Pictured: Tel Mond students and CDS 7th and 8th grade host students. Provided photo/Community Day School.

In April, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School hosted 15 Israeli students, along with teachers and parent chaperones, from Sarasota's Sister City of Tel Mond. During their visit, the honored guests experienced life here in Sarasota and built upon the past school year's dialogue with the Community Day students, through email, live video chats and WhatsApp texts – in English and Hebrew – and exchanges of stories and photos. The Israeli exchange program was reinvigorated and sponsored through the generosity of the Blumenthal Family Passport to Israel Initiative. One goal of the exchange program – which launched in 2017, with the Tel Mond students coming here – is to create and nurture a vibrant relationship with CDS’s student peers in Israel. The students in both communities have learned about and from each other, as they have answered thought-provoking questions, shared videos and photos, and engaged in spirited conversation. Student connections ranged from typical teenage topics like sports, music, food, and pop culture to more complex topics like faith, family cultural traditions and first-hand experience with politics and perspective on regional conflicts. While here, the Israelis enjoyed home hospitality at households throughout the community. They participated in a wide variety of educational, religious and fun opportunities; some highlights included: a Bradenton Marauders game; visits to area attractions and locations such as Myakka State Park, Art Center Sarasota, Ringling Museum/Ca'd'Zan, Sarasota Art Museum, Embracing Our Differences at Bayfront Park, and TreeUmph Adventure Park; an improv session led by Florida Studio Theatre; shopping at UTC; and social activities such as a beach picnic, cookout pool party, “pizza and popsicles,” and an ice cream social. There were also numerous classroom conversation sessions to facilitate peer discussions on a variety of topics. Prior to their departure, Tel Mond teachers/chaperones Orit Dolev and Anat Moshe wrote, "The connection between the sister cities of Tel Mond and Sarasota is very significant. The kids had a fascinating learning experience featuring the local art and culture combined with fun activities. The families welcomed all the Israeli kids and gave them a sense of home. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity and are looking forward to your visit to Israel next year!" The local students were profoundly affected by the experience. “There are friends and then there are friends that become family,” said Rayana, CDS eighth grader. Avi, a seventh grader, added, “I had no idea how much in common I would have with a stranger. We have bonded so well that all I can think about is next year in Tel Mond!”  School leaders are already in the early stages of planning for next year's student exchange, through which CDS seventh and eighth graders will visit Israel.

Pictured: Tel Mond students and CDS 7th and 8th grade host students. Provided photo/Community Day School.