The Unity Program runs for either one semester or a full academic year, during which time students meet with AV teachers at their respective educational institution for up to four hours per week. Throughout the year students engage in inter-school meetings. AV coordinates the logistics of all inter-school meetings with liaisons from each participating school. In addition to class sessions and inter-school meetings, students also participate in presentations, field trips to mosques, synagogues, and museums, as well as other related community events.

During class sessions, students explore the foundational history, beliefs, and rituals of the other religion, as well as the historical and ideological connections between and within both Judaism and Islam. Students examine historical and contemporary moments in which Islam and Judaism were in contact with one another and analyze significant topics related to both communities. Our teachers utilize a unique curriculum, which was primarily co-developed and co-written by members of AV’s Muslim and Jewish staff.

During the Unity Speakers Series, guest speakers offer presentations to students on relevant course topics, connecting what students learn in the classroom to ‘real life’ situations in Muslim and Jewish communities.

In inter-school meetings, trained co-facilitators lead sessions in group dynamics, wherein students reflect and discuss their experiences in the Unity Program, particularly the issues that they face as members of their respective communities.

During inter-school field trips students visit relevant cultural and/or religious sites in their region, experiencing new elements of their communities as they relate to the course.