Building Jewish Education in Israel

Maya Maymoni MOD

As thousands of Jews in Israel seek new avenues of religious expression, UJA-Federation of New York supports programs that bring together Israelis from all cultural and religious ideologies.

With UJA-Federation’s support, many secular and Orthodox Jewish children are learning together for the first time. And educators throughout the country are learning to develop identity programs that are stimulating for adults and children.

The Israeli government has responded to these developments with special efforts that promote pluralism throughout the country.

The Challenges Facing Israel

  • As of 2006, 34 percent of Israeli Jews defined themselves as religious; 22 percent as nonreligious traditionalists; and 44 percent as secular.
  • 48 percent of students in secular Israeli schools are not exposed to any formal or informal Jewish education programs.
  • In 2008, the Israeli Knesset passed the Mishalev Law, creating a third public-school system by allocating $10 million to help educate secular, traditional, and observant Jewish students together.

UJA-Federation’s Response

We provide essential support to organizations throughout Israel to develop Jewish educational and cultural programs.

In 2008, UJA-Federation helped provide:

  • 400,000 Israelis with Jewish educational, cultural, and religious programs at 40 to 50 community centers around the country.
  • 52,000 high school students with stimulating Jewish studies programs in 50 schools. As part of the daily curriculum, secular and religious students study together.
  • 7,000 Israelis with Jewish leadership training, enabling them to provide stimulating education programs.
  • 100 Israeli soldiers with Jewish identity and ethics training, as they prepare to become the next generation of company commanders.

Your gift does so much for so many.