Across Oceans, One Jewish Future Through Global Jewish Learning
In the video above, Cory Shindler shares how relationships built through Federation’s School Twinning Program support students emotionally, strengthen Jewish identity, and create lifelong impact. His reflections offer a firsthand look at the power of global Jewish connection—made possible by Federation donors.
In December, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta welcomed three educators and the educational director from our Partnership Region of Yokneam Megiddo for a week of learning, connection, and shared purpose. This marked the first time since 2018 that Federation has hosted Israeli educators in Atlanta. Through Federation’s JLearn School Twinning Program, these educators spent their visit immersed in Jewish Atlanta, strengthening relationships that bring Jewish education and global Jewish peoplehood to life. The visit also led to two new twinning partnerships between students in Atlanta and Yokneam Megiddo.
The School Twinning Program connects students in Atlanta with peers their age in Israel through yearlong learning and relationship-building. Cory Shindler, an elementary school English teacher in Yokneam Megiddo, has participated for three years and sees its impact firsthand. “Through this program, my students in Israel connect with Jewish students their age in Atlanta,” Cory shared. “They meet online, they talk about their lives, about school, food, hobbies, soccer, and very quickly, they realize how much they have in common.”
That sense of connection was reinforced during the delegation’s visit. Educators visited Atlanta Jewish Academy, Weber, Epstein, and Davis Academy, met with teens active in BBYO, celebrated Shabbat at Or Hadash, and learned about Jewish life on campus at Emory Hillel. They also saw Federation’s impact in action through visits to Jewish Family and Career Services and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.
The delegation spent time at Federation learning about initiatives including PJ Library, JAccess, and the Shinshinim program, and met with Federation’s Global Committee to see how community allocations support the Partnership Region. These experiences highlighted Federation’s role as the convener, planner, and funder of Jewish Atlanta, and its commitment to Jewish Education and Israel and Jews Worldwide.
For Cory, experiencing Jewish Atlanta in person carried special meaning. “We live in a time when we read the news and see the media, and sometimes in Israel, we can feel isolated,” Cory said. “So to come here and experience Jewish life in Atlanta, the schools, the community, the visibility, the support, it’s not theoretical. It’s real, and it’s very heartwarming.”
Through strategic investment and thoughtful coordination, Federation ensures that young people grow up knowing they are part of a larger Jewish story. “For the children, this is something new,” Cory reflected. “To feel a part of a larger community, to see all the similarities, to meet kids their age.”
The program is guided by Federation professionals and partners who match schools and support educators year-round. “They are a very integral part of the program,” Cory said. “Without them, these things might not operate as they should.”
For donors, this visit is a powerful reminder that Federation is a trusted steward of communal dollars. “For people to give to others, it’s amazing,” Cory shared. “The impact can be one person, or a community, or a school.”
Through the Federation-supported School Twinning Program, teachers like Cory Shindler are helping students in Israel and the U.S. build meaningful connections during difficult times. Looking ahead, Federation is planning a reciprocal trip to Israel for Atlanta educators participating in the program, continuing to deepen relationships and invest in the next generation of Jewish leaders, conveners, planners, and funders who will carry Jewish Atlanta forward.
