A group of Bat Mitzva girls (twelve year olds who come of age, according to Jewish tradition) and their mothers from Panama City’s “Magen David” Jewish Day School arrived in Israel to tour the country and to visit Ariel in honor of Jerusalem Day. The visit was the first step developing a relationship between both communities, via the “Ohr Zevulun” school in Ariel and “Magen David” in Panama City.
When the group arrived at Ohr Zevulun a ceremony was held featuring the mandolin musicians of the school, a special dance by the girls and greetings by Mayor Ron Nachman. Then the visiting girls and their hosts sang songs about Jerusalem, conducted by Yochai Atias, Manager of the “From Genesis” program.
After lunch the group, guided by Milka Grosz, toured Ariel. The tour ended at the Ariel National Leadership Development Center, where each of the girls planted a tree donated by Keren Kayamet L’Israel.
A cornerstone was laid and was broadcast live via satellite last Sukkot holiday at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem. Mayor Ron Nachman, Director of "Golden Bridges" Adv. Yehuda Zaritzky and IDF soldiers were present. At the same time a similar ceremony was held in Panama City at the “Magen David” school. During this live event it was agreed by the Mayor and by Rabbi Moti Cohen, the Principal of “Magen David”, that in honor of Jerusalem Day and in honor of Ariel (whose name is synonymous with Jerusalem), Bat Mitzva girls from Panama will visit and meet Bat Mitzva girls from Ariel.
After a full day of activity in Ariel the group arrived at Antenna Hill for the main event of Jerusalem Day, with the participation of President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, Chairman of the Knesset and other political figures.
The intention of both Adv. Zaritzky and Mayor Nachman is to establish a relationship in order to provide an example for more schools in Israel, and to create lasting bonds and strengthen ties between Israel and the Diaspora, thereby marking the centrality of Israel in the Jewish world for generations to come.
