Leadership

Hand in Hand was founded in 1997 by Lee Gordon and Amin Khalaf, veteran Israeli educators.  Today, Amin and Sam Shube are the organization's co-directors, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Hand in Hand, in partnership with a pair of Jewish and Arab principals in each of the three schools.

Amin Khalaf
Co-founder and co-director of Hand in Hand, Amin Khalaf has taught in both Arab and Jewish public schools throughout Jerusalem and, since 1997, has lectured on education at the David Yellin College of Education in Jerusalem.  Amin has also been intensely involved in national coexistence projects, including serving as a group facilitator for a Jewish-Arab dialogue group. Amin earned his M.A. and B.A. in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he also received his teaching certificate in 1990.  A native of the Arab village Muqibla in northern Israel, Amin now lives in Jerusalem with his wife and three children.

Lee Gordon
Hand in Hand co-founder Lee Gordon lived in Israel for two decades, during which he was actively involved in Jewish-Arab dialogue.  Originally from the United States, Lee earned an M.A. in Social Work from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and graduated from the Mandel Institute's prestigious School for Educational Leadership.  Lee is a veteran social activist and community organizer, having worked and volunteered for numerous organizations and projects in Israel. He is currently living in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and three children, and is executive director of American Friends of Hand in Hand which works to raise support and awareness throughout the United States.