Jewish and Arab children in the Beer Sheba kehilla

Children and teachers from the bilingual school "Degania" visited the Beer Sheva community. "Degania" was founded in 2007 as a part of the "Hand in Hand" organization. Nowadays, the school is independent from "Hand in Hand" and has its own program of bilingual (Hebrew-Arabic) education. It is a place of meeting for cultures, religions and languages. Part of the program is interreligious education. The kids learn about Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

During the visit to Saint Abraham Parish in Beer Sheva, Father Piotr was asked to tell the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, as well as to answer the spontaneous questions. Some of these questions were quite difficult and only slightly connected to the topic. Children wanted to know why Santa wears red and white clothes and how come some Christmas trees have a star at

the top while others do not.

After the educative part of the meeting in the chapel, the guests came to the parish hall where they helped to decorate the Christmas tree. The kids had prepared earlier at school some decorations and also some pictures that were given to the community as a Christmas gift. Of course, there was something sweet for them and each child received a small chocolate.

In a few days, "Degania" will celebrate the so called "Feast of Feasts" which is a celebration of three traditions: Jewish Hannukah, the Muslim birth of Muhammad the Prophet and Christian Christmas. To all teachers and students of "Degania" we say Happy Feast!