Yokneam-Meggido

Partnership with Yokneam-Megiddo, Israel

To hear from our Israeli family about the good we do, click here.

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Federation Israel Partners

Federation’s Israel partners include: American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Ethiopian National Project (ENP), Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Rashi Foundation, Megiddo Municipality, Yokneam Municipality, and Yemin Orde to make programs possible.

Programs include formal and informal after-school activities, educational enrichment programs, volunteer opportunities, in-school dropout prevention, Israeli Defense Forces preparation, parental workshops, mentoring, leadership groups, and more. These programs allow families to become self-sufficient, contributing members of Israeli society, and engaged members of their communities.

Israel Outcomes Funding

In 1995 the Federations of St. Louis and Atlanta established a Partnership with the town of Yokneam, and the surrounding region of Megiddo, to develop programming that focused on economic development and social welfare issues. Today, the emphasis has shifted to developing and strengthening community, and building deeper relationships between the people of St. Louis and Atlanta—and the people of Yokneam and Megiddo. Exchanges of professionals, summer camp counselors, young leaders, and frequent visits by delegations of leaders have fostered strong bonds between the communities, despite their vast geographical separation.

Prior to the founding this Partnership, Yokneam-Megiddo was one of Israel's poorest regions with a population of European refugees and Mizrahi Jews fleeing Arab countries. Over the past two decades Yokneam-Megiddo has taken in new immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Argentina and Ethiopia. Yokneam-Megiddo has 1,100 Ethiopian immigrants.

Two major initiatives currently funded through the Partnership, in collaboration with the municipalities, support programs there that reflect the Federation’s strategic priorities such as programs for the vulnerable, young adults, and young families.

Initiatives in Yokneam-Megiddo Include:

• child enrichment and development programs
• after-school activities
• scholastic assistance for at-risk youth
• family education programs
• job training and assistance for adults
• assistance to immigrant families (mostly Ethiopian) in distress
• food packages for frail and elderly

Kesher/People-to-People

You can experience your Federation’s dollars at work by visiting the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s partnership region, Yokneam-Megiddo. It is situated on one of the main roads to the North of Israel; just 25 minutes from Haifa, an hour from Tel Aviv, and about two hours from Jerusalem. If you can spend a night in the Yokneam-Megiddo region, there are some wonderful options for your overnight stay, and Federation is happy to help you plan your visit with these personal touches:

• Home Hospitality: Our friends in the region are eager to host you in their homes, making your stay even more personal. This opportunity is available for singles, couples, and also may be requested for a small family.
• Kibbutz Dalia: A warm welcome awaits you at Kibbutz Dalia, one of the most beautiful kibbutzim in Israel. The kibbutz is located at the foot of the Carmel Mountains, immersed in green lawns and nurtured gardens. During your stay you will enjoy the picturesque wooden houses overlooking the mountains and the sea. Cabins include kitchen and living room areas; and select cabins can accommodate a family of 4-5. A wonderful Israeli breakfast is included in your stay.

You also can become involved by joining one of our Israel committees – right here in Atlanta.

For more information on these options or learn more about the ways Federation’s dollars make a difference, please email Cheri Levitan.

To learn more about the people and programs in Yokneam-Megiddo, click here >>

There is also plenty to see while in Yokneam-Megiddo. Check out some of these tourist attractions >>