JERUSALEM — The Israeli government approved a NIS 200 million plan on June 28, 2026, to bolster Jewish education in the Diaspora. The Diaspora Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office issued a joint statement on the same day announcing the initiative.

The plan aims to work with Jewish schools in the Diaspora, with an emphasis on North America, to increase enrollment and strengthen Jewish identity among younger generations. The program aims to address barriers to Jewish education such as tuition costs, geographic limitations, and lack of accessibility for students with disabilities.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "Since its establishment, the State of Israel has been an anchor for the security of the Jewish people. Today, we are also strengthening one of the most important anchors of its future, Jewish education." He added, "This is a strategic investment in the next generation of the Jewish people, in its identity, its values, and its deep connection to the State of Israel." Netanyahu also said, "The historic partnership between Israel and Diaspora Jewry is a tremendous source of strength, and the decision we made today reflects our shared commitment to ensuring the future of the Jewish people for generations."

The plan is a continuation of Project Aleph Bet, launched by Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Chikli stated, "This is a historic decision. When I took office three and a half years ago, I was astonished to discover that only a few percentage points of Diaspora Jewry receive a Jewish education, and I set one clear goal: to ensure that every Jewish child in the Diaspora receives a meaningful Jewish education that strengthens their identity and their connection to the Jewish people and the State of Israel." He added, "The most profound and meaningful response to antisemitism and assimilation is strengthening Jewish identity." Chikli also said, "The more children and teenagers receive a high-quality Jewish education, the more we will ensure the resilience and identity of the Jewish people and their future for generations to come."

The Israeli government will allocate NIS 100 million for the plan, with additional funds coming from Jewish philanthropists and the JFNA. Approximately 1.8 million Jewish children live and study in the United States. JFNA Board of Trustees chairman Gary Torgow described the approval as a "historic day for the State of Israel and for Jewish communities around the world." Torgow stated, "Together, we recognize the paramount importance of global Jewish education and its vital role in building strong ties between Israel and the Jewish world, as well as strengthening the resilience of Jews everywhere during this challenging time."