Lod: Shared Society
Lod is one of the seven mixed Jewish-Arab cities in Israel, located about 15 km Southeast of Tel Aviv. In its diversity, Lod is a microcosm of Israel. This city, of 70% Jewish and 30% Arab residents, represents the complexity of Israeli society, bringing together communities with diverse backgrounds, languages, and traditions.
Building Community in a Diverse City
While it has many challenges, Lod has also seen a remarkable surge of activism over the last few years, which is starting to create real change in the city. Community leaders and activists have created community centres, youth programming, and other initiatives to support residents with the help of many volunteers. Fellows here work at the grassroots level to support these positive changes and get an deep understanding of shared society in Israel.
Creating Change Through Local Partnership
We collaborate with established community organizations addressing Lod's most pressing social needs. In Lod, at times, you will look at things through the lenses of co-existence, and the conflict.
El Rashadiya School
This elementary school serves Lod’s Arab population in the city. Fellows here assist teachers through English language programming and support both inside and outside of the classroom.
This organization has a unique approach to co-existence in Israel, immersing Jews from all walks of life in Arabic Language studies. In the village of Abu Ghosh, participants are provided with host families, volunteer placements, and technical Arabic language education. Yahel Fellows assist Blend.ar in a professional capacity, helping with English-written promotional materials, web design and marketing, and writing essential grant applications.
Agricultural School
The farm school in Lod is a unique space that brings together elementary school-age children for an hour a week from their respective schools. Here they learn basic gardening, farming and food preparation skills. For some, this is the first and maybe only place they meet other young people from different communities. Our fellows assist this organization with farm maintenance and assisting the teachers with the young attendees.
The Young Adult Center
Located in the heart of the city, this prominent youth center offers vocational training and career counseling, engages young adults in social action, organizes cultural and social events, provides employment and college guidance counselling, and more. Yahel fellows provide a variety of event, activity and English language programming, with the center encouraging Fellows to take initiative to deliver projects.
I feel like I received a truly in-depth exploration into Israeli society. I left with a much firmer understanding of those perspectives, and the challenges faced by communities living in Israel, and that is something I value immensely.
