"A better understanding of Israel and all it stands for."

"A greater understanding of how our partner school works, Israel as a country and how the
partnership programme is organized."

"It brings together my academic, practical and managerial thinking and inspires me for the school year and future."

"I feel I have gained a knowledge and understanding of Israel, which I believe will have a positive effect on my relationship with the Jewish pupils."

"Good relationships with UK and Israeli colleagues. Understanding of many viewpoints. Also deeper consideration of Israel education."

These are replies to the question "What have you gained from this programme?" given by several of the nineteen British head teachers and teachers from kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools, who participated in the Senior Educators' Delegation to the Northern Galil Partnership 2Gether region October 28 through November 2, 2012. The educators from schools in London, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool are involved in the Jewish Agency/UJIA School Partnership project, which connects their seven schools with seven schools in the region.

The visit opened in Jerusalem with a seminar/tour based on the "Faces and Faiths of Jerusalem", looking at how religious traditions of the three faiths bind them to the city, how the different groups interact and coexist through history and today, and how this reflects the entire country of Israel. With this perspective, the group then traveled to the north to spend two days with their partner schools - getting acquainted with the school, staff and pupils, observing classes, planning joint activities and sharing teaching methods and practices. After school hours were spent in informal meetings with the host teachers and getting to know the school community and region.

Following their school experiences the British teachers spent their last day  with a seminar on Jewish peoplehood and school partnerships, a tour of Akko and an evaluation session. The opening and closing seminars provided unique opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences together, and to promote future cooperation between the British educators and schools.

These personal encounters in the partner schools are integral in creating strong and ongoing partnerships through the enthusiastic support of educators who have established both professional and personal connections through their visits.

"I've gained a greater understanding of Jewish culture and the Jewish community in both the UK and Israel."

"A totally new belief in Israel. A lifetime dream fulfilled."