Sharansky asks Sabra kids to be kind to olim – and gives them a recipe to do it

Why did Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky make a “real Israeli sandwich,” hard on the outside and soft within?

He did it as part of an effort to persuade schoolchildren to welcome new and shy immigrants to their classes, ahead of the 5777/78 school year that opens on Friday.

A video posted on the Jewish Agency Facebook page on Wednesday features Sharansky preparing a back-to-school sandwich that is not only wholesome, but also packed with a positive message about being kind and patient toward new immigrants.

Addressing his Sabra viewers before preparing the repast, he says: “Soon we will start the new school year, and joining you will be hundreds of new immigrants from all over the world.” He reveals the secret to a successful “sandwich”: “You need a mixture of familiar ingredients and new ones.”

He then begins to assemble a sandwich with the help of his grandchildren that is “tasty, colorful and inspiring, like us Israelis.”

Starting with the bread, which represents the Israeli nature of being hard on the outside and soft on the inside, Sharansky builds his meal.

Adding olives as “the symbol of peace” and a little salt for “chutzpah,” he reminds his grandkids to not be “chutzpan” (fresh) to their teachers. He tops off his sandwich with more important ingredients: “Love and a smile.”

Sharansky addresses the viewer: “Dear parents and children, we’re starting a new school year and we’re all excited. I have a request: In your classrooms you’ll meet many new immigrants from different countries. Sometimes their Hebrew isn’t good. They are a little nervous and a little shy... Open your hearts and your homes. Embrace them with love as the Jewish people embraces them with love. They will succeed, because there is no better integration than integration into a loving family. Have a successful school year, and bon appetit to us all.”