At the heart of our Jewish identity lies the belief in Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh—all Jews are responsible for one another. This value is beautifully exemplified in the Partnership2Gether (P2G) program, a cornerstone initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh that connects our Pittsburgh community with the people of Karmiel and Misgav in Israel and with members of the Jewish community in Warsaw, Poland.

P2G is more than just a partnership; it’s a bridge. Through shared programs, reciprocal visits and meaningful collaborations, P2G allows us to build connections between Pittsburghers and Israelis that deepen our understanding of one another’s lives, share in celebrations and challenges and develop lifelong friendships. For many, it’s an opportunity to experience Israel not as a distant place but as a home filled with friends, shared values and a collective vision for a vibrant Jewish future.

As community-building organizations, JCCs across North America and their closest partners have responded to October 7th with educational initiatives, arts and culture experiences, rallies, vigils, partnerships with sister cities in Israel, outreach to Israelis living in our communities, and – of course – the daily menu of activities that strengthen Jewish knowledge, pride and connection, which have guided our work in our local Jewish community for the last 130 years. And thanks to the generous support of The iCenter, The Jewish Education Project, The Jewish Agency for Israel, The Jim Joseph Foundation, and Shorashim, just yesterday, our Senior Director of Jewish Life and Director of the Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement, Rabbi Hindy Finman, landed in Israel as part of a cohort of JCC Jewish Life professionals to better understand Israel today and the impact of October 7th.

But instead of heading to Israel just for this important learning session, Rabbi Hindy and our Second Floor teens and staff leveraged the trip into an opportunity to strengthen the connection between Pittsburgh and the Karmiel Misgav region. The goal was simple – fill a duffle bag with items for young children to play with during their time spent in bomb shelters due to the war in and around Israel.

And as Rabbi Hindy walked through customs at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, she was met by Yossi Gal, father of our good friend and colleague, Shaked Gal, the Karmiel Misgav Diller Teen Fellows Coordinator and Emma Kaufmann Camp alum. Yossi was beyond excited to receive the duffle bag of goodies and yet again people from different corners of the world were brought together by our shared responsibility for one another.

That’s what makes Pittsburgh and Pittsburghers so unique – our spirit of collaboration and partnership. The P2G program reminds us that our community stretches beyond borders and that together, we can inspire the next generation to embrace their heritage and uphold Jewish continuity. It is incumbent all of us to ensure that these connections flourish and that the spirit of togetherness remains central to our shared story.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,

Jason