Care Concludes Its Program in Israel

CARE, the international aid and development organization, and Israel’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, announced the closing of CARE’s program in Israel after 35 years, it was reported here by CARE today.

According to Dr. Philip Johnston, CARE’s executive director, “The closing of our program in Israel was prompted by the impressive strides made by Israel and its people toward a higher standard of living through its economic and social development efforts. We are proud of having served as a bridge of understanding and friendship between the people of Israel and the United States.”

Johnston noted that the total value of CARE projects in Israel since 1949 was $66,390,000 worth of goods and services.

The closing of CARE in Israel will be marked by two days of ceremonies next week, including a tree-planting ceremony honoring CARE which will take place in the Peace Forest in Jerusalem.

CARE’S PROGRAMS IN ISRAEL

CARE’s program in Israel was established in 1949 when the newly-founded State was confronted with problems of war, the influx of immigrants, and economic crisis. CARE’s initial program effort was in the category of a feeding program. This continued to be the main stay of CARE’s involvement, although in later years feeding programs were directed at Gaza, the West Bank, and Sinai, while they were under Israeli governance. CARE began self-help programming in Israel in 1952 with a denation of books to Hebrew University.

CARE’s most recent efforts have focused on the provision of vocational workship equipment to vocational training schools established by the Ministry of Welfare. Participants included children of immigrants, the handicapped, and adults seeking vocational training.