A look inside life at the only school in Jerusalem where Jewish and Arab students learn together, and about each other, in Hebrew and Arabic. The Hand in Hand school sets out a new model for education children. Here, they aren’t just classmates – they’re friends. For more about The Branch, head over to Hadassah.org/thebranch. Feel free to drop us an email at thebranch@hadassah.org Want more Hadassah podcasts? Check out Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine, which takes listeners behind the headlines with Hadassah Medical Organization doctors and specialists, patients and nurses. Listen and be amazed. Explore more perspectives on Israel with Hadassah's Defining Zionism in the 21st Century video series.

The Branch #2: School Days

The Branch offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Jews and Arabs in Israel forging meaningful relationships. Presented by Hadassah and hosted by Dina Kraft, The Branch shines a light on the stories of people living the example of a shared society. Together. Even though it’s complicated.

Hadassah believes in the power of women for Israel, and that positive stories from Israel can make a powerful impact. Today the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) serves 1 million patients a year, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, HMO doctors, nurses and staff work together, Arab and Jewish, building bridges to peace through medicine. HMO is the only medical organization to have been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

News & Politics

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Can the arts help heal Jerusalem? Two of the women behind Mekudeshet think so. Through concerts and performing arts events, they're creating spaces where Jews and Palestinians can feel at home, finding culture and new connections.

The Branch S2E#12: Jerusalem Nights

Singers in the Rana Choir of Jaffa are Jewish, Christian and Muslim, from different educational and socioeconomic backgrounds and different political outlooks. Note by note and song by song, the choir proves that different voices and views can still join together in harmony.

The Branch S2E#11: Singing in One Voice

Palestinian physiotherapist Rasha Ghaith has a seemingly bottomless bag of tricks. Blending Arabic and Hebrew, knowledge and warmth, she helps her Jewish and Arab patients at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus move forward -- one step at a time.

S2 #10: Moving Forward

Israeli author Yossi Klein Halevi and Mohammad Darawshe, a founder of the Arab Israeli Ma'an party, are longtime friends. As intellectuals, they've both been shaped by their many conversations -- and occasional disagreements -- about the country they both call home.

The Branch S2#9: The Israelis

Through cross-cultural dialogue and a personal friendship, powerhouse duo Ola Najmi-Yousef and Ruth Lewin-Chen are empowering local Arab leaders, working with officials, and building trust to make Arab neighborhoods safer. "If we fight together, we can succeed."

The Branch #2: School Days

Download our free app to listen on your phone