A unique pre-military academy was inaugurated in the Jordan Valley community of Argaman this month - for both secular and religious students. The institution was opened by the Zionist Council with the purpose of strengthening the Jordan Valley settlement enterprise. Over 50 families have left the area in the past year because of the \"security situation\" and associated problems, leaving 600+ families with similar difficulties. Moshe Ben-Attar, chairman of the Zionist Council, sees the new institution as a \"unique framework representing the beating heart of the Zionist image of Israeli society.\"
In a more concrete measure of support, Finance Minister Silvan Shalom decided today to grant a package of economic benefits to the Jordan Valley residents. The exact details will be announced following the Sukkot holiday. Jordan Valley Council Chairman David Levy said he hopes that this marks the hoped-for turning point in the government\'s approach to the difficult economic problems faced by the residents in wake of the security situation.
In a more concrete measure of support, Finance Minister Silvan Shalom decided today to grant a package of economic benefits to the Jordan Valley residents. The exact details will be announced following the Sukkot holiday. Jordan Valley Council Chairman David Levy said he hopes that this marks the hoped-for turning point in the government\'s approach to the difficult economic problems faced by the residents in wake of the security situation.