CLEVELAND'S ISRAEL NOW CAMPAIGN RAISES OVER $7 MILLION
Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland: Israel Now Distribution Panel Report, November 2001
Background
For over a year, Israelis have been victims of unspeakable violence. Parents buried their children. The elderly residents of Gilo are under fire. Thousands of anxious mothers walk their children to daycare in groups, looking over their shoulders the whole time. And thousands of new olim struggle to learn the word that might help them make sense of the violence and terror that had engulfed their homes, their streets, their country, their lives.
The escalation of violence and increasing isolation have exacted an enormous toll on the people of Israel. It permeates every aspect of Israeli life. The acts of violence are routine, erratic and ran-dom, occurring on the borders, in the heart of Jerusalem, in Haifa, at army bases, on the beach, and in pizza parlors.
In an attempt to show solidarity with the people of Israel, and because the American Jewish community believes that our financial support can make a difference in the lives of Israelis im-pacted by this terrible violence, the United Jewish Communities instituted a national $200 million campaign to help Israel in its moment of crisis. Cleveland's agreed that it would raise $6 million as its share of the $200 million effort. As of this report, we have raised $7,254,759.
We are extremely proud of Cleveland's response. Over 3,500 donors supported this effort. So far, ours if the first and only completed Israel Now campaign.
We express Israel's and our grati-tude to all who supported this effort and assured our positive results
.
The goal of our campaign was to make a difference in the following areas:
Victims and their families
- funds to provide services tailored to individual situations, including short-term crisis intervention, bridge loans for parents who must abandon their jobs to care for the injured, transportation allowances that ensure family visits to those hospitalized, post traumatic stress programming, etc.
Services to the elderly and the young and new immigrants
- Support services including pro-tected environments - warm houses and daycare, safe transportation, neighborhood protection programs, as well as counseling, trained companions, alarm systems for the disabled and in-home services in times of heightened stress and social isolation.
People living in geographically vulnerable areas
- This population will require protection, in-cluding bullet-proof glass for their homes, schools and vehicles, supervision and after-school en-richment activities for children, and crisis counseling.
Alleviating stress caused by the current situation
- At the community level, our goal was to provide funds to help built immigrant elderly congregant housing and new community and daycare centers so Jews could socialize in a safe environment.
Support for soldiers
- Providing special benefits for officers and non-Jewish Israeli soldiers, to recognize their very special role in the current crisis.
An over-arching goal was to strengthen the links that Cleveland had formed with Beit She'an to build new projects to enhance programs where we have previously invested significant resources. This need became strikingly clear when violence was experienced first-hand in the Beit She'an region with several violent murders of civilians and the loss of soldiers from "our" region.
Campaign Results
Under the outstanding leadership of Eric Bell, Cookie Marcus and Renny Wolfson, the Cleveland community exceeded its original $6 million goal. The current result of the campaign is now $7,254,759. This includes the $1 million gift from the Federation's Endowment Fund.
To ensure that 100% of all of the funds raised from the community would go to direct services in Israel, the Federation Board of Trustees agreed that all of the expenses for the Israel Now cam-paign, and the related public relations efforts, including our successful community mission to Is-rael, would come from the Endowment Fund grant. The officers of the Federation approved a budget for the program, and the Distribution Panel has set aside $700,000 of the Endowment Grant to cover the operating costs of the campaign, the public relations effort in support of Israel, the first community mission, and the subsidy for a possible second mission in the near future.
Distribution Process
In order to carefully distribute the funds raised by our Israel Now campaign, a special distribution panel was appointed by the chair of the Budget Committee. Chaired by David Shifrin, it consisted of members of the Budget Committee, the Overseas Connections Committee. The recommenda-tions of the special committee are being presented to the Budget Committee for its review, and, ultimately, will be presented to the Federation Board of Trustees.
The first meeting of the committee established the broad criteria that would be used as the basis for decisions regarding the allocations of the campaign proceeds. It was agreed that programs it funded should meet the following criteria:
1. Enhance security in Israel.
2. Provide services for people directly affected by violence.
3. Fund programs for populations that might need special support because of their particular cir-cumstances or contribution to Israel's strength.
4. Programs that attempt to mitigate the impact of reduced funding of social services due to the crisis.
5. Capital projects that demonstrate the permanency of the Jewish state.
The committee also felt obligated to be guided by the goals and objectives outlined in the materi-als distributed during the campaign in order to keep faith with the expectations of the donors when they contributed to the Israel Now campaign.
Operating Procedure
Also at its first meeting, the panel agreed to form a subcommittee made up of the representatives from the Overseas Connections Committee. The role of this committee was to search out, evalu-ate, and recommend projects in Israel for funding from the Israel Now campaign that enhanced the special relationship that we had established with the Beit She'an community. In addition, the Federation received proposals from a variety of sources in Israel requesting support from the Is-rael Now campaign. The consensus of the Distribution Panel was that the OCC members, be-cause of their extensive experience working with Israelis and their familiarity with projects and organizations in Israel, were ideally suited to review and recommend which of these projects were deserving of funding consideration.
This subcommittee met on two occasions and reviewed the proposals we had received, including projects the United Jewish Communities had identified through the JDC and Jewish Agency
The OCC group recommended a number of projects for funding consideration. The full commit-tee then reviewed these recommendations and developed its proposals for funding, which are de-scribed in this report.
Dollars Available For Distribution
In order to arrive at the funds available for allocation by the Distribution Panel, a number of fac-tors needed to be taken into consideration. At its first meeting, the committee made the follow-ing determination on the overall distribution of the campaign:
Designated Gifts
The national UJC allowed those donors of $1 million or more to Israel Now to designate all or portions of their gifts to new projects in Israel. We have three such gifts, and the designations (to date) are as follows:
Program at Hebrew University/Ein Kerem Student Center - $400,000
Bullet-Proof Bus/Efrat - $75,000
ORT School/Galilee - $19,500
Kedumim Security System - $25,000
Kibbutz Meirav Youth Center - $25,000
Other Hebrew University Projects - $1,500,000
To Be Determined - $850,000
Total - $2,894,500
Shrinkage
- As we do with our regular campaign, the Israel Now Distribution Panel determined that we should anticipate that a portion of the funds which were raised will not be collected.
The committee decided that since the designated gifts were not being included in our allocations, we should not have to allow for any shortfalls in that number. As a result, the committee decided to apply the shrinkage to the net campaign proceeds after deducting designated gifts and the $1 million Endowment grant. This net amount totals $3,360,259.
After reviewing the pledges received, it is the recommendation of the Distribution Panel that a reserve for uncollectable pledges be established at approximately 3% of that net amount. This would come to a shrinkage reserve of $100,808.
Total Funds Available For Distribution
As shown in the appendix, after deducting the campaign and program costs of $700,000, the des-ignated gifts at $2,894,500, and the 3% shrinkage of $100,808, from the campaign total of $7,254,759, there remains $3,559,451 for the panel to distribute.
Allocation Recommendations
Using the criteria established at the first meeting of the Distribution Panel, and taking into consid-eration the case made by the campaign leadership when they reached out to the Jewish commu-nity, the panel makes the following recommendations on funding from the Israel Now campaign.
A. Physical Security
Upgrading Security Systems in Schools - $500,000
Security systems in many schools, kindergartens, and community centers are simply inadequate. Protective gates, intercom systems, locks, doors and shatter-proof windows are essential to pro-tect these buildings and their children. In addition, many towns lack an effective communication system between guards posted at school entrances and a city-wide emergency management center. Many of the kindergartens lack emergency call devices - "panic buttons." The cost of security upgrades in each community is approximately $100,000. We are recommending funding for five communities. Our funding for this project is earmarked for non-Partnership 2000 communities and/or projects in Jerusalem. It is contingent upon Cleveland representatives being included in the selection and oversight process.
Bullet-Proof Bus for the Children Living in on the Gilboa - $160,000
This project will fund the purchase of a bullet-proof bus for the Beit She'an region to allow for transportation of children with a greater degree of safety. The bus will make several trips to and from the Gilboa in the mornings and in the afternoons. As the children of different ages begin and end their studies at different times, most of the children from Kibburz Meirav, the settlement which is most exposed, will be able to benefit from this improved means of transportation.
Three of the region's settlements, Meirav, Ma'ale Gilboa and Malkishua, are located on the Gil-boa mountains. The Gilboa has become the site of recent terrorist activities. In August 2001, one of the residents of Meirav, a 16 year old girl, was killed on the road leaving the settlement, and three other girls were injured. The cost of the bus is $300,000, and our funding will be supple-mented by a grant from the Israeli government.
Bullet-Proof Vests for Those Patrolling the Beit She'an Region - $40,000
These funds will purchase 30 bullet-proof vests for the jeep patrol and the reserve volunteers who live on the three Gilboa settlements. The provision of this equipment will allow the residents to respond to security incidents without risking their lives to the same degree. It is these volunteers, all of whom are reserve soldiers, who are often first on the scene of a terrorist incident.
Beit She'an Security Needs - $155,000
These funds will help provide for the security needs in the city of Beit She'an. Funding will in-clude:
The provision of an emergency security vehicle to be equipped with a radio, first aid, and other emergency equipment. This vehicle will be used by local security forces.
Guard booths for the school gates.
Emergency communication center and equipment - the proposed center will enable communi-cation between school guards, the schools, and the security forces. The center will also han-dle communications should a security alert occur in the area.
Security on the ORT Israel Campus in Beit She'an - $165,932
This program will enhance the security at the ORT School in Beit She'an. It includes the installa-tion of new fences and gates, reinforcement of existing fences and gates, and the installation of protective bars on ground-floor windows. Additional guards to patrol the campus is included. Also included is improved communication between the guards and the central response site.
Because of the recent terrorist activities, additional services are also included in this proposal. These include: emergency psychological and counseling services, additional security on school field trips, and compensation for school time lost by budget transfers from education to defense by the Israeli government.
B. Psychological Support For Israelis
Crisis Intervention for Victims of Terror - $400,000
There are a number of voluntary organizations that respond to the needs of victims of terrorist attacks. At a time of crisis, these organizations are critical. Their experience in helping trauma-tized individuals and their families is directly relevant to the current series of terrorist attacks. Vulnerable populations such as new immigrants, the elderly, and single-parent families, particu-larly need the services offered by these organizations. These voluntary organizations provide di-rect aid in the immediate aftermath of crisis situations and ongoing sustained contact programs to help develop the coping skills needed in the long healing process.
On the basis of preliminary discussions with relevant service providers, the Jewish Agency esti-mates that three crisis intervention centers (for the north, south and central regions) are required, each costing $400,000 to operate. Our recommendation is contingent upon the funding going to the site in the north, and Cleveland representatives being involved in the development of that site.
Funds for the Benefit of Victims and Survivors of Terror - $700,000
The recent surge in terrorism in Israel has created a need for a fund to provide assistance to vic-tims and their families. Families of victims spend months visiting hospitals and rehabilitation cen-ters. When the patients return home, additional funds are needed to assist with home care, special equipment, psychological counseling, and other costs related to care giving.
Although Israel's Social Security Administration seeks to cover many of these costs, its insuffi-cient funding impedes the effectiveness of this effort. A committee hosted by the Jewish Agency will administer the fund.
Counseling Center for Women - $16,000
The goal of this project is to assist women in neighborhoods directly threatened by terror and help them cope with the trauma and related tensions, stress and fears due to the ongoing security situa-tion. Although the tensions and concerns cut across all segments of the population, women are more noticeably affected. They, more than men, speak of anxieties, fears and stress and the need for guidance.
The Counseling Center for Women proposes to operate pilot projects in two "high tension" areas: one in Jerusalem (Gilo, French Hill, Ramot or Baaka) and one in the Sharon area (Rosh Ha'ayin, Kfar Saba, Netanya or Hadera).
The specific organization and content of each project will be tailored as much as possible to the local community's needs, but should include a variety of group activities, such as ongoing support groups for parents; skills workshops; etc., that will help provide tools to manage stress and ten-sion and forums facilitated by therapists for ongoing mutual support. Each group will meet for a five-month period, and the grant will provide funding for two five-month modules.
C. Support For Vulnerable Populations (Children, Immigrants, Elderly And Soldiers)
Emergency Services for Children Affected by Terrorism and Violence - $478,919
The committee is recommending that these funds be held in reserve, and that we request that the United Jewish Communities return to us with a plan to spend these funds on emergency services for children impacted by the current crisis. While we recognize that there were a number of such projects identified in the UJC list of potential programs, the committee would like to see more detail and be involved in the selection of specific sites.
Warm Homes for Lonely Elderly - $50,000
During times of emergency, the elderly, especially new immigrants, feel trapped in their homes - often with little understanding of what is happening around them. The warm home program brings together small groups of elderly (usually new immigrants) in the home of one of the group members and provides them with social activities and support. With the current stress, the need to reach additional isolated elderly through this highly cost-effective and personalized initiative, has increased tremendously. JDC seeks to create a new warm homes in communities and neighborhoods that have been especially hard hit by the current crisis, and in which elderly immi-grants are struggling to cope with all that is going on around them. Establishment of each of these warm homes costs $10,000. Our recommendation is to fund five.
Beit She'an Supportive Community for the Elderly - $33,600
There are 1,400 elderly living in Beit She'an, in 850 households. There are three organizations in Beit She'an which work together to see to the needs of the elderly - the Municipal Welfare De-partment, the Amuta for the Elderly, and the Kupat Cholim.
The Amuta has been running a supportive program in Beit She'an for the last year. This program allows seniors to remain in their homes, while improving the quality of life, guaranteeing the pro-vision of basic services, and increasing the feeling of personal safety for the clients.
The basket of services includes an emergency call button, emergency medical services, a house father who coordinates the program, home repairs, social activities, and a network of volunteers who work alongside the house father.
Today, there are 140 households who participate in this program. The goal is to enlarge the pro-gram to include 200 households.
Supportive Neighborhood is a nationwide program. Most households registered with the pro-gram pay a monthly fee of $23. In Beit She'an, the monthly fee is $9, because it is the limit the population can afford. The funds we are providing will make up this difference.
Emergency Supportive Communities for the Elderly - $100,000
The current situation in Israel has put particular stress on the elderly, especially those living in communities "on the firing line." In response, the government of Israel approached the JDC for assistance in meeting the elderly's needs in creating a sheltering and reassuring climate during these turbulent times.
The supportive community program addresses the needs of the elderly in three major areas:
1. Providing a feeling of security and accessible medical assistance.
2. Providing assistance in day-to-day activities.
3. Encouraging and providing social contacts to overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness.
A neighborhood father or mother who acts as the coordinator of the program provides support and assistance, performs minor repairs and supervises major repairs. Medical services, including free ambulance service and doctor's homes visits outside of office hours, are available for a nomi-nal fee. An emergency call system with a portable control button and two-way communication system is made available.
Social activities, including meetings, lectures, classes and outings, are provided. A social worker provides individual counseling and guidance. Meals on Wheels assistance, personal care in times of sickness are included. This is similar to the program discussed above in Beit She'an, except this program is intended to provide services outside of the city of Beit She'an, in the Beit She'an region.
Emergency Services Telephone Guide - $250,000
The IDF's home front command has requested JDC's assistance in preparing information for the population with which JDC works. The IDF is producing a national directory (to be published as an addendum to regular telephone directories), consisting of contact information and general guidelines for all populations in times of crisis. JDC was asked to assist in gathering data relating to its target populations and to assist in the production of a special section related to services for populations with special needs. This is the first time that such a national directory has been pro-duced, and it is anticipated that the directory will be placed in each of Israel's approximately 2 million households. The committee encourages that the material be printed in a way that will al-low for universal access, including people with disabilities and those unfamiliar with Hebrew.
One Step Forward - $150,000
One Step Forward is a unique project being initiated by the Israel Defense Forces to provide bet-ter opportunities for Druze soldiers in civilian life. The project's goals are to advance the educa-tional level of each soldier by providing an individually-designed educational track in their last months in the army, and to help the soldiers make the transition from army to civilian life. It is anticipated that, in 2002, some 600 Druze soldiers will complete their Army service and will par-ticipate in this project.
The role of Druze soldiers is especially important to the army. As a non-Jewish group with a strong allegiance to Israel, they play a pivotal role in the border patrol that is a primary unit of the front lines vis-?-vis the Palestinians and the Lebanese. The committee also believes that this pro-ject helps strengthen the Israeli societal infrastructure.
Gesher - IDF Officer Training Program - $110,000
This is a program sponsored by the IDF for all officer candidates in the Israeli army. The IDF believes this program is particularly necessary at the current time because the deep divisions in the Israeli society can be very harmful to the community, but deadly to a fighting force.
The IDF requests that Gesher develop a five-day training program on Jewish and Israeli identity, integrated within the framework of the basic training course. Groups visit various historical sites and take part in seminars, workshops and presentations on Israeli life and issues in Israeli society. With the current crisis, the committee believes that a strong, highly motivated, well educated offi-cer corp in the IDF is crucial to the future security of the Israeli state.
D. Capital Projects
Youth Center on Kibbutz Meirav - $150,000
This program will complete a youth center to house facilities for extracurricular activities, music letters, a computer room, a multipurpose hall, and a children's library. The center is designed to be the hub of children's and youth's activities.
The importance of this building has grown over the past year due to increased terrorist activity. With its completion, the community will be able to offer the children and youth on-site extracur-ricular activities, thereby reducing the need to travel to Beit She'an or other settlements for les-sons and activities, and ensure a safe place after school until their parents finish the work day.
Yeshivat Ma'ale Gilboa Dormitory - $100,000
Yeshivat Ma'ale Gilboa is located on Kibbutz Ma'ale Gilboa in the Beit She'an region. A unique educational institution, the yeshiva is committed to meeting the challenge of educating a genera-tion of young, modern Orthodox leadership who will relate to a pluralistic and democratic Israel. The educational premise is that Torah and modernity are intertwined.
The students who study at the yeshiva choose to serve a full three years in the army. All of the students at the yeshiva participate in volunteer community service on a weekly basis.
The yeshiva serves an important role in strengthening the Gilboa settlements and Kibbutz Ma'ale Gilboa in particular. This capital project demonstrates the permanency of the Jewish state and strengthens the infrastructure in the Beit She'an region.
Conclusion
The total of the projects recommended comes to $3,559,451, the total funds available to the committee after adjusting for other commitments as described earlier in this report.
The Israel Now Distribution Panel believes that these recommendations meet the criteria that it established, but, more importantly, fulfill the expectations of the community which supported the very successful Israel Now campaign. It urges the adoption of this report.
Respectfully Submitted,
Israel Now Distribution Panel
David Shifrin, Chair
Eli Becker
David Goldberg
Sid Good
Tammy Gould
Fran Immerman
S. Lee Kohrman
Myrna Spira
Neil Weinberger
Warren Wolfson
Tevet 5762 - January 2002