The first meeting focused on the shared history of the Jewish and Bulgarian people. Participants were introduced to the historic relationship between the two nations, with special emphasis on the remarkable rescue of Bulgarian Jewry during the Second World War and its enduring historical and moral significance. The session also featured a presentation by Inbal Raz, Advisor to the Mayor of Kiryat Motzkin on Women's Status and Gender Equality, who introduced participants to the lives and achievements of pioneering women whose leadership and accomplishments continue to inspire younger generations. Students from Kyustendil presented creative personal videos introducing themselves, fostering meaningful personal connections and strengthening friendships between the two groups.

The second meeting was held in the presence of H.E. Slavena Gergova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Israel, together with a senior official delegation from the City of Kyustendil, including the Deputy Mayor, the Chair of the City Council, and the Directors of the Departments of Culture and Tourism. During the event, Ambassador Gergova emphasized the importance of the growing partnership between Kiryat Motzkin and Kyustendil and highlighted the program's contribution to strengthening Israel–Bulgaria relations. She also underscored the importance of promoting women's leadership, empowering young women, and increasing female representation in leadership and diplomacy.

As part of the meeting, students from ORT Kiryat Motzkin and the International School in Kyustendil, under the guidance of teachers Shifra Kevin and Gergana, in collaboration with Inbal Raz, presented research projects on pioneering women from Israel, Bulgaria, and around the world. Their work reflected creativity, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to the values of leadership, equality, and intercultural cooperation.

The program is a pioneering initiative, unique at both the national and international levels, combining education, international relations, municipal diplomacy, and the promotion of young women's leadership. In addition to the virtual meetings, it includes student exchange delegations between the two cities. The program will culminate with the signing of an official Twin Cities Agreement between Kiryat Motzkin and Kyustendil, during which the students' research projects will be presented in a festive exhibition in Bulgaria.

Acknowledgments: Special thanks and appreciation are extended to Tziki Avisar, Mayor of Kiryat Motzkin, for his continued support of the city international relations initiatives; to H.E. Slavena Gergova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Israel, for her encouragement, guidance, and partnership; to Inbal Raz, Advisor to the Mayor on Women's Status and Gender Equality; to Ehud Ben-Gera, Principal of ORT Kiryat Motzkin High School; to Shifra Kevin, the program coordinator; to Gergana, and to our partners in Kyustendil, as well as to all the students who participated in this inspiring initiative.

This program demonstrates how education, historical memory, youth leadership, and intercultural dialogue can build lasting bridges of trust, friendship, and cooperation between nations while preparing a new generation of young women leaders and ambassadors for the future.