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Jerusalem bilingual school promotes coexistence

A bicultural school in Jerusalem has put the political conflict aside and is building a better future for Arab and Jewish students.

David Silverman/Getty Images
Hebrew and Arabic books lie on a table in the fourth grade classroom at the Hand in Hand Center for Jewish-Arab Education Oct. 9, 2007, in Jerusalem, Israel. — David Silverman/Getty Images

As violence and hatred escalate between Palestinians and Israelis, especially in Jerusalem, many Israelis and Palestinians have come to realize that coexistence and reconciliation are the optimal solution to achieve peace and tranquility for the next generation, and that education is the cornerstone to a secure future.

Binational schools that teach Arab and Jewish students side by side in Jerusalem and Israel have put the political conflict aside and are working on building a better future for Arab and Jewish children.

The Hand in Hand bilingual school promotes peace and coexistence between Arabs and Jews to build a better future for the next generations. It was first established in 1997 in the Katamon area between East and West Jerusalem. 

Both Arab and Jewish staff work at the school, which welcomes Arab, Jewish and Christian students from kindergarten until secondary school. It enjoys the support of British, German and American institutions and partnerships, including the New Israel Fund.

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