MK Uri Ariel (National Union) has reached agreements with government agencies that will allocate 10 million shekels ($2.5 million) for activities of Torah seed groups in the so-called “periphery” cities in the coming fiscal year.
The budget is intended for educational activity and Jewish culture, social welfare activities and the advancement of weak populations.
In addition, the Education Ministry has agreed to MK Ariel's request agreement to allocate 500,000 shekels ($125,000) for Torah-related events in the next two months.
Following a series of meetings between the National Union Knesset Member and officials of the Ministry of Education, local government heads, representatives of Torah seed groups and directors of institutions, it was agreed that the Ministry will assist events celebrating 30 years since the renewal of Jewish settlement in Shomron (Samaria) and Binyamin, as well as an event for strengthening the Jewish population of Akko, a selichot tour of Tzfat and its environs for thousands of youths, and an event to strengthen the Gush Katif expellees.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to take part in the events, which will include performances by famous artists, who offer a mix of traditional and modern Jewish culture.
The organizers seek to create an air of social unity and to bring together different populaces and sectors. They want to strengthen Jewish identity and lend support to the Jews in the “mixed cities” of Akko (Acre), Ramle, Lod, Karmiel and Nazerath Illit (Upper Nazareth), where Arab violence and harassment is rife.