Ambassador Cunningham, along with Israeli Environment Minister Gideon Ezra, presented the Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants at a ceremony held at Delek Motors outside Tel Aviv.

December 18, 2009

From left to right: Noah Miller, Dan Perry, Gil Agmon, Minister of Environmental Protection Gideon Ezra, Ambassador Cunningham.

They were assisted by Ford Israel Marketing and Sales Manager Noah Miller, SHELI Foundation representative Dan Perry, and CEO of Delek Motors Gil Agmon.  The ceremony marks the 9th year that Ford has awarded conservation grants in Israel, having donated over $1.5 M to 125 organizations and individuals in the previous 8 years.  This year the total funding for 23 projects reached $100,000, the largest sum to date and $33,500 more than last year’s total.  ESTH Officer Paul Rohrlich attended the event and was very pleased with the expansion of the program, stating, “This underscores the importance of grassroots organizations in addressing environmental concerns.  It is heartening to see increased support for these organizations, which can play such an important role in reversing damage to the environment.”  The fully independent awards committee was composed of experts in the fields of nature, environment, conservation, academia, education, history, and the arts.  Beneficiaries included community groups and individuals voluntarily engaging in ongoing projects for conserving the environment who have demonstrated dedication to execute planned programs and services.  The awarded grants included proposed work in educating children about sustainability, building shelters for wild animals, planting public gardens, conserving water, and preserving historic and natural sites.