An interesting story that took place this year with the Yifat Center for Jewish Identity involved an Arab boy who wanted to put on Tefillin.

In Jaffa, some of the classes are mixed, with Jewish and Arab students learning together. We taught a special series about Bar Mitzva and as the final stage, we brought a Sofer Stam so the boys could experience putting on Tefillin.

The teacher told the Arab students in the class that they could go out for recess, and to her surprise, Ahmed stayed in the room. When she asked him about it, Ahmed answered, “After learning about Jewish identity throughout the year, I noticed that my mother keeps a lot of Jewish customs.  For example, she lights Shabbat candles like the Jews.” When he asked his mother about this, she admitted, “Until today I never told you, but I am a Jew!”

He wanted to put on Tefillin for the first time in his life.