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MashavIsrael’s Outreach to the World

Israel and the Jewish world are joining hands in reaching out to those in need, establishing yet another a bridge between them (“Tikun Olam”), to provide significant development and humanitarian aid to developing countries, delivering aid and sustainable assistance to alleviate suffering of those at greatest risk.

Israel’s program of development cooperation reflects first and foremost an ideological and moral commitment. In 1957, Foreign Minister Golda Meir visited Africa. This visit strengthened a commitment to partner with the young emerging nations. As a result, MASHAV was created to fulfill Israel’s moral obligation to the developing world.

MASHAV adheres to the goals of the Millennium Declaration (2000) and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, calling for increased donor and partner country cooperation.

MASHAV is at present working together with the Millennium Village Initiative (agriculture) and with the Millennium Cities Initiative (healthcare) in the spirit of the UN Millennium Declaration (2000), and in alignment with The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This cooperation ref lects Israel ’s commitment to working together on international initiatives toward the realization of the Millennium Development Goals.

Water Issues: MASHAV places the issue of water high on its agenda for international co-operation. Based on its accumulated experience, Israel is poised to play a major role in supplying the world with cutting-edge solutions for water and the environment.

In July 2006, MASHAV established an inter-ministerial Forum on Water, chaired by the Deputy Director General

and Head of MASHAV, Ambassador Haim Divon. Global water scarcity, water desalination, infected water reservoirs and other related problems are of high priority on the social, economic and political agenda of the international community. Cross border disputes, terrorism, ecological disasters, and climate change pose a serious threat to water installations, access to safe drinking water, and food security. This complicated picture regarding world water is one of the major challenges facing the 21st century. The UN, as well as many international organizations, countries, and public and private sectors are aware of this global challenge manifested in the many landmark resolutions and programs. The Forum on Water aims to better position Israel to address this global challenge.

Israel ’s international cooperation program in this area links its own development experience with the accumulated professional and practical knowledge gained from dealing with limited water resources. Among MASHAV’s programs regarding water issues, the following can be found: Water and wastewater treatment; Desal ination systems; Groundwater resources management; Water resources development and management; Irrigation, and many more.

Women Empowerment: The vast majority of the more than one billion people living in abject poverty in the developing world are women. Israel was one of the first countries to acknowledge the existing connection between women empowerment and development.

MASHAV founded the Golda Meir International Training Center in 1961 to promote programs focusing on reducing the gender disparity and training women to participate in the decision making process. Programs address the connection between gender, poverty reduction

Israel: A Light Unto the Nations

above: MASHAV visits Vietnam in its continuing efforts to provide significant development and humanitarian aid to developing countries.

below: Nicaragua: Transplanting onions at the MASHAV-USAID-PFID Project in Nicaragua. This project is aimed to upgrade Nicaragua’s agricultural and dairy production by introducing new agro-technologies. The project includes open field and greenhouse crops and state of the art irrigation systems. On-site training is provided by a long-term Israeli expert.

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and sustainable development, and the need for gender-sensitive policy making.

Participants in these programs are encouraged to develop empowerment strategies to heighten the consciousness of national leaders to issues relating to women’s economic and social welfare, and to increase interaction between women’s organizations and the public-private sector.

The Millennium Village InitiativeThe Millennium Village Initiative is based on a single powerful idea: impoverished villages can succeed in meeting the Millennium Development Goals if they are empowered with proven, powerful, practical know-how and technologies. By investing in health, food production, education, access to clean water, and essential infrastructure, these community-led interventions will enable impoverished villages to escape extreme poverty, something that currently confines over one billion people worldwide.

MASHAV is working together with the Millennium Village Initiative Project in Koraro, Ethiopia. The Millennium Village Initiative works directly with the respective communities, non-governmental organizations and national governments to show how rural African communities can lift themselves out of poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) if they have access to proven and powerful technologies that can enhance their farm productivity, health, education, and access to markets – while operating within the budget constraints established by international agreements for official development assistance.

Humanitarian AssistanceIsrael is often called upon to dispatch aid to countries in the wake of flood, famine, and other natural disasters. MASHAV is the body responsible for coordinating Israel’s official humanitarian assistance program. In these cases, MASHAV is able to use its vast experience in crisis response in order to rapidly dispatch needed supplies, medicines, and medical assistance to countries in crisis.

In the last few years, MASHAV has sent numerous teams to partner countries to instruct professionals in Emergency and Disaster Medicine. These teams train cadres of doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and administrators to deal with mass casualty events and to treat multiple trauma patients, sharing clinical expertise and procedures

for organizing a triaged response to mass casualty events. Theoretical training is accompanied by practical simulation exercises, sometimes with the participation of Civil Defense, Firefighters, Police, and Hospitals, in accordance with scenarios relevant to the specific region.

For many years MASHAV has been conducting blindness prevention and eye-care missions in partner countries. These missions, designed to treat patients suffering from various degrees of blindness and ocular disease, are undertaken by teams of 2 Israeli ophthalmologists and operate on the premises of local hospitals or clinics. Hundreds of surgical procedures are performed by the visiting Israeli teams which work together with local staff, restoring sight to many of the patients. Israeli ophthalmologists also train the local personnel, and ophthalmologic equipment and supplies are donated by the Government of Israel.

International Seminar: Professional Exchange on Migration and IntegrationA 10 day seminar focusing on Migration and Integration was held from February 10th-20th 2008, for a group of Hispanic leaders from the United States. The program was jointly sponsored by Mashav’s Ofri Training Center and the Center for International Migration and Integration of the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). CIMI is based in Israel.

AboVE: Pusa Farm, India: New crops at the Indo-Israeli Horticultural Demonstration Farm.

This project was a result of technical cooperation between the two countries, and jointly established by MASHAV and IARI – the Indian agricultural research Institute. The aim was to demonstrate various methods of cultivation, irrigation and fertigation technologies and crop diversification in vegetables, flowers and orchard crops.

bElow: Israeli opthalmologists conduct blindness prevention and eye-care missions in partner countries in Africa.

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This seminar was an exchange of ideas in which the Israeli side and the Latino American participants shared their experience and expertise. Some of the results for the Americans included: 1) a mission to educate the Latino and Jewish communities at large of the dangers of racism and attempting to eradicate a culture/people by paralleling the Jewish and Latino experiences; 2) learning from the Israeli experience how to ensure a positive experience for newcomers. Areas where the Americans in turn wanted to bring to Israel included: 1) their experience with migrant labor; and 2) how to implement affirmative action programs for minority (Arab) populations.

The following are a selection of personal observations and reflections on her experience by seminar participant Sylvia Puente, Director of the Metropolitan Chicago Initiative for the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Latino Studies (ILS).

“Given the tenor and tension surrounding the current debate on immigration in the United States, it was amazing to see a country that welcomes its immigrant population and provides so much of its resources and assistance to facilitate their integration into Israeli society. From intensive language instruction to learn Hebrew, supporting returning Jews with housing and a living stipend for five months, the absorption centers for the Ethiopian Jews, the employment and entrepreneurship programs and the youth initiatives, the trip was a rich learning experience. I was very impressed with the amount of federal and local resources that are devoted to immigrant integration initiatives. …

“It was affirming and challenging to witness the universality of the immigration story. It was wonderful to see so many dedicated people who assist people coming to a new country. There is universality to the challenges of new immigrants, a struggle to learn the language, find a job and adapt. And, unfortunately, the underlying tensions that emerge when new immigrants arrive, in this case between “veteran” Israelis and new immigrants appear to be universal as well. …

“… Personally, I will share what I have learned and integrate it into my work on promoting the integration of the Latino population in the Chicago region. Having a broader worldview will greatly assist me in this effort; particularly,

above: Participants of the seminar and their states: Dr. Yafa Gev (MASHAV); Veronica Dahlberg (OH); Randi Garber (JDC-CIMI); Noa Roth (JDC-CIMI); Giovana Cristina Alvarez-Negretti (MA); Juan Sanchez (TX) ; Adrian Garcia (TX) ; Cara Johnson Chaney (AZ); Virginia Samaniego (AZ); Aurelio [Alex] Tellado (PA); Angeles Otega Moore (NC); David Lubell (TN); Rosalind Gold (LA) ; Luis Roberto Monjara Sanchez (FL) ; Eric Rodriguez (WA); Ilia Rodriguez (WA); Peter M. Rivera (NY); Roberto G. Tomas Martinez (FL); Joaquin Castro (TX) ; Angel G. Obergon (LA) ; Lauren Elizabeth Rivera (NY); Carlos H. Vaquerano (LA); Yehudit Rosenthal (MASHAV); Sylvia Puente (IL).

Left: Cradock, South Africa: Family Low Pressure Drip Irrigation System, TIPA Project (Techno-agricultural Innovation for Poverty Alleviation). This project, based on the concept of the African Market Garden (AMG) and focusing on poverty reduction/crop productivity, was first established in Cradock in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province as a result of Israel’s participation in the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg in August 2002.

being able to speak to the role that the national government can play in fostering immigrant immigration.

“Finally, my impression is that Israel is a vibrant, yet complex country, full of challenges and dualities. The visit to the Holocaust museum further anchored my understanding of the Jewish homeland and respect for all that Israel and the Jewish people have accomplished. My continued prayer will be for peace. Shalom.” ◆

Ms. Puente was nominated for the seminar by Fred Siegman, board member of the Midwest office of the American Jewish Committee, and co-founder of the Chicago Alliance of Latinos and Jews. The trip was also supported by the JUF/Jewish Federation of Metro Chicago. The project was coordinated from the Chicago end by the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest. Similar community partnerships were involved in assisting other seminar participants from all over the country for this initial program on immigration.

Web ReSoURCeS:

For more information on MASHAV and CIMI visit: mashav.mfa.gov.il and www.cimiglobal.org

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IsraAIDNon-Governmental Organizations Involved in Humanitarian Assistance

web resource

For more information please visit www.israaid.org.il and www.afmda.org

•  IsraAID is a coordinating body of Israeli and Jewish NGOs  (non  governmental  organizations)  and  other interested  parties  based  in  Israel  that  are  active  in development and relief work and concerned about global issues (“Tikkun Olam”). 

•  IsraAID was founded at the end of 2001 and consists of more than 35 Israeli and Jewish organizations from many sectors including: humanitarian aid organizations, student and youth movements, industry, solidarity movements, religious organizations, friendship societies and more. Members include: Joint Distribution Committee Israel (JDC),  ‘Pirchey Refua’  (Youth Medical Cadets), The Humanitarian Fund of  the Kibbutz Movement, The Student Council of Israel, Aid Without Borders, Israeli Friends of Tibet, B’nai B’rith World Center, Save a Child’s Heart, American Jewish Committee (AJC), United Jewish Communities (UJC) and more. 

•  IsraAID’s members believe in providing humanitarian aid worldwide to people in need, regardless of religion, race, gender, nationality, age and disabilities. ◆

I. Hurricane Katrina reliefIn the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, Israel was one of a number of nations to offer assistance  to  the  relief  efforts. An Israeli  airlift arrived  in Little Rock, Arkansas with  an  eighty-ton shipment  of humanitarian  aid,  including baby  food, diapers,  water,  ready-to-eat  meals,  clothes,  tents, blankets, mattresses, stretchers, first aid kits, wheelchairs and other medical supplies.

In  addition  to  government  aid,  Israeli  non-profit organizations assisted in the relief efforts. Magen David Adom  (Israel ’s  national  emergency medical,  disaster, ambulance and blood bank service) began the “United 

Brotherhood Operation,” which  sent  a plane-  load of supplies and financial assistance. 

IsraAid,  the  coordinating  body  of  Israeli  non-profits organizations involved in relief work, sent a delegation of medical personnel, psychologists and experienced search-and-rescue divers.

Five universities in Israel welcomed displaced American students  from  the  affected  areas  and  invited  both undergraduate and graduate students to continue their studies in Israel.

“[The Israelis] performed courageously in south Louisiana when we needed them most. I’m personally very grateful for their efforts and I know that those they touched will always remember the generosity of the Israeli people”—U.S. Representative Charles Melancon (D-LA)

ll. The Nairobi embassy bombingWhen terrorists bombed the U.S. embassies in Kenya and  Tanzania  in  August  1998,  Israel  immediately dispatched search and rescue teams to assist in saving the victims trapped under the rubble. The IDF’s Home Front Command Rescue Unit was the first delegation to arrive from abroad, and was accompanied by military and civilian doctors, rescue dogs and high-tech rescue equipment. The Israeli team led the rescue operation in Nairobi, Kenya and was able to pull three survivors from the building, perform life-saving operations and provide medical care to the victims of the bombing. ◆relief and rescue

From Israel and the United States: Friends Partners, Allies, Embassy of Israel, 2007

Above: An example of American Friends of Magen David Adom’s (AFMDA) aid during the Hurricane Katrina relief.

below: IDF rescue team looks through wreckage near the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi for survivors.

“The Secretary [Madeline Albright] noted that the Israeli team had played an phenomenal role in

leading the search and rescue effort. The experience and expertise of

the Israeli teams literally made the difference between life and death

for at least one victim of the blast.”

– James Foley, U.S. Department of State, press briefing regarding the Embassy bombings

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26th Annual Jerusalem Conference of MayorsSeptember 14th-18th, 2008

The Jerusalem Conference of Mayors is a unique international gathering of city leaders, hosted by the Mayor of Jerusalem, Mayor Uri Lupolianski. Entrusted with a city of deep historical, religious and cultural significance, he invites colleagues to join him in exploring the role of the mayor in improving the quality of life of the residents, with particular emphasis on the environmental challenges in creating a “green future” for the 21st century capital city.

The 26th Conference of Mayors, devoted to the theme: ‘’The role of the Mayor in improving the quality of life’’, is made possible by the sponsorship of the American Jewish Congress - Council for World Jewry, whose commitment to strengthening ties between Israel and other nations led to their initiating this annual gathering in 1980. It is held with the cooperation and support of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

“In sponsoring this annual gathering of mayors from around the world we hope to give them a fresh outlook of Jerusalem, and a new understanding of Israel and its achievements,” said AJCongress and Council for World Jewry Chairman Jack Rosen. “Mayors Conference alumni are among Israel’s best ambassadors of good will.” ◆

Educating for ToleranceLessons From the Holocaust to Combat Racism and Hatred Today

Echoes and Ref lections is a comprehensive ten-part curriculum on the Holocaust that uses visual history testimony from survivors and other witnesses and additional primary source documents, including maps, photographs, timelines, literature excerpts and other materials. The curriculum was produced primarily for use in high schools in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education, and Yad Vashem. Since its launch in July 2005, the curriculum has reached an estimated 600,000 students in schools across the country, and more than 4,000 educators nationwide have participated in intensive training sessions on the use of the curriculum facilitated by the three partner organizations. ◆

righT: Yad Vashem Chairman Avner Shalev (right) and Abraham Foxman (left), National Director, Anti-Defamation League, are joined by Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate, Elie Wiesel, in Jerusalem. Wiesel congratulated Shalev and Foxman on their award- winning multimedia curriculum, Echoes and Reflections. Wiesel is featured in Lesson 5 of this interdisciplinary curriculum about the Holocaust designed for U.S. high schools. The three are holding the NAME (National Association of Multicultural Education) 2007 Media Award.

WEB rESOUrCES:

Mayors Conference: mayors.jerusalem.muni.il

Yad Vashem:www.yadvashem.org

Anti-Defamation League:www.adl.org

Simon Wiesenthal Center:www.wiesenthal.com

USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education:college.usc.edu/vhi

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