A New Way

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This year four schools in Lod are participating in multi-cultural projects organized by

For the sixth year A New Way is running a project in the sciences, the arts, and on multiculturalism at schools in Lod. This year the organization extended the project to four schools: Ha'banim and El-Rashidiya, Hama'apilim and Al-Zahara.

Besides a science workshop held at the Science Museum in Holon, the pupils participate in workshops which teach basic concepts and  and develop talents in music and drama. Via music and drama the children are exposed to the culture of  'the other' and to the features common to all, like social values (friendship, mutual help, respect for parents), and a closeness to nature and its preservation (seasons, the connection to animals). The  different aspects are shown in an equal presentation for both cultures.

Major General (ret.) Amos Lapidot is Chair of A New Way and devotes his time to questions of education. "Our organization is trying to break the ring of alienation and enmity through meetings between Jewish and Arab schools, attended by pupils, parents, teachers, and volunteers," states Lapidot, and adds: "We believe that via joint activities and experience it is possible to reduce the feeling of alienation, especially in a mixed town such as Lod. The direct meeting provides the possibility to get to know each other as human beings who have much in common and much that is similar. Secondly, the subjects taught are at a high level and offer many opportunities. We also encourage the parents to attend workshops and these are facilitated by psychologists of the organization."

Dr.Tikva Bracha, founder of A New Way and its executive director, talks about the pupils' meetings. "It is an amazing experience to see the children throughout the year, from the first to the last meeting. During the three hours of each meeting there is an amazing change, a change from feelings of alienation and of not belonging to feelings of great enthusiasm and a strong wish to create together and to exchange information. After fourteen meetings it is hard to distinguish between them."

The professional team of the association is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising. The is also a professional team for drama, rhythmics, and music. However, of prime importance is the professional team of volunteers who accompany the pupils at every meeting and are responsible for the level of each activity.

An important force, without which it would not be possible to run the project, are the principals and teachers who have undertaken the task. Orna Shalev, principal of Hama'apilim and Hasan Shoana (?) of Al-Zahara, for whom this is the first year, have undertaken the task with full force. Gabi Roznold, principal of HaBanim and Othman Tsartsur, principal of El-Rashidiya, have already been leading this project in their schools for six years. At all of these schools excellent teachers have been chosen to direct the projects.

After years of neglect, it can be noted with satisfaction at A New Way that, at least for the last two years, the mayor, the director, and the heads of the department of education recognize the contribution of A New Way to the town of Lod. "It is very important," adds Dr Bracha, "that the municipality of Lod is committed to the projects and supports them. In parallel it is then possible to ask foundations and also private individuals to donate. Recently we turned to business concerns in Lod to get their support for the important project of  promoting education in multiculturalism in their town. Under the quote 'charity begins at home' the lead in donations, for the second year, was taken by Orian-Agish which also last week hosted the forum of businessmen. In addition, donations were made by Prolog, Avia'd, Cargo GSC, Airgate,  and Emex