We deeply hope that you and your family are safe and healthy during this uncertain time. While we know that everyone everywhere is coping with the impact of this rapidly evolving situation, we felt it important to update you on how we are coping with the COVID-19 crisis at Hand in Hand. All of us feel the weight of our responsibility to our schools and communities, and to Israeli society more broadly, particularly right now.
Our schools, like all Israeli public schools, have been closed since Sunday, March 15th. Our teachers have quickly stepped up to learn distance learning techniques. As you can imagine, adapting to this new reality, both for teachers and students will take time. And still, our teachers are working hard to maintain a routine, teaching online and sending materials so that students stay focused and connected. A silver lining - this also provides an opportunity to explore and embrace the best of digital learning for the future.
Our communities have regrouped as well. Because Israelis are legally required to remain at home unless absolutely necessary, our community frameworks have also had to adapt our programs, overnight. Whether through organizing virtual study and dialogue sessions, Arabic lessons, and even yoga classes. We are also working hard to identify vulnerable families in our community and see how we can offer help, support and hope at this time.
Managing the uncertainty. Like many organizations, we are forced to cut back on costs and consider how we get through this uncertain period. These measures are still being figured out and we will keep you updated on this.
Looking ahead. While coping with the day to day of this reality, we continue to plan for next year and use this time to strengthen ourselves as an organization. One shining light right now is the possibility of establishing a Hand in Hand school in the neighboring towns of Rosh Haayin and Kfar Qasem, and to provide educational enrichment programs in Nof HaGalil (formerly Nazareth Illit). While the current COVID-19 crisis may slow things down, we are working hard to take advantage of these opportunities to expand shared living to more places in Israel. We will share more details as things develop.
Many of you have reached out and we can’t thank you deeply enough for your continued support and partnership within what is a very challenging time that is affecting every one of us. We will keep you updated as the situation develops here. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have or if you’d like to discuss things more in a conversation. It’s the kindness and support that we give to each other that will help us get through these unprecedented times.
Our hopes for your health and well-being,
Dani Elazar Rebecca Bardach CEO Director of Resource Development and Strategy