A delegation of teachers from Australia has arrived in Israel for 10 days of educational excursions during which they will strengthen their connection to the country and build a relationship between the educational systems of Israel and Australia. They will also view a variety of KKL-JNF projects and learn about the JNF Australia’s involvement in the development of the State of Israel. The delegation was jointly initiated and organized by KKL-JNF Education Division’s Overseas Department, its Resources and Development Division and JNF Australia.
“Our objective is to create a connection between educational activities in Australia and the values that KKL-JNF promotes here in Israel,” explained Hani Desa, Director of the Overseas Department of KKL-JNF’s Education Division. “We are working to strengthen Diaspora Jews’ relationship with Israel, and we believe that students who are inspired with a love for the country will grow up with a strong and meaningful identity.”
The visitors’ itinerary includes nature and heritage sites throughout Israel, from Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights in the north to the Arava in the south. En route they will meet up with Israeli teachers and students and take part in workshops on education, leadership, Zionism and ecology.
“Our task is to show you Israel through KKL-JNF’s activities,” the organization’s educational envoy to Australia Yigal Nisell told the delegates. “When discussing Judaism it is impossible to take Israel out of the equation, and it is important to us to present this combination during the trip.”
The delegation comprises sixty-four Jewish and non-Jewish teachers from schools in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. For some, this is their first time in Israel, while others have already visited the country many times and perhaps even have families who are involved in JNF Australia activities.
Rosh Tzipor: Nature in the heart of the city
The delegation started out at Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park with a visit to the new Rosh Tzipor Birdwatching Center, which was established with the support of Friends of JNF Australia. This splendid center includes an artificial lake, constructed wetlands, a winter pond, ditches and different types of local vegetation, and together these varied habitats attract a wide range of migrating bird species.
The lake is surrounded by a number of observation points that enable visitors to learn about the birds’ lives without disturbing them, and open classrooms serve as meeting places and study venues. This is a beautiful and tranquil spot for those seeking a little peace and quiet amid the urban hustle and bustle.
On arrival the visitors were greeted by a klezmer band that welcomed them with traditional Jewish music, and a number of delegates launched themselves at once into a folk-dance medley.
KKL-JNF Chief of Protocol Andy Michelson presided over the opening ceremony held for the delegation at this remarkable site, and Debbie Conn spoke on behalf of the delegates: “Every time I visit Israel, I am inspired by everything the country has achieved. We have been granted the opportunity to take part in a life-changing experience, and I have no doubt that we shall all leave a part of our hearts behind us here”, she said.
Among the delegates was 31-year-old Anna Fink from Melbourne, whose relative William Mann is one of the major donors to the Rosh Tzipor Park – and the entrance gate bridge to the site has been named after him. “It’s wonderful that KKL-JNF has managed to establish a park like this right in the center of Tel Aviv and provide a place where local people can come and enjoy nature,” said Fink. “I’m proud that my family has played a part in this beautiful project.”
As the delegates toured the park they were guided by Yaron Charka, KKL-JNF’s Chief Ornithologist, who explained that, because Israel lies on one of their main migration routes, the country has a special duty to protect birds. After their guided tour the visitors released two kingfishers back into the wild after they had been caught for purposes of research and monitoring.
Lavi Forest: Greening the landscape
The delegates now made their way northwards to KKL-JNF’s Lavi Field and Forest Center, which offers a variety of educational activities related to nature, the environment, Zionism and ecology, and is equipped with woodland play equipment, tents and cabins.
The study center for Zionism and ecology employs advanced technological methods to involve visitors in games, activities and displays related to the various ecological issues with which KKL-JNF is concerned.
The delegates took part in a giant-map activity designed to help them find their way around Israel and in a general knowledge quiz about the country and KKL-JNF. Afterwards they participated in a symbolic ceremony during which they planted a tree in honor of each of the schools they represent.
Jordan River Park Village: For sick children
The Jordan River Children's Village provides respite for children suffering from chronic or life-threatening illnesses and for youngsters with disabilities and special needs. Free of charge, it provides these children and their families with unforgettable, interesting and highly enjoyable experiences. This is one of sixteen villages worldwide that belong to the international organization established by the actor Paul Newman.
The delegates met with the village’s director Yakir Sternin, who told them: “Our village is a fun place where children come to celebrate life together.” They toured the village and heard about some of the activities it offers, including drama workshops, music, carpentry, cooking, horseback-riding, swimming in a heated indoor pool, sports, social evenings and talent show events.
Delegation member Brittany Olsson, who teaches special education in Sydney, said to her companions, “This amazing place inspires joy and sense of belonging, and it provides a home away from home for children with special needs.”
Thanks to donations from JNF Australia, a multi-sensory science garden, provided with equipment that will enable children with sensory limitations to feel and experience nature, is in the process of being created at the village.
It was then that the first day of the delegates’ visit had come to an end, but these educators still have a wealth of remarkable tours and fascinating encounters to look forward to as their visit to Israel continues.