Government of Israel and Jewish Agency Sign Memorandum of Understanding on “Initiative”
Source: eJewish Philanthropy
It has been almost 3 months since we have heard anything about the World Jewry Joint Initiative. However, behind the scenes, significant negotiation has taken place. In the end, the negotiation has now culminated in an initialized non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the parties.
While there are still many details to be worked out, the MoU lays out overall governance including structure, oversight and of most interest to our readers the “Initial Content Areas:”
- Teen trips to Israel – to double the numbers of teen participants
- Summer camps – to double the numbers of youth in Jewish summer camps globally
- Jewish and Israel engagement in college campuses and universities – create a critical mass of settings worldwide where an extensive, systematic, and well-coordinated plan of Jewish and Israel engagement is undertaken
- Career building for students and young adults in Israel
- Service around the world for students and young adults – in home and neighboring communities and in the developing world within a Jewish and Israeli context; service projects will include Israelis pre- and post- army
- Follow-up opportunities in home communities
- Technology – creating a single digital platform for the Jewish world that will allow communities and organizations to leverage their activity …
Also of note, the MoU states, “To minimize confusion of donors, JFNA and KH funding for the Initiative will be as designated gifts through JAFI.”
The memorandum of understanding was approved by the Jewish Agency Executive at a special meeting held on November 14, 2104.
While the MoU has been initialized, a definitive agreement – including a timetable – still needs to be finalized. And one other important item to keep in mind: where is the non-government money coming from?
For as a senior JFNA lay leader involved in the discussions told eJP, “We have a signed agreement but no money. So what does it all really mean?”
Read more at eJewish Philanthropy.