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Newsletter : 9fax1229.txt
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>JN Dec. 29, 1999, Vol. 7, No. 238
Birthright Project to Bring Thousands to Israel
By IsraelWire
With the official kickoff of Operation Birthright, the project aimed at providing an opportunity for Diaspora residents between the ages of 15 and 26 to visit Israel, it is estimated that 6,000 visitors will arrive during the first month of 2000. Most of the visitors will be coming from North America and Canada. The program is being funded in the hope of strengthening ties and the Jewish identity of persons living outside of Israel.
Shas Agreement in the Works
By Meredith Buel (VOA-Jerusalem)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak appears to have reached agreement with a key coalition partner, which has been threatening to leave his government. The Israeli government announced it has reached agreement with the ultra-orthodox Shas Party that may keep together the coalition of Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
A top official in the Education Ministry says the government has agreed to give Shas more than $10 million to help bail out its bankrupt education program.
Education Minister Yossi Sarid called the agreement historic. "For the first time, Shas and its educational system should act under all the regulations of the Ministry of Education. This was our first and foremost target and we achieved it and we are relatively satisfied."
Barak is continuing negotiations with Shas Party officials and indications are the coalition crisis is about to be solved. The accord on the education program comes one day after Shas threatened to resign from the government, which would have left Barak without a majority in parliament.
The timing is considered critical because the Prime Minister resumes peace negotiations next week with Syria and is continuing to hold peace talks with the Palestinians. Shas holds 17 seats in parliament and the party's size and its support for the peace process make it an important coalition partner.
Shas represents Sephardic Jews of Middle Eastern and North African descent. The party runs its own school system, which is subsidized by the Israeli government. The schools, which provide hot meals and long hours of instruction, attract many Israelis to the party's religious and political agenda. Police have been investigating allegations of fraud and mismanagement within the Shas school system.
Israel May Give Parts of Jerusalem to Palestinians
By IsraelWire
In the continuing negotiations with the PLO Authority, Israel has agreed to turn over civil control over the predominately Arab neighborhoods of Bet Hannina and Shuafat and has agreed to a joint control situation in Atarot Airport in northern Jerusalem. Such a situation would place the responsibility for all matters not pertaining to security in the hands of the PA.
Israel has been trying to persuade the PA to accept a plan under which the A-Ram area would serve as the capital of a Palestinian state and thereby, annex control of the northern Jerusalem neighborhoods to make the deal more attractive. The PA is remaining firm in its demand for a capital to be established in Abu Dis, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, thereby providing a corridor to the capital, particularly the Temple Mount.
In addition, Arab citizens of Israel living in eastern Jerusalem would maintain voting rights in Palestinian elections and hold political positions in such an entity.
Proponents of the government's plan explain that by relinquishing control of Arab sections of the capital, the Jewish character of Jerusalem will be strengthened.
Y2K - Dimona: Reactor Will be Closed
By IsraelWire
Dimona is ready for the new millennium. The city, located close to the nuclear research facility, relaxed after hearing that the nuclear reactor will be closed down for a week starting today, in preparation for Y2K. Dimona Mayor Gabi Lalush stated that he hopes the weekend will pass safely, joking that if something would happen to the reactor, the residents of Dimona wouldn't feel a thing.
Web Site of the Week
Israeli Embassy, Washington D.C. http://www.israelemb.org/ By Arutz-7 News Service
The Embassy of Israel in Washington houses the official Israeli mission to the United States of America. As ambassador for the State of Israel, this website offers a good gateway of information about Israel. There is plenty here, from basic organizational information about the embassy departments and staff to more general information for anyone interested in Israel, its current affairs and culture.
The embassy's website highlights a interesting bridge to Israelis living abroad. Called the Israeli House, this home away from home is a place for cultural get-togethers.
"The "Israeli House" is a meeting place for Israelis residing abroad. Established by the late Ophira Navon, who strongly believed in keeping strong ties with the Israeli community around the world, Israeli Houses throughout the world serve as a vehicle to bring Israelis together."
Teachers and educators are also invited to check out the embassy's Educator's Net, the one-stop source for all your Israel education needs.
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