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to people here, made it
more tangible and started
creating a broader spectrum
of relationships between the
communities here and there.”
Another key initiative the
partnership has invested
in for many years is the
support of English language
instruction in the region.
“English language in the
periphery is often lacking,
and it’s a really important
part of success to Israelis,”
Stillman said. “It’s also
tangentially an important
part of the success of our
programs because if the kids
are not competent English
speakers, it’s very difficult,
if not impossible, to bring
them here for camp, and it’s
impossible for them to come
here for other things.”
While they can’t say
it’s all because of their
program, Stillman believes
it’s definitely a huge
contributing factor to
the success of English
language instruction in the
region with the younger
generations oftentimes much
more proficient English
speakers than those who
weren’t beneficiaries of the
instruction.
“The camper program and
English language program
were two huge landmark
things over the years that
propelled us to where we are
today, which is creating a
continuum of connection for
folks to have relationships
from the age of 12 or 13 at
camp and then continuing
through, coming back for
Teen Leadership Village,
counselor-in-training,
Birthright trips, to our
young leadership and more,”
Stillman said.
“All these things build
upon each other and are
programs that foster this
continuation of relationship
throughout the years.”
THE PARTNERSHIP TODAY
On a daily basis, Stillman
juggles a handful of
The P2G program
includes English
language instruction for
Israeli young people.
The Shared Society
program’s goal is
to break down the
walls between Jews
and Muslims.
Israeli high school
graduates come
to Metro Detroit
for a gap year.