A Journey of Hope: Amal’s School Principals Embark on an Educational Exploration

Amal Educational Network held a transformative two-day retreat titled A Journey of Hope into Israeli Society and Democracy. Bringing together school principals, Amal’s pedagogical team, and the executive board, this retreat which ended yesterday, served as a cornerstone in strengthening the network’s commitment to diversity, identity, and civic values in education.

Carefully designed by a dedicated steering committee of Amal principals and pedagogical leaders, the retreat was the fifth gathering of all Amal principals in the past year. Under the leadership of Director General, Karen Tal and Deputy Director General, Tamar Peled Amir, Amal continues to invest in its educational leaders, recognizing them as the backbone of the network’s mission to rebuild Israeli society through education.

Set against the backdrop of Jerusalem—a city reflecting Israel’s deepest societal complexities—some 70 participants embarked on an immersive journey. Divided into three thematic groups, symbolically named the White, Red, and Blue coaches, each group encountered trailblazers who have broken barriers and inspired hope within their respective fields. These meetings, held in both urban and educational spaces, sparked discussions on leadership, resilience, and the power of social change.

Among the influential figures who shared their stories were Ran Stier, head of Muslala, who presented his community-driven vision for transforming public spaces into vibrant cultural and ecological hubs, Uri Amedi, the visionary behind the revival of the Mahane Yehuda Market, who underscored the importance of leadership and self-determination in fostering community renewal, Dr. Nurit Sirkis Bank, an art curator and researcher, who shared her personal journey from secular Ramat Aviv to ultra-Orthodox Jerusalem, emphasized the potential of art to bridge religious divides, Daniel Hason, director of the Jerusalem Intercultural Center, who highlighted the importance of dialogue in fostering coexistence among Jerusalem’s diverse communities, Shlomit Malka (Kedma High School) and Aviah Baruchi (Keshet High School) who showcased innovative educational models that bring together students from different backgrounds and Michael Faraj, who represented the Terra Sancta school network, who welcomed the group to his school in East Jerusalem, where Muslim and Christian students learn engage in peace-building initiatives despite ongoing challenges. Each meeting was followed by reflective discussions, allowing participants to share their thoughts and draw insights applicable to their own schools and communities. The retreat reinforced Amal’s core belief that diversity is not an obstacle but a strength—one that, when embraced, can drive meaningful societal change.

Professor Moshe Halbertal, a renowned expert in Jewish Thought and Educational Policy, concluded the retreat by presenting a model for navigating tensions and conflicts in education. This journey was more than an academic exploration; it was an empowering experience that provided Amal’s principals with the resilience, inspiration, and tools to continue their vital work. In a time of profound challenges, Amal remains steadfast in its mission to build a shared, values-driven society—one school at a time.