The Initiative emerged from a meeting between two individuals who believe in the power of genuine dialogue to drive change, and in the understanding that direct, unmediated encounters between different communities are the key to true understanding and meaningful partnership.As part of the program, Haredi and secular educators came together to encourage bridging dialogue and to build human and professional connections.Today, the Initiative operates through joint workshops led by secular and Haredi women educators at PISGA Centers (Professional Development Centers for Teaching Staff).
Dedicated communities for Haredi young adults pursuing higher education, offering a social, spiritual, and practical support network to enable optimal integration between academic studies and Haredi identity.Each year, three new communities are established in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak—for women and for men—alongside complementary community institutions such as a student kollel and the Bigudit initiative (Second hand clothes).To date, 18 groups have been established, with hundreds of alumni, and they take part in joint gatherings and social action together with other Communities across Israel, in joint encounters and social activities.Today, the communities operate in partnership with Shenkar College and Oman, the Haredi branch of Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.
The musical tradition of the Middle East is a rich and diverse tradition that includes a cultural treasure spanning thousands of years that crosses cultures, religions, nations, and languages, but is unfamiliar to many in Israel. The project connects music, history, and Arab culture, makes it accessible to the general public and creates connections between communities. The project began in 2018 with a series of meetings in the salon of the Museum of Islamic Art. These included performances and lectures on the history behind the music, and is still active today under the name ‘Firkat in the Salon,’ in which ensembles of orchestra members perform for organizations and foundations in sessions that include music and conversation. This allows for a connection to the stories behind the work and the creators.
An intiative born during the Covid pandemic out of national pain and a deep desire to show respect, love, and an individual memorial to each of the Fallen soldiers.Volunteers from all over the country decorate stones and place them on the graves of the fallen in preparation for Memorial Day. The small stone becomes a great symbol of embracing, connection, and gratitude. The initiative has become a movement of unity, emotion, and giving in which young people, the elderly, youth movements, employees, and Diaspora Jews participate. So far, hundreds of thousands of stones have been placed on the graves of the fallen, and the initiative continues to expand every year.
A unique course for learning sign language that is delivered in real time by a deaf instructor from whom participants learn the basics of the language. The course plays a significant role in expanding exposure to issues related to the world of sensory disabilities. The idea was born before the Covid crisis, after which it became relevant and necessary and has the potential to expand. The course opens a window to the deaf community and to a culture unfamiliar to the hearing public, promoting a connection between hearing and deaf people. The initiative has expanded greatly since 2020 and, in parallel with the operation of online courses for beginners, courses for advanced learners have also been developed. The courses are offered for sale to organizations and schools.
After Ofra recounted the founding of MamaNet, the mothers’ Netball league, Shandi asked if there was a MamaNet for Haredi women. From this, MamaNet for Haredi Women grew – a social initiative that connects movement, community, and health, and gives Haredi women the opportunity to participate in empowering sports activities within the boundaries of the community and with an open heart. Teams were established in Jerusalem, Modi’in Illit, Beit Shemesh, and Haifa, where hundreds of women find a place for themselves. At the peak of the activity, the first Haredi tournament was held and today the teams are integrated into the league and cross-sector connections are being formed.
