Pictured: CDC students are building friendship through letter writing with pen pals in Israel. Provided photo.

For the past eight years, fourth graders at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) have been part of a bridge-building pen pal program with the Walworth Barbour International American School in Even Yehuda, Israel. This classroom project has blossomed into an ongoing cross-cultural exchange, building friendships, understanding and real-world learning experiences across the globe.

Over the years, the program has thrived, with retiring educators passing the baton to new colleagues in Israel to ensure continuity and growth. The enduring commitment on both sides reflects the deep value placed on cultivating meaningful global connections for students.

“At Community Day School, we believe that writers deserve to write for real — to write for an audience of readers, not just for the teacher’s red pen,” said Head of School Dan Ceaser. “This pen pal program gives our students an authentic purpose for writing while also expanding their worldview and deepening their appreciation for cultural differences.”

In one letter from a CDC student named Sophie to her Israeli pen pals, Gabriel and Alina, Sophie discusses the interesting things she learned from their previous letter, such as their best friends, where they've lived and traveled, facts about Israel and their class, their school schedule and celebrations.

“It is so nice to have a pen pal from Israel,” Sophie writes.”It is so great to get to know such a different lifestyle that someone has and get to know how that is!”

Nine-year-old Lily writes to her pen pal, Matan in Israel: “I’ll tell you a little about Florida. It is always hot, but there are beautiful beaches.”

With every letter sent, these students are showing that even from thousands of miles away, a little curiosity and kindness can go a long way.

Pictured: CDC students are building friendship through letter writing with pen pals in Israel. Provided photo.