Ambassadors for Unity is part of the Jewish Community Federation's Partnership 2000 Program. It is a community serviced based youth exchange program between Cleveland and our partnership community, Beit She'an.

Sunday, September 14, thirty out of close to 100 program nominees from all over Cleveland took part in a Gibush session. Gibush in Hebrew means crystallize. It is used to describe the dynamics of building a cohesive group, a crucial element in a program like this.

This year the program focuses on the concept of ‘Klal Yisrael.'' As Jews, we are responsible for one another. The Ambassadors will learn how the tensions of diversity can challenge but also strengthen our community.

Throughout the next 7 months, the selected group of 16 Ambassadors for Unity will focus on developing the group's ability to interact with one another responsibly– despite individual, political and religious differences. The group will learn how to deal with the challenges of diversity with thoughtfulness and respect as well as to build ties with fellow Jews in Beit She'an and in Cleveland. The 16 Cleveland Ambassadors will travel to Israel in December to meet their Israeli counterparts. The Israelis will visit Cleveland in Spring 2004.

This year's applicants offer a diverse representation of the Cleveland community. All have a passionate desire to connect to Israel as well as our community. For more information about the Ambassadors for Unity program, please contact Julie Auerbach at the Jewish Community Federation at (216) 566-9200.