A joint project of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, MATI-Haifa and the Jewish Agency

Two representatives from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County visited recently in Kiryat Bialik, their partnered community within the Jewish Agency's Partnership 2000 program. Mrs. Elise Dolgow, Director of Israel & Overseas Committee (IOC), and Mr. Yossi Ende, co-chair of the P2K steering committee, focused on a new economic development project in Kiryat Bialik launched thanks to a generous allocation by the Federation.

The project will be implemented by MATI-Haifa (Small Businesses Development Center). Its director, Mr. Avi Feigenbaum, and two of his staff took the guests on a tour of Kiryat Bialik's industrial zone, accompanied by the Mayor, Dr. Rafi Wertheim, and his assistant, Mr. Yehuda Federline. Also taking part were Mr. Gidi Shilo, P2K steering committee chair in Kiryat Bialik and two additional members of the steering committee; and Mr. Eshel Fram, Partnership Director for the Jewish Agency.

Criteria for businesses to qualify for assistance and other details of the project were discussed during the visit. The MATI staff will work from an office provided by the Kiryat Bialik municipality. Everyone involved is excited about this initiative and optimistic that it will greatly contribute to economic growth and benefit Kiryat Bialik residents.

Partnership 2000 between Kiryat Bialik and South Palm Beach County was established 6 years ago. It operates successful educational and social programs and has created significant, long-lasting living bridges among various groups. Economic development is a new direction which opens new, creative channels to strengthen the bond between the two communities.

Elise Dolgow, IOC director (2nd from right) and Yossi Ende, P2K co-chair (2nd from left) with Mayor Rafi Wertheim (center) and MATI-Haifa CEO, Avi Feigenbaum, and vice-CEO, Tamar Simchi-Zeifer.