The Jewish Agency is developing a cadre of some 300 student leaders in Partnership 2000 regions and disadvantaged neighborhoods, with the bulk of these attending the "Student Leaders in the Community" program. Participants receive scholarship assistance in exchange for community service, and attend a special leadership development program.

A group of Beit Shemesh-Adulam (South Africa-Washington DC) student leaders organized a region-wide food drive in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare Departments. The month-long operation featured students passing out fliers to residents, hanging placards and recruiting high schoolers to help in the mitzvah. The result - 2-1/2 tons of supplies worth over $6,000.

The students braved stormy weather to deliver the "care packages" to 500 needy families. The recipients warmly thanked the students for thinking of them and helping brighten up their day.

Meanwhile, Ashkelon Coast-Kiryat Malachi (UJC Western Region) students were spreading happiness in a different way, organizing a festive Purim celebration with over 1,000 residents attending.

Iyar 5760 - May 2000