A group of ten student teachers from St Mary’s and Stranmillis University Colleges recently took part in a study visit to Jerusalem as guests of the David Yellin Academic College of Education.

The students stayed at the homes of Israeli students where they were treated as members of the family. They enjoyed a varied programme of events which included visits to schools. Of particular interest was the ‘Hand in Hand’ school, founded by Amin Chalf, where Jewish and Arab children are educated together. The students were also given an overview of the Israeli education system by Dr Itay Zimar, a former principal of the David Yellin College.



The students had time to experience the varied culture of Jerusalem through visits to both the markets and the Western Wall. They also visited Bethlehem and had a swim in the Dead Sea.

Kieran McGeown from St Mary’s and Dr Norman Richardson from Stranmillis accompanied the students. Through this medium they would like to thank Ruthi Bar-Sina, Head Liason to Foreign Educational Institutions at the David Yellin College, for organising the visit in a very professional and welcoming manner. They also extend thanks to her colleague Yahya Hijazi who provided many interesting insights into life in Jerusalem in particular and Israel in general.