Businessman to build new schools

Nohi Dankner dolls has so far invested $19 million in education projects in north, plans to give additional multi-million dollar gift
Sharon Roffe-Ofir

In a joint project with the Jewish Agency, Israeli businessman Nohi Dankner on Monday revealed plans to invest nearly $50 million in education projects in northern Israel.

Dankner, who heads the IDB investment consortium, toured northern communities with Jewish Agency head Zeev Bielski and Education Minister Yuli Tamir.

"The society we live in is no less important than the companies we manage," Dankner told Ynet during the visit.

Tamir said her ministry would use the money to upgrade education facilities in the north. "There are no quality education buildings in many northern communities and we want to upgrade the buildings and give students the chance to study in an acceptable educational atmosphere," she said.

Dankner's group has so far contributed $19 million to the project with plans for a further multi-million dollar gift.

Bielski said his agency would match Dankner's investment.

Asked about the government's failure to lead similar projects, the education minister said her office inherited an education system weakened by successive budget cuts. She said the government has put together a long-term investment plan to rehabilitate the education system.

"Since I took office I started fundraising for a number of education programs. We welcome all assistance from private individuals," Tamir said.

Dankner said in response: "We welcome the government's intention to invest in education in the coming years but at the moment the private sector can help and we are doing so from the heart."

Hagai Einav contributed to this report