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Family & Education

New schools resource highlights Israel's cultural diversity

From Ethiopian dance to Moroccan mint tea, UJIA's Hamoadon project aims to broaden children's view

March 13, 2022 11:43
Sigd
Thousands of Ethiopian Jews take part in a prayer of the Sigd holiday on the Armon Hanatziv Promenade overlooking Jerusalem on November 27, 2019. The prayer is performed by Ethiopian Jews every year to celebrate their community's connection and commitment to Israel. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** אתיופי טיילת אתיופים טיילת ארמון הנציב סיגד חג
2 min read

When the first Covid-19 lockdown began nearly two years ago, UJIA, like other Jewish organisations, had to learn to adapt. Since it could not offer education in-person, it began to develop resources which could reach youth at home.

“While our mission was the same… our methodology had to change quite significantly,” said director of the UJIA’s UK programme, Robin Ashleigh.

And that investment in creating resources has led to a new project — an informal Israel education kit for key stage two pupils (8 to 11) in Jewish primary schools called Hamoadon, “the club”.

Every few weeks over the course of this academic year schools receive a box of materials on a particular theme: it contains posters, educational activities, word games, information sheets for teachers and links to videos on the UJIA website. It can be used in Jewish studies or Ivrit classes or a lunchtime Israel club.

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