For the first time, AMIT hosted a Thanksgiving celebration in Israel on Nov. 27, at Jerusalem’s Inbal Hotel, proudly welcoming more than 170 loyal supporters. Many attendees were olim who have maintained their strong connection to AMIT and its mission of educating children in Israel’s social and geographic periphery.
The uplifting event honored Yaffi Shmidman, of Jerusalem, recognizing her family’s extraordinary, multigenerational commitment to AMIT. Participants from across Israel gathered for a meaningful program and a festive American-style Thanksgiving dinner with an Israeli flair.
AMIT Yoshevet Rosh Tamar Benovitz opened the evening. “As AMIT marks its 100th anniversary, we stand on the shoulders of all who came before us to reach this special milestone. We are grateful to all the AMIT families, many multi-generational, that are joining us today,” she said.
The audience was energized by AMIT executive vice president Andy Goldsmith and inspired by AMIT principal Einat Rubin who spoke of her decision to donate a kidney in memory of Matan Abergil, her student who fell on Oct. 7. After AMIT principal Rav Yoni Berlin presented Shmidman with her award, event co-chair Anne Golombeck showed a video outlining AMIT’s groundbreaking new programming being rolled out in its schools.
Introducing a message from AMIT president Shari Safra, Benovitz underscored how AMIT has always been a “unique partnership between diaspora Jewry and the State of Israel,” a bond that has strengthened under Safra’s leadership.
The efforts of event chairs Tamar and Tani Benovitz, Anne and Shelly Golombeck and Deanne and Lenny Shapiro elevated the evening, making it a truly memorable celebration of AMIT’s innovation, heart and commitment to its students and staff.
Named Israel’s No. 1 educational network by the Ministry of Education for the seventh consecutive year, AMIT operates 91 schools with more than 42,000 students nationwide. Its leadership fosters an environment in which every student is valued and continuously introduces new initiatives to prepare its students for the future of education—and the results speak for themselves: 93% of students graduate with a bagrut diploma; 98% of graduates serve in the IDF or perform national service.
Thanks to the dedication of its steadfast partners, AMIT is helping Israel grow from a Start-Up Nation into an Education Nation—building a stronger future for every child through shared values, academic achievement and social responsibility.
