On Tuesday, December 15, 2009, the "YAD" group (that operates under the auspices of the Partnership 2000 program of the Jewish Agency) conducted an emotional and joint Hanukah candle-lighting ceremony with its colleagues in the Pittsburgh partner community. The celebration was held at the offices of the Jewish Agency in Karmiel and in Pittsburgh at the UJF. Thanks to today's modern communications technology, a satellite videoconference allowed the two groups to come together to share in a joint candle-lighting ceremony, sing Hanukah songs, wish each other a "Happy Hanukah" and watch each other eat the traditional "sufganiot" (jelly-filled donuts). 

The Karmiel-Misgav "YAD" group has been active for the past 3 years. Recently, Ronny O'hiyoun, a resident of the Misgav community of Har Halutz was selected as the group's new chairperson. Ronny replaces Yuval Kisus, one of the group's founders and promoters, who completed a 3-year term and will continue as an active member in the group.

Within the framework of the both the group and Partnership 2000 and in the efforts to promote the development and enhancement of new lay leadership in the region, a new "Leadership Development Course" will open in mid-January. The course will include an interesting and varied syllabus of subjects relating to leadership, tools for developing social initiatives, Jewish Identity and Israel-Diaspora relations.