Beit Shean region Community Builders meeting at the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland

The Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland, through its Cleveland/Beit She'an Partnership, is hosting 25 community leaders from the Beit She'an region of Israel from May 12 - May 21. These visitors are part of the Jewish Agency Partnership 2000 Community Builders program in the Beit She'an region. The Community Builders (both this year's group and prior years classes) were the primary group that hosted Cleveland's Solidarity mission participants during our visit to the Beit She'an region.

This delegation is comprised of educators, civic, business and professional leaders between the ages of 30 and 55. Their week-long seminar in Cleveland is part of a year-long volunteer leadership development program. As part of this program, the Community Builders develop projects for needs they identify in the Beit She'an region. Developing projects hones their skills in the design and implementation of these projects. In addition, these projects take the theoretical classes to the next level of social action, civic engagement and community responsibility.

Community Builders exploring issues and developing projects to serve the region

During their time in Cleveland, the Community Builders will be exposed to many of the issues they have been learning about during their course. While the issues in Cleveland and Beit She'an may be similar, the Community Builders will see how they are resolved by a different society and culture and by a community that has a very different history and demography. They will meet and interact with leaders of both the general and Jewish communities and have the opportunity to work side by side with professional colleagues.

Iyyar 5763 - May 2003