Aug 27, 2018
Federation Supports Israeli Businesses Affected By Kite Terrorism
Your donations to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation are helping Israeli businesses near the Gaza border recover from recent terrorist attacks. Working with our overseas partner, The Jewish Agency for Israel, loans up to $28,000 will be available to small- and medium-sized companies through the Ness Fund for the Development of the Negev. The loans will be granted with expedited processing and preferential terms.
In recent months, Hamas terrorists have launched hundreds of kites, balloons and other flaming objects over the border into Israel. Some 300 fires, affecting more than 60,000 acres, have damaged area farms and small businesses. The traumatic situation has discouraged residents and tourists from visiting the South at the height of the tourist season and summer vacation.
The Ness Fund for the Development of the Negev, which regularly supports dozens of enterprises in southern Israel, is one of eight funds operated by The Jewish Agency's Small Business Loan Funds program. The mission of the Ness Fund is to promote economic development in the Negev region, an area of particular interest to Federation. By providing resources for economic development, regional growth and the creation of critical new jobs, the once underdeveloped desert is becoming a more fulfilling place for current and future residents. In the past eight years, the Ness Fund has made over $17 million in loans to more than 334 businesses.
In addition to supporting the Ness Fund, Federation is also one of seven member-communities within The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) comprising the Negev Funding Coalition (NFC). The group focuses on supporting important programs in the field of healthcare, culture, infrastructure and employment.
