Jewish National Fund-USA recently united dozens of supplementary and religious school Jewish educators from across the United States for its Educators Mission to Israel, where they witnessed firsthand the resilience, hope and determination shaping the future of the Jewish homeland. Taking place from July 15-22 as part of the KKL-JNF worldwide education seminar, the journey took participants from the borders of the north to the heart of the Negev Desert, showcasing the organization’s unparalleled impact in a time of crisis and rebuilding.
An early mission highlight was a visit to the Alexander Muss High School in Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA’s college-prep, study-abroad experience. The educators participated in immersive workshops, toured classrooms and learned how the program prepares students for college via top-tier courses and dedicated teachers; teaches them 4,000 years of Jewish history through its immersive, travel-based curriculum that uses the land of Israel as a living classroom; and strengthens their Jewish identity, inspiring them to explore their connection to Israel.
“I’ve been to Israel often, but the things I’ve experienced this time are totally different,” said Joe Sillman, a special education teacher in Mount Laurel, N.J. “It’s been incredible seeing everything that Jewish National Fund-USA is doing here. I’m going to bring back to my students all of these experiences and support the organization as much as possible.”
Additionally, against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the North and a country still reeling from the attacks of Oct. 7, the delegation met with evacuees, small-business owners, Israel Defense Forces soldiers and local leaders. At every stop, educators saw the vital role Jewish National Fund-USA plays in strengthening communities, providing relief in times of crisis and building a stronger, more resilient Israel for the future.
“I was so impressed with everyone we’ve met who told us what they’ve gone through over the last few years, how they’re working to revive and rebuild their communities, and how Jewish National Fund-USA is supporting those efforts so incredibly,” said Jessie Birnbaum, director of education and youth engagement at Ner Tamid in San Diego. “It’s great being here with all these Jewish educators. We have a lot in common, and there have been fantastic conversations along the way.”
Educators learned about Jewish National Fund-USA’s “Reimagine” plan for Israel’s north and “Build Together” for the south to repopulate and revitalize the historically underserved communities that have been hit the hardest by the recent attacks.
In the north, participants visited the Kiryat Shmona Food Tech Campus, where they witnessed how cutting-edge innovation is creating new economic opportunities. They also learned how Jewish National Fund-USA is boosting tourism and driving regional cooperation by supporting small businesses and increasing employment opportunities for young families through its Lauder Employment Centers.
In the south, they volunteered in the state-of-the-art ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran rehabilitative village and heard a performance by the Special in Uniform band, learning how Jewish National Fund-USA supports Israeli children and soldiers with disabilities. They heard about the incoming World Zionist Village in Beersheva. Featuring a second Muss campus, as well as immersive educational programs for both short- and long-term stays, the village will serve as a dynamic space for intellectual exchange, cultural connection and Zionist engagement.
Additionally, the educators visited Jewish National Fund-USA and KKL-JNF’s 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem, Israel, the only memorial site of its kind outside of the U.S. that lists the names of all the victims who perished on that infamous day. The monument serves as a reminder of the shared values held by the United States and Israel of democracy, freedom, and combating hate and terror wherever it rears its ugly head. Many educators on the mission will be honoring first responders and security officials at a series of 9/11 memorial ceremonies across America, passing these shared values onto their students.
“Where do I begin?” said Rabbi Binny Fogelgarn, youth rabbi and director of the Boca Jewish Center in South Florida.
“From K’far Giladi in the north to seeing Special in Uniform at the army base, there’s so much to bring back home. It’s now even easier to teach my students to love Israel, to plant Israel, the history and all the people who lived here, and how we all get along and build this land of Israel – what an opportunity!”
To learn more about Jewish National Fund-USA’s upcoming missions to Israel, including volunteer missions to Israel, visit: jnf.org/travel.
