It makes me happy to know that, despite the extremism that exists in the public discourse in Israel today, there are initiatives and organizations like BINA and the Secular Yeshiva that have made it their mission to preserve and to spread values of solidarity, social responsibility, caring for the stranger and the weak - these are the important values of Judaism.

For me, the BINA Secular Yeshiva represents the future of the State of Israel. The combination of Jewish values with community engagement is exactly what Israel needs in order to become stronger as a Jewish-Democratic state.

BINA and the Secular Yeshiva have taught us at the Jewish bookshelf is rich, open and accessible to all, and all that we need to do is to open up this bookshelf and let it light up our Judaism as a free choice that will find its place within a fabric of diverse Jewish identities.

I saw the beautiful and warm side of Israel. I saw young people with a passion for doing good, unaffected by the cynicism and apathy rampant among us. I saw a deep connection and comradery between the residents of the neighborhood and the young adults of BINA. And it warmed my heart.

At BINA, for the first time in my life I was exposed to the Jewish bookshelf, a wonderful source of knowledge that I found to be relevant to my life as a social activist, and beyond. The learning was deep and intimate, different from anything I had done before.

“The arrival of BINA's mechina (preparatory program) to the city of Nahariya represents exactly our vision for municipal education in our city.”

I welcome the partnership with the BINA organization and the work of the ‘Israeli Puzzle’ mechina, established in the spirit of Israel’s hero and a resident of our city, Ido Samiach, z"l. The mechina gives living and ongoing expression to Ido’s legacy, a legacy of love of Israel, quiet leadership, and deep human connection. During this period, we are working to deepen our relationship with the organization: from the participation of its representatives in the city’s Democracy Week, including programming delivered to members of the Tzofim youth movement, to plans for establishing a ‘BINA House’ here in Ganei Tikva, a significant step in building a space dedicated to learning, encounter, and shared Israeli Zionism.

BINA is an important organization, and I deeply value its significant contribution to the Jewish people. I welcome the meaningful and moving partnership between BINA and the Samiah family in establishing the ‘Israeli Puzzle’ mechina in memory of Israel’s hero, Ido Samiach, of blessed memory.