American Friends of Kidum

American Friends of Kidum (AFK), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to increasing awareness and financial support for the educational initiatives of the Society for Advancement of Education, Jerusalem (SAE).

SAE initiates, develops, and operates educational solutions for youth in nine middle and high schools, in seven residential schools, and through a growing variety of innovative educational programs and projects.  Each is designed to help youth realize their full academic potential and contribute to Israeli society. 

Responding to the needs of numerous sectors within Israeli society (ultra-orthodox, modern orthodox, secular, Arab), SAE offers optimal opportunities for education and success to all the country’s children. 

One of those schools is Sindiana - the first Arab Youth Village for Leadership. Launched with 200 coed students in three grades in 2017, Sindiana now has over 450 students from grades 7 through 12. The first class of 8 girls and 10 boys graduated in the midst of the pandemic in June 2020. 

While only about half of Israelis graduate with a matriculation certificate (Bagrut), 85% of students in SAE schools and residences earn a matriculation diploma. 

AFK hosts education and information programs, cultivates relationships, and serves as a vital connection between SAE and its friends, supporters and alumni in the U.S.