Connecting Jewish communities worldwide
Partnership2Gether (P2G) Global Network, is a network for the promotion, empowerment and development of deep connections, which strengthens Jewish communities in Israel and worldwide by creating revitalized, ongoing and meaningful engagement based on mutual endeavor and shared Jewish identity.
Each partnership provides opportunities for communities to connect, and for interpersonal relationships to flourish. Through hands-on projects and personal interactions that engage thousands of Israelis and Jews each year, individuals and communities across the world learn from one another and experience the enriching reciprocal benefits of being part of the global Jewish family.
Coast to Coast P2G
Since the mid-1990s, Jewish Federation of Edmonton has worked closely with our partnership region: Etzba HaGalil (the Galilee Panhandle). Geographically, economically and politically isolated from the country’s centre, Etzba HaGalil is challenged by a lack of jobs, infrastructure and opportunity.
We are joined in the partnership by five other Canadian Jewish communities: Atlantic Canada, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Winnipeg. Our partnership twins these Canadian communities with five Galilee Panhandle (Etzbah HaGalil) development towns and councils - Galil Elyon, Kiryat Shmona, Metulla, Mevo’ot HaHermon, and Yessod HaMa’ala.
Through Partnership2Gether, our Jewish Federation has strategically invested funds to strengthen this region through education and social welfare programs, capital projects and regional development, and built enduring relationships between members of our own community and residents of Etzba HaGalil.
This region has been significantly impacted by the events of October 7, 2023. While the initial attacks from Hamas primarily focused on the south of Israel, the northern border with Lebanon saw increased attacks and tensions, leading to widespread evacuations and a sense of ongoing vulnerability for residents. It faces a long road to recovery, with significant damage to infrastructure, a need for rebuilding efforts, and ongoing security concerns.
The predominance of small, rural communities in the region, and its location in the northernmost part of Israel make it difficult to ensure that 50,000 residents have the same social, educational and employment opportunities that are readily available in the centre of Israel.
How the partnership works
The partnership establishes bridges of understanding between Israeli and Diaspora Jewry. It brings people in Jewish Federation communities together with Israelis to develop relationships through joint projects and shared experiences. This is a powerful way for Israelis and Diaspora communities to get to know each other; it is truly a "people-to-people" connection.
Moreover, the partnership strives to improve the living standards of residents in our partner communities in Israel through direct investment in specific programs and projects.
Impact of the partnerships
Gesher Chai (Living Bridge)
Gesher Chai programs promote global Jewish identity and unity through people-to-people connections between Canadian and Galilee Panhandle residents. These include:
- Relationships between day school students (exchange of emails, video-conferencing, exchange of holiday gifts, etc.), typically culminating in a mifgash (exchange) between students;
- Relationships between educators (exchanges, joint curriculum planning, etc.);
- Relationships between teens and young adults (social action mifgash, camp programs, dance troupes, medical school mifgash, Hillel, etc.);
- Relationships between professional affinity groups (medical professionals, social service professionals, etc.)
The impact of these informal educational programs, which promote Jewish identity and unity for elementary and high school students, can be felt around the world and here at home.
Youth and education
In this area we deal with a wide age range, from kindergarten to university, and programs in both informal and formal educational spheres.
Capacity building
This area includes leadership development, volunteerism, young populations, infrastructure, and regional development.
Together, we strengthen community
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