In a riveting speech at the annual Israel Hayom conference on education, Education Minister Yoav Kisch made a bold declaration: "Israel should have sought a decisive outcome against Hezbollah last year." His powerful statement underscored the necessity of military intervention to ensure the safe return of northern residents displaced by ongoing tensions. "We are committed to bringing residents back to the north securely, and that will only happen through military action," Kisch emphasized, leaving no room for ambiguity about the government's stance on security.
A Gathering of Educational Leaders Amid Wartime Challenges
Held at the Atid Raziel Youth Village in Herzliya, the conference brought together an eclectic mix of educators, administrators, Ministry of Education officials, and students. The focus was on the education system's readiness for the new school year, particularly in light of the war's profound impact on Israeli youth. Broadcast live on Israel Hayom's digital platforms, the event served as a vital platform for voices from the field to share their firsthand experiences of the past tumultuous year.
Speaking at the Israel Hayom conference on education, Education Minister Yoav Kisch said, "Israel should have sought a decisive outcome against Hezbollah last year ... we are committed to bringing residents back to the north securely, and that will only happen through military…
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) August 14, 2024
Negotiations and the Looming Threat of a Strike
In an exclusive interview with Israel Hayom's education correspondent Noam (Dabul) Dvir, Kisch candidly discussed the challenges facing the education system. He revealed that his team had just concluded three weeks of intense negotiations with the Israel Teachers Union. "We're now heading into a decisive meeting," Kisch noted, highlighting unresolved issues that could disrupt the start of the school year. He urged the union to reach a compromise, stating, "We cannot allow the system to shut down at this critical juncture."
The Spirit of Israeli Education: Resilience and Responsibility
Opening the conference, Israel Hayom's Editor-in-Chief Omer Lachmanovitch reflected on the remarkable resilience and solidarity displayed by the Israeli education community. "October 7 revealed the spirit of Israeli education in both life and death," he remarked, praising the extraordinary Jewish solidarity observed during attacks on southern communities and throughout the ongoing campaigns in Gaza and the north. Lachmanovitch highlighted the unwavering dedication, massive volunteerism, and profound mutual responsibility that characterized the education sector's response to the crisis.
Israeli education minisfer Yoav Kisch:
— War Intel (@warintel4u) June 2, 2024
The time has come to enter into an all-out war against Hezbollah, to drive away the 400,000 residents of southern Lebanon beyond the Litani and make sure that they do not shoot at Israel. pic.twitter.com/wbdAXPFiFr
Broadening the Vision of Education
Lachmanovitch emphasized the need to view education as a cornerstone in Israel's journey to build and sustain an exemplary society. "We must broaden our perspective on education beyond the confines of school walls," he urged, calling for continuous improvement and learning to strengthen communities and the nation. Citing Janusz Korczak, he stressed the importance of thinking in generational terms and crafting a vision for Israelis, especially in these challenging times.
Acknowledging Key Contributors
Lachmanovitch extended heartfelt gratitude to the partners who made the conference possible. He thanked Yossi Mamo, CEO of the Atid Network, for the shared vision; Avi Lugasi, director of the Atid Raziel Youth Village, for hosting; Ifat Ovadia-Luski, chairwoman of KKL-JNF; Prof. Eliezer Shalev, president of Tel-Hai Academic College; and Dr. Shira Hirsh, director of Escola at the Future Scientists Center. He also expressed appreciation to Amir Finkelstein, CEO of the Israel Hayom Group, and the conferences and events team led by Or Dayan for orchestrating this critical event for the benefit of Israeli youth and society.
A Call to Action
The conference underscored the crucial need for decisive action and robust education in the face of adversity. As Israel grapples with security threats and educational challenges, the commitment of leaders like Kisch and the dedication of the education community remain pivotal in shaping a resilient and united future for the nation.
