Hiburim - Beit shean and the Emek

Beit Shean, a socioeconomically depressed, periphery development town in northern Israel, is further destabilized by having the highest incidence of divorce in the country. More than 43% of the population falls into the category of "at-risk". A myriad of social ills plague the city. In response to repeated, urgent requests from the Municipality of Beit Shean to Keren Kachilot (umbrella organization), a special branch of this Israeli non-profit for community empowerment called Tsror Hamor was set up as a core group community in the city in order to alleviate its educational and social problems. The group is comprised of idealistic, religious Zionist individuals and families who effect social and religious development. The mission: to strengthen and enrich this struggling community so that it can integrate and contribute to Israeli society as an entity. The core group employs a unique method of social outreach. They identify a need for growth in the community. Not relying solely on social programming and funding, they bring professionals and volunteers deep into neighborhoods in need; they are community servants with a vision; giving individuals, acting as catalysts for communal growth. And they move mountains. The initial 6 families and 25 volunteer students of 2005 have grown to the 48 families of today (educators and social service professionals) and 70 volunteers (students taking part in work-study programs). The group has made great strides in its mission - stabilizing and empowering Beit Shean's "at-risk" populace. As a first step, a Beit Shean Yeshivat Hesder was established and is lead by Rabbi Shlomo Shushan who serves as the Chief Judge in the Rabbinical Court of Northern Israel. The Yeshiva serves as the main source of inspiration. The coordination of all community activities originates from the Yeshiva. Students develop into families who most often choose to stay and continue to strengthen the educational and social welfare of Beit Shean. The Beit Midrash serves as a center where people from the city come and learn on their own, with a partner or to participate in the learning programs as students. Tsror Hamor works in cooperation with the Municipality of Beit Shean, Ministries of Education, Religion, Rehabilitation, Bitachon and the Development of the Negev and the Galilee. Social, educational and outreach programs are in progress. Services for Youth-at-Risk and Beyond (venue: Beit Shean's Neve Hanahal Community Center) 1- Remedial Teaching Center (Mercaz L'Mida): Operates five centers designed to: a- close educational gaps in weak students; provides private tutoring in a variety of academic subjects b- provide "big brothers and sisters" who extend individual attention and morale support c- assist students in preparation of matriculation exams d- provide a warm social environment – punctuated by special events & holiday celebrations 2- Beneficial Community Communications (using modern social media tools): a- Youth Broadcasting System – teaching youth methods of usage; learning process: incorporating concepts, creating content, getting started- production- finished product and feedback; creating blogs -giving and receiving constructive criticism in the context of creating content; information about youth activities, new urbanism, areas of interest in professionalism, improving self and community image, communication between at-risk and thriving youth b- Community Communication relating to all sectors of population c- Weekly Editions: culture, art, music, education, political opinion FAMILY SERVICE 1- Headquarters manned by intake social worker: She listens to, evaluates and refers clients to the appropriate counselor 2- Marriage counselors are trained professionals (having earned MA degrees in counseling). 3- Troubled couples are matched up with volunteer functioning families. They spend weekends and holidays together. These accompanying families receive free counseling and courses and they, in turn, become very high-functioning families. 4- Marriage counseling courses are offered to all clients at nominal fees. INCLUDING KINDERGARTNERS (Project initiated by Director of Project Renewal, Ami Shmuel and was implemented successfully in Kiriyat Shmonah) 1- Connecting kindergarten children to urban renewal project through the experiential learning and singing of traditional songs that inspire identification with Zionistic Judaism. 2- This is accomplished through informal visits to 18 kindergarten classrooms 1x weekly. FUTURE PLANS: LEADERSHIP TRAINING – COMMUNITY DIRECTION There is great community diversity in Beit Shean. This creates an urgent need for leaders, mediators and coordinators who will represent the interests of members of every origin and age group. The plan is slated for at least four years of leadership training- qualifying skilled leaders who will: 1- serve the community in all branches of activities (education, religious training, sports, health, welfare) 2- investigate community needs, intensifying social activities, charity and volunteering within the community 3- organize joint initiatives, and activities that require a union between different communities 4- rally for residential improvement and neighborhood beautification Facilitating the Plan 1- Leadership training will be accomplished by a group facilitator experienced in community leadership. 2- Recruitment of families outside the community training program will expand the core group in Beit Shean. Enhanced community life will further encourage expansion of the core group. 3- At the end of the first year of training, students may be integrated into different communities in the city. 4- The leaders of the communities will be integrated into the various educational systems. 5- Leaders will take community mediation courses in order to be qualified in the art and science of negotiation. 6- Training of additional 25-38 educators involved in projects involving children to, youth, women, men, and seniors. The activities will create common ground between all the participating communities. The success of Tzror Hamor's community work is a testimony to the commitment of its persevering members. However, many more counselors, educators and leaders must join our ranks in order to rehabilitate the vulnerable sector and to build a bright future for the communities of Beit Shean. Contributors include: Municipality of Beit Shean, Keren Kehilot, Misrad Hashikum and the MIsrad HaBitachon, Hinuch, Datot, Shikun, Pituach Hanegev and Hagalil, Iryat Beit Shean, Keren Shoresh, Yad Hanadiv, Keren Meromim, Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain Due to the great diversity of constituent (ethnic) communities in the neighborhoods in Beit Shean whose interests often conflict, future plans include a leadership training program.The program has already been formulated. Educators, social welfare workers, health practitioners, mediators and other social professionals must receive a vigorous 4-year guidance course by the existing core members of Tsror Hamor so that they can lead the communities of Beit Shean in activities and services in every facet of community life. They will encourage common interests and cooperation between divergent groups . These leaders will incorporate into schools, community centers and existing health and social service centers. The success of Tsror Hamor's community work is a testimony to the commitment of its persevering members. However, many more counselors, educators and leaders must join our ranks in order to rehabilitate the large vulnerable sector of Beit Shean and to build lasting stability within families and mediation and intensity of joint activities between the communities. Knowing that the values of Young Israel of West Hemstead mesh with those of Tsror Hamor, we believe that we would enjoy a mutually fulfilling partnership in strengthening the City of Beit Shean.