Bonds between young Israelis and young Brits have been formed thanks to a groundbreaking new twinning programme.

Eleven bar and bat mitzvah-aged children from Talpiot Youth Village in Hadera flew over from Israel to join teenagers from Stanmore and Cannons Park Synagogue for a Shabbaton and a day out in London.

The event was part of the brand-new Twinning in a Group programme, a pilot collaboration between the synagogue and Jewish Child’s Day, which supports the village. The meeting came about after months of online communication via email and Zoom between the children.

Olivia, one of the UK “twins”, said afterwards: “As soon as the Israeli children walked into the shul, I gave my twin a big hug, and knew it was going to be a great weekend. I built an amazing friendship with my twin, Hodaya, and the other girls. It was a life-changing experience, and I’m so glad I was part of it.”

Young people on the Talpiot Youth Village and Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue Jewish Child's Day twinning programme, London (Photo: JCD)

Talpiot Youth Village supports at-risk children, providing them with education, care, and opportunities, with the goal of enabling them to fulfil their potential.

The trip was only possible through the efforts of the UK “twins” to raise the money to bring over their Israeli counterparts, who enjoyed a tour of London, a special Friday night service, a traditional Shabbat meal, a movie night and a visit to the Science Museum.

The Shabbaton culminated in an “emotional” certificate ceremony, honouring all participants and celebrating the connections formed.

Young people from the Talpiot Youth Village and Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue at the closing ceremony for the Jewish Child's Day twinning programme at the synagogue (Photo: JCD)

Reflecting on the Shabbaton, Rabbi Eli Birnbaum, head of community development at Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue, said: “Amid the recent challenges in Israel, we wanted to help our youth connect in a meaningful way. Partnering with Jewish Child’s Day to 'twin' our bar and bat mitzvah cohort with children from Talpiot Youth Village was incredibly moving.

“The kids broke through cultural and language barriers, shared joyful moments, and built strong bonds—showing how we can support our brothers and sisters in Israel.”

One of the weekend’s highlights was the Shabbat service with chazan Jonny Turgel, whose daughter Liora participated in the programme.

Turgel said afterwards: “This exceeded our wildest dreams. As the shul chazan, it was incredibly special to lead the Stanmore community in singing Acheinu at the Shabbat service—something we’d been singing since October 7th, but this time with some of our brothers and sisters from Israel. Seeing all the children sitting with their ‘twins’ brought tears to my eyes. These memories will stay with us forever.”

Participants on the twinning programme between Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue and Talpiot Youth Village in Israel, which is supported by Jewish Child's Day. The Israelis came to the UK for a Shabbaton and a day out in London (Photo: JCD)

Nehamiah Napel, director of Talpiot Youth Village, said they hoped the programme would continue for many years, saying afterwards: “This is incredibly moving—it brings me to tears…The impact on participants, both current and future, will be lasting. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Jewish Child’s Day, which supports vulnerable Jewish children worldwide, encourages the children to actively engage in charitable giving locally and globally.

Participants on the twinning programme between Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue and Talpiot Youth Village in Israel, which is supported by Jewish Child's Day. The teenagers spent a day in London (Photo: JCD)

Its executive director Anthea Jackson said: “This Shabbaton was more than just a weekend of memories; it was an opportunity to build lasting friendships that crossed countries, cultures, and languages. It also highlighted the importance of charity work, showing how acts of kindness can foster understanding, empathy, and unity within Jewish communities worldwide.

“Jewish Child’s Day looks forward to continuing its mission of connecting Jewish communities and supporting vulnerable Jewish children through similar projects.”