Heart to Heart is a youth leadership program for Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel. We are dedicated to empowering youth with the tools and relationships needed to create a more inclusive and peaceful society. Our summer camp program, held in Ontario, serves as the springboard for year-round activities, community building, and joint action back home.
Heart to Heart was created to counter the culture of division and fear that exists between these communities and respond to the structural racism and inequality in Israeli society. Although it may not be fair that young people inherit problems from previous generations, we do believe that with the right tools, they can find the creative solutions needed to chart a new path. We believe that youth have a valuable role to play in creating change, not only as future leaders, but as meaningful actors right now. Heart to Heart participants are a ray of hope and a reminder of what is possible when people are given the opportunity to come together to learn and listen.
Heart to Heart was created to counter the culture of division and fear that exists between these communities and respond to the structural racism and inequality in Israeli society. Although it may not be fair that young people inherit problems from previous generations, we do believe that with the right tools, they can find the creative solutions needed to chart a new path. We believe that youth have a valuable role to play in creating change, not only as future leaders, but as meaningful actors right now. Heart to Heart participants are a ray of hope and a reminder of what is possible when people are given the opportunity to come together to learn and listen.
|
|
|
"I learned to listen to each other." |
"This is an experience I will not forget for the rest of my life." |
|
Summer CampEach summer we bring twenty youth from Israel, half of them Jewish and half of them Arab Palestinian, to camp in Perth, Ontario. They live together and engage in relationship building activities and facilitated dialogue about the narratives, politics, and power dynamics that shape their everyday lives back home. They also bond over swimming, arts and crafts, hiking and canoe trips.
|
Camp is transformative. It's where true friendships form and our young leaders gain tools to have the challenging and sensitive conversations needed to build a brighter future - together. It replaces fear and mistrust with understanding, empathy, and long-lasting friendships.
Alumni CommunityHeart to Heart starts with summer camp in Canada because we know that's the most powerful beginning. But, it's everything that comes after, when the youth go home to their communities, that enables the impact to be sustained and amplified. Our alumni are part of a community. They meet regularly for social gatherings, to celebrate holidays together, and to plan projects designed to spread the values of the program; mutual respect, inclusion, empathy, and understanding.
|
|
Our alumni have planned Get Out The Vote campaigns, made music videos to spread their message, led peer-education workshops and panels, and cleaned up discriminatory graffiti in local bus stops. They are active, engaged citizens working in partnership to bring their communities together toward a more peaceful and just future.
|
Parent EngagementSending your child across an ocean to a new experience is nerve-wracking for any parent, no matter their identity. By going through the experience together, a bond and community is formed among our parent groups. Today, parents are leveraging those connections and continuing to engage with one another through joint social gatherings, programs, and taking leadership roles in designing and implementing activities for their children.
|
Who founded Heart to Heart?
Heart to Heart was founded in 2011 as a partnership between the Givat Haviva in Israel and Hashomer Hatzair/Camp Shomria in Canada. Givat Haviva is an Israeli non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mutual responsibility, civic equality and cooperation among divided groups in Israel. Since 1949, Givat Haviva has run educational programs based on these principles in order to build the foundation for a shared future and shared society. The organization ensures parity between Palestinian and Jewish Israeli leadership and was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in 2001.
Hashomer Hatzair is a Jewish Youth Movement that was founded in 1913 and has been operating in Canada since 1923. The movement runs year-round educational activities based in Toronto, as well as an overnight summer camp (Camp Shomria) located just outside of Perth, Ontario. Hashomer Hatzair Canada works with youth to build progressive Jewish values, links to Israel, community, and a commitment to social, environmental and economic justice in a setting based on youth leadership and responsibility. Hashomer Hatzair Canada views Heart to Heart as a central way to translate these values into action.
Who makes Heart to Heart happen on a daily basis?
A dedicated and passionate community in Toronto has formed around Heart to Heart since its launch in 2011. Day to day operations are managed by our dedicated staff who are based in Toronto.
Heart to Heart is governed primarily by a volunteer leadership committee. The committee is a standing committee of the Board of Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria and is comprised of members of the GTA's Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities. The committee meets monthly throughout the year, with members working as individuals or as part of task forces as needed. Heart to Heart also has an Advisory committee comprised of prominent members of the GTA's Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities who bring their many years of experience working in the field of shared society, dialogue, and intercultural work to the table. The Advisory committee meets twice annually.
How is the program funded?
Givat Haviva and Hashomer Hatzair/Camp Shomria contribute in-kind donations, primarily in the form of human resources and programming spaces. However, Heart to Heart depends primarily on private donations from Toronto’s Palestinian, Arab, Muslim and Jewish communities, as well as from many other diverse donors. Heart to Heart has received support from Family Foundations and was the recipient of a three-year grant from the Narayever Congregation's Social Justice Committee. Heart to Heart does not receive any funding from the Canadian or Israeli governments.
Heart to Heart participants are responsible for the cost of their flights to Canada. All other costs, including a limited number of flight scholarships, are covered through fundraising efforts. In the future, we hope to be able to provide more flight scholarships to reduce the financial barriers to participation in the program. You can view our donor list and/or contribute at our Donate Page.
Camp Shomria is a culturally Jewish summer camp. How does this affect the program?
Being hosted at a summer camp that is culturally Jewish does impact the Heart to Heart program. There are elements of Camp Shomria that inevitably make the Jewish Israeli participants feel more at home and comfortable than the participants who are Palestinian citizens of Israel. However, as a program we acknowledge this bias and are constantly addressing it.
The cultural implications of being hosted at a Jewish summer camp have consequently created powerful opportunities for group dialogue. It also creates a space where the group can explore how they can take action collectively and in solidarity with their peers. This is exemplified when Ramadan fell during the program, as Jewish participants often decided to fast alongside their Muslim peers. These type of conversations have spurred further joint action to influence Israeli society such as the letter our 2015 cohort wrote to the Minister of Education, and the statement our 2018 cohort wrote in response to the passing of the Nation State Law.
While the group is hosted by the camp, it has autonomy within it. Heart to Heart provides its own programming and we are constantly working to create an equitable space, where everyone feels comfortable and welcomed. The Camp Shomria staff and campers also work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Heart to Heart participants. It is of great benefit to Heart to Heart participants to be able to participate in this unique and energetic community, outside of their own programming. Heart to Heart also provides an amazing educational opportunity for Camp Shomria’s Jewish Canadian campers to learn about life in Israel from different perspectives.
Heart to Heart was founded in 2011 as a partnership between the Givat Haviva in Israel and Hashomer Hatzair/Camp Shomria in Canada. Givat Haviva is an Israeli non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mutual responsibility, civic equality and cooperation among divided groups in Israel. Since 1949, Givat Haviva has run educational programs based on these principles in order to build the foundation for a shared future and shared society. The organization ensures parity between Palestinian and Jewish Israeli leadership and was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in 2001.
Hashomer Hatzair is a Jewish Youth Movement that was founded in 1913 and has been operating in Canada since 1923. The movement runs year-round educational activities based in Toronto, as well as an overnight summer camp (Camp Shomria) located just outside of Perth, Ontario. Hashomer Hatzair Canada works with youth to build progressive Jewish values, links to Israel, community, and a commitment to social, environmental and economic justice in a setting based on youth leadership and responsibility. Hashomer Hatzair Canada views Heart to Heart as a central way to translate these values into action.
Who makes Heart to Heart happen on a daily basis?
A dedicated and passionate community in Toronto has formed around Heart to Heart since its launch in 2011. Day to day operations are managed by our dedicated staff who are based in Toronto.
Heart to Heart is governed primarily by a volunteer leadership committee. The committee is a standing committee of the Board of Hashomer Hatzair - Camp Shomria and is comprised of members of the GTA's Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities. The committee meets monthly throughout the year, with members working as individuals or as part of task forces as needed. Heart to Heart also has an Advisory committee comprised of prominent members of the GTA's Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities who bring their many years of experience working in the field of shared society, dialogue, and intercultural work to the table. The Advisory committee meets twice annually.
How is the program funded?
Givat Haviva and Hashomer Hatzair/Camp Shomria contribute in-kind donations, primarily in the form of human resources and programming spaces. However, Heart to Heart depends primarily on private donations from Toronto’s Palestinian, Arab, Muslim and Jewish communities, as well as from many other diverse donors. Heart to Heart has received support from Family Foundations and was the recipient of a three-year grant from the Narayever Congregation's Social Justice Committee. Heart to Heart does not receive any funding from the Canadian or Israeli governments.
Heart to Heart participants are responsible for the cost of their flights to Canada. All other costs, including a limited number of flight scholarships, are covered through fundraising efforts. In the future, we hope to be able to provide more flight scholarships to reduce the financial barriers to participation in the program. You can view our donor list and/or contribute at our Donate Page.
Camp Shomria is a culturally Jewish summer camp. How does this affect the program?
Being hosted at a summer camp that is culturally Jewish does impact the Heart to Heart program. There are elements of Camp Shomria that inevitably make the Jewish Israeli participants feel more at home and comfortable than the participants who are Palestinian citizens of Israel. However, as a program we acknowledge this bias and are constantly addressing it.
The cultural implications of being hosted at a Jewish summer camp have consequently created powerful opportunities for group dialogue. It also creates a space where the group can explore how they can take action collectively and in solidarity with their peers. This is exemplified when Ramadan fell during the program, as Jewish participants often decided to fast alongside their Muslim peers. These type of conversations have spurred further joint action to influence Israeli society such as the letter our 2015 cohort wrote to the Minister of Education, and the statement our 2018 cohort wrote in response to the passing of the Nation State Law.
While the group is hosted by the camp, it has autonomy within it. Heart to Heart provides its own programming and we are constantly working to create an equitable space, where everyone feels comfortable and welcomed. The Camp Shomria staff and campers also work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Heart to Heart participants. It is of great benefit to Heart to Heart participants to be able to participate in this unique and energetic community, outside of their own programming. Heart to Heart also provides an amazing educational opportunity for Camp Shomria’s Jewish Canadian campers to learn about life in Israel from different perspectives.
Where do our participants come from?
All of our participants are citizens of the State of Israel and live within the Green Line. They are from an area in the northern part of Israel that is characterized by many small Jewish and Palestinian towns and villages, which are geographically very close to each other, yet are extremely segregated. Some of the communities from which we draw participants include Kfar Qara, Baqa al Gharbiyee, Umm Al Fahm, Pardes Hanna and many kibbutzim in the area. Participants often live within a twenty-minute drive of each other yet have never stepped into each others’ towns before participating in the program. Click here to view a map of this region.
Our participants are graduates of Givat Haviva’s Children Teaching Children program (CTC). CTC is a year-round program that brings Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in Grades seven and eight to each other’s schools for joint educational programming. The Heart to Heart program is offered to CTC participants as an extension of their shared society education. Applicants write an essay about why they want to participate in Heart to Heart and are interviewed in person in both English and their first language before being selected for the program.
Why don’t we work with youth from the West Bank and Gaza?
Although all of our participants share citizenship, they do not share an equal experience of that citizenship. Heart to Heart is dedicated to creating an equitable, truly democratic and shared society for all citizens of Israel. We believe that this program can serve as a spark for the next generation of leaders, both Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel, that will connect them on a path towards a shared society.
We also believe that working towards the founding of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza and ending the Israeli occupation is a central part of achieving this goal. However, the communities living under occupation have different needs that require different solutions. We admire and commend many of the organizations that are working towards these various solutions, and consider Heart to Heart to be one initiative in this network.
Involving participants from the West Bank and Gaza is beyond the scope of the Heart to Heart program, which works within time, resource and political limitations. In addition, by involving youth who are geographically close to one another and who share citizenship, we believe that there is a greater opportunity for a small program, such as Heart to Heart, to make a lasting impact.
What happens when the participants go home?
Upon their return to Israel, participants serve as informal ambassadors for Heart to Heart and for the values of the program as they discuss their experiences with friends, family, and community members. During the academic year following their summer in Canada, each cohort continues to meet regularly to implement their "Taking it Home Project" conceived of during their time at camp. These meetings are convened and facilitated by our Israeli staff in Givat Haviva. We hold an annual conference for all Heart to Heart alumni in order to build a network across cohort boundaries and support the movement for shared society. Alumni Programming has four main components: continued learning and group development, leadership training, social service and activism, and using the group's experiences from the summer to help recruit and prepare future participants.
All of our participants are citizens of the State of Israel and live within the Green Line. They are from an area in the northern part of Israel that is characterized by many small Jewish and Palestinian towns and villages, which are geographically very close to each other, yet are extremely segregated. Some of the communities from which we draw participants include Kfar Qara, Baqa al Gharbiyee, Umm Al Fahm, Pardes Hanna and many kibbutzim in the area. Participants often live within a twenty-minute drive of each other yet have never stepped into each others’ towns before participating in the program. Click here to view a map of this region.
Our participants are graduates of Givat Haviva’s Children Teaching Children program (CTC). CTC is a year-round program that brings Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in Grades seven and eight to each other’s schools for joint educational programming. The Heart to Heart program is offered to CTC participants as an extension of their shared society education. Applicants write an essay about why they want to participate in Heart to Heart and are interviewed in person in both English and their first language before being selected for the program.
Why don’t we work with youth from the West Bank and Gaza?
Although all of our participants share citizenship, they do not share an equal experience of that citizenship. Heart to Heart is dedicated to creating an equitable, truly democratic and shared society for all citizens of Israel. We believe that this program can serve as a spark for the next generation of leaders, both Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel, that will connect them on a path towards a shared society.
We also believe that working towards the founding of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza and ending the Israeli occupation is a central part of achieving this goal. However, the communities living under occupation have different needs that require different solutions. We admire and commend many of the organizations that are working towards these various solutions, and consider Heart to Heart to be one initiative in this network.
Involving participants from the West Bank and Gaza is beyond the scope of the Heart to Heart program, which works within time, resource and political limitations. In addition, by involving youth who are geographically close to one another and who share citizenship, we believe that there is a greater opportunity for a small program, such as Heart to Heart, to make a lasting impact.
What happens when the participants go home?
Upon their return to Israel, participants serve as informal ambassadors for Heart to Heart and for the values of the program as they discuss their experiences with friends, family, and community members. During the academic year following their summer in Canada, each cohort continues to meet regularly to implement their "Taking it Home Project" conceived of during their time at camp. These meetings are convened and facilitated by our Israeli staff in Givat Haviva. We hold an annual conference for all Heart to Heart alumni in order to build a network across cohort boundaries and support the movement for shared society. Alumni Programming has four main components: continued learning and group development, leadership training, social service and activism, and using the group's experiences from the summer to help recruit and prepare future participants.
Isn’t Heart to Heart normalization?
Heart to Heart goes beyond the average ‘encounter’ program, which often shies away from important political discussions for the sake of congeniality. At Heart to Heart, we believe that there is great value in building individual relationships among our participants. However, we also believe that it is imperative for our participants to recognize that their different experiences of Israeli citizenship are neither normal nor acceptable.
Heart to Heart rejects the idea that bringing youth together to meet each other and become friends is an end in itself. Working as a cohesive group is a necessary step in the process, but does not represent the end goal of the Heart to Heart program. Rather, Heart to Heart uses the opportunity of having the youth in the same space to help them engage in critical dialogue and educational activities, which challenge the traditional power dynamics at work in the region.
The educational facilitators work to create a safe and equitable space where the participants are guided through expressing their perspectives, hopes, and fears in an empathetic way. The activities are also designed to prompt the participants to challenge their current assumptions and seek out new knowledge from each other.
Heart to Heart goes beyond the average ‘encounter’ program, which often shies away from important political discussions for the sake of congeniality. At Heart to Heart, we believe that there is great value in building individual relationships among our participants. However, we also believe that it is imperative for our participants to recognize that their different experiences of Israeli citizenship are neither normal nor acceptable.
Heart to Heart rejects the idea that bringing youth together to meet each other and become friends is an end in itself. Working as a cohesive group is a necessary step in the process, but does not represent the end goal of the Heart to Heart program. Rather, Heart to Heart uses the opportunity of having the youth in the same space to help them engage in critical dialogue and educational activities, which challenge the traditional power dynamics at work in the region.
The educational facilitators work to create a safe and equitable space where the participants are guided through expressing their perspectives, hopes, and fears in an empathetic way. The activities are also designed to prompt the participants to challenge their current assumptions and seek out new knowledge from each other.
Why is the program run in Canada?
Givat Haviva runs many programs based in their campus in Israel as well as in participating schools and communities. In these spaces they challenge participants to question their identities and worldviews, but this work is made more difficult by the fact that participants return home to their families and friends each day, and are immediately surrounded by the ‘status quo’ once again. Holding the program far away from their everyday lives provides participants with the space they need to develop their relationships and opinions independent of their home environment, and to fully process the programming in which they are participating.
For most of our participants, Heart to Heart is the first time they have travelled so far from home, and certainly the first trip they have taken without their families. Experiencing this new adventure together is an important step in solidifying the sense of community and trust within the group, and helps participants to form a unique group identity.
Furthermore, Canada itself has a lot to offer in the way of content. Programming includes a visit to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, as well as discussions about bilingualism and the history of Canada’s First Nations. These topics all offer valuable opportunities for participants to explore issues of democracy, multiculturalism, diaspora communities, discrimination and integration from new perspectives, and make connections to these aspects of their own society.
In what language does the program operate?
The program is officially run in English, although participants always have access to translators in their native languages. Our summer staff team consists of two teacher Chaperones who accompany the participants from Givat Haviva, a Program Director, an Educational Manager, and two Counselors. Between the various members of our staff, we always ensure the team is equipped with a mix of fluent Arabic and Hebrew language skills. Participants are also encouraged to translate for each other.
What is the program’s ‘end goal’?
The Heart to Heart program does not have a singular ‘end goal’. We recognize that the educational process of each Heart to Heart group will differ depending on the relationships participants form with one another, the political climate of that given year, and many other factors. Rather than promoting a particular political or ideological path for our participants to pursue, we seek to equip them with the tools, experiences, and relationships they need to feel empowered to determine what their own ‘end goals’ may be. This is reflected in our Educational Journey and Goals.
Why support Heart to Heart?
At Heart to Heart, we are building a generation of leaders who will both recognize the importance of creating a truly shared society and possess the skills they need to make it a reality. This work is fundamental to ensuring an equitable and democratic future in Israel.
You can support the program by making a contribution through our Donate Page or by joining our Mailing List today. You can also click here to find out the many other ways to get involved with and support Heart to Heart. We hope you will join us to continue making this incredible journey a reality for the next generation of young Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel!
Givat Haviva runs many programs based in their campus in Israel as well as in participating schools and communities. In these spaces they challenge participants to question their identities and worldviews, but this work is made more difficult by the fact that participants return home to their families and friends each day, and are immediately surrounded by the ‘status quo’ once again. Holding the program far away from their everyday lives provides participants with the space they need to develop their relationships and opinions independent of their home environment, and to fully process the programming in which they are participating.
For most of our participants, Heart to Heart is the first time they have travelled so far from home, and certainly the first trip they have taken without their families. Experiencing this new adventure together is an important step in solidifying the sense of community and trust within the group, and helps participants to form a unique group identity.
Furthermore, Canada itself has a lot to offer in the way of content. Programming includes a visit to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, as well as discussions about bilingualism and the history of Canada’s First Nations. These topics all offer valuable opportunities for participants to explore issues of democracy, multiculturalism, diaspora communities, discrimination and integration from new perspectives, and make connections to these aspects of their own society.
In what language does the program operate?
The program is officially run in English, although participants always have access to translators in their native languages. Our summer staff team consists of two teacher Chaperones who accompany the participants from Givat Haviva, a Program Director, an Educational Manager, and two Counselors. Between the various members of our staff, we always ensure the team is equipped with a mix of fluent Arabic and Hebrew language skills. Participants are also encouraged to translate for each other.
What is the program’s ‘end goal’?
The Heart to Heart program does not have a singular ‘end goal’. We recognize that the educational process of each Heart to Heart group will differ depending on the relationships participants form with one another, the political climate of that given year, and many other factors. Rather than promoting a particular political or ideological path for our participants to pursue, we seek to equip them with the tools, experiences, and relationships they need to feel empowered to determine what their own ‘end goals’ may be. This is reflected in our Educational Journey and Goals.
Why support Heart to Heart?
At Heart to Heart, we are building a generation of leaders who will both recognize the importance of creating a truly shared society and possess the skills they need to make it a reality. This work is fundamental to ensuring an equitable and democratic future in Israel.
You can support the program by making a contribution through our Donate Page or by joining our Mailing List today. You can also click here to find out the many other ways to get involved with and support Heart to Heart. We hope you will join us to continue making this incredible journey a reality for the next generation of young Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel!
Year-Round Staff
Jenny Isaacs Director |
Jacob Mazer Communications manager |
2019 Summer Staff
Anat Shoval |
Samira Assi |
Aaron Rotenberg |
Maya Biderman |
Mohammad Al-Hroub |
Jenny Isaacs
Director
Jenny has been engaged in community building and social justice education for over ten years. Through her involvement with Hashomer Hatzair, Jenny began her work with Heart to Heart in 2012. Jenny holds a BA from the University of Toronto in Diaspora and Transnational Studies as well as a Masters of Teaching from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at the University of Toronto. In addition to her work with Heart to Heart, she is a teacher, and a co-organizer of Base, a pluralistic Beit Midrash in downtown Toronto.
In 2016, Jenny received the Ve'ahavta Emerging Leader Tikun Olam Award for her work in Heart to Heart. Click here to see a short video shown at the event featuring Jenny sharing her thoughts on the meaning of her work. Jenny is currently the social justice Scholar-in-Residence of Darchei Noam Congregation. In October, 2017 she presented at the Empathy for Peace Conference in Italy.
Director
Jenny has been engaged in community building and social justice education for over ten years. Through her involvement with Hashomer Hatzair, Jenny began her work with Heart to Heart in 2012. Jenny holds a BA from the University of Toronto in Diaspora and Transnational Studies as well as a Masters of Teaching from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at the University of Toronto. In addition to her work with Heart to Heart, she is a teacher, and a co-organizer of Base, a pluralistic Beit Midrash in downtown Toronto.
In 2016, Jenny received the Ve'ahavta Emerging Leader Tikun Olam Award for her work in Heart to Heart. Click here to see a short video shown at the event featuring Jenny sharing her thoughts on the meaning of her work. Jenny is currently the social justice Scholar-in-Residence of Darchei Noam Congregation. In October, 2017 she presented at the Empathy for Peace Conference in Italy.
Jacob Mazer
Communications Manager
Jacob recently graduated from Ryerson with a BFA in New Media. He's looking to use his degree, along with a decade in the Hashomer Hatzair community towards the best possible outreach and communication possible for Heart to Heart.
Communications Manager
Jacob recently graduated from Ryerson with a BFA in New Media. He's looking to use his degree, along with a decade in the Hashomer Hatzair community towards the best possible outreach and communication possible for Heart to Heart.
Samira Assi
Samira Assi - Chaperone
Samira is a teacher and a group facilitator for the 2018 Cohort of Heart to Heart. She believes in equality, social justice and acceptance of the other in order to build a shared society.
Samira is a teacher and a group facilitator for the 2018 Cohort of Heart to Heart. She believes in equality, social justice and acceptance of the other in order to build a shared society.
Anat Shoval
Anat Shoval - Chaperone
Anat is a multicultural group facilitator. For the last ten years she has been a course facilitator working with students at various universities and colleges. These courses dealt with social involvement, leadership and debate and dialogue between Jews and Arabs. In addition, she conducts seminars and youth programs on the subjects of dialogue and coexistence. This is how she arrived at Givat Haviva and the Heart to Heart program. She believes in a multicultural society and that Arab and Jewish youth continuing to meet contributes to reducing alienation, ignorance, and prejudice. She is able to witness the changes students, youth, and children make after their meetings and working together. She looks forward to significant and fruitful service in Canada along with the group and staff.
Anat is a multicultural group facilitator. For the last ten years she has been a course facilitator working with students at various universities and colleges. These courses dealt with social involvement, leadership and debate and dialogue between Jews and Arabs. In addition, she conducts seminars and youth programs on the subjects of dialogue and coexistence. This is how she arrived at Givat Haviva and the Heart to Heart program. She believes in a multicultural society and that Arab and Jewish youth continuing to meet contributes to reducing alienation, ignorance, and prejudice. She is able to witness the changes students, youth, and children make after their meetings and working together. She looks forward to significant and fruitful service in Canada along with the group and staff.
Aaron Rotenberg
Aaron Rotenberg - Summer Educational Manager
Aaron has held a variety of roles in Heart to Heart including as an Educational Facilitator in the summers of 2014 and 2015, tripper in 2016 and 2017, and as the Educational Manager in the summer of 2018. He is passionate about creating judgement-free conversational spaces where young people can explore complex issues and develop active and compassionate listening skills. Aaron has years of experience working with young people in identity-based programming including as a Jewish educator in Toronto and as a coordinator for the International Council of Jews and Christians where he organized an interfaith conference for young Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Aaron lived in Israel for two-and-a-half years during which time he was active in Jewish-Palestinian solidarity movements and activism. Aaron currently serves as the Spiritual Leader of Annex Shul and as the Interim Director of Hillel at the University of Toronto.
Aaron has held a variety of roles in Heart to Heart including as an Educational Facilitator in the summers of 2014 and 2015, tripper in 2016 and 2017, and as the Educational Manager in the summer of 2018. He is passionate about creating judgement-free conversational spaces where young people can explore complex issues and develop active and compassionate listening skills. Aaron has years of experience working with young people in identity-based programming including as a Jewish educator in Toronto and as a coordinator for the International Council of Jews and Christians where he organized an interfaith conference for young Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Aaron lived in Israel for two-and-a-half years during which time he was active in Jewish-Palestinian solidarity movements and activism. Aaron currently serves as the Spiritual Leader of Annex Shul and as the Interim Director of Hillel at the University of Toronto.
Maya Biderman
Maya Biderman - Summer 2018 Counsellor
Maya is thrilled to join the Heart to Heart team, after admiring the program for years. She is a health student completing her Masters at Dalhousie University. Before her masters, she spent many summers as a camper and staff member at Camp Shomria. There she learned to be a powerful, well-spoken, empathetic, critically-thinking leader, and taught a multitude of ages how to be the same. She now turns her focus to the generation of youth that will go on to make changes in their communities back home.
Maya is thrilled to join the Heart to Heart team, after admiring the program for years. She is a health student completing her Masters at Dalhousie University. Before her masters, she spent many summers as a camper and staff member at Camp Shomria. There she learned to be a powerful, well-spoken, empathetic, critically-thinking leader, and taught a multitude of ages how to be the same. She now turns her focus to the generation of youth that will go on to make changes in their communities back home.
Mohammad Alhroub
Mohammad Al-Hroub - Summer 2018 Counsellor
Mohammad was born and raised in Bethlehem city. He earned his undergraduate degree in Geography and Urban Studies, a minor in Earth and Environmental Science from Al-Quds University in Jerusalem. He is passionate about peace building, social change, and an active person in his communities. He was the Head of his village youth council, afterwards participating in the New Story Leadership program in Washington D.C. There, he improved his leadership skills and storytelling in addition to public speaking. Later on, he joined the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, where he did his internship in the Center for Trans-boundary Water Management. He worked on a cooperative agricultural development project between Palestinian-Israeli communities to improve the income inflow and economy. He also participated in a project for building long-term cross-border environmental agreements between Palestine, Jordan and Israel to foster environmental sustainability in the region. Mohammad has worked on many different youth projects, such as the youth achievement project and multiple other summer camps. He is very eager to follow his goals as one of the counselors for this summer at Camp Shomria!
Mohammad was born and raised in Bethlehem city. He earned his undergraduate degree in Geography and Urban Studies, a minor in Earth and Environmental Science from Al-Quds University in Jerusalem. He is passionate about peace building, social change, and an active person in his communities. He was the Head of his village youth council, afterwards participating in the New Story Leadership program in Washington D.C. There, he improved his leadership skills and storytelling in addition to public speaking. Later on, he joined the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, where he did his internship in the Center for Trans-boundary Water Management. He worked on a cooperative agricultural development project between Palestinian-Israeli communities to improve the income inflow and economy. He also participated in a project for building long-term cross-border environmental agreements between Palestine, Jordan and Israel to foster environmental sustainability in the region. Mohammad has worked on many different youth projects, such as the youth achievement project and multiple other summer camps. He is very eager to follow his goals as one of the counselors for this summer at Camp Shomria!
Awareness and fundraising are the paramount responsibilities of the Heart to Heart Fundraising and Community Building Committee (HHC). The primary tool for fulfilling these responsibilities is through holding fundraising and community building events.
The HHC defines annual goals and objectives, and ensures that the resources and community support needed to maintain and expand Heart to Heart’s impact in the future are secured. The HHC plans and executes key events including “Building Heart” and “Finding Common Ground - Community Reception” as well as other smaller events throughout the year.
The HHC defines annual goals and objectives, and ensures that the resources and community support needed to maintain and expand Heart to Heart’s impact in the future are secured. The HHC plans and executes key events including “Building Heart” and “Finding Common Ground - Community Reception” as well as other smaller events throughout the year.
Updated Committee Bios and Headshots COMING SOON!
The Heart to Heart Community Advisory Committee was established with the goal of connecting community leaders with the Heart to Heart program, in order that the program may benefit from the guidance and expertise of a diverse group of Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim advisors with experience in bringing diverse communities together. Committee members attend two to three meetings per year, attend Heart to Heart events, advise on strategies for effective community outreach as well as programming and events.
Updated Committee Bios and Headshots COMING SOON!
Core Staff
Erika Richter |
Miriam Schachter |
Dalia Krusner |
Eyal Rosenblum |
Summer Staff
Fatima Ahmed |
Becca Lash |
Judah Kauffman |
Rachel Cohen |
Dawit Demoz |
Amal Medlij |
Isaac Kates Rose |
Mihal Golan |
Givat Haviva Chaperones
Robi Sapir |
Esraa Kabha |
Reema Massry |
Doron Erez |
Usnat Atamna |
Zakaria Mahameed |
Erika Richter - Interim Summer Program Director
Erika has taken on a number of different roles in Heart to Heart, including as an Educational Facilitator in the summers of 2014 and 2015, an Educational Coordinator in the summer of 2017, and an Interim Summer Program Director in the winter and and spring of 2018. She is very passionate about working with young people to tackle difficult issues and confront systemic inequalities in an effort to dismantle them. Prior to working with Heart to Heart, she spent two summers working with an American organization called Seeds of Peace that brings together youth from conflict-affected regions to engage in dialogue. She is currently completing her Masters in International Affairs and Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Carleton University.
Erika has taken on a number of different roles in Heart to Heart, including as an Educational Facilitator in the summers of 2014 and 2015, an Educational Coordinator in the summer of 2017, and an Interim Summer Program Director in the winter and and spring of 2018. She is very passionate about working with young people to tackle difficult issues and confront systemic inequalities in an effort to dismantle them. Prior to working with Heart to Heart, she spent two summers working with an American organization called Seeds of Peace that brings together youth from conflict-affected regions to engage in dialogue. She is currently completing her Masters in International Affairs and Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Carleton University.
Miriam Schachter - Summer Program Director
Miriam has been a part of the Camp Shomria community since she was a camper, and eventually moved into working with Heart to Heart! She started as a Program Coordinator in 2016, moved to Coordinator, Communications and Operations in 2017 and has now moved to working as a part of the Evaluations Committee. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design from University of Toronto, and a Masters of Education in Arts in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She decided to work for Heart to Heart due to the dedicated team and community working for and supporting all that is Heart to Heart, and her connection and years of experience with Hashomer Hatzair. She gained a much better understanding of what the Heart to Heart youth participants go through every day back home in Israel. Working, talking, laughing, and traveling with two consecutive summer cohorts allowed her to get to really know who these inspiring young people are. They are proof that Heart to Heart matters and can make a difference.
Miriam has been a part of the Camp Shomria community since she was a camper, and eventually moved into working with Heart to Heart! She started as a Program Coordinator in 2016, moved to Coordinator, Communications and Operations in 2017 and has now moved to working as a part of the Evaluations Committee. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design from University of Toronto, and a Masters of Education in Arts in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She decided to work for Heart to Heart due to the dedicated team and community working for and supporting all that is Heart to Heart, and her connection and years of experience with Hashomer Hatzair. She gained a much better understanding of what the Heart to Heart youth participants go through every day back home in Israel. Working, talking, laughing, and traveling with two consecutive summer cohorts allowed her to get to really know who these inspiring young people are. They are proof that Heart to Heart matters and can make a difference.
Dalia Krusner - Director
Dalia joined the Heart to Heart team as Program Coordinator in 2011, and has been with the program ever since. In addition to her many years of experiential education development, she holds a BA from the University of Toronto's Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies Program. Dalia is currently pursuing a dual MA in Jewish Professional Leadership and MBA in non-profit management in the Hornstein Jewish Leadership Program at Brandeis University. She is excited to return to Heart to Heart equipped with the knowledge and tools to bring the program to new levels. Dalia is also proud to be a recipient of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship.
Dalia joined the Heart to Heart team as Program Coordinator in 2011, and has been with the program ever since. In addition to her many years of experiential education development, she holds a BA from the University of Toronto's Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies Program. Dalia is currently pursuing a dual MA in Jewish Professional Leadership and MBA in non-profit management in the Hornstein Jewish Leadership Program at Brandeis University. She is excited to return to Heart to Heart equipped with the knowledge and tools to bring the program to new levels. Dalia is also proud to be a recipient of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship.
Eyal Rosenblum - Founding Program Director
Before co-founding Heart to Heart in 2010, Eyal was on the founding team for the Young Social Entrepreneurs of Canada – which became the first and largest organization in Canada to promote and support socially enterprising youth in achieving their goals. Eyal is now the Executive Director at Operation Groundswell, an NGO that provides service learning programs around the world for young people.
Before co-founding Heart to Heart in 2010, Eyal was on the founding team for the Young Social Entrepreneurs of Canada – which became the first and largest organization in Canada to promote and support socially enterprising youth in achieving their goals. Eyal is now the Executive Director at Operation Groundswell, an NGO that provides service learning programs around the world for young people.
Fatima Ahmed
Fatima Ahmed - Summer Program Director
Fatima Ahmed has studied towards a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Waterloo. During her career, she has been fortunate enough to work in places like the Canadian Arctic, Vanuatu and Botswana and has completed academic exchange in Sweden. Her community involvement has varied from volunteering and organizing at the grassroots level to serving as steering committee members for regional and national committees.
Fatima Ahmed has studied towards a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Waterloo. During her career, she has been fortunate enough to work in places like the Canadian Arctic, Vanuatu and Botswana and has completed academic exchange in Sweden. Her community involvement has varied from volunteering and organizing at the grassroots level to serving as steering committee members for regional and national committees.
Becca Lash - Heart to Heart 2017
Becca worked as an Educational Facilitator for the Heart to Heart program during the summer of 2017. She has a BA in International Development and Environmental Studies from the University of King's College, and a Master of Arts in Social Anthropology from Dalhousie University. Becca has spent time studying conflict resolution and mediation both in Northern Ireland and Israel-Palestine. Her MA thesis focused on the migration experiences of Palestinian refugees living in Canada, and she is passionate about oral history and community-based participatory research. She also volunteers her time as a trainer and facilitator with the IfNotNow movement in Toronto. Becca is grateful for all she learned from the Heart to Heart participants of 2017.
Becca worked as an Educational Facilitator for the Heart to Heart program during the summer of 2017. She has a BA in International Development and Environmental Studies from the University of King's College, and a Master of Arts in Social Anthropology from Dalhousie University. Becca has spent time studying conflict resolution and mediation both in Northern Ireland and Israel-Palestine. Her MA thesis focused on the migration experiences of Palestinian refugees living in Canada, and she is passionate about oral history and community-based participatory research. She also volunteers her time as a trainer and facilitator with the IfNotNow movement in Toronto. Becca is grateful for all she learned from the Heart to Heart participants of 2017.
Judah Kauffman - Heart to Heart 2017
Judah is an independent radio producer and writer based in Toronto. He's spent time farming in Connecticut where he learned about land and patience, and how to grow and nourish communities. In the fall of 2016, Judah was an outdoor educator for the TEVA program, teaching students in Grades 5 and 6 about agriculture, ecological sciences, and wilderness education. In the spring of 2017, he went to a magical radio camp at the Transom Story Workshop in Woods Hole, MA. He grew up and owes his Jewish identity to Camp Ramah in Canada, which he attended for 12 very sweet years. Judah studied economics and philosophy at McGill University, and in a way that is only half ironic, also considers himself a lifelong student.
Judah is an independent radio producer and writer based in Toronto. He's spent time farming in Connecticut where he learned about land and patience, and how to grow and nourish communities. In the fall of 2016, Judah was an outdoor educator for the TEVA program, teaching students in Grades 5 and 6 about agriculture, ecological sciences, and wilderness education. In the spring of 2017, he went to a magical radio camp at the Transom Story Workshop in Woods Hole, MA. He grew up and owes his Jewish identity to Camp Ramah in Canada, which he attended for 12 very sweet years. Judah studied economics and philosophy at McGill University, and in a way that is only half ironic, also considers himself a lifelong student.
Rachel Cohen - Heart to Heart 2016
Rachel is a currently an educator in the Jewish community of Toronto, and her passions have always been for informal youth education and conflict resolution. She holds a BA from the University of Toronto, with a double major in Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies & Philosophy. Aside from being the Educational Facilitator for Heart to Heart in 2016, she has been a staff at Camp Shomria for almost ten years, and in 2017 she was the Camp Director. This past year, she lived in Israel and worked as a teacher for high school students and as the Program Leader for Operation Groundswell’s Middle East backpacking-volunteer trip. She is so grateful for all she has learned from the inspiring youth of Heart to Heart!
Rachel is a currently an educator in the Jewish community of Toronto, and her passions have always been for informal youth education and conflict resolution. She holds a BA from the University of Toronto, with a double major in Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies & Philosophy. Aside from being the Educational Facilitator for Heart to Heart in 2016, she has been a staff at Camp Shomria for almost ten years, and in 2017 she was the Camp Director. This past year, she lived in Israel and worked as a teacher for high school students and as the Program Leader for Operation Groundswell’s Middle East backpacking-volunteer trip. She is so grateful for all she has learned from the inspiring youth of Heart to Heart!
Dawit Demoz - Heart to Heart 2016
Dawit was an educational facilitator, and is currently studying psychology at York University. Dawit grew up in Eritrea and lived in Israel before he came to Canada as a refugee in 2016. In Israel, Dawit worked at Kav-LaOved, a labour rights organization, as a field worker and volunteered at various refugee organizations. Through his work and refugee life experience, Dawit has gained knowledge about human rights and social justice. In summer 2017, Dawit worked as a canoe trip leader for Project Canoe, a Toronto based non-profit that organizes canoe trips for youth. Dawit learned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but wanted to enrich his knowledge about the conflict through first hand stories and to develop skills working with youth. He then joined Heart to Heart and is glad he had the opportunity. He was inspired by the hope the youth brought and by the impact of the program on them.
Dawit was an educational facilitator, and is currently studying psychology at York University. Dawit grew up in Eritrea and lived in Israel before he came to Canada as a refugee in 2016. In Israel, Dawit worked at Kav-LaOved, a labour rights organization, as a field worker and volunteered at various refugee organizations. Through his work and refugee life experience, Dawit has gained knowledge about human rights and social justice. In summer 2017, Dawit worked as a canoe trip leader for Project Canoe, a Toronto based non-profit that organizes canoe trips for youth. Dawit learned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but wanted to enrich his knowledge about the conflict through first hand stories and to develop skills working with youth. He then joined Heart to Heart and is glad he had the opportunity. He was inspired by the hope the youth brought and by the impact of the program on them.
Amal Medlij - Heart to Heart 2012 and 2013
In 2012 and 2013, Amal joined Camp Shomria in Canada as a counselor for Heart to Heart. Amal is currently a student at Ariel University, where she studies Industrial Engineering in her 4th and last year. She grew up in Qfar Kare'a, a north Israeli village. Most recently she is working as an Arab coordinator at the university. She also exercises English with students who have special courses.
In 2012 and 2013, Amal joined Camp Shomria in Canada as a counselor for Heart to Heart. Amal is currently a student at Ariel University, where she studies Industrial Engineering in her 4th and last year. She grew up in Qfar Kare'a, a north Israeli village. Most recently she is working as an Arab coordinator at the university. She also exercises English with students who have special courses.
Isaac Kates Rose - Heart to Heart 2012
Isaac Kates Rose was a Heart to Heart counsellor for the 2012 cohort. Motivated by the incredible participants to understand their home communities, Isaac spent the following year in Jerusalem. He participated in a joint program between Harvard and Hebrew University in Jerusalem, en route to graduating from U of T with High Distinction, earning a Specialist Honor’s Degree in Middle Eastern Studies, focusing on Israel-Palestine. Isaac has since returned to Jerusalem, spending time at various Israeli human rights organizations and participating in the Dorot Fellowship. Isaac is currently working with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence as the Israel-Palestine Director of Campaigns. In his ongoing work for peace, justice, and reconciliation through joint Jewish-Palestinian nonviolent struggle, Isaac frequently remembers his campers who proved what is possible - sharing everything, from personal space to political power - when people are brave enough to try.
Isaac Kates Rose was a Heart to Heart counsellor for the 2012 cohort. Motivated by the incredible participants to understand their home communities, Isaac spent the following year in Jerusalem. He participated in a joint program between Harvard and Hebrew University in Jerusalem, en route to graduating from U of T with High Distinction, earning a Specialist Honor’s Degree in Middle Eastern Studies, focusing on Israel-Palestine. Isaac has since returned to Jerusalem, spending time at various Israeli human rights organizations and participating in the Dorot Fellowship. Isaac is currently working with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence as the Israel-Palestine Director of Campaigns. In his ongoing work for peace, justice, and reconciliation through joint Jewish-Palestinian nonviolent struggle, Isaac frequently remembers his campers who proved what is possible - sharing everything, from personal space to political power - when people are brave enough to try.
Mihal Golan - Heart to Heart 2011
Mihal was honoured to be part of bringing Heart to Heart to Camp Shomria as the first cohort's Educational Facilitator in 2011. She continued her involvement with the program in 2013 as the Summer Program Coordinator. Mihal grew up in Israel and participated in coexistence and community-building programs through her school. The opportunity to facilitate similar experiences for younger leaders was a ‘no brainer’ and became a humbling and profoundly moving experience for her. Mihal is happy to still be in touch with a number of participants from the 2011 and 2013 cohorts and went on to hold various management and development roles at Camp Shomria. She recently completed a Master of Management degree from the Schulich School of Business.
Mihal was honoured to be part of bringing Heart to Heart to Camp Shomria as the first cohort's Educational Facilitator in 2011. She continued her involvement with the program in 2013 as the Summer Program Coordinator. Mihal grew up in Israel and participated in coexistence and community-building programs through her school. The opportunity to facilitate similar experiences for younger leaders was a ‘no brainer’ and became a humbling and profoundly moving experience for her. Mihal is happy to still be in touch with a number of participants from the 2011 and 2013 cohorts and went on to hold various management and development roles at Camp Shomria. She recently completed a Master of Management degree from the Schulich School of Business.
Robi Sapir
Robi Sapir - Chaperone
Robi Sapir has been dedicated to Givat Haviva's Children Teaching Children program since 1995, and manages the program in the high school on Kibbutz Maanit, where she lives and works. She believes that this program provides her students knowledge about Israeli society as a whole, and acceptance of the other. She hopes to continue guiding Jewish and Palestinian Israeli teenagers as a part of this mission for many years to come, and to continue educating about human rights and equality for all.
Robi Sapir has been dedicated to Givat Haviva's Children Teaching Children program since 1995, and manages the program in the high school on Kibbutz Maanit, where she lives and works. She believes that this program provides her students knowledge about Israeli society as a whole, and acceptance of the other. She hopes to continue guiding Jewish and Palestinian Israeli teenagers as a part of this mission for many years to come, and to continue educating about human rights and equality for all.
Esraa Kabha
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Reema Massry
Reema is an enthusiastic English teacher at the Gvanim School in Ein Shemer. She lives in a small village near the school, called Meisser. Growing up, she learned the importance of getting to know different types of people and accepting them the way they are. As a teacher, Reema tries to teach her students to broaden their horizons to become better people through incorporating pluralistic perspectives into their lives. She is excited to continue this work through the Heart to Heart program.
Reema is an enthusiastic English teacher at the Gvanim School in Ein Shemer. She lives in a small village near the school, called Meisser. Growing up, she learned the importance of getting to know different types of people and accepting them the way they are. As a teacher, Reema tries to teach her students to broaden their horizons to become better people through incorporating pluralistic perspectives into their lives. She is excited to continue this work through the Heart to Heart program.
Doron Erez
Doron is an experienced educator, teaching in the Megiddo Regional High School. He lives nearby with his wife and three young children, and specializes in leading the schools extra-curricular programs. For the past two years, Doron has been in charge of the school's Shared Society Leadership Programs. He is passionate about teaching, inspiring and challenging children to find their own meaning and strengths in their education.
Doron is an experienced educator, teaching in the Megiddo Regional High School. He lives nearby with his wife and three young children, and specializes in leading the schools extra-curricular programs. For the past two years, Doron has been in charge of the school's Shared Society Leadership Programs. He is passionate about teaching, inspiring and challenging children to find their own meaning and strengths in their education.
Usnat Atamna
Usnat Atamna is Palestinian Arab with Israeli citizenship, living in the Palestinian Israeli town of Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Usnat works as a group facilitator at Givat Haviva for Arab-Jewish Dialogue in programs including Heart to Heart and Face to Face. She is also an English teacher in a local college and is pursuing her PhD in English Literature at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Usnat Atamna is Palestinian Arab with Israeli citizenship, living in the Palestinian Israeli town of Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Usnat works as a group facilitator at Givat Haviva for Arab-Jewish Dialogue in programs including Heart to Heart and Face to Face. She is also an English teacher in a local college and is pursuing her PhD in English Literature at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Zakaria Mahameed
Zakaria Mahameed has been the Co-Coordinator of Givat Haviva's Children Teaching Children program for over ten years. He is involved with many projects which seek to promote dialogue among Palestinian Israeli and Jewish Israeli children in the north of Israel. Zakaria is also a civics teacher at Moawya Junior High School.
Zakaria Mahameed has been the Co-Coordinator of Givat Haviva's Children Teaching Children program for over ten years. He is involved with many projects which seek to promote dialogue among Palestinian Israeli and Jewish Israeli children in the north of Israel. Zakaria is also a civics teacher at Moawya Junior High School.