The Central Arava and the Jewish Community of Australia have been partnered through the Jewish Agency’s Partnership 2000 Project (P2K) since 1995. This project has created a new model of partnership and reciprocity between Israel and Diaspora Jewish communities, and has been a key platform for Jewish Agency activity in more than 44 Regions in Israel over the past few years.

The Jewish Agency is the only global Jewish partnership organization that unites communities and organizations all over the world, with Israel at its heart. Partnership 2000 is unique in the opportunity it accords to overseas communities for direct involvement in the development of national priority regions in Israel and in reinforcement of the ties between Israel and Diaspora Jewish Communities. Most of the budget is used to establish and maintain links between the communities, and for regional educational, community and economic development.

 At present, Partnership 2000 is a success story that has gone beyond our wildest dreams, involving over 500 communities all over the world.

 About four years ago, a significant turning point occurred in Melbourne, with the establishment of a group of activists dedicated to Partnership 2000, paralleling a similar group established in the Arava. Each of the groups was divided into three subcommittees: reciprocal relations, regional development, and educational and community. All aim at initiating and promoting projects and activities that advance the Partnership as a whole.

 One of the flagship projects is the student delegations that are hosted annually in both communities. The Shittim School in the Arava is closely tied to Bialik College and the King David School in Melbourne, with many other links beginning to come to fruition, both in Melbourne and in Sydney.

 Every year groups of youngsters from Australian youth movements come to the Arava to become acquainted with the region and to perform some volunteer activities, and are hosted by their Israeli counterparts. In this way many Arava families are exposed to P2K activity through their children. In addition, the annual Melbourne key workers family delegation is traditionally hosted in the homes of the Arava residents over one of our sunny winter weekends, creating many warm friendships between the families.

 Did You Know?

 The name Partnership 2000 was coined about a decade ago. The number 2000 does not designate the specific year 2000 but rather the new millennium heralded by that year.