After spending the Sabbath in Jerusalem, the participants of the World Conference on Education continued their activity in Israel’s capital by visiting the National Institutions Building, where the KKL-JNF headquarters are located.
Efrat Benbenisti, who is in charge of the
KKL-JNF Books of Honor, met with the group members and told them about the unique books, which have been printed over the years to honor KKL-JNF’s friends and supporters with inscriptions. The books’ covers depict central events in the history of the Jewish People. The place also displays an exhibition of
Blue Boxes fashioned throughout the decades from different countries, representing the Jewish People’s connection to the land of Israel throughout the generations.
For
Amy Feinberg, an elementary school teacher from Orlando, Florida, the education conference offered a first chance to visit Israel. “It’s a beautiful country, and everything we’re experiencing here is just wonderful. I try to learn as much as I can at every site we visit. The encounter with the other teachers allows us to learn about what’s happening in other places, and to talk about our educational activity.”
At Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Center, the members of the delegation marched along the Avenue of the Righteous Among the Nations, where a tree had been planted as a symbol of life, in memory of each one of the righteous. They toured the museum and viewed films, artifacts, and testimonies which attest to the destruction of European Jewry.
Tzippy Holand of Miami, Florida, was born in Siberia, Russia at the start of World War II. She moved from one country to another in Europe, survived the Holocaust, and currently tells her story to the younger generation. “We can’t forget why we need the state of Israel – so our children and grandchildren will always have a home to come back to. It’s important for us to learn about Israel and strengthen our bond with the country, not just among the children, but also among their parents, because education begins at home.”
Afterwards everyone went on a tour of ancient Jerusalem, including a visit to the Western Wall. Tisha B’Av, the official day of mourning in the Jewish calendar, was being observed on that day, adding a feeling of unity and shared destiny to the visit.
Hasia Cohen, originally an Israel currently living in Baltimore, USA: “Visiting Jerusalem is always a special feeling,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the experience through the eyes of those visiting here for the first time and feeling the power. Jerusalem has an important place in my heart and in all of our hearts.”
Marie Toledano of Morocco said she visits Jerusalem often, “But each visit brings with it much excitement and new experiences”.
In the afternoon they met with representatives of the ’Special in Uniform’ project, which works to integrate special needs soldiers in the IDF. Tiran Attia, the program’s manager, and 3 of the soldiers - Dor, Dror, and Yisrael, spoke of their jobs in the IDF. As part of this program, in the last decade over 1,000 soldiers had been recruited, and about 400 of them currently serve in the IDF.
“Each one of our soldiers fills a significant position and contributes his part for the nation’s safety.” Attila said. “After they are discharged from the army we help them find employment.”
“On the day I was enlisted my mother was so moved that she cried,” Yisrael said. “I’m proud to be a soldier and I give it my all at the base.”
“Ever since I was a child I wanted to serve in the IDF, just like everyone else,” Dor said. “I love the army, and learn a lot from it. This program saved me.”
“At first they refused to recruit me, so I decided to fight for my right to serve the country,” Dror said. “The day I received my military ID was one of the happiest of my life, and I recited a prayer of thanks. In the army I gained self-esteem, initiative, cooperation and independence.”
“You are role models for each one of us as educators,” Stephanie Bloom-Washofsky of the USA said to the soldiers.
At night everyone went on a tour of the Tower of David Museum and watched a magnificent sound and light show on the walls of the ancient fortress.
“The conference is very interesting, and we keep learning new things here all the time,” said Peggie Siksik, an English teacher from Paris. “I feel that an extraordinary unity has formed among the educators from the different countries.”