Youth Aliyah, through the Spirit of Israel (Haruach HaYisraelit), has received generous support from a wide range of high-tech enterprises. At Hadassah Neurim, RAD donated computers for the school, Matach contributed software for the library and John Bryce has provided classroom tables and chairs.
At Ben Yakir, Qasar Communications donated computers for the library, while Bank Hapoalim also donated computers. Intel has established an ongoing relationship with Kiryat Yearim, while ECI Telecom contributed a classroom in the school for enrichment and informal education. Israel's high-tech enterprises, many of whose employees are young, are interested in contributing to the community and disadvantaged youth. They understand that investment in today's human resources will bear fruit in the future. The students deeply appreciate the contributions and support, particularly in such areas as computers and Internet, one of the most important educational growth sectors.
Israel may be enduring its worst economic recession since the 1950's, but Ramat Hadassah Szold is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The entire face of the campus has been changed over the past year thanks to donations from the village's friends.
"The children feel the economic recession at home," said Ramat Hadassah Szold Director Zvi Astrachan, "Students come back from the weekend hungry and we have to provide them with new clothes. But at least here they are encouraged by the fact that we are doing so much for them."
New dormitories were recently completed thanks to Keren Hayesod Finland and the Steinberg Family through the Israel Education Fund, while furniture for the Mifratz dormitory and a home-cinema system was donated by Erica Mitchell, a young girl from UJA-Federation of New York, who gave her bat mitzvah presents to the village. Claire Perlman, an ongoing supporter of the village, donated equipment to the fitness room and the synagogue was renovated with contributions from Hadassah. A Music Room has been renovated where activities are supported by the Youth Aliyah Committee of Sweden and the Spirit of Israel.
The Spirit of Israel (Haruach HaYisraelit) and UJIA in Great Britain is currently making an enormous contribution to the village. Together these organizations are funding a soccer pitch and running track, which are under construction. The Animal Education and Therapy Zoological Center, is being extended to include related studies about the environment and ecology. The asbestos roofs on the Learning Centers were also replaced with other materials and some of the classrooms have been renovated and furnished.