In a powerful show of solidarity with Israel, approximately 209 Jewish educators, teachers, and school principals from more than 26 countries around the world traveled to Israel to participate in KKL-JNF annual International Education Seminar, despite the country's ongoing security challenges.
All of the participants are actively involved in Jewish-Zionist education in Jewish communities across the Diaspora and chose to visit Israel as an expression of their commitment to the country and its people during a particularly challenging period.
Photo: Lenny Meidan
The educators traveled from the United States, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Mexico, Guatemala, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Now a longstanding annual tradition, this year's seminar carried added significance against the backdrop of the ongoing Iron Swords War, the recent conflict with Iran, and rising antisemitism around the world. For KKL-JNF, the seminar remains an important investment in the educators who help shape the next generation's Jewish identity and connection to Israel.
KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky said: "The decision by hundreds of Jewish educators from around the world to come to Israel during such a challenging time is a powerful expression of solidarity. At a time when Jewish communities around the world are facing rising antisemitism, strengthening the connection between Israel and the Diaspora is more important than ever. As they return home, these educators will take with them a deeper understanding of Israel and new ideas they can bring into their classrooms, helping strengthen the next generation's connection to Israel. KKL-JNF is proud to support their work and invest in the educators who are shaping the future of the Jewish people."
Photography and editing: Yoav Lin, KKL-JNF photo archive