The public is familiar with Ultra Orthodox Jewry from an unfavorable point of view; stones thrown at passers by, burning garbage cans, non-recognition of marriages, isolation from Israeli society, etc.
We are very pleased to be seeking funding for an Ultra-Orthodox nonprofit, with the blessing of their Rebbe, for a project showing the positive and tolerant side to this sector, one that the public doesn't hear about. This specific Hassidic community is actively bringing together their followers with secular and religious non-Haredi Jews in Jerusalem.
This Hassidic community follows its own method of easing the spiritual distress amongst the Jewish people, one which is influenced by the polarization and alienation between two parts of society, the Ultra Orthodox and the secular. We are seeking foundations in Israel and abroad to help fund and increase the span of this worthy activity.
The project’s seminar center hosts face-to-face meetings between the two populations. These meetings allow for the removal of the walls of suspicion and hatred which traditionally exist between them. These Hassidim believe that through the breaching of the walls between them and the different streams of Jewish Israeli society will make Israel both socially and economically healthier. The Ultra Orthodox sector will open up to the work force and the secular sector will be more willing to absorb them.
The meetings begin by each of the individuals presenting themselves to the other group participants including their presumptions about the opposing group. Following this initial stage, the volunteers from the Ultra Orthodox sector describe their lives as members of their community - including a typical day – and point out what they feel they have in common with members of the secular sector.
Next, the large group is divided into smaller groups composed of Ultra Orthodox and secular members. Each group addresses a different aspect of polarization and suggests solutions.
At the end of the meeting, each of the participants is asked to comment whether their opinion about the other sector has changed, if only a little.
Thousands of visitors visit the site: school children, university students, soldiers, policemen and professionals from all walks of life. This Hassidic community is interested in broadening these activities both by increasing the number of visitors as well as up-grading the Center.
For further information please contact Yossi Tsurel TSUREL - The Bridge
tsurel@012.net.il
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