
In September 2003, the Jewish Agency for Israel, together with Israel's Ministry of Education, assumed management of the Heftziba network of formal Jewish education institutions in the FSU. The network is made up of 43 Jewish day schools and 114 Sunday Schools; a total enrollment of approximately 16,000 children. Though the objectives of Heftziba are numerous and intricate – developing curriculum to enhance Jewish and Israel-oriented education for target populations in the FSU; offering advanced training to teachers; enriching the overall educational program of the schools; and eventually, expanding both the number of participating schools and the number of students – the Jewish Agency sees its involvement in Heftziba as a golden opportunity for placing Israel at the center of Jewish education throughout the FSU.