Jewish National Fund Sponsors Teachers Seminars in Israel

Jewish National Fund
Tuesday, 19 June 2001

Despite the Current Hostile Climate in Israel, Jewish National Fund Continues To Send Trips

June 19, 2001 – New York, NY – Jewish National Fund (JNF) is sponsoring two teachers seminars in Israel this July. While some Jewish organizations are canceling their trips to Israel due to the political turmoil and violence, JNF is still forging ahead with their scheduled trips this summer. JNF feels it is always important for world Jewry to visit Israel, but now, during Israel's time of crisis, it is crucial for Jews to be there, standing in solidarity with the Israeli people.

JNF's National Education Emissary, Dr. Ben-Zion Bar-Lavie will be leading two separate groups of teachers, from Florida and California, on 10-day education seminars. The teachers, who are primarily from Jewish day schools and synagogue Hebrew schools, were selected by their principals for their interest in and commitment to JNF, Israel, and the environment. Despite the current hostile environment in Israel, none of the teachers who signed up for this trip have cancelled. For the Florida group, the main purpose of the seminar, which will run from July 2 to July 12, is to further educate the teachers about the JNF curriculum they are currently using, "Our People, Our Land." In contrast, the California group, which is traveling from July 8 to July 18, will use the seminar as a kick-off for the implementation of JNF's curriculum in the upcoming school year.

Inherent in JNF's mission is the mandate to provide Zionist education to Jewish people everywhere. These seminars will provide teachers with the tools needed to teach their students about the realization of the Zionist dream, Israel's rich history, and the importance of supporting and visiting Israel as well as the protection of its environment. "Through this seminar, we hope to further educate teachers about the tremendous impact that JNF has had and continues to have on the beautification of Israel's environment and the implementation of water conservation projects aimed at combating Israel's severe water crisis," says Bar-Lavie. "In addition, we want to ensure the educators are taking full advantage of JNF's curriculum, including planning student trips to Israel with JNF and utilizing JNF educational materials in their curricula."

A highlight of the trip will be the International Eco-Zionism™ Conference for educators from all over the world entitled, "Zionist Ecology in Jerusalem." The conference will include educational sessions and discussion panels on issues of Israel's environment and the severe water crisis Israel is currently facing. Israel's Ministers of Education, Environmental Quality, and Science & Sports will speak at the conference along with JNF-KKL World Chairman Yehiel Leket and Co-Chairman Shlomo Gravetz.

The participating teachers will take part in "hands-on" field trips to JNF's major projects, and experience first-hand how JNF has helped to make Israel flourish and become a green oasis in what used to be a barren land. The itinerary combines trips to sites of both historical significance and remarkable natural beauty, such as an underground tour along the entire length of the Western Wall, a visit to stalagmite caves, and swimming in the Red Sea.

The seminar is being funded by JNF's Overseas Department. In addition, JNF is providing expert guides, security and all necessary ground support. The Florida Seminar is being partially subsidized by the Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE) of Broward County, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Laurence and Carole Skolnik and their family. Additional support was also provided by Dr. Murray and Lila Zedek.

For more information, or to contact Jewish National Fund, see their website at: www.jnf.org