From right: Principal Rami Porat, Dana Vizner, Carmit Gilad and Eshel Fram, in the high school computerized bomb shelter; the equipment in this and other eight bomb shelters in KB's educational system were also donated by SPBC.
Two representatives from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County visited recently in Kiryat Bialik, their partnered community within the Jewish Agency's Partnership 2000 (P2K). Mr. Yossi Ende, co-chair of the P2K steering committee, and Ms. Dana Vizner, Director of Israel & Overseas Committee (IOC), joined KB Mayor, Mr. Eli Dukorski, in dedicating the bomb shelter at the city's new and impressive multipurpose building. This is yet another generous donation from SPBC to KB along eight years of partnership.
Mayor Dukorski expressed his profound gratitude, pointing out that P2K stands for the essence of living bridge: a true partnership of personal encounters. Yossi Ende said we must keep looking for ways to deepen the connections between our two communities. "Along the years we have studied the Partnership and must find the right way to empower it," he added.
Mr. Gidi Shilo, KB co-chair of the joint steering committee, accompanied the visitors for the entire day. They visited several businesses participating in the economic development project in KB, supported by SPBC and operated by MATI-Haifa. Then they discussed the new initiative in the Partnership, "Partners in Art" (artists' exchange) and had the opportunity to experience a unique educational program, "Aharai (Follow Me)" - military preparation for youths in need, which had been supported by SPBC in the past. Lastly, they took part in a joint steering committee meeting, with the entire KB committee and three members from Boca joining via phone, in which the P2K budget for the year 2010-11 was approved.
On another day, Ms. Vizner, accompanied by her JAFI counterparts, Partnership director Eshel Fram and project coordinator Carmit Gilad, had a chance to discuss ongoing Partnership programs, such as Educators' Exchange with its local leader Ami Reuven, and Jewish Roots with high school principal Rami Porat. She also met with participants of the Women to Women group, who had been to Boca recently and are now busy planning their friends' reciprocal visit this coming October.
Partnership 2000 between KB and SPBC was established 8 years ago. It operates many successful educational and social programs, creating long-lasting living bridges among various groups. The joint steering committee will spend the next few months exploring new, creative channels to strengthen the bond of the two communities.
Yossi Ende, P2K co-chair (left) and Mayor Eli Dukorski unavailing the plaque at the new bomb shelter. Right: co-chair Gidi Shilo.