“Wow!” was a word heard again and again from the Israeli educators who visited Greater MetroWest NJ this spring from our partnership community of Merchavim. Over several days, these educators toured public and private schools and community organizations throughout Greater MetroWest, gaining insight into the educational landscape of our community while building meaningful relationships with their American counterparts.
The program, Noa L’Olam, was designed as a living bridge between educators in Israel and Greater MetroWest. Created by Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ in response to the events of October 7, and the sharp rise in global antisemitism, this two-year learning and exchange initiative seeks to foster deep connections among participants as they share challenges, experiences, resources, and best practices.
Through collaboration and dialogue, educators explore the realities facing schools today and develop joint educational projects that strengthen cross-cultural understanding, professional growth, and meaningful connections between students and teachers in both countries.
As Israeli Cohort Leader Ronit Greengold explains:
“Since the events of October 7, educators in Israel and New Jersey have faced a jarring reality that raises piercing questions of identity and an unprecedented sense of urgency. While teachers in Israel cope with direct trauma and loss, their colleagues in New Jersey face a rising wave of antisemitism and phenomena of delegitimization in schools and on social media—a situation that forces both sides to ask: ‘Why is this happening?’ and ‘How should we respond as educational leaders?’”
The program was developed in honor and memory of Noa Price, a young woman from Merchavim who bravely served in the IDF and was murdered on October 7. Noa and her family participated in many Greater MetroWest partnership programs. Her mother, Sigal, was a participant in our Peoplehood program, and Noa herself attended Merchavim High School—the same school from which many of our Israeli educators came.
Noa’s values of empathy, gratitude, acceptance of others, and the courage to dream, are reflected in the design of this program, which creates opportunities for educators to share experiences, learn from one another, and navigate today’s challenging and often complex educational environment together.
Prior to the visit, educators from both cohorts spent months learning about one another’s educational systems, cultures, histories, and current realities. Greater MetroWest participants explored topics including the Israeli school system, Holocaust and Jewish education in Greater MetroWest, and programs that empower young people to serve as ambassadors for Israel.
During their time together, participants engaged in thoughtful conversations around questions such as:
• How do we strengthen Jewish values, Jewish identity, and connection to Israel?
• How can Israeli values and experiences inform American classrooms?
• How do we create environments where students feel safe speaking openly without fear?
• In an era of social media and misinformation, how do we help students and adults seek truth and engage with difficult topics?
• What is our greatest dream for our students?
The Greater MetroWest cohort includes school counselors, administrators, a professor, and teachers representing a diverse range of public schools. Participants welcomed the Israeli educators into their schools, introducing them to colleagues, administrators, counselors, and students. These visits sparked meaningful conversations, deep reflection, and valuable learning opportunities for everyone involved.
Simchi Vaknin, a mathematics and data analytics teacher from Merchavim High School, captured the experience beautifully:
“This past week in Greater MetroWest New Jersey, was meaningful, inspiring, emotional, and unforgettable. We came as a delegation of teachers from Israel, but we are going home with new friendships, new ideas, and a much deeper understanding of the strong bridge between our communities.”
I learned so much from our visits to the different schools. I was truly impressed by the beautiful facilities, the open spaces, the welcoming atmosphere, and the way education is built around curiosity, dialogue, and community. Most of all, I loved meeting the students. Their willingness to share their experiences, ask questions about education in Israel, and engage in honest conversations with us was one of the most meaningful parts of the journey.”
As we continue learning together over the coming year, we look forward to deepening these relationships, expanding our understanding, and strengthening the bridge between our communities. Am Israel Chai!