On Sunday, November 4th, Ayalim celebrated the opening of its eighth and perhaps most unique student village in Israel. Located in Acco, the residents of this newest Ayalim community are both Jews and Arabs, working together to enrich the social fabric in the old city of Acco.

"Today is a historic moment," proclaimed Matan Dahan, one of the founders of Ayalim. "After 30 years, Jews are returning to the old city of Acco. The students of Ayalim – Acco join over 400 students in villages throughout the Negev and the Galilee, helping more than 5,000 youth and youth at-risk in Israel." He was joined by co-workers Danny Glicksberg and Yuval Cohen. Together, the three represent the pioneering force behind Ayalim.

Like their counterparts in Ayalim villages throughout Israel, the vision of the students in Acco is to bring the city back to life, providing support for the residents of the city, educational and social opportunities for local youth and youth at risk, and inspiring additional young people to come to the area. UJA Federation of Greater Toronto invested in the young community through its Israel Emergency Campaign, in a strategy of investment that emphasizes areas of national priority such as Acco and important key themes, including building young communities.

The ceremony took place on the roof of the new Ayalim facilities, overlooking the stunning port and the roofs of neighboring homes in the old city. Mikki Strauss, who is deeply involved in developing the city of Acco, opened the ceremony and welcomed the guests, among them, members of UJA Federation of Toronto's Israel and Overseas Committee. He thanked them for their bold support for Ayalim and for the city of Acco. "You are special people doing something over and above the norm," he praised the students and guests, "You don't just talk; more importantly, you do."

Faigie Zimmerman, chair of UIA Canada and Barbara Bank of UJA Federation spoke on behalf of their respective institutions, thanking Ayalim and Mikki Strauss, as well as their additional partners at the municipality of Acco and at the Jewish Agency JAFI. "For us," explained Barbara, "Ayalim is 21st century Zionism. You are Halutzim and you inspire us."

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