World Education Conference 2017

An Educational Connection to Israel, Identity and Leadership – Marking 50 Years to the Unification of Jerusalem
In the summer of 2017, when marking 50 years to the unification of Jerusalem, an International Educator Seminar took place, as an initiative of the Diaspora Zionist Identity Empowerment Department, which brought together educators from Israel and the world for an educational and experiential journey throughout Israel. The seminar took place in the Galilee and Jerusalem between July 17-24, 2017, with about 100 teachers, headmasters and educators, both formal and informal, participating in it from France, Belgium, Morocco and Israel.
The seminar was intended to strengthen ties between the diaspora communities and Israel, and to enable the participants to acquire an in-depth familiarity with the history, culture, society and environment of Israel – by way of educational experiential activity and exposure to educational and ecological projects operating throughout Israel. 
 
During the seminar, the educators participated in educational tours, encounters with local educators and communities, professional workshops and diverse educational programs. The contents dealt with Jewish and Zionist identity, educational leadership, an individual and collective vision, and deepening the understanding of Jerusalem's place in Jewish life and the history of the State of Israel.
 
The participants were exposed to a combination of theoretical learning and experience in the field: tours of historical and communal sites, challenging and group building outdoors activities, inspirational encounters, educational workshops and in-depth discussions on questions of identity, belonging and leadership. Simultaneously, there was an emphasis upon development of applicable educational tools, that the educators could integrate into their work with their students and communities upon their return to their countries of origin.
 
Upon completion of the seminar, the participants returned home equipped with contents, ideas and practical educational tools, which were intended to assist them in promoting significant values activities that strengthen Jewish identity and a connection to Israel. For many of them, this was an empowering professional and personal process, whose impact had also continued beyond the days of the seminar itself – through their educational work and the ongoing relationship that was forged between them and Israel.
Interested in participating in the next seminars?
 
The educators' seminars of the Diaspora Zionist Identity Empowerment Department takes place every year and are intended for educators from around the world who seek to deepen their familiarity with Israel, strengthening ties with it and acquire educational tools for work with students and communities.
 
Educators who are interested in participating are welcome to contact the Department to receive information on upcoming seminars and options for signing up. 
 
For additional information and registration, contact the Diaspora Zionist Identity Empowerment Department, or write to Mrs. Malca Barkai, the supervisor for the seminars in the Department: