(JTA) – The U.S.-based Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust announced that it was donating $11.3 million to three Israeli institutions and to eight organizations that arrange trips to Israel. The grants, which were announced Dec. 11, will be directed to a range of causes, including agricultural research, medical research and infrastructure, and, for the first time, educational trips designed to improve Israel’s international standing. Since the Helmsley Charitable Trust began awarding grants to Israel in 2009 it has committed more than $140 million to charitable organizations, including scientific research, health care and communications.