Education in Nature at the KKL-JNF World Leadership Conference

 

The visit began with an unveiling ceremony for a new multi-purpose building that was built thanks to a contribution from the estate of Tibor and Paula Siklos of blessed memory, of Australia. “They felt that the future of the Jewish people was in Israel,” Dan Springer, CEO of JNF Australia, said about the donors. “We are surrounded by the amazing forest that was planted by KKL-JNF, at a center dedicated to education, and all this in the vicinity of Jerusalem. We couldn’t have thought of a more fitting project to honor their memory.”

Simon Elbaz, KKL-JNF Deputy Education Division Director, warmly thanked the donors and everyone who helped make the project possible.

“Education is our roots and our future,” said Dovy Paritsky from the Overseas Department of the KKL-JNF Education Division. He described the many and diverse activities of the Education Division – camps, outings, workshops, seminars and various educational activities that strengthen the values of love of the land, connection to nature and developing leadership. The Field and Forest Centers operated by KKL-JNF throughout the country - at Nes Harim, Lavi Forest, Tzipori and Yatir Forest - offer experiential activities in field and forest. The Overseas Department is active in strengthening ties with Diaspora Jewish communities and deepening roots.

At the conclusion of his talk, Paritsky invited the KKL-JNF leaders to bring groups from all over the world to the Field and Forest Centers, in order to learn about KKL-JNF and to gain a better understanding of what Israel is about.

“The educational centers exemplify the KKL-JNF vision that we have been talking about – the green forest, the environmental activities, and of course Zionist education, which is so important for us all,” said KKL-JNF Chief of Protocol Andy Michelson.

“For KKL-JNF, education is one of the most important subjects,” said KKL-JNF Vice Chairman Shlomo Deri, who is also the head of the Education Committee. “With your help, we are able to organize activities at almost every point on the globe. By means of intensifying Jewish and Zionist identity, we will protect the existence of the Jewish people in the Diaspora.”

 

Noa Tal from the KKL-JNF Planning Department presented the plans for the International Center for Education in the Diaspora that is to be built in Tzipori. “The Center will place emphasis on Zionist leadership plans for youth from Israel and abroad. It is important for us that the International Center will encourage local communities from all religions to take part in its activities.”

At a meeting with students from Rehovot, who were spending the day at the Nes Harim Field and Forest Center, the guests heard about the meaningful educational activities that KKL-JNF organizes for youth and children from all over Israel. “We came to be part of consolidation activities and to connect with nature,” said students Itai, Dvir and Aviv.

Among the wooden cabins were several that were built with support of friends of KKL-JNF from Germany. “Education is the central topic on our agenda,” said Mirko Freitg, Vice-President of JNF-KKL Germany. “We hope to find answers that are appropriate for the young generation, and we believe that Zionist education is the key to strengthening their connection to Israel and to their roots.”

From there, the conference participants continued for a visit to Ein Kobi, which is located in a valley that descends to Refa’im Stream in Begin Park in the Jerusalem Hills. A 17 meter-long tunnel that emerges from an underground pool channels water to an open outdoor spring. The members of the group enjoyed the magnificent scenery, the shade of the trees and a group picnic.

Rabbi Jacquy Sabag from Casablanca described life in Morocco: “I was born in Morocco and I have lived there my entire life. The Jewish community numbers about 1,500 people, most of whom live in Casablanca. This is a traditional community that has excellent relations with the greater community. Of course, it is important for us to keep in touch with Jewish communities in other countries.”