SIPP awarded a 2026 Hope In Action Mini-Grant to Hebrew Union College for its project, The Teachers’ Lounge – Haifa, in memory of Shra Banki.
The Teachers’ Lounge is an innovative professional growth initiative for educators helping to strengthen multi-cultural understanding while cultivating and modeling the values of shared society in classrooms and communities across Israel. This year, with SIPP’s support, ten Jewish and Arab educators joined together as part of the Teacher’s Lounge Haifa Cohort in northern Israel.
From January through June, 10 Jewish and Arab educators in Haifa participated in 30 hours of training, engaging in deep dialogue while exploring identity, shared teaching goals and techniques, and practical ways to create more inclusive classrooms. Each participant prepared and delivered individual classroom workshops promoting multiculturalism, respect, and learning in a safe space. Through discussions and hands-on activities, students engaged with themes of empathy, inclusion, and constructive dialogue across differences. These individual classroom workshops reached an estimated 350 students, extending the program’s impact far beyond the teachers themselves.
A central achievement of the Haifa Cohort was the trust and understanding developed among the participants. Through shared learning experiences and open conversations, educators discovered common ground for professional collaboration and built meaningful relationships across communities.
Participants were enthusiastic about the experience. One said, “This program was much more than professional development. It was an opportunity to meet remarkable educators, learn from one another, and build relationships based on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.“
Another noted, “Before joining the program, I wasn’t sure what we would have in common. But once we started talking about our classrooms, I realized that the children we work with have the same fears, the same joys, and the same questions. That changed the way I see our communities.“
“The program reminded me that meaningful collaboration is possible. Even though language can still be a barrier, I left believing that we can create educational initiatives together,” added a third participant.
The Haifa Cohort graduates have now joined the Teachers’ Lounge National Alumni Network, ensuring that the relationships, learning, and collaboration developed during the year can continue. As one participant shared, “What feels like an ending is actually the beginning of a community.”
SIPP was honored to be able to assist the Teachers’ lounge Haifa Cohort. “
“Programs like this, which help create empathy across cultural divides, and are deeply rooted in their respective communities, are critical for building trust,” said SIPP President. Peter Ornstein.
The Teacher’s Lounge Haifa Cohort was one of six mini-grant projects SIPP sponsored in 2026. Learn more at www.sipprojects.org.