August 12, 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.”
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