(Written by Nava Hoyland from Beit Shemesh, a national service volunteer at P2K who joined the group for 10 days.)

50 students from Washington DC visited Israel, as part of the Birthright project. Their 10-day agenda included half a day in Beit Shemesh, due to the fact that Beit Shemesh and Mateh Yehuda are partners with Washington and South Africa, through Partnership 2000 of the Jewish Agency project.

The Birthright participants volunteered in Haddassim elementary school in Zur Hadassah. The visit was a big success. One participant, Brad commented: "The kids really took to us. It was an incredible experience".

The Birthright Shorashim group was composed of students from The George Washington University and American University in Washington DC. The group arrived at the school and was welcomed by the educational staff of the school and Gideon Vennor, director of Partnership 2000.

The Birthright participants were separated into 7 groups and were divided into 7 classes of 5th and 6th graders. The groups read from Aasop's fables, discussed the meaning and created an activity around the fable they learned, of course everything was in English.

The participants were impressed by the energies and excited atmosphere of the children as another participant, Sam remarked: "It was incredible how excited they were to meet us and I think that we learned more from them then they did from us".

Brad: "The experience left a strong impression on us students and showed how organizations like Partnership 2000 can provide tremendous benefits for the different communities".
It was an absolute pleasure hosting the Birthright group here, in Zur Haddasa in Mateh Yehuda.
The School kids were delighted to have the group and I'm sure they will be talking about it for weeks to come!