karmiel is part of Pittsburgh's Partnership 2000 region.

With the generous support of its partners, Federations of North America through the UJC, UIA of Canada and Keren Hayesod, the Jewish Agency has contributed approximately $120 million to rebuilding the Galilee, making it the largest non-governmental contributor to the rehabilitation of the North.