In 1996 Cleveland decided to form a partnership and become a sister city with a place in Israel through the Jewish Agency, and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Since Jewish communities all around the world were supporting Israel, Cleveland looked for a place where they could have a meaningful impact. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and the Jewish Agency understood that there was a need to strengthen Israel’s periphery. Cleveland ended up choosing Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs because it’s the periphery of Israel and they knew they could make an impact there. This partnership has worked out very well because Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs are very good with relationships. Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs both have separate councils and they are at the border with Jordan which is the Jordan River, and they both have good relationships with Jordan. The Valley of Springs makes its money from agriculture and farming. Cleveland has helped expose the region’s elementary school to math and science. Cleveland has invested in the region and have helped create more opportunities. They have also invested in welfare through a project called youth futures which gives emotional support to kids who need it helping them succeed in the future. Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs have helped expose us to Israeli culture and religious beliefs in their area. Although we may have differences, it’s a very strong bond. Groups from Cleveland often come and visit Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs when they are in Israel like Camp Wise, Onward, Birthright, Masa programs, and other programs as well as leadership missions that are from Cleveland Federation. They might visit even when the missions aren’t related to Beit Shean. I came to Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs with ICNEXT and we had a great time.