What can we learn from the Jerusalem Community–Academic Partnership case study in an ultra-orthodox neighborhood?

Community–academic partnerships can be useful models for sustainable interventions. The Jerusalem Community–Academic Partnership (J-CAP) was established to address local health needs identified by a population survey. It engaged stakeholders and public health students as part of their training. We describe the establishment and processes of this partnership over a 3-year period. Part 1 of the program entailed mapping and undertaking a quality assessment of health promotion (HP) programs in Jerusalem. Part 2 (Years 2 and 3), described herein, entailed a participatory process wherein a particular neighborhood, with a predominantly Ultra-Orthodox population, was chosen for intervention. A local steering committee was set up, and students assessed assets and needs by direct observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, followed by the development of intervention programs using a participatory process. Neighborhood assets and needs identified in the first year served as a basis for the participatory process of developing intervention programs. Assets identified included the local community center and swimming pool. Barriers to a healthy lifestyle included a lack of health literacy, time constraints, socioeconomic factors, and local lifestyle and environmental characteristics. Students focused on public spaces, preschool children, and young women and mothers when designing, together with local leaders, intervention programs related to healthy nutrition and physical activity. The participatory process contributed to strengthening partnerships among several services and agencies investing in the health of Jerusalem residents. The students’ critical service-learning contributed to their understanding of HP in the real world and the local community. The students’ reports, which were submitted to the community center management, could serve to inform future interventions.