FEDERATION GIFT KEEPS MERAV OUT OF THE DARK
by Yitz Feigenbaum, Kibbutz Merav

(left to right) Merav Manager Eli Sharir, Beit Shean Mayor Pini Kabalo and Merav's Yitz Feigenbaum (a former Clevelander) with emergency generators donated by Cleveland Jewish Federation. The generators will make sure that Merav's security infrastructures - including electronic fences and lighting - will keep working even when the community is hit by a power outage.

Dear Friends,

Today Kibbutz Merav had the pleasure of hosting the Mayor of Beit Shean, Pini Kabalo. As co-chair of Partnership 2000, Pini was able to see firsthand the significant contribution of the Cleveland Jewish Federation in meeting the security and communal needs of Merav.

We discussed joint efforts in pressing ahead with the building of the security fence along the green-line buffer-zone. As you know, the Beit Shean terrorists come from Jilabun, the Arab village across the road from Merav. Jilabun was also home to the head of the terror cell responsible for the drive by shooting that killed Aliza Malka a year and half ago. The security fence could prevent further infiltrations from the Jilabun - Jenin area into the Beit Shean region. We thanked Pini for his efforts and offered any help we could be in order to pressure the Israeli Defense Department to make good on its promise to start the building of the fence immediately.

Also discussed were joint efforts in economic co-operation between Merav & Beit Shean. Over 50 citizens of Bet Shean are employed at the Kibbutz and ideas were discussed to increase business opportunities for all. Pini also challenged us to increase our educational & social ties with the City and we hope to follow up on a few of the ideas raised in the near future. eeting itself.

Thank you all for helping to bring us together.

Shvat 5763 - January 2003