Israel’s government has unanimously approved a NIS 200 million national initiative to strengthen Jewish education in Diaspora communities, with a particular focus on North America, in an effort to deepen Jewish identity and strengthen ties to Israel.

The program, proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli, will be led by the Prime Minister’s Office in partnership with the Diaspora Affairs Ministry and Jewish organizations around the world. The goal is to increase enrollment in Jewish schools while reinforcing Jewish identity, a sense of belonging to the Jewish people, and connection to the State of Israel among younger generations.

The government noted that while approximately 1.8 million school-aged Jewish children live in the United States, only a small percentage attend Jewish schools. Officials described expanding Jewish education as a strategic national priority, particularly amid rising antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks.

The initiative aims to address major barriers to Jewish education, including high tuition costs, limited geographic access, insufficient support for students with learning disabilities, and the need to improve educational quality. It will also invest in new educational models and digital tools to broaden access.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said the battle against antisemitism is also a battle to preserve Jewish identity and heritage. He called the investment a commitment to the future of the Jewish people and said the partnership between Israel and Diaspora Jewry remains a vital source of strength.

Minister Chikli called the decision “historic,” saying Jewish education is the strongest response to rising antisemitism and assimilation. He said the goal is to ensure that every Jewish child in the Diaspora has access to meaningful Jewish education that strengthens both Jewish identity and ties to Israel.

Leaders of the Jewish Federations of North America welcomed the initiative, describing it as a historic partnership that will help secure the continuity and resilience of the Jewish people for generations to come.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)