Day 3 - Partnership 2000: Misgav/Karmiel

Based on the concept of kesher, "people-to-people" relationships, Partnership 2000 was launched in Pittsburgh several years ago in an effort to construct a living bridge between the Jewish communities of Pittsburgh and Baltimore with the city of Karmiel and Misgav region in Israel's Galilee.

The goal of Partnership 2000 is to offer communities an opportunity for direct involvement in people-to-people connections, social affairs, and economic development. The focus is on educating youth, fostering business and economic growth and developing programs that are mutually beneficial to all three communities.

Partnership 2000 has blossomed with programs reaching every niche of our Jewish community. Providing an opportunity for Pittsburghers and Israelis from Karmiel/Misgav to interact and develop lasting relationships. The project has advanced cooperative efforts in teen leadership exchanges, young leadership development, long distance interaction, cultural exchanges, reciprocal professional visits and business incubators.

Pittsburghers and Israelis from Karmiel make fast friends and enjoy a barbecue lunch in Park Ofira, Karmiel. Raven Garfinkel, outgoing Pittsburgh Partnership 2000 Chair and Scott Mann, Misgav Partnership 2000 Chair hug - showing the real "people-to-people" relationships developed through Partnership 2000.


Local rock group, comprised of teens who immigrated to Israel without their parents, entertain Pittsburgh mission participants and their friends from Karmiel and Misgav. David Ainsman, Pittsburgh Partnership 2000 Co-chair and Erez Kreisler, Mayor of Misgav, relax and enjoy the music and the sun.


The Pittsburgh community was presented with The Misgav Commendation of Merit Award at Misgav's 20th anniversary ceremony.  The certificate read:

In recognition of your contribution to the Misgav community and significant impact on the lives of our communities and residents.

Since establishing the Partnership 2000 connection with Misgav and Karmiel, through the assistance of The Jewish Agency, you have accompanied and supported us in all aspects of life in Misgav, be it as a community or as individuals.

This award is a token of our great appreciation of our friends of the Jewish community of Pittsburgh, who have expressed deep and tru friendship and solidarity with the residents of Misgav by coming from afar to support, volunteer and aid us even in times of crisis and challenge, both regionally and nationally.

We further commend your willingness to promote and develop ideas and projects that strengthen Misgav residents and communities.



Mission participants were entertained by a festive evening of song and dance celebrating Misgav's 20th anniversary.