Jerusalem has the largest education system in Israel, serving approximately 300,000 pupils. This system includes hundreds of Jewish schools, primarily in the western part of the city, and Arab schools in the east. These schools operate in separate areas, speak different languages, and follow different curricula. Over the past decade, increasing effort has been made to build bridges between East and West Jerusalem, with the goal of strengthening the city’s shared fabric of daily life.
At the heart of this effort stands ‘Learning Together’, a groundbreaking program that brings Jewish and Arab pupils and educators into meaningful, ongoing encounters throughout the school year. The program is based on a model developed in Northern Ireland, where Protestant and Catholic schools began learning together after decades of conflict. Adapting that approach to Jerusalem’s unique reality, ‘Learning Together’ pairs Jewish and Arab classes that study together on a regular basis, guided by teachers who design joint lessons and activities. The classroom becomes a space not only for academic learning but also for dialogue, discovery, and mutual respect.
Implemented within the formal education system, in collaboration with the Jerusalem Foundation, educational mentors, and academic partners, the program promotes empathy, understanding, and shared responsibility among the city’s youth.
A central pillar of this initiative is the ‘Learning Together Ambassadors Program’, which trains dedicated educators to lead this work within their schools. These ambassadors serve as bridge builders, helping embed shared learning into everyday school life and inspiring both pupils and educators.
Following the events of October 7, when fear and uncertainty deeply affected communities across the city, this work became more vital than ever. Paused last year due to the war, the program resumed this year as planned, reaffirming the belief that education can be a powerful force for healing and resilience.
As the 2025/26 school year unfolds, ‘Learning Together’ enters its fifth year, continuing to build bridges of trust, hope, and connection across Jerusalem.