AM HAKESHER Program

The AM HAKESHER program is a unique educational initiative operating within the global ConnectED educators network for Jewish peoplehood and belonging, with the support of the Israeli Ministry of Education and the Department for Israeli Jewish Culture.
The program’s goal is to connect students in schools in Israel with students in Jewish schools across the Diaspora, and to strengthen solidarity, mutual responsibility, and shared responsibility among Jewish communities worldwide.

The program is based on shared and interactive learning, during which students come to know the communities of their partners overseas in depth. Together they explore aspects of Jewish life in different contexts, practice spoken Hebrew, engage with values and traditions from the Jewish textual heritage, and develop intercultural dialogue that leads to meaningful personal connection.

The process begins with planning meetings between principals and teachers from both schools. Students are then introduced to the program and placed into joint working groups. At an early stage, a first synchronous opening meeting takes place, allowing an experiential introduction and creating the foundation for an ongoing relationship. The connection continues through joint video lessons, group messaging communication, and collaborative research assignments.

Throughout the program, students explore their partner communities through four main units. They learn about the geographic location and local lifestyle, become familiar with the history of the community and notable figures who emerged from it, examine the community structure and its social initiatives, and deepen their understanding of the values that guide community life and the place of the State of Israel within the value system of Diaspora Jewry.

One of the highlights of the program is the creation of a joint project between students from different countries. For example, students from Israel and Jewish students from Bulgaria participated in a shared research project in Sofia, which served as a living example of the program’s ability to become a real meeting between cultures and identities through language, tradition, and a shared story.

As one participant described:
“Although we live in different countries, I felt we connected through our shared culture and traditions. I am really happy I had the chance to be part of this experience.”
Nadav Revach, Amit Be’er Tuvia High School, Israel

Shira also shared her personal experience from the project with the school in Sofia:
“I enjoyed working on the project and learned about the Bulgarian school. It was fascinating to see both the differences and the similarities between us.”
Shira Axelrad, Amit Be’er Tuvia High School, Israel

At the end of the process, a festive concluding meeting takes place in which students present the research projects and products they created together, and share their experiences, challenges, and achievements. Beyond the learning itself, the program encourages continued connection in the future and fosters long term partnerships between young communities in Israel and around the world.