From May 2 to 8, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia hosted a delegation of nine Israeli community leaders from its Partnership2Gether (P2G) regions of Netivot and Sdot Negev.

P2G, a project of the Jewish Agency for Israel, unites 300 Jewish communities around the world in 43 partnerships. Each partnership provides opportunities for groups to connect through hands-on projects and personal interactions.

The P2G communities of Netivot and Sdot Negev, located in southern Israel near the Gaza border, represent a 27-year bond between the region and Greater Philadelphia.

The delegation visited Greater Philadelphia to gain a deeper understanding of the Jewish Federation and the region’s Jewish community, including the current challenges facing American Jews. Among an array of activities to delve into the diverse landscape of Jewish life, they engaged with clergy from various denominations, visited a religious school at Har Zion Temple, met with Drexel Hillel students to hear about their campus experiences, and packaged produce for the Jewish Federation’s Mitzvah Food Program. They also attended a meaningful dedication of a memorial tree sculpture at the Kaiserman JCC, which honored victims of the Oct. 7 attack and the subsequent war.

Beyond their Jewish learning, the delegates enjoyed a Mural Arts tour and visited iconic landmarks. 

More than 40 people gathered at the Kaiserman JCC to participate in a memorial tree sculpture dedication. The leaves bear the names of individuals from the Jewish Federation’s partnership communities who were murdered on Oct. 7, as well as those who have fallen in the ongoing war.

BatShir Vaknin (left) and Olga Engel Katayev (center), artists from the P2G region, shared ideas with local art teacher Aliza Yonit Herman (right) at Perelman Jewish Day School.

The delegation met with a panel of clergy from various denominations to discuss their backgrounds and movements and understand the differences among the denominations  that are most prevalent in the United States. 

While in Philadelphia, the group went on a Mural Arts tour in the historic district and walked the length of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The P2G delegation learned about American Jewish history during their visit to the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

The P2G delegation had the opportunity to meet and connect with Drexel students over dinner.