Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

February 23, 2022

Speech by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Board Member, Global Centre for Pluralism

Virtually from Geneva, Switzerland on the occasion of the 2021 Global Pluralism Awards ceremony

Your Excellencies, Secretary General, Distinguished Guests

On behalf of His Highness The Aga Khan and the entire Board of the Global Centre for Pluralism, it is my great pleasure to announce the first winner of the 2021 Global Pluralism Award – Hand In Hand Centre for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel.

Hand in Hand is recognized for their commitment to building equality and understanding between Jewish and Arab students, families and communities through a network of bilingual and integrated schools across Israel. Education plays a fundamental role in fostering pluralism and building societies where diversity is valued. It has the capacity to facilitate meaningful dialogue, shared attitudes and behaviors and prepare the next generation to encounter difference with openness and respect.

In Hand in Hand schools, Hebrew and Arabic languages have equal status as do both cultures and national narratives.

We have over 2000 students from preschool up to the 12th grade and supported by a community of active citizens and parents who come together in solidarity and dialogue. Hand in Hand is working to build a shared, inclusive society through a distinctive approach to education and community building.

Hand in Hand is creating systemic change by cultivating relationships of trust and equality. It empowers citizens to live together in dignity and mutual understanding.

Their work will now be presented in a short film.

Congratulations to Hand in Hand

Home - Hand in Hand www.handinhandk12.org