LOS ANGELES (Press Release)- The Israeli-American Council (IAC) and Beit Hatfutsot -The Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv have announced a new partnership to lead and expand the museum’s popular My Family Story, a family heritage program, throughout the United States.
Now in its 20th year, My Family Story is a global educational initiative and Jewish peoplehood experience in which students both research and create art displays of their families’ stories connecting them to their collective Jewish history.
The My Family Story curriculum, created at the International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies (ISJPS) at Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv, provides Jewish students ages 12-15 in Israel and worldwide, a fun, meaningful, personal, experiential and multigenerational Jewish heritage project. Through rigorous research and inspiring creativity, students and their families produce an art installation illustrating their journey into their family roots and their connection to the broader story of the Jewish people. Students also have an opportunity to win a free trip to Israel and partake in an international exhibition of My Family Story displays, celebrated annually at the Beit Hatfutsot Museum in June.
Participating countries in 2014 included Argentina, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, United States and Venezuela. Over 13,000 students representing 82 worldwide Jewish institutions joined in, with 42 winners in the international competition.
According to IAC and Beit Hatfutsot, the My Family Story program develops young people’s Jewish identity, strengthens their connection to family, to the broader Jewish community, and to Israel, all especially critical in light of last year’s Pew survey showing a declining connection to Judaism among younger Jews.
Currently operating in 23 schools nationwide, IAC and Beit Hatfutsot aim to double the number of schools every year, and reach as many young Jews and Israeli-Americans as possible.
“We want every Jewish child in the United States to be proud of their heritage, and My Family Story has the potential to lead Jewish youth into an unforgettable journey of Jewish discovery and growth”, said IAC Chairman Shawn Evenhaim.
“This incredible partnership will help us connect a new generation of American Jews to their community, the Jewish people and to the Jewish homeland — the State of Israel.”
Talia Avnon-Benveniste, director of the International School for Jewish Peoplehood Studies, at the museum, adds, “My Family Story is a moving and unforgettable educational journey that enhances Jewish awareness, a connection to family, the broader Jewish community, and to Israel, so that ‘everyone is part of the story’.”
*
Preceding provided by the Israeli American Council