On March 2008 the Gainesville community from Florida USA arrived in Hadera with a Bnei Israel Mission of about 25 people. They asked to experience Hadera-Eiron by doing and that was certainly done...

The group visited the Pre- Atidim program (of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Branco Weiss institution) in the Amal school for Science and Arts in Hadera. Most of those students, who take part in the partnership activities throughout the year, were students, who were just about to take their English Oral Matriculation tests (Bagrut/Finals). For most, it was the first time ever to speak English fluently with English speakers, other than their teacher. Their English teacher, Francine, said that this is the best gift she could have gotten before this exam, because it is the first time the students realize how important that language is for daily use, and that they could do it! Ilana Shtrehl, the school director, added that the school as a whole benefits from such a visit, by creating an example of doing for others.

During the visit, the Gainesville mission and the students talked about themselves. After that, the groups mixed, and more of the participants got to meet new ones, and they had a simulation of the Oral Exam: they spoke about a book they read and discussed it thoroughly. Yafit Shimoni, pre Atidim leader in Hadera, said the English challenge these kids faced is surely the hardest, but most fun, they had.

In the meantime, we had a visit from the family of Einat Dahari, the Gainesville community Shlicha, a former student to that school, and a Hadera resident. It was exciting to see how a circle is complete...

When it was time to say goodbye, and pictures were taken and kids started asking for another visit, a surprise was waiting. The Gainesville community brought something for the senior students' upcoming draft to the army. Taal Hasak-Lowy, who orchestrated the donation, made sure that the students from the Pre Atidim program get a kit, worth a lot of money, which is going to be used towards their upcoming army service. The students were amazed and thankful!

Thanks to that visit, the matriculation tests went with much less fear and more confidence from the students, who saw that they could do it (!), and the seniors had something to help them with starting the army. But not only that. During that visit there were 2 of the participants, who stood out and they applied and were accepted to be part of the summer camp programs in the South-East consortium of Partnership 2000 Hadera Eiron. They will be leaving to have their life changing experience by being counselors in the summer, and giving back by leading and teaching the young kids from the Jewish communities of the partnership.

Thank you to the Gainesville community! We hope to see you again!