As we all know, the need to enlarge the Jewish population in the peripheral areas of Israel is a national priority.

The WZO Settlement Division and the WZO Department for Zionist Activities are entering into a new cooperative program that will enable Zionist Federations to twin directly with new Communities in the Negev and Galilee, by focusing on the Dor Hemshech age group in the twinned communities.

Goals

1.     To realize the Zionist dream by connecting with the land and the people;

2.     To strengthen the ties with world Jewry;

3.     To develop a virtual approach to connecting the next generation;

4.     To develop joint business opportunities during a world wide recession.

The opportunities are opened within the twinned communities by mapping potential interests and creating direct communication through a visit. From this first encounter, connections can form and crossovers develop - by twinning groups, families, young professionals and children through e-mail, Facebook groups, website links, skype, and video-conferencing. The next stage would lead to exchange visits of young people, professionals, family trips, missions and long term programs to benefit the Israeli Community and the Zionist Federations and its constituent members.

·        Step one – Find the correct match through visits and other contact.

·        Step two – Set up a twinning committee on both sides.

·        Step three – arrange for visits going both ways.

·        Step four – professional contacts.

·        Step five – long distance learning of Zionist texts and Jewish texts.

·        Step six – exchange programs for youth and young professionals.

·        Step seven – let the ideas flow.

The program is already under way, with initial projects in both the Negev and Galilee. The project is open to small and large communities in the Diaspora alike. This is also made possible by the fact that it does not require an official budget, as it based on connecting people through mutual interests and those under the umbrella will cover their own costs. If small cooperative ventures and social projects evolve out of the relationship, this is acceptable - however it is not the primary goal.