June 10, 2010 / 28 Sivan, 5770

During their recent trip to Israel, Miriam and Jacob Van Gelder from Holland visited two Jewish Agency projects.

They visited the Youth Futures program at the Carmel Elementary School in Nazareth Illit.  The Van Gelder’s toured the school and learned about the importance of the program from a Youth Futures trustee.  The principal Carmel and the mayor of Nazareth Illit emphasized the importance of the Youth Futures program in the town, and specifically its success at the Carmel School.  The couple met with several trustees and participants of the Youth Futures program, and even observed as the children played an educational game.

The Van Gelder's then traveled to the Jewish Agency Ramat Hadassah Szold Youth Village where over a delicious lunch they spoke with the director of the village. The village students joined them in a tour of the petting zoo and entrepreneurship center.   The couple spoke with several of the students and was impressed by the warm, nurturing atmosphere, the interesting programs, as well as the achievements of the students who live and study at the village.

The Van Gelder’s described their trip as “productive and moving.”