The last day of the educators’ conference has come - after 10 packed, exciting days during which the educators from Australia toured the country from end to end!
The stormy weather proved no deterrent for the educators, who scaled Massada to learn its story. The ancient citadel, perched on top of a remote rock in the Judean Desert, tells one of the most well-known heroic tales in Jewish history. The Roman legion laid siege to the Jewish rebels who, when all hope of winning their war had faded, chose to commit suicide. The Massada story has become an inseparable part of Zionist heritage, a beacon of determination and yearning for freedom.
From there they continued to the Ayalon Institute Museum in Rehovot, where the KKL-JNF is a partner to its development. In the pre-independence days, a clandestine Haganah weapons factory operated there. These weapons were vital to the Yishuv - in defending themselves and in their struggle to establish the State of Israel.
The seminar’s final event took place at the de Shalit High School in Rehovot, which is a very special historic site. The Australian Cavalry, when it conquered Rehovot during World War 1, set up its command post in the building which today houses the school. The building was also the home of General Henry Shoval, the ANZAC Commander. This impressive historic building was built by Eliezer Slutzkin in 1910 - a Jew that immigrated from Australia before the war. The educators toured the school, met students and teachers and heard about the place’s history and about the school today.
“One of the goals we set ourselves for the seminar was to strengthen ties with the diaspora and equip the teachers with tools through introducing them to the Israeli reality”, said Hani Dasa, Manager of the Overseas Department of the KKL-JNF Overseas Education and Community Division, during the closing ceremony. “We believe that the inspiration the educators absorb here will be helpful to them in telling Israel’s real story”.
The members of the delegation themselves summarized the empowering experience they received. “I can’t thank the KKL-JNF enough for the experience I’ve had here”, said Louise Stone. “The best way we can thank the KKL-JNF and the Diaspora Education Department would be - to share what we have been through here with family and friends, said Andrew Briding.
“They say every good thing must come to an end, and indeed we have been through a fabulous journey in a magnificent country”, said Dee Pitcairn. Her husband Dave Pitcairn added: “We have observed the miracle of a country determined to make the world a better place”. The Pitcairns are school masters in Sydne.
“As educators we are used to investing in our students, and it feels special to take part in a seminar where we are the ones being taught”, said Rabbi Yossi Friedman. “The KKL-JNF has opened many doors to places we otherwise would never have reached on our own”.
Yigal Nissel, the KKL-JNF education envoy in Australia, summed it up: “On our first day we planted trees in the soil of this land. It usually takes years of waiting until one sees fruit. In this case, we are harvesting the fruits of this journey after a mere 10 days. Don’t be content with the experience you’ve had. Come back to Israel and become part of Israeli society”.
Dubi Paritzky - Project Coordinator in Israel and Malka Barkay, Diaspora Programs Coordinator in the KKL-JNF Overseas Education and Community Division, were moved and thanked everyone for their participation and for being proud in taking part in organizing an inspiring project like the Australian Educators Seminar in Israel.