Agenzia Fides

Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) - Pupils at “Hand in Hand” schools Arabs and Israelis and they study in both languages. These special schools are for Israelis and Arabs, the latter being Muslims and Christians. A most unusual situation in Israel, and especially in Jerusalem where the two communities live separately. In each position of responsibility in the school, two people representing each communities: two head masters, two teachers for each class. The pupils study in two languages, Arabic and Hebrew, and this gives them a good knowledge of both cultures, religions and the history of the respective peoples, we read in a report by a religious culture teacher. Besides the Hand in Hand school in Jerusalem there are three more at Misgav in Upper Galilee, in Bersheva, and in the Arab village of Wadi Ara, with a total number 900 pupils. Next year in Jerusalem the first cycle of “Hand in Hand” studies will be completed. Hand in Hand Schools, recognised by the Israeli Ministry of Education, are funded by local and international institutions and individual donations. The “Hand in Hand School" goal is to foster greater awareness among the new generations which can be summarised with the slogan ...“learning today how to change tomorrow.” (AP) (24/6/2010 Agenzia Fides)