Partnership 2000

This past week we were visited by Judith Antonelli and Eshel Fram from our community's Partnership 2000 community of Afula/Gilboa in Northern Israel.

We allocate $20,000 to fund programs in the region which help to create living bridges between our 2 communities. We are part of a 12 community consortium which includes all the 9 Federations in Connecticut, along with Springfield and New Bedford MA that partner with Afula/Gilboa.

Together our collective contribution to the region is over $200,000. What is so meaningful about this contribution is our ability to vet each program that we fund for its value and effectiveness.

One of the programs that you might be aware of is the young emissary program. This program now operates in 7 of the communities which make up our 12 community consortium. Two post high school students, who defer their army service for one year, spend a year in our communities working with many groups within our community to bring Israel alive, and to help build a better understanding between our 2 communities.

Another program which was established over 5 years ago is the Rape Crisis Intervention and Womens Empowerment Center in Afula. This program was established by funds we contributed to Afula/Gilboa, and would not exist without the contributions we provided. Since its inception, it has grown to be valuable and much needed service to the women of the Gilboa region. Hundreds of women have been saved and have been able to find dignity and value.

Often times,. people think, that when giving to the Federation, the funds just go into this big black hole....not true...and we will be more than happy to continue to highlight where our money goes.

Find out more...Attend services on Oct 22 at Bnai Shalom Westboro) at 7:30 PM,on Oct 23 at Beth Israel (Worcester) at 10 AM or join Temple Emanuel (Worcester) for breakfast at 10 AM on Sunday Oct. 24