Written by MC1 Christal A. Ferris, Navy Compass Staff   -Friday, 20 March 2009 

USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) Sailors had the unique experience of hosting students from Ironi Alef Municipal High School located in the city of Tel Aviv, Israel, along with their twin school Beverly Hills High School on board the ship March 16.

The event was part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles' Tel Aviv/Los Angeles partnership. The partnership was established in 1997, and Beverly Hills High School is one of 18 schools in the Los Angeles area that has a partnership with a school in Tel Aviv.

Because Israel has close military relations with the United States, Beverly Hills High School Hebrew teacher, Kalia Scheiner said the ship tour was a great opportunity for the students.

"All the youngsters from Tel Aviv will eventually be serving in the Army in Israel," Scheiner said. "There will be a few students who will serve in the Navy as well. I just wanted to show them the American Navy and how it operates."

All Israel citizens are required to serve in the military at the age of 18, and Scheiner felt the tour was a new way for the Israeli and American students to learn about the United States military outside of the classroom.

"It is amazing," the teacher said. "The students were really in awe of the ship and were eager to learn. I'm so glad that I brought the kids. It's a first for any school in the partnership to experience something like this. I hope that it really ignites that spark for these kids."

Israeli student Dana Kasap said that the ship's tour taught her a lot about the daily operations of Navy.
"It was really interesting to see how things worked on the ship," the 16-year-old said. "It's cool to see the ship and everyone working. A lot of students don't have this opportunity, but if they ever get it, I encourage them to do it."

Kasap's fellow student Tomer Oz agreed. "It was a really nice experience," Oz said. "In Israel, the military is a very big thing, and to see it right now and how it goes in another country is really great."
Mobile Bay Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Savage spoke to the students after the tour.

The executive officer felt events like this are important to the Navy and the students as well.
"Exposure to different cultures and understanding our allies is important," he said. "The earlier you start, the easier it becomes for the students and our Sailors."

In 1997, The Jewish Federation established the Tel Aviv/Los Angeles Partnership, which seeks to foster and create relationships between the citizens and institutions of Tel Aviv and Los Angeles.
Recognized by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Tel Aviv-Yafo Mayor Ron Huldai - who serve as its honorary co-chairs - the Partnership is comprised of programs in both communities in the areas of culture, education, health and human services, and economic initiatives.