June 29, 2007

The Jewish Agency for Israel launched a rehabilitation program for former Gaza Strip settlers.

Under the $1.5 million program announced Thursday, some 8,000 Israelis evacuated from Gaza and four West Bank settlements in 2005 will be offered career guidance and emotional support.

Two years after the evacuations, many of the former settlers have not adjusted to their new lives and complain of government inattention.

"The evacuees are people who underwent serious trauma and all of the various bodies -- the government, donors and voluntary organizations -- must work together to help them return to normal," Jewish Agency Chairman Zeev Bielski said.