Communicating Israel to Students in Australia

 

The final day of their visit began in Ilanot Forest, which was planted in the early years of the State to serve as a testing ground for of the acclimatization of different tree species in Israel. But as the years passed, the experimental woodland was abandoned and it sank into neglect – until KKL-JNF assumed responsibility for tending and developing it once more, with the result that around two years ago it was officially declared a botanical garden, and, with the support of friends of KKL Denmark, a state-of-the-art visitors’ center has been added to the site.

The woodland has been rendered accessible to visitors with physical limitations, and some paths are suitable for wheelchair use. Audio stations around the site provide recorded explanations for the blind and hard of hearing, and the interactive visitors’ center is similarly disabled-accessible.

“It’s important to us to make the visitors’ center and the forest itself lively, active places that will attract people of all kinds – schoolchildren, tourists, people with special needs, all of whom come to explore, learn and enjoy themselves,” said Tovit Shapira, who manages the visitors’ center.

The Australian educators enjoyed the experience of using advanced technical aids to enhance their woodland visit: a virtual reality bicycle that can be “ridden” through the treetops, a light-up globe that shows the different types of forest worldwide, a map on which tree species can be selected for suitability by geographic region, a lesson on the parts of the tree with the help of a 3D model and tablet computers, films on a wraparound movie screen, and a trivia quiz.

With all due respect to advanced technology today there is no substitute for a walk that allows you to observe the woodland landscape, touch the leaves, smell the flowers and hear the birds, especially on a beautiful day of pleasant winter sunshine such as this one.

As the teachers embarked on their walk through the woodland, they saw technology being harnessed even here to learn about the forest: each tree boasts a QR code that supplies visitors with its relevant personal information, and there’s also a smartphone app that supplies riddles and clues to turn the walk into an enjoyable learning experience for children and the whole family.

“It’s hard to find words to define the meaning of the journey we’ve made,” said Charlene Orwin of Yavneh College in Melbourne. “I’ve grown here as a person and as an educator, and I’ve learned and experienced a whole lot of new things. Today I understand the JNF’s profound significance for Israel and Jews worldwide.”

 

International education from Israel

At Hod HaSharon’s Alexander Muss High School the teachers heard about the special program for students from all over the world who come to spend six months in Israel exploring their roots, getting a taste of Israeli life and strengthening their sense of identity.

“It’s important to us to provide our students with an empowering education and with experiential learning here in Israel,” explained Dean of Students Polly Hyams-Sherman.

“During our trip we’ve encountered different aspects of Israel,” said Wayne Nicholls of Melbourne’s Bialik College. “As an art teacher, I’ve acquired some tools that will be of help to me, and I intend to include traditional Jewish art in my classes.”

“It was a privilege to take part in this journey,” said Andy Greenstein of Sydney’s Moriah College. “Everywhere we’ve visited has touched my soul, and I’ve enjoyed every moment. We’ve dealt with a variety of different areas, including education, innovation, agriculture and spirituality – we’ve had it all. I was greatly impressed by the tremendous extent of KKL-JNF’s activities for the benefit of Israel.”

Navah Jachimowitz of Melbourne’s King David School regarded the visit as a special opportunity to get in touch with Israel and deepen her Jewish identity. “My knowledge is richer now, and I feel that my connection to Israel is stronger than ever before,” she said. “I’m sure I’ll be able to take that with me into the classroom.”

 

The moment of parting

The conference’s closing ceremony was held at Tel Aviv’s Beit Hatfutsot, and the delegates toured this museum of Jewish culture and art that tells the story of the Jewish People in the diaspora through exhibitions, lectures, conferences and educational courses.

“It’s amazing to see everything that KKL-JNF has done. I’ve found this journey very inspiring,” said Evie Apfelbaum of Moriah College. “For me the JNF provides an opportunity to be a part of what’s happening in Israel,” added her Moriah College colleague Tsila Salomon.

KKL-JNF envoy to Melbourne Shai Israel added, “The journey doesn’t finish today, we’re just moving on to the next stage, because after you get back to Australia your journey with Israel will continue.”

KKL-JNF emissary to Australia Yigal Nisell said: “When you ask an elderly couple how they’ve managed to stay together for so many years, you always get the same answer: true love. Love is hard work, not like a brief infatuation. That’s how we want to see people’s relationship with Israel, too. Don’t make do with just the ten days you’ve spent here. Continue to teach your students about Israel and bring this true love to fruition.”

In her parting words to the educators, Hani Dassa, director of KKL-JNF’s Overseas Education Department, said: “I’m sure that you will be able to convey in the classroom what you’ve learned and experienced here. I have no doubt that you will continue to nurture the young generation and that you will be excellent ambassadors for us in Australia.”