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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.

