Projects

Children and Youth

Itamar invests a great deal in its children and youth giving them the proper education and attention they need to build a happy and healthy society in Israel. It goes without saying that a community that has suffered so many casualties in terror attacks, needs to heal the emotional wounds that have affected our children and youth.  Itamar’s first and foremost enterprise its education. There are more than 800 children and students learning  in the different educational institutions of Itamar. These different schools and learning centers need support in order to continue to develop and provide the proper care for our children and youth. Friends of Itamar is trying its best to give a helping hand. Over the last few years FOI has built five playgrounds and a basketball and soccer park. It has furnished libraries, built two youth centers, and refurnished our high school’s computer room. It has supported workshops in a variety of areas and has provided student aid. In addition, we have been assisting in the building of a permanent high school campus so far we were blessed with the completion of a new dormitory, and the central school building which are already being used by our students.

  

Building and town development

Friends of Itamar has been working very hard over the years to assist the community of Itamar in a variety of building projects. One of our major projects was the  building of Itamar’s permanent synagogue.

We recently assisted in the building of a we-work center which provides office space with a special ambiance for residents of Itamar and the surrounding communities. We also have participated in the expansion of our community center which now can hold huge community events of over 600 participants.

     

   We are  working very hard in beautifying the community with parks and trees.

Safety first

Unfortunately, over the last 21 years Itamar suffered terrible terrorist attacks around the community. The last one that resulted in casualties was the Fogel massacre where Ehud and Ruty together with three of their children were massacred in their Itamar home on Friday night. It goes without saying that Itamar has to invest great parts of its budget in town security. Itamar is in need of more surveillance equipment and fencing it needs help in adding additional patrols and first aid supplies. FOI has assisted in town surveillance and in setting up Itamar’s major security camera system.

Town Culture and helping families in need

Funding to enrich the community with cultural activities has been a forerunner for FOI, helping to sponsor throughout  the year special events like Israel Memorial Day, Israel Independence Day, and Tu’ Bishvat celebrations. Every summer FOI also helps sponsor the Itamar summer program for children, youth and adults. We assist families in financial distress including widows and orphans that really need our love and support.

Agriculture

   

Since the exile of the Jewish people 2000 years ago, Itamar has fulfilled prophecy by reviving the ancient hills of Samaria. These gorgeous hills and mountains were a barren wasteland until the people of Itamar returned and have begun farming again like in the days of old. Our hills are marked with vineyards, fruit trees, flowers, goat farms and hothouses. Our farmers work so hard  just to get by. Friends of Itamar have been supporting our farmers helping the establish themselves despite the great challenges they face  – helping to fulfill prophecy – “You will again plant vineyards in the mountains of Shomron…” Jeremiah 31:4