{"id":7630,"date":"2017-06-18T14:33:16","date_gmt":"2017-06-18T11:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beit-daniel.org.il\/?page_id=7630\/"},"modified":"2026-06-04T12:59:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T09:59:52","slug":"shonim-byahad-embracing-differences-abroad","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.beit-daniel.org.il\/en\/education-department\/shonim-byahad-embracing-differences-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"Shonim Beyachad: Embracing Our Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shonim Beyachad: Building a More Inclusive Israeli Society Through Art<\/h3>\n

Now in its 12th year, the Shonim Beyachad educational arts initiative has inspired thousands of students and visitors by promoting the values of equality, tolerance, inclusion, and respect for our shared humanity.<\/p>\n

Each year, students from diverse backgrounds and age groups create original artwork reflecting these values. The project culminates in a public exhibition showcasing selected pieces chosen by a distinguished panel of arts and education professionals. The winning works are enlarged and displayed at prominent public venues, including Dizengoff Center\u2014one of Israel’s busiest shopping destinations in the heart of Tel Aviv\u2014and Jaffa Port, a major cultural and tourist destination.<\/p>\n

From Sarasota to Tel Aviv<\/h3>\n

Shonim Beyachad was inspired by Embracing Our Differences<\/em>, a successful educational arts program founded in Sarasota, Florida, with the support of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Through our partnership with the Jewish Federation and its continued encouragement, we brought this powerful model to Israel and established Shonim Beyachad in Tel Aviv.<\/p>\n

National Recognition and Leadership Support<\/h3>\n

Over the years, Shonim Beyachad has received recognition from some of Israel’s most respected national leaders.<\/p>\n

In 2015, at the project’s opening ceremony, we were honored to welcome Mrs. Nechama Rivlin, First Lady of Israel, and Mr. Asaf Zamir, then Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv. Both spoke passionately about the importance of fostering tolerance, inclusion, and mutual understanding among Israel’s youth.<\/p>\n

Following the event, Mrs. Rivlin wrote on the President of Israel’s official Facebook page:<\/p>\n

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“This exhibition can teach us all a lesson about humanity, tolerance and inclusion. On patience and the love of humankind. We must have this hope, the ability of the youth to feel, even beyond what you see. To look forward. I am hopeful that this wonderful project will continue to succeed and will be a center for encounters between youths of different religions, ethnicities, and sectors of society.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

More recently, President Isaac Herzog formally recognized Shonim Beyachad by inviting participating students to the President’s Personal Residence to share their experiences and discuss the impact of the project on their lives. This meaningful gesture affirmed the national importance of creating opportunities for young people from different backgrounds to connect, learn from one another, and celebrate their common humanity.<\/p>\n

More Important Than Ever<\/h3>\n

Today, Israeli society faces significant social challenges that test the delicate fabric of our shared community. At such a time, programs that promote understanding, inclusion, and equality are more important than ever.<\/p>\n

We are especially proud that Shonim Beyachad has extended its reach beyond Israel. Winning artwork from the exhibition has been displayed in communities throughout the United States, including Atlanta, Washington, DC, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, and other cities.<\/p>\n

Participating congregations and organizations have included:<\/p>\n