For more than three decades, Mashmaut Center has served as a leading educational, academic, and cultural institution dedicated to preserving Holocaust memory, strengthening Jewish and civic identity, and promoting the values of responsibility, leadership, and active citizenship in Israel and beyond.

As part of Kiryat Motzkin's international outreach, the Center has played a key role in developing meaningful educational partnerships across the globe. One of the most significant of these is the growing relationship with the city of Kyustendil, Bulgaria – the birthplace of Dimitar Peshev, recognized as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for his courageous efforts to help save Bulgaria's Jews during the Holocaust.

The partnership was established with the support of Slavena Gergova, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Israel, and has evolved into a dynamic collaboration centered on education, shared values, and historical remembrance.

To give this partnership practical expression, the Mashmaut Center, the Municipality of Kiryat Motzkin, ORT Kiryat Motzkin Educational Campus, and the Municipality of Kyustendil launched the pioneering program "Initiating Tomorrow." The initiative is led by Inbal Raz, Advisor to the Mayor for the Status of Women and Deputy Director of the Mashmaut Center, together with educator Shifra Kevin and the leadership of ORT Kiryat Motzkin under the direction of Ehud Ben-Gera.

Throughout the school year, students from Kiryat Motzkin and the Foreign Language High School in Kyustendil met regularly through online exchanges, exploring the stories of inspiring women from Israel, Bulgaria, and around the world while discussing leadership, equality, and social responsibility. The participants also had the opportunity to meet virtually with Ambassador Gergova.

The program reached its highlight with a student delegation's visit to Bulgaria. Accompanied by Kiryat Motzkin Mayor Tziki Avisar, Dr. Ganor, Director of the Mashmaut Center and International Relations, Deputy Director Inbal Raz, City Council Member Arik Mugerman, and teachers Shifra Kevin and Romit Cicurel, the delegation participated in the official signing ceremony of the Twin Cities Agreement between Kiryat Motzkin and Kyustendil.

A central feature of the visit was the presentation of a collaborative exhibition created by students from both countries, reflecting their shared exploration of history, leadership, and the values that unite their communities.

The educational bridges established between the Mashmaut Center, the Municipality of Kiryat Motzkin, the Embassy of Bulgaria in Israel, the Embassy of Israel in Bulgaria, ORT Kiryat Motzkin, and the Municipality of Kyustendil continue to grow. A reciprocal delegation from Kyustendil is expected to visit Kiryat Motzkin during 2026, further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two communities.

The Mashmaut Center expresses its sincere appreciation to all those who made this initiative possible: Mayor Tziki Avisar; H.E. Slavena Gergova and the Embassy of Bulgaria in Israel; Ehud Ben-Gera, CEO of ORT Kiryat Motzkin Educational Campus; Inbal Raz; Shifra Kevin; Romit Cicurel; City Council Member Arik Mugerman; photographer Yair Ganor; Tony Levi for initiating the partnership; the participating students and their families; and all those who contributed to turning this vision into reality.

This delegation demonstrated that the remembrance of the past can inspire the future. Through education, dialogue, and shared values, young people from Israel and Bulgaria are building lasting friendships and creating meaningful connections that will continue to flourish for years to come.