Israel approves NIS 200m. plan for Diaspora education to strengthen Jewish identity - exclusive

Israel's government has approved a NIS 200 million plan to bolster Jewish education across the Diaspora, with a specific focus on North America. The initiative, announced Sunday by the Diaspora Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office, aims to increase enrollment in Jewish schools and strengthen Jewish identity among younger generations.

“

Since its establishment, the State of Israel has been an anchor for the security of the Jewish people. Today, we are also strengthening one of the most important anchors of its future, Jewish education.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the plan is a "strategic investment in the next generation of the Jewish people, in its identity, its values, and its deep connection to the State of Israel." He emphasized the historic partnership between Israel and Diaspora Jewry as a source of strength and affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring the Jewish people's future.

“

This is a strategic investment in the next generation of the Jewish people, in its identity, its values, and its deep connection to the State of Israel. The historic partnership between Israel and Diaspora Jewry is a tremendous source of strength, and the decision we made today reflects our shared commitment to ensuring the future of the Jewish people for generations.

The plan builds upon Project Aleph Bet and seeks to break down barriers to Jewish education, including tuition costs, geographic limitations, and accessibility for students with disabilities. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli expressed his astonishment that only a small percentage of Diaspora Jewry receives a Jewish education and set a goal to ensure every Jewish child receives a meaningful education. The government will contribute NIS 100 million, with additional funding from Jewish philanthropists and the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA).

“

This is a historic decision. When I took office three and a half years ago, I was astonished to discover that only a few percentage points of Diaspora Jewry receive a Jewish education, and I set one clear goal: to ensure that every Jewish child in the Diaspora receives a meaningful Jewish education that strengthens their identity and their connection to the Jewish people and the State of Israel.