Jewish National Fund Sponsors Israel Scouts

Jewish National Fund
Monday, 25 June 2001

Israeli Teenagers to Spend Their Summer Singing and Dancing Across the U.S.

June 25, 2001 – The "Friendship Caravans," two groups of highly talented Israeli boys and girls, will spend this summer singing and dancing their way across the U.S. from July 1 through August 15. The Friendship Caravans, whose major sponsor is Jewish National Fund (JNF), are part of a larger delegation of approximately 80 Scouts who travel to North America each summer as representatives of the land of Israel.

Two Friendship Caravans will travel throughout the United States, one in the northern half of the country, the other through the southern states, bringing Israeli culture to the U.S. through lively musical programs composed of songs and dances in Hebrew and English. As part of their program the Scouts will also be educating their audiences about JNF and its work for the protection of Israel's environment. Each caravan is comprised of ten musically talented Israel Scouts, ages 16 and 17, and two adult leaders. The two caravans will perform at camps, public gatherings, schools, community centers, hospitals and nursing homes throughout the summer months.

The Scouts come to the U.S. as representatives of Israel, and now, more than ever, JNF feels it is so important to show them the support of America's Jewish Community. Each member of the Friendship Caravan, like all 80 delegation members visiting the U.S., is a member of the Israel Scouts Movement and has gone through extensive interviews and a rigorous selection process. While all 80 members of the delegation represent their homeland, the twelve members of each Friendship Caravan use song and dance as a means of expression.

"JNF is proud to be a sponsor of such a talented group of young people," says Russell F. Robinson, executive vice president of JNF. "JNF encourages Jewish people to take an active role in the ties that bind them - Jewish history, spirituality and the homeland of Israel. By supporting the Israel Scouts, JNF is furthering its mission by helping to bring Israeli culture to North America."

For more information, or to contact Jewish National Fund, see their website at: www.jnf.org