December 5, 2010

JERUSALEM  -- Hundreds of children evacuated from communities in Israel's North because of the raging forest fire will participate in Chanukah activities run by the Jewish Agency.

The activities will include outings and performances in the center of the country. They are being run in coordination with government authorities and in cooperation with the Migdal Or Association and the Noar Ha'oved ve Halomed youth movement.

Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky thanked Jewish communities around the world for their condolences and support in the wake of the massive fire in the Carmel forest that has destroyed more than 12,000 acres of land and claimed 42 lives.

“The unity of the Jewish people and the solidarity of Jewish communities with the State of Israel are expressed at such times,” said Sharansky.

Meanwhile, the American Jewish Committee is making an initial $100,000 donation to Israeli relief organizations assisting communities devastated by the unprecedented fire near Haifa.

“We are deeply moved by the dedication and courage of the firefighters, police, soldiers and other rescue workers engaged in fighting the blaze and its devastating effect,” AJC President Robert Elman and Executive Director David Harris wrote in a letter delivered to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.