Sigal Ariely, the Baltimore-Asheklon Partnership Coordinator of over 20 years, shared a heartfelt story that highlights the impact and importance of our long-lasting partnership. It’s a story about Shir, a teenager from Ashkelon, and how the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership gave her a home away from home in a time of need.

Three years ago, Shir was part of the Diller program, a year-long immersive program that brings together a diverse group of teens who wish to step up and lead their community while exploring their Jewish identity. The Associated, in partnership with 4Front and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, supports a cohort of 20 teens in Ashkelon and Baltimore.

But Shir wasn’t the only one forging connections to the Baltimore community –  her mother, Sigalit, was also building meaningful relationships of her own.

Sigalit, was a participant in the Kesher 2.0 program, a one-year program geared toward men and women ages 45 and older who are interested in developing relationships between Baltimore and Ashkelon, Israel. Through the program she made  amazing friends in Baltimore, including developing a special bond with Ellen Shevrin.

This past summer, Shir worked at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, where she met kids and other Baltimore teens over several weeks. After camp ended, Shir learned that her mother’s flight from Israel to join her in Baltimore was canceled, and Shir found herself without a place to go.

That’s when Ellen and others in the Baltimore community stepped up. Shir stayed with Ellen and was welcomed with open arms. For Shir, it was a chance to finally experience the warmth and generosity of the Jewish Baltimore community, a visit she had been waiting for since her Diller days.

This story, Sigal says, is just one example of how our partnership transcends planned programming and geography. It’s a partnership built on relationships that last a lifetime and about stepping up for each other when it matters most.

Together, we’re not just partners – we’re family.