By Mindy Goldberg

I first heard about Kiryat Malachi and Partnership 2000 in fall 2004 when my mom returned from a Seattle Federation mission to Israel. 

She showed me her pictures of mostly Ethiopian children and she couldn't stop crying as she talked about visiting schools in Kiryat Malachi, how warmly her group was received, and the appreciation the Israelis expressed towards her group. 

At that time I learned about Project Otzma, a year long service fellowship in Israel for recent college graduates that places them as volunteers in their Partnership 2000 city. 

I applied, was accepted, and spent three months teaching English in the schools of Kiryat Malachi and living in the volunteer apartment with four other Otzma volunteers. 

I taught children of all ages at Harel Elementary School, Amit High School, and Beit Zipporah, an after-school tutoring center for Ethiopian students. 

I mostly taught the weaker students, though I also tutored a few exceptional students who were more advanced than their class. 

I was lucky to tutor a boy from Amit High School named Nir. 

Beyond his excellent English skills, he was also very mature and respectful. 

At the time I thought he would be a perfect fit for the program that sends Israeli youth to American summer camps. 

I had encouraged him to look into working at a camp in Seattle, but we didn't stay in touch. 

After Otzma, I spent a year working for the Jewish community in Boston. 

I have since returned to Israel in preparation for making aliyah in December 2007. 

Recently, my mom called from Seattle and put Nir on the phone!  This summer he is working as a camp counselor at the JCC where I grew up. 

He sounded very happy in Seattle, and I look forward to visiting him next year in Kiryat Malachi.

From my experience, the programs of Partnership 2000 have created a true and equal partnership by strengthening understanding and mutual appreciation between the regions and offering young people the chance to truly know the other as friends and family. 

After being hosted in Kiryat Malachi as a volunteer, my family hosted Nir and his friends for dinner in Seattle, and they all offered to host me in the region after I make aliyah. 

Though I hope my work was helpful in some way, I know that I received much more that I gave in Kiryat Malachi. 

Partnership 2000 reminds us as Americans that as much as we can give to Israelis, they in turn can enrich our lives. 

Partnership 2000 enabled me to experience Israel as it really is, not just as a tourist in a hotel.

I have a built a relationship with the region and it is one of the reasons that I feel a deep connection to Israel and have decided to make Israel my permanent home.
 
As I meet other new immigrants here in Jerusalem, I already feel like a veteran. 

Not only did my Hebrew improve immensely after living in Kiryat Malachi, but I had the opportunity to experience everyday life in Israel - in schools, the community center, and at the market.

I was recently able to spend two days touring Kiryat Malachi and Hof Ashkelon to visit my old volunteer sites and see what has changed in almost two years. 

I saw several improvements, as well as the challenges that still face the region. 

I look forward to continuing my involvement in Partnership 2000 after I make aliyah. 

Even if I don't end up living in the region, it will always be a home away from home.