These past few weeks I have been thinking a lot about leadership. In a time in Israel where many citizens are stepping up to make their voice heard and to effect change in their reality – the question of leadership is an important one here in Israel and around the world.

 

In our programs we examine the subject of leadership through the lenses of initiative and responsibility. What does it mean to really show up in a community, to thoughtfully listen to local needs, to respect local knowledge but also to not shy away from taking responsibility when needed? These questions are an integral part of what our fellows and participants experience during their time in Israel and hopefully take back home to their communities as Yahel alumni.

 

When thinking about examples of leaders – I think about the Eritrean refugee who is working on providing academic enrichment opportunities for Eritrean children in his community - without any resources or formal backing. I think about the Director of a youth center who is a true role model for his teens and is fighting to keep them off the streets. I think about the community social worker who is under compensated and over extended and yet continues to advocate for every family in need. I think about the woman who runs the after-school program and uses her own funds to ensure the children in her group have decent meals and games to play. I think about the Yahel fellow who is showing up every week to work with a group of teens, even when they do not always know how to show their appreciation. I think of the fellows who are initiating community events with local partners, our alumni around the world who will be leading service days this summer, and so many others. 

 

In this newsletter we have chosen to delve a bit deeper into the idea of leadership and see what it looks like on many levels. For me, ultimately, leadership means taking responsibility for the reality around us and always finding ways to change a situation for the better. This is what we strive to do at Yahel.

 

Tomi is a teacher with an impressive 32 years of experience in the education system. His passion for education led him to found the Lod Farm School, where he has served as principal for the past 12 years.

The farm school is a unique educational institution that provides students from all backgrounds with an opportunity to learn about agriculture, sustainability, and shared responsibility.

 

The educational system in Lod is diverse, yet divided. Every week, 1,200 students from different schools in Lod come to the farm school to engage in hands-on learning experiences, and throughout the year, they have the opportunity to interact with students who they would otherwise likely never encounter. The farm is staffed by both Arab and Jewish teachers, of various religiosities, teaching the children from various schools in their native language. All signage around the school is in Hebrew and Arabic, and a core of the students' education is focused on working towards collective goals.

Tomi's vision for the farm school is to create a shared society between Jews and Arabs and within the diversity of both communities. He believes that every student who comes to the farm school should feel safe and at home, and he provides them with responsibilities and opportunities to take food home with them. Through Tomi's leadership and commitment to education, the Lod Farm School has become a place where students can grow, learn, and thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Leadership is not always the people in the front – those that everyone sees and hears. Sometimes the most profound leadership is actually done behind the scenes – like our wonderful Yahel board members. Based both in the US and Israel, the Yahel board provides strategic direction for the organization, ensures the financial viability of the organization and continuously helps propel the organization forward. This is a wonderful opportunity to thank our Board Chair – Shelly Mitchell, and all our other board members – Lee Sherman, Joanne Moore, Susan Abravanel, Moshiko Emmer, Becca Garfinkel, Samantha Sisisky, Amy Weiss and Lior Benisty for all the wonderful work they do!

 

 

Applications for the 2023-2024 Yahel Social Change Fellowship are open, but spaces are filling up fast. If you or someone you know is passionate about creating positive change in the world, don't miss this opportunity to make a real impact on underserved communities in Israel, immerse yourself in Israeli society, and gain valuable personal and professional skills.

 

Are you or someone you know passionate about creating positive change in the world?