Jewish National Fund-USA is acknowledging the life-changing impact that teachers have on students in the U.S. and Israel during Teacher Appreciation Week.
New York, NY: May 4, 2020 – In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4 – 8, 2020), Jewish National Fund-USA’s (JNF-USA) leadership is recognizing the incredible impact of teachers in schools across the U.S. and Israel. As the world continues to be affected by the global health crisis, teachers are going above and beyond to educate their students via online channels and platforms.
Two months ago, as the curtailment of international travel seemed likely, JNF-USA took decisive action to bring students home from the organization’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI-JNF / High School in Israel). Despite the program’s early conclusion, High School in Israel’s teachers continued to provide online classes once the students returned. This is in addition to a suite of live and on-demand “Israel Education Online” classes currently available for students and adults alike at jnf.org/ondemand.
AMHSI-JNF President, Ron Werner, noted his deep appreciation for the High School in Israel’s teachers who motivated him to become more involved in his Jewish community: “As an alumnus of High School in Israel, there’s no doubt that my involvement in Jewish communal life is a direct result of High School in Israel’s incredible experiential learning program and inspirational teaching staff who taught me all those years ago. Although our school, and our incredible teachers, have felt the challenges caused by the global health crisis, we continue to be driven by the belief that tomorrow will always be brighter than today and High School in Israel’s flame will burn brightly for decades to come.”
JNF-USA’s Chief Israel Advocacy and Leadership Officer, Yael Septee Kane, expressed her thanks for the role teachers play in changing the lives of students every day: “This week, just like every other week, we continue to express our gratitude for High School in Israel’s educators as well as the teachers JNF-USA works within schools throughout the U.S. Teachers have a remarkable ability to alter the course of our childrens’ lives as they look to find their paths forward. At High School in Israel, we teach students about responsibility, leadership, and social justice while helping them understand the importance of their connection to their Jewish identity and the State of Israel.”
AMHSI-JNF National Director of Recruitment, Rabbi Greg Litcofsky, acknowledged how teachers help students uncover their true academic potential: “Since 1972, High School in Israel’s educators have been nurturing the natural curiosity of Jewish teens as they explore their connection to the land and people of Israel. High School in Israel’s ability to support each student’s academic potential is driven by our teachers’ unique ability to inspire and engage students while also empowering them to grow as independent young adults. As an alum of the program, my teacher, Alan Odes, remains one of the most influential teachers in my life. Nearly 20 years after sitting in his classroom, the lessons he taught me are as relevant as ever.”
Community members seeking to support the future of Jewish education can contribute to High School in Israel here. Applications are now open for High School in Israel’s Fall 2020 sessions. For more information, visit amhsi.org, email discover@amhsi.org or call 800.327.5980.
ENDS
Media inquiries: Stefan Oberman, Jewish National Fund-USA Director of Communications
P: 212.879.9305 x222
About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA is the leading philanthropic organization for Israel that supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south. Through its One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, Jewish National Fund-USA is developing new communities in the Galilee and Negev, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure for ecology, special needs, and heritage preservation.