On the course of seven days, the participants traveled throughout Israel, visited nature and heritage sites, met with military officials and educators, and participated in training and lectures on topics of technology, KKL-JNF, sustainability and ecology. A special and emotional visit took place in the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
The participants arrived from many countries: The United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, France, Estonia, Bulgaria, Turkey and South Africa. Interesting fact: About a third of the educators are not Jewish but teach in Jewish schools and are emotionally connected to Israel.
Special Meaning in Time of War
The seminar received a particularly deep meaning this year. The arrival of the educators from South Africa and Turkey was exciting as a result of the tense relationships, and the Ukrainian delegation symbolized the fate shared by both countries.
Sar Shalom Jerbi, the Manager of the Education and Community Division at KKL-JNF, emphasized: "The educators from around the world connect to the land 'through their feet', experience and feel the atmosphere in Israel during these special days of a long war, that reveals the bravery and unity of the people, and receive a rich and diverse toolbox to connect the youth to the people and the land and also to deal with the rising antisemitism on the streets."
KKL-JNF Ambassadors in the World
Upon their return to their communities, the educators become KKL-JNF trustees and Israeli ambassadors. They strengthen the Zionist and Jewish identity in their communities and instill values of love for the environment and heritage, equipped with new educational tools and the unforgettable experiences from Israel.