“This conference enables us to get in touch with our roots and work together for the sake of the future,” said Director of KKL-JNF’s Education and Community Division Sar-Shalom Djerbi in his opening speech. “You are the ambassadors of the Jewish People, of the Land of Israel and of the people’s connection to the land,” he told the teachers.
“The special connection between the people and their land is also a connection to their roots, to a love for their country and the environment,” explained Hani Dassa, Director of KKL-JNF's Overseas Education Department.
For Elissa Spertus-Barnes of Los Angeles, who teaches English and mathematics, this was her first time in Israel. “I knew I would love Israel, and I really do love it,” she said. “Now I’m getting to know the country better, and this will help me to arouse my students’ interest in the subject.”
Read more, see photos of the first day of the International Educators Conference in Israel