The government has approved a NIS 200 million plan to bolster Jewish education in the Diaspora, the Diaspora Ministry announced in a joint statement with the Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday.
The ministry will work alongside Jewish schools across the Diaspora, with an emphasis on North America, to increase enrollment and strengthen Jewish identity among the younger generation.
“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 said.
“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 is a direct continuation of Project Aleph Bet, also launched by Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli in partnership with 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,” Chikli stated.
As part of the plan, the government will allocate NIS 100 million, with additional funds coming from Jewish philanthropists and the JFNA.
Making Jewish education accessible for nearly two million American children
The program will focus on breaking down the barriers standing in the way of expanding Jewish education, such as tuition costs, geographic limitations, and a lack of accessibility for students with disabilities.
Today, some 1.8 million Jewish children live and study in the United States, while only a small percentage attend Jewish educational institutions.
“The most profound and meaningful response to antisemitism and assimilation is strengthening Jewish identity. The more children and teenagers receive a high-quality Jewish education, the more we will ensure the resilience and identity of the Jewish people and their future for generations to come,” Chikli said.
JFNA Board of Trustees chairman Gary Torgow marked the signing as a "historic day for the State of Israel and for Jewish communities around the world."
"Together, we recognize the paramount importance of global Jewish education and its vital role in building strong ties between Israel and the Jewish world, as well as strengthening the resilience of Jews everywhere during this challenging time," Torgow added.