DG of the Prime Minister’s Office, Jewish Agency Meet on Diaspora Contributions

The Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office, Harel Locker met Tuesday with the Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency, Natan Sharansky and Director General of the Jewish Agency, Alan Hoffmann and was updated on the contributions of world Jewry during Operation Pillar of Defense.

During the visit, Locker was informed of The Jewish Agency’s different programs to assist the residents of southern Israel. The programs which are funded by the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod included: Rest and respite day trips (here and here) for over 15,000 children living in the South (since Sunday); The Fund for Victims of Terror which provides immediate financial support for Israelis who are injured or suffer property damage from rocket fire; and the efforts to support the 3,000 immigrants living in Absorption Centers in the South, some of whom landed after the beginning of the operation. The Director General of the Jewish Agency, Alan Hoffmann noted that the excellent cooperation between government agencies such as the National Emergency Authority, the Home Front Command, local authorities and the Jewish Agency, in providing assistance to residents under fire.

Locker also met with volunteers on Masa Israel, who are currently volunteering in the New Media Center whose purpose is to help Israeli public diplomacy efforts. He also heard about the efforts of Jewish Agency shlichim on campuses around the world. Masa is a joint project of the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency.

Locker said during the meeting: “It warms the heart to see the extensive activity of The Jewish Agency. The cooperation between the government and the non-profit sector has proven itself for the benefit of the residents of Southern Israel.”