Subscribe to Print Edition | Tue., June 24, 2008 Sivan 21, 5768 | | Israel Time: 01:41 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

PM seeks to redefine Israel-Diaspora relations By Anshel Pfeffer In his address yesterday to the Jewish Agency's Board of Governors, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called for a dramatic change in the financial relationship between Israel and the Diaspora, arguing that the "situation in which Diaspora Jews are the philanthropists and Israel is the recipient cannot continue." As a result, the Agency will form a new steering committee for the preparation of a plan for the implementation of the government's new policy vis-a-vis the Diaspora, as presented by Olmert in his speech. Advertisement Today, the board will convene to discuss the subject of coordination between the Agency's leadership and the cabinet, as well as to appoint the new steering committee, whose plan of action is intended to be brought before the governors next year. The prime minister went on to say that Diaspora Jews have nurtured Israel over the last 60 years, and that for the next six decades, Israel must take it upon itself to nurture the Jewish people. "Israel and Diaspora Jews must be united, not only in past successes but also in preserving the future," he said. Olmert presented the board with statistics on such topics as intermarriage among world Jewry, and the low affinity to Israel and Zionism felt by young Jews abroad. He also described a number of programs and projects proposed by the government, intended to encourage young Jews to visit Israel, to send Israelis abroad to serve as educators in Jewish schools, and the launching of Israeli "culture houses" around the world. Olmert explained that these projects will require a much larger investment than in the past, and voiced hope that Diaspora Jews will in fact donate the funds, but did not name a sum. To date, the government has invested some $120 million in such initiatives. He also said that the Agency will have to undergo a dramatic change in its organizational structure and its method of management. He suggested that the organization change its name from "Jewish Agency for Israel" to "Agency for Israel and the Jewish People." Bookmark to del.icio.us   Justice for Jews London summit focuses on plight of Jewish refugees from Arab states. No place like home Poll: 77% of Israeli Arabs would rather live in Israel than in any other country.

Read & React Shmuel Rosner: Why do U.S. non-Jews back Israel? Responses: 265 IDF: Israel may declare two soldiers captured by Hezbollah 'killed in action' Responses: 81 Amir Oren: Israel may conclude that it's time to hit Iran by autumn Responses: 140 Sarkozy: There won't be Middle East peace without Syria talks Responses: 60 Haaretz.com TV: East J'lem Arabs pay taxes, lack running water Responses: 38 More Headlines 22:25 IDF: Israel may declare two soldiers captured by Hezbollah killed in action 21:11 High Court rejects Shalit family bid to keep Gaza crossings shut 21:13 Labor MKs vote in favor of backing bill to dissolve Knesset 22:24 Ex-IDF chief: Sometimes hostages must be sacrificed if ransom is too high 20:09 London summit focuses on plight of Jewish refugees from Arab states 21:26 Defense lawyer: Teen murder suspect suffers from 'acute' mental problem 01:13 McCain disavows aide comment that terror attack would help GOP 22:27 Sarkozy to Knesset: A nuclear Iran is intolerable 16:53 Poll: 77% of Israeli Arabs would rather live in Israel than in any other country in the world 11:36 Police off to U.S. to quiz Olmert's son, others in corruption probe 18:59 High Court rejects petition asking to ban Jerusalem Gay Pride parade 13:52 Official in Tehran: Israel is incapable of threatening Iran Previous Editions Select Day 23 jun 22 jun 20 jun 19 jun 18 jun 17 jun 16 jun 15 jun 13 jun 12 jun 11 jun 10 jun

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