Bridging Communities:
Connecting Israeli and Jewish Communities in Europe

In recent decades, Europe has welcomed a growing number of Israeli citizens seeking new opportunities and experiences. This migration has led to the development of vibrant Israeli communities in various European cities. While maintaining strong ties to Israeli culture and identity, these communities are also seeking connections within their new environments.

Many Jewish communities across Europe, particularly smaller ones, face challenges such as declining membership, aging populations, and limited resources. These factors can threaten the long-term sustainability of these communities and their institutions. The presence of growing Israeli populations presents a valuable opportunity for mutual growth, revitalization, and continued vibrancy.

ICE is dedicated to facilitating meaningful connections between Israeli expatriates and local Jewish communities. Recognizing the potential for mutual enrichment, ICE develops its communities bridging model and implements tailored programs to foster a sense of shared belonging and bridge cultural understanding.

ICE’s model for bridging Israeli and Jewish communities is the result of extensive research and analysis of previous integration efforts in Europe and beyond. This process involved:

  • Research on the specific needs and cultural nuances of both Jewish and Israeli communities on the continent.
  • Examination of successful and unsuccessful integration models in various communities.
  • A thorough understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present in each local context.

This research-driven approach has resulted in a highly effective model, currently implemented with success in cities like Athens, Frankfurt, and others. These implementations have demonstrated the model’s efficacy in creating real and meaningful connections between the communities.

ICE's Bridging Model: A Multi-Year Process

Our working model is a multi-year process structured in distinct phases:

  1. In-Depth Community Assessment: The initial phase involves conducting thorough research on the Israeli community in the target city, assessing their needs, and gauging their interest in connecting with the local Jewish community. Simultaneously, the Jewish community undergoes a process of self-reflection, identifying potential barriers to accessibility for Israelis and exploring areas of common interest.

     

  2. Model Adaptation and Implementation: Based on the research findings, the working model is tailored to the specific context of each community. The implementation includes the following key components:

     

    • Creating Shared Spaces and Events: Establishing common ground through joint events designed to bring members of both communities together. These events are structured to be inclusive and accessible, often incorporating both Hebrew and the local language, with content relevant to both groups and opportunities for interaction.
    • Information Accessibility: Making information about the Jewish community and its resources readily available to Israelis.
    • Institutional Support: Working with Jewish community institutions, including educational and welfare organizations, to provide guidance and support in the process of integrating Israelis.
    • Joint Projects: Initiating and implementing collaborative projects that engage members of both communities, fostering deeper connections and a sense of shared purpose.

Services for Jewish Communities

As part of our services to Jewish communities, we provide:

  • Community Research and Model Formulation: Conducting comprehensive research on the local community and developing a tailored working model for bridging with the Israeli population.
  • Institutional Consultation: Advising educational and welfare institutions within the community on effective strategies for integrating Israelis.
  • Community Response Development and Support: Building, supporting, and operating a dedicated community response mechanism for the Israeli population.

Let's build a bridge together

ICE’s bridging model offers a practical and effective approach to connecting Israeli expatriates with established Jewish communities in Europe. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, we aim to strengthen both communities and ensure a vibrant future for Jewish life in Europe.

Jewish communities interested in exploring the possibility of implementing our bridging model are invited to contact us here:

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