December 31, 2009 / 4 Tevet 5769

The Jewish Agency calls upon the economic corporations to enlist in a project for contributing computers to children in Israel's embattled South.  Companies interested can contact the emergency hotline that was just opened at 1-800--200-183.

Amdocs Israel and Electra Consumer Products Israel were the first companies to come onboard and they contributed computers on behalf of the children in Ashkelon who are sitting in fortified security rooms.

In view of the decision not to renew studies in the southern communities while the missile fire from the Gaza strip continues, the Jewish Agency announced a project to gather computers for distribution to children in Israel's South in general and the children of Ashkelon in particular. This will allow children with limited means who are confined to their home, to continue their studies even while they are under fire.

Today, Wednesday, December 31, 2008, the chairman of the Jewish Agency, Mr. Zeev Bielski, awarded the computers to the children as Ashkelon mayor, Benny Vaknin looked on.
The computers provided to the children today will allow them to take part in the distance learning project of the Education Ministry and continue the school year from their homes. All this is a result of the IDF Civil Defense Command's decision not to renew studies following the Hanukkah vacation in the southern communities as a result of Operation Cast Lead.

Simultaneously, the Jewish Agency recruited students in the Net@ Project who are studying in a special program for technological advancement, to instruct the children of Ashkelon in computer applications.

The Jewish Agency is also active in renovating bomb shelters, creating days of respite for children under fire in the South, and strengthening small businesses in the region.