This past December, 12 Israeli teens from the Netivot-Sdot Negev Region traveled to Philadelphia as part of the Youth Mifgashim Gesher L'Kesher project within the framework of Partnership 2000. This was the first year that we split the program, with the Philadelphians visiting Israel in the summer and the reciprocal visit taking place in Philadelphia in December. And, we are thrilled with the outcome! Since the very successful summer program that was coordinated by the Jewish Community Center of America, Gratz High School, the JCC's of Greater Philadelphia, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Jewish Agency, the teens have been in ongoing contact via e-mail and phone.

In addition, a video conference was conducted in order to reacquaint each other and to review the itinerary for the December trip. The new format proved to be a tremendous asset as the Israelis and Philadelphians quickly bonded when they met in Philadelphia. Together, they visited Federation constituent agencies, synagogues affiliated with the Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructions streams learning about religious pluralism and still had time to go bowling, ice skating and visit the Art Museum in Philadelphia.

The mifgash - encounter - was incredibly successful as friendships that were developed in Israel this past summer, continued to flourish after spending 10 intensive days together in Philadelphia. Moreover, the teens continued to learn about their respective communities and culture and now have a more mature understanding of the similarities and differences that exist between Israel and the American Jewish Community. Understanding and respecting difference goes to the heart of Partnership 2000 and for this reason, and many others, Mifgash 2001 was an outstanding success.

Tevet 5762 - January 2002