Last week, the ORT Israel education network held a leadership conference at the Steinhardt Museum of Nature in Tel Aviv against the backdrop of one of Israel’s most profound recent challenges – the Iron Swords War. Since October 7th, this conflict has presented the education system and its leaders with numerous complex challenges, demanding swift adaptation to a new reality.
Titled “Leading Together: Addressing the Challenges of Education,” the conference brought together management and pedagogical teams from across the all ORT network. Organized by the ORT Israel network’s Administration for Education and Operations in collaboration with other network administrations and school leadership representatives, the event was moderated by Tal Bar Maoz, principal of ORT Gutman, Netanya. The conference focused on the unique demands of educational leadership during wartime, emphasizing the importance of fostering unity among colleagues and building collaborative strategies to bolster resilience and address evolving needs.
At the onset of the crisis, Zvi Peleg, CEO of the network, directed efforts toward three key areas:
- Facilitating the swift return of ORT students to learning, especially those displaced from their homes.
- Accommodating evacuated students from affected areas in network schools.
- Organizing supplementary activities in informal education settings.
The war brought forth unprecedented challenges for network administrators and staff, including providing support to those who had suffered personal losses and addressing the needs of students who had experienced trauma. The network also had to contend with the deployment of hundreds of staff members to the frontlines, resulting in a strain on human resources for managing educational activities. Furthermore, the loss of graduates in the war added another layer of complexity, requiring measures to address grief, commemorate the fallen, and support the broader community.
The conference paid tribute to the 86 graduates lost in the war, highlighting their names and faces on a dedicated section of the ORT Israel network’s website. Additionally, it honored the memory of Yossi Hershkovich, the director of ORT Felech Boys school in Jerusalem, who tragically lost his life in the war. His legacy as an esteemed leader and educator was emphasized during the event.
Addressing the conference, Timora Shiri, VP and head of the administration for education and operations, emphasized the significance of effective leadership during times of crisis. She stressed the need for administrators to provide stability and support, create collaborative networks, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Tamir Leon, an applied anthropologist, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “The Day of Now Meets the Day of Tomorrow,” exploring the war’s implications as an educational challenge and its potential long-term impact on Israeli society.
The conference also featured personal accounts from educators directly affected by the conflict. Tal Bar Maoz shared the story of Itai Chen, a graduate who was kidnapped during the war, highlighting the school’s efforts to support his family and advocate for his safe return.
Lt. Col. Limor Gross Weisbuch, a former IDF spokesperson who transitioned to teaching, shared her experiences and insights on advocacy during wartime, shedding light on the challenges faced by educators in such circumstances.
A panel discussion led by Vered Dovrat, principal of ORT Lebovitch Netanya, provided a platform for school principals to share their experiences and discuss the unique challenges they encountered.
These included Ofer Zafarani, principal of ORT Danziger in Kiryat Shmona, who faced the task of providing educational resources for over 1,000 evacuated students, and Dana Mor, principal of Ort Ba’Maale in Tiberias, which integrated hundreds of evacuated students from other schools into its programs. Aliki Alkibi, principal of ORT Ashkelon, shared the experience of managing a school in the most bombarded city in the country. Additionally, Rabbi Dr. Shmeya Carmel, Principal of ORT Tiberius and a senior officer in reserves, shared his experience of managing a school during wartime while fulfilling his role in the reserves forces.
The conference concluded with workshops on various topics related to education in times of crisis, including the use of social media platforms in learning, mental health and well-being, and the intersection of technology and business in addressing challenges. Participants also had the opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits, which focused on nature conservation and sustainability in Israel.
In his closing speech, Zvi Peleg underscored the importance of unity in overcoming adversity, expressing gratitude to the educators for their resilience and dedication. He emphasized the role of education in fostering values of compassion and solidarity, stressing the need to support students and rebuild a sense of normalcy in the wake of the conflict.
The conference concluded with a poignant ceremony in memory of Yossi Hershkovich, symbolizing the enduring impact of his leadership and the spirit of resilience within the ORT network.