JobKatif Founder, Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon Receives President's Award for
Volunteerism
Israel Government Press Office Thursday, July 03, 2008
Wednesday 2nd July 2008, Israel: Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, Founder & Chairman
of JobKatif ("Tasukatif") received the President's Award for Volunteerism at
a ceremony in Beit HaNasi in Jerusalem, earlier today, in recognition of his
tireless volunteer work to help find employment and establish new businesses
for thousands of the former residents of Gush Katif and Northern Samaria,
who lost their homes and their livelihoods following the unilateral
disengagement from the Gaza Strip and areas of the West Bank in August 2005.
On the 10th of Av 5766 (August 2005) Rav Rimon received a life-changing
phone call. He was asked to welcome families, evacuated from their homes in
Gush Katif, as they arrived at their hotels and assist them in whatever way
he could. As he spent time with the evacuees, Rav Rimon immediately
recognized that by far the greatest and most far reaching challenge that
they faced was how to find employment. From improvised headquarters in his
home, the Rav established JobKatif to support individuals in their quest to
rebuild their lives and return to work.
Today, JobKatif has many volunteers and a professional staff of twelve.
JobKatif is the only organization dedicated to helping former residents of
Gush Katif and Northern Samaria find employment and return to
self-sufficiency. The organization provides business loans and grants to
new businesses, mentoring by experienced business people, professional
retraining courses, job recruitment and placement services and critical
emotional support. To date, JobKatif has assisted in the establishment of
130 new businesses and has placed more than 850 people in new jobs and
professional careers. Capitalizing upon Job Katif's success, the
organization hopes to help other special populations who need employment
assistance.
Speaking as he received the President's Award for Volunteerism, Rabbi Yosef
Zvi Rimon explained: "As a result of the disengagement, 2,100 Jewish
residents of Gush Katif and Northern Samaria lost their livelihoods. They
were self-sufficient, contributing members of Israeli society. The
disengagement caused these citizens extreme emotional trauma and devastating
financial losses. As I went around to the hotels, I met good people, in
desperate need. I resolved, there and then, to do whatever was in my power
to support these families and help them to regain their financial and
emotional strength. Receiving the Presidential Award for Volunteerism is a
great honor and privilege that encourages us immensely. But, we do not want
those who are still unemployed, to feel, G-d forbid, like we have arrived at
the end and are satisfied. I am happy that we have succeeded in helping so
many people return to work, but there are 750 people who are still
unemployed. I pray that Hashem will give us the strength to succeed in
helping them."
For media enquiries please contact Ronit Shebson, Media Consultant on +972
50 527 3837 or email ronitshebson@aol.com
For information regarding JobKatif please contact Judy Lowy, CEO of JobKatif
on + 972 722-127-120 or email judy@jobkatif.org
Visit the organizational website at: www.jobkatif.org.il
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