Late December 2025 saw a delegation of educators from South Africa and Australia arrive in Israel for a 10-day Educators Seminar led by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF). Of the eight South Africans on the tour, seven were from Cape Town.
The Cape Town teachers, a mix of preschool and high school educators were: Milena Schultheiss, Wendy Faull, Rachel Laughlin, Pharon Konnie, Soelega Petersen, Samantha Jacobson and Ntombi Ndamase.
According to Rachel Laughlin, a Hebrew language teacher at Herzlia High School, “All the participants come from different backgrounds and even religions, but we had the same goal in mind: to see and appreciate what Israel is to us educators in a Jewish school.”
Most of the educators teach in Jewish schools and early childhood programmes. Combining professional development with direct encounters with Israel’s social, historical, environmental and security realities, it provides educators with meaningful tools to strengthen Jewish and Zionist identity in their communities.
According to KKL-JNF, the Educators Seminar is an opportunity to strengthen ties between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, particularly through educational leadership. Participants return to their communities with a richer educational toolbox and a renewed ability to teach about Israel, sustainability, Jewish values, and resilience in a meaningful and informed way. The seminar also serves as a foundation for long-term partnerships between KKL-JNF and Jewish educational institutions – an initiative made more meaningful at a time when Jewish communities abroad need support more than ever.
The itinerary spanned the length of Israel and combined educational content, site visits, and volunteer activity. Rachel Laughlin comments that, “We were taken from the north to the south, exploring the land, the culture, and learning about the education provided to Israel’s children. We had many truly emotional experiences in a number of places, in particular at the memorial sites from October 7th.” Visits to various sites brought participants face-to-face with communities impacted by the events in 2023, highlighting stories of resilience and rebuilding, which are especially poignant considering the current challenges faced by Jewish communities abroad.
A strong element of the learning gained was about the work of KKL-JNF. As Herzlia Afrikaans teacher Milena Schultheiss points out, “It was inspiring to witness the breadth of KKL-JNF’s work beyond tree planting, particularly the vital role they play in shaping the future of Israel’s youth. And, by investing in education and in the educators at Jewish schools, they empower us to become role models for our students, ensuring a stronger future for generations to come.” ●
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