Derech Eretz itself is a multi-cultural, inclusive organization that accepts religious and secular participants, new olim as well as veteran Israelis, from all over the country. Together, our participants are breaking down the silos in which many Israeli communities reside.

After learning, in the classroom, about the various populations of Israeli society, program participants set out to meet people from these populations in person. Each cohort broke off into small groups, and each group spent a few days with a particular population in Israel: Bedouins, Druze, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, Arab-Israelis, Christians, settlers, the gay and lesbian community, and refugees. Some also went to kibbutzim, to a youth-at-risk hostel, and to a farm.

At the end of their stay hosted by these communities, our cohorts came back to their respective campuses and gathered to present to each other what they saw and experienced. The general consensus in all three cohorts, across the board – no matter whom they had visited, was that they had no idea we were all so similar, that they had no idea that such different populations lived literally around the corner, that while people like to generalize, once you meet face to face, were all just people. Many participants also noted the willingness of their hosts to have them over and open their hearts and homes, and were very touched. It was a moment of broadening horizons and breaking down barriers.

“This past week I have met amazing people, kind families… regardless of race or religion. In the end, it doesn’t matter how many rifts are in our society. We are all equal members of society with a common goal of living together peacefully. This week really made me reevaluate my preconceptions. This past week was meaningful and necessary, as far as I am concerned, and at the end of it all, I am grateful to have had this learning opportunity.” Adi, Derech Eretz Kmein.

In addition, all participants went to meet the Ultra-Orthodox community, at a yeshiva and were then hosted for Shabbat in the homes of Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh. The Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel comprises approximately 10% of the population, although many secular Jews in the country have not come in direct contact with them. Direct interaction, not on television or through other media, but eating together around the table, and experiencing Shabbat together, was very meaningful for our participants. At the Yeshiva, as the youth were interacting, the Ultra-Orthodox community member who was in charge of the group meeting on his end said to Derech Eretz Program Manager of the Kmein campus: “I like how your participants are learning to be Independent, to take responsibility and are accepting of others. We certainly have a lot to learn from each other.”