Partnership 2Gether
Partnership 2Gether is a program of the Jewish Agency for Israel, one of our beneficiaries, that partners Jewish communities around the world with Israeli communities, the majority of which are in high priority areas. The goal is to put a face to Israel for Diaspora Jews. Currently, there are 550 communities in 45 partnerships sharing ideas, strengths, challenges, and successes, and empowering both communities to generate change. The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region partners with cities Kiryat Malachi and Hof Ashkelon.
These cities are home to tens of thousands of new immigrants from the Former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. In the past decade alone, Kiryat Malachi absorbed more than 2,000 new immigrants, bringing the population to more than 22,000. Federation provides scholarships to students so they may continue pursue their education. In exchange for the financial award, students work to improve conditions in their communities through various volunteer programs.
During this summer's Operation Protective Edge, Israel's response to constant rocket fire from Hamas militants, Kiryat Malachi and Hof Ashkelon are among the Israeli hardest hit areas. Following is an update from Isaac Amar, Chair of Partnership2Gether:
"During the summer holidays, hundreds of thousands of Israeli students spend their vacation days on the beach, watching the World Cup games, going to summer camps and some even working to earn pocket money, like children all around the world. Not exactly so in Israel, where our neighbors, with whom we have strived to make peace for years, prefer that students from both sides spend their summer vacations at war. During the past few weeks, Hamas terrorists have fired hundreds of rockets at Israel's civilians, covering large parts of the country, leaving five million people under the threat of the missile rockets. No other country lives under such a threat, and no country would accept such a threat.
Israelis, young and old, are robust and capable of showing strength without fear. All the citizens of Israel cherish our soldiers and all of the security forces, trusting their ability and courage. Israel is strong with our trust in G-d to help us face our enemies.
In the Hof Ashkelon region, we are well organized and prepared for any threat. Emergency crews and support teams are available to the public day and night, 24/7. The Council is organized and able to address and support each resident of our communities. We are determined to give our citizens the safety and security they deserve.
When rockets are fired from the Gaza Strip, an alarm is triggered and broadcaset, and all residents are required to enter the shelters or any protected space. The 'Iron Dome' (Israel's missile intercept system) protects the country by intercepting milliles and preventing injury to civilians.
AM ISRAEL CHAI!"
