Here are some examples of ways in which SSDS is focusing on educational programming and solidarity:

Dr. Raynor sent a letter to the school’s faculty and parents, updating them about the situation in Israel.
This month at the lower school, the fourth and fifth grade students have been exploring the concept of “all Israel is responsible for one another” to explain the current situation. They have been encouraging solidarity through prayer and song.

Middle and upper school students today attended a special assembly led by the Activists for Israel Club. The students learned the historical background of the situation with Gaza and heard testimonials about the reality of living within rocket range, sent by their friends and peers in Merchavim.

Every day, the upper school students recite the prayer for Operation Cast Lead, written by Rabbis Simcha Roth and Michael Graetz. The full text of the prayer can be seen at: http://www.shefanetwork.org/masortiprayer.pdf.
The SSDS Israel Club has begun a collection of markers, crayons, playing cards, and small toys, to be donated to children who are currently staying in bomb shelters.

The faculty of the Social Studies department has engaged students (at all grade levels) with map work, history lessons, and document analysis regarding the situation.

According to Lilach Bluevise, Director of Israel Programming, the students have been interested in learning about and understanding the situation which is so deeply affecting their friends in Israel.

In response, Eli Peretz, the principal of Merchavim High School, says: “Thank you for this amazing solidarity. We can say today, with great satisfaction, that a deep-rooted partnership has been created between the two schools and the two communities, and we should not take it for granted.”