Why Education for Democratic Values and Active Citizenship is Critical to the Future of Israel?

Amal Educational Network decided to become the first State-Democratic Network in Israel. We are deeply committed to follow by democratic values and to apply them among our educational staff and students. We believe educators have the critical role of promoting unity, addressing challenges posed by populism, and fostering a just and effective society, based on the humanistic values of Judaism, the Israeli legal system and the Declaration of Independence. Education for democracy is essential for strengthening the shared identity of all Israeli citizens and deepening their understanding of what it means to be a citizen. This understanding is crucial for maintaining a cohesive society, particularly in the face of forces that threaten to divide us and lead to social unrest. The current separation of education streams in Israel undermines the sense of national unity. Therefore, it is vital to reinforce the common values that bind us. By fostering empathy and solidarity across all communities, we can extend these values beyond our borders, promoting a more inclusive and supportive society.

A robust democracy relies on the commitment of its citizens to democratic values. Therefore, it is imperative to cultivate a belief in democracy and its principles, especially in the face of rising authoritarian populism that challenges pluralism and democratic foundations, both in Israel and worldwide. Populism seeks unlimited governmental power, undermining the essential checks and balances of a democratic system and stifling government criticism. This threatens human and minority rights, universal concepts, truth, science, rationality, professionalism, and impartiality.

To counter these threats, we must strive to be a model society inspired by the vision of the prophets of Israel, one built on social justice and equal opportunities. Achieving this requires a focus on fundamental civic education, justice, truth, and peace. The education system bears the heavy responsibility of instilling a deep commitment to democracy. Only through comprehensive civic education can we ensure the preservation and flourishing of democratic ideals in Israel.

Donate to Israel: Empowering Through Education with Amal Educational Network

The “Black Shabbat” caught Amal amidst a transformative change in its educational approach. In one day, our sense of normality, security and trust were shattered in face of an unprecedented evil. The Amal school community has lost 38 members on October 7th 2023 and during the war that followed. The heavy toll on our community was immediate. The southern town of Ofakim, where Amal operates three schools was under siege by Hamas terrorists and our students witnessed some unbelievable incidents that led to emotional distress. The sudden attack also led many to leave their homes in the south and north of Israel. Amal Network has absorbed with compassion many of the displaced students to its schools. As educators, we were determined to do our utmost to bring our teachers and students back to school and let them feel that it was their safe zone. To date, most of our 30,000 students are back in school, but the challenges are many, unprecedented, and must be addressed immediately.

Donate to Israel – The Time Is Now

As a result of the ongoing war, Israeli government has recently announced heavy cut backs in all government ministries in an effort to restore Israeli economy. It is in this context that the Amal community of 100,000 people seeks philanthropic investments to ensure its financial resilience and provide its students with the social, emotional and financial support they need to get back on track. Our Jewish values and Israeli heart will never let us leave anyone behind and this is why we reach out for philanthropists who believe in the power of education to change reality. Please go through our projects, designed to restore hope and trust and bring back the joy of learning. Your support in Israel and the children of Amal has never been so important. Thank you.