By Arkady Hasidovich, Partnership 2000 Yokneam-Megiddo

Cheryl Maayan, Head of Saul Mirowitz Day School, Reform Jewish Academy, St. Louis, invited her extended family to visit the St. Louis's sister community of Yokneam-Megiddo. Cheryl is a member of the Israel and Overseas Allocation Committee at the Jewish federation of St. Louis - she and her family are long time friends of the partnership. Cheryl's school is very much involved in the Partnership with Yokneam-Megiddo through "Kesher B'Kitah" - school-to-school program between St. Louis congregational and day schools and schools in Yokneam-Megiddo. Kesher B'Kitah is a Partnership 2000 program which is administered by CAJE and funded by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

17 members of Cheryl's family headed by Rabbi Stiffman, Shaare Emeth, arrived to Yokneam-Megiddo on Aug 2. After a short briefing the family was introduced to the campers who attend Otzma Enrichment Center - after school Federation funded framework for 15 elementary school children at high risk.

After a short icebreaker, the guests and the local kids enjoyed such fun outdoor activities as zip-line and blindfolded rope bridge, which require joint team work.

The activity was held by the professional staff of the Etgarim (Challenges) nonprofit organization that provides the disabled in Israel with outdoor sports and recreation activities.

Despite the heat of the Israeli August we were all able to interact in a fun activity where there were no barriers to distinct between Israelis and Americans, young and young at heart, at-risk children and more fortunate ones. It was a privilege to host the branches of the Stiffman family and we are already looking forward to having them here again.