Well Conducted

A harmonious get-together solidifies relationships.

Eight busloads of new immigrants and the families who mentor them through the Babait Beyahad (At Home, Together) program, gazed appreciatively at the view as they climbed the foothills of the Carmel Mountain Range for an evening of music, art and togetherness. Their destination was the hamlet of Ein Hod, an active artist community with open studios, galleries and a museum based on the paintings of Marcel Janco - a founding member of the colorful, iconoclastic Dada movement.

Over the past five years, thousands of Israelis have opened their homes to new immigrants as mentors, under the auspices of the Babait Beyahad program; others have volunteered to be tutors or counselors, while still others assist with the organization, pairing and follow-up of the many matches made. New immigrants can now enjoy not only social interaction with veteran Israelis, but resources for information and assistance which only someone who is settled in a community can provide.

Paula Edelstein, Co-chair of the Aliyah and Absorption Committee, welcomes the Babait Beyahad group at Ein Hod.

“The event in Ein Hod was a three-way partnership,” explains Ariela Volé-Laniado, Director of Babait Beyahad. “We provided the buses and light refreshment, Ein Hod provided entrance to the Janco Museum and tours of galleries, and the Maestro Organization provided a world-class concert for the listening pleasure of our participants. About half a year ago we had our last large event, so this outing was primarily for those who have joined Babait Beyahad since then.”

After a few wonderful hours looking at art and wandering the winding, cobblestoned streets of Ein Hod, the large group reconvened for refreshments, a welcome from Aliyah and Absorption Committee Co-Chair Paula Edelstein, and a sensational musical performance.

As the buses drove off, everyone was energized by the charm of the place, the beauty of the art and music, and the camaraderie which had infused the gathering. In lofty spirits, participants on many buses broke out into spontaneous song which lasted the duration of the bus ride home. The lofty spirits lasted longer.