On the language of love and respect: How Rosh Hashanah connects generations

The "Children of War" project of the "Atid ba-Midbar" organization holds pre-holiday meetings for elderly people and teenagers. Participants overcome language and age barriers, exchanging experiences and warmth. Project director Irene Kudman notes that communication takes place in a "language of love and respect." The project, which began 15 years ago as an archival initiative, has become a space for live intergenerational contact.

The "Children of War" project of the public organization "Atid ba-Midbar" annually holds meetings for elderly people and teenagers ahead of Rosh Hashanah. Participants, separated by age, language, and experience, find common ground through music, dance, and personal stories. Project director Irene Kudman emphasizes that communication is built on a "language of love and respect." A 90-year-old participant who survived the Holocaust joked that at the meeting he "became younger" to 80 years old. The project, which began 15 years ago as an archival initiative to preserve the memory of Jewish heroes from the former USSR, has become a space for live intergenerational contact. The meetings take place with the participation of students and teachers from the "Amit" religious school in Beersheba. The project is supported by the German foundation EVZ and the Norwegian foundation HGH.