I found myself immersed in a journey of discovery, learning as much about myself as I did about others. Encounters with fellow educators who are as committed as I am to the practice and possibilities of what we do in the classroom. We serve as models for the children we teach. The encounter was a promising reminder of what we can achieve by communicating, asking and keeping our minds and hearts open. I personally enjoyed and appreciated everything about this program – and particularly my fellow travelers on this memorable journey

Jerusalem is the mother of contradictions; the stubborn one. It has it all. Peace and war, love and extremes, it is modern and ancient. The place that all ethnicities melt together. You will never see all this unless you get to be in our Teachers’ Lounge Program, where the differences become reasons for unity

I was surprised to find out that the Jewish teacher had exactly the same questions and fears as I did

Meeting Y. made me see reality differently. In cases of hate speech and violence in the classroom, I respond and act to curb them. I developed sensitivity to racism and discrimination. I see much more clearly now the meaning of meeting the “other”. I also understand now that schools that commit to this topic can create a meaningful change

I need to teach my students that people will always do the impossible. They need to keep believing that we can create a better future, full of light, respect and good. Sometimes we are similar, sometimes we are different, but we all deserve a honorable life