For over 50 years, Gesher has been fostering Jewish unity by building bridges among the people of Israel. Using innovative educational methods, Gesher strengthens the bonds between the various sectors of Jewish society to impact civil leadership and create connections across all areas of Israeli life.
Gesher International Director J. J. Sussman made aliyah from New York City 25 years ago. After years in hi-tech, Sussman was introduced to Gesher as a volunteer and soon joined the Gesher leadership staff. As International Director, he now works on all Gesher activities outside of Israel.
Producing the Leaders of Tomorrow
Sussman explains that Gesher focuses on bringing together people from different walks of Israeli culture. They have 4 main areas of programming:
The Future Leaders program is led by facilitators who are trained in the art of engaging diverse groups in dialogue. They run seminars for religious and secular youth and lead summer camps, programs for soldiers, and sessions that encourage interactions between haredi, religious zionist, and secular schools.
The Gesher Leadership Institute has trained over 400 influential leaders in Israeli society, including politicians, journalists, and haredi leaders.
The Israel Diaspora Relations project strengthens ties between Israelis and Jews around the world. Israeli participants engage in a week-long intensive course and then visit Jewish neighborhoods in Europe, North America, and South America. They then take their new knowledge and perspective back to their communities in Israel.
Gesher’s Haredim Initiative is dedicated to bridging the gap between haredi and general Israeli society.
Pivoting During War – European Delegations
Gesher’s well-developed networks across Israeli society allowed them to quickly pivot after war broke out.
Their Israel Diaspora Relations Department partnered with the Ministry of Diaspora and the Foreign Ministry to organize and lead delegations of people whose family members had been murdered and/or kidnapped. Missions were sent to London and Rome with 3 definitive goals:
- To gain international media exposure regarding the massacre and the ongoing hostage situation, keeping it at the forefront of world attention.
- To provide first-hand accounts of the attack to foreign government officials
- To strengthen and develop connections with communities outside of Israel
In London, the delegation met with the House of Parliament and members of the press including the BBC, Sky news and the Times of London. The delegation met with the local Jewish communities in Trafalgar Square and South Hampstead synagogue. In Rome, they met with the Prime Minister and had a large event with the local Jewish community at the Great Synagogue.
Providing Educational Frameworks for the Displaced
The security situation in both the north and south of Israel has led to the displacement of more than 150,000 people, including thousands of children. Hotels in Jerusalem and the center of the country have been filled with evacuees. The Ministry of Education is working hard to create educational frameworks to provide structure and activity for these young people who have been uprooted from their homes, and Gesher has stepped up to help.
Gesher is now sending their trained facilitators to run afternoon programming for displaced youth between the ages of 11-17. Their large pool of experienced staff is busy connecting with kids in both one-on-one and group settings. This is life-saving work, building connections with traumatized youth, raising their spirits, taking their mind off of the challenging situation, and providing a safe space where they can discuss their thoughts and feelings.
Gesher’s ‘Special Sauce’
According to Sussman, Gesher staff and facilitators are uniquely situated to support people in Israel and overseas. Gesher faculty are trained in building connections between those who may not feel familiar with each other. Whether it’s Israeli victims of terror talking to European governments, or facilitators creating pockets of safety and stability for children in turbulent times, Gesher’s special sauce is their ability to bring people together, to build community, and establish understanding.
Gesher facilitators received additional training to deal with children who have experienced trauma. They have support from social workers and psychologists to help them navigate issues that arise.
In routine times, the cost of facilitators is funded through donations, government support, and fees from participating schools. The programming that is happening in the hotels is not currently funded. Similarly, funding for the emergency delegations to Europe was not in Gesher’s budget for 2023. Gesher is looking to raise $150,000 in the next two months to support and continue their efforts serving these vulnerable children and connecting with Diaspora communities.
The Project:
Gesher is raising $150,000 for their wartime support fund. Their team of 20 employees and 100 facilitators are committed to building bridges and supporting the youth through informal education during these difficult times.
How to Give:
Gesher has teamed up with Causematch to provide donors with tax-deductible receipts. Click here to donate.
Kosher Status:
The Gesher Educational Initiatives organization was founded in 1984 as an accredited nonprofit in Israel and holds a certificate of proper management. Responding to the war, Gesher adapted their focus, upskilling their existing pool of facilitators from working with diverse adult groups bridging societal gaps, to providing social support to traumatized displaced youth. On its website, Gesher provides information on its leadership in Israel and abroad, as well as annual reports and financials.
Fine Print:
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