In the summer of 1999 "Tower Semiconductor" signed a strategic alliance, with "Toshiba" one of Japan's largest producer of electronic devices, for the development and production of memory components and the establishment of an additional factory in Migdal HaEmek.

For hundreds of additioanl families in the Region, this meant a new source of income in one of the leading hi-tech firms in the Region. From my many years of experience in the firm with employment and job training I have learnt that lack of English skills is one of the principle obstacles in procuring jobs. In this type of industry, English proficiency is essential - operation of machines, materials and regulations and everything else involves knowledge of English.

In the winter of 1999, when the Joint Steering Committee met in Israel, a great number of American participants showed interest in the deal and asked what are the possibilities and how it will affect the Region.

During that time, I came up with the idea of opening English courses for citizens of the Region, which could increase their chances to procure jobs and enhance their options to better their economic situation. The idea was presented to the Federation's CEO, Bob Aronson, who showed great interest and agreed to its promotion.

Mr. Norm Katz, a Michigan member of the Steering Committee, took upon himself go get the needed support. Together with Ms. Tova Dorfman, the Federation Representative, they raised in the Detroit Community the $40,000 needed to improve the English proficiency of some 250 residents in the Region. After a year of meetings and coordination, in the presence of Bob Aronson, Eli Lazar, Tova Dorfman and the Nazareth Illit College Director, Iris Klein the first course at "Tower" was opened. Since then, we have completed two additional courses, we currently have two courses in session and a number of courses in planning. The course is orchestrated and conducted by the Nazareth Illit Technological College, selected through a bid process.

  Tevet 5762 - January 2002