American Friends of Hand in Hand

For more than two decades Hand in Hand has nurtured meaningful, ongoing interactions between Jews and Arabs, and advanced shared society in Israel. 

Today 99% of Arab and Jewish children learn in separate schools. This institutionalized separation throughout Israel's education system perpetuates ignorance, prejudice and friction. Hand in Hand nurtures shared society daily, even during crises like the inter-ethnic violence that took hold of Israel in May 2021. Israel's only network of bilingual integrated schools, Hand in Hand addresses the urgent need for shared society education and works towards a sustainable, viable and equitable society for all.

Beyond the walls of our many classrooms, Hand in Hand engages thousands of Jewish and Arab citizens – parents, community members, alumni, and students – in shared community programs. By participating in joint events, such as holiday celebrations, dialogue workshops, language classes, sporting competitions, field trips, and more, adults create bonds of friendship and solidarity that form the foundation for a more integrated, equal society.