The first nationwide program of Living Together operated in 7 communities across Israel. It is funded by the Ministry for Social Equality and the Israeli Association of Community Centers.
Six local and diverse Task Force groups offer individuals from various neighborhoods the opportunity to discuss issues that are important to its members and to promote a common agenda. In 2019 we established 6 local Task Force groups in Jerusalem (Kiryat HaYovel and French Hill), Beit Shemesh, Mateh Asher Regional Council, Carmiel and Safed. The 7th Task Force group will start operating in Ma’alot-Tarshiha in November 2019. The local Task Force groups are currently completing the 1st part of the program and have created a safe space to discuss the socio-cultural identity of its members by using the Living Together principles. The 1st part of the program includes 8 sessions incorporating the cultural assets and traditions of community members and a “Hackathon” (brainstorming marathon) for community residents and social activists. Local Task Force members initiated ventures as potential solutions to challenges of the community by applying the principle and tools of Living Together. Local community leaders identified potential projects to consider for funding and implementing. This is Dr. Eliza Bloch, the mayor of Beit Shemesh, speech on the city’s Hackathon.
Dr. Eliza Bloch, the mayor of Beit Shemesh,(center) at the city’s Hackathon
In addition to the work of local Task Forces groups, we also work with the community center staff to develop and implement the principles of Living Together. For instance, some activists and staff will participate in our Dibur Acher (Different Talk) workshop and become “ambassadors” of Dibur Acher and Living Together. Graduates of Task Forces will go on a “Living Together Journey” to learn about Israeli society in various ways. We will also fund and provide guidance to various local initiatives promoting the principles of Living Together.
In the next phase of the program, the Task Forces groups, in collaboration with the community center staff, will continue to work on implementing the selected projects and formulate the appropriate outline in each community to continue the group’s activities.
Living Together in the Community in Carmiel
This program is highly valued. Despite the instability in government ministries, we work to ensure continuity of the program. We strive to deepen the process in some of the community centers that will be selected, and even expanded, based on the lessons learned from the first year of activity.
