"But Arabs are a part of Israel," Chasdi says.

"Yes, and as such I feel the bonds between members of the same country. But between Jews there is something special. In order to survive, for generations, we had to hold on to each other. And I am worried because, philosophically, there is no renovating force in Judaism, such as Hassidism once was."

The group spent a day touring the Phillips Academy at Andover and was overwhelmed by its opulence. "I suppose my 'proletarian sense' was aroused a bit, and it did make me think about unequal social conditions. But," Rothenberg says smilingly, "the kids are so nice and the place is so beautiful, it is hard to feel anything but pleasure."

Ortal concurred. "The kids here are so clever--much more so than the teachers--that I think not even the Phillips Academy can do them any harm."

Saba celebrates the good feelings among members of the program. "On the plane coming over here," he recalls, "no one knew anyone else, and hardly anyone spoke to each other. Now we leave with a very friendly feeling."

But those people living at Currier House, where the group is staying, notice that there are limits to that friendship. As in past years, members of the group have tended to subdivide into ethnic sects--European Jews stay with European Jews, Oriental Jews with Oriental Jews, and Arabs with Arabs. Particularly poignant was the scene at Currier House the day after the Israeli raid on Entebbe, according to those present. Jews embraced each other jo yously, while the Arabs sat together silently, nervously.

Undoubtedly, when the educators return home next week, the dangers of living in Israel will weigh upon them constantly and remind them that there are "two separate nations of Arabs and Jews." But for a month at least, they are able to leave their worries behind. "Our hosts paid attention to every detail," Rothenberg says. "We were treated like kings."

"... I feel the bonds between members of the same country. But between Jews there is something special. In order to survive, for generations, we had to hold on to each other..."