World Education Conference 2025

Education, Identity and a Connection to Israel – Even in Challenging Days
In July 2025, the Annual International Educators Seminar of the Diaspora Zionist Identity Empowerment Department took place in Israel, in which about 180 educators, school headmasters and community leaders from 22 countries around the world had participated. The seminar took place on July 15-22, during a sensitive and complicated time period, against the backdrop of the war, security challenges and the sharp increase in antisemitism in the world.
The arrival of the participants to Israel during this period, expressed a deep commitment to Jewish-Zionist education and to strengthening ties with the State of Israel, alongside a desire to learn, delve into and connect to the Israeli reality from up close.
 
During the seminar, the participants set out on an educational and experiential journey throughout Israel, which included tours of historically, nationally and ecologically significant sites, encounters with educators and local leaders, and an open dialogue with representatives of the IDF and entities involved in the reconstruction of the Gaza envelope localities, which were hit during the events of October 7. Alongside this, lectures and professional workshops were conducted on issues of Zionism, identity, sustainability, innovation and educational technology.
 
The participants arrived, among other places, from the United states, Canada, France, South Africa, countries in South America, Central America and Eastern Europe, all of whom engage in Jewish-Zionist educational work within their communities in the diaspora.
 
According to Sar Shalom Jerbi, the Manager of the Education and Community Division at KKL-JNF:
"The presence of the educators in Israel in this of all times is a clear declaration of commitment and moral courage. We are proud to host them and arrange an unfiltered encounter for them with Israeli resilience, diversity and spirit. Upon their return to their communities, they will carry with them a renewed sense of purpose – as ambassadors for Zionism, identity, connection and heritage".
 
The seminar, which takes place every year, received an additional meaning in 2025 in light of the challenges faced by Jewish communities around the world. KKL-JNF views the seminars project as a central educational tool for investing in the educators themselves – those who shape the next generation's world of values and identity.
 
The news report was based, inter alia, upon publication on JNS
 

Interested in participating in the next seminars?
 
The educators' seminars of the Diaspora Zionist Identity Empowerment Department takes place every year and are intended for educators from around the world who seek to deepen their familiarity with Israel, strengthening ties with it and acquire educational tools for work with students and communities.
 
Educators who are interested in participating are welcome to contact the Department to receive information on upcoming seminars and options for signing up. 
 
For additional information and registration, contact the Diaspora Zionist Identity Empowerment Department, or write to Mrs. Malca Barkai, the supervisor for the seminars in the Department: