What it is about
The Yael Foundation has launched a groundbreaking leadership program tailored for principals of Jewish schools worldwide. This initiative aims to transform these institutions into leading choices for Jewish students by providing school leaders with the tools and innovative methods needed to enhance educational standards.
Why it matters
The program comes amidst rising global antisemitism, which has led to an increased demand for Jewish education. By investing in the leadership of Jewish schools, the Yael Foundation ensures these institutions not only serve as safe havens but also compete as centers of academic excellence, thereby attracting Jewish students and reassuring their parents of their children’s education quality.
Key Details
Co-founder Uri Poliavich emphasized, “This program is a lasting investment in a strong future for Jewish education globally. With the recent upsurge in interest in Jewish schools, it is essential to maintain high standards of education.”
Academic research supports that investing in school principals significantly enhances educational quality. The Yael Foundation is leveraging this approach, implementing innovative practices designed to tackle contemporary challenges.
Chaya Yosovich, CEO of the Yael Foundation, highlighted the current challenge: “Jewish schools should be more than refuges; they must be centers of excellence, capable of competing with the best schools worldwide.”
Ensuring Premier Education
The Yael Foundation’s leadership program has just concluded a successful pilot, enrolling 18 principals from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Spain, and France. These principals participated in a one-year program with Reichman University, learning from top experts in education and innovation and drawing on Israel’s established ‘Start-Up Nation’ ethos.
Naomi Kovitz, Deputy Director of the Yael Foundation, reinforced the organization’s commitment: “Strong leadership in education is crucial for every vibrant Jewish community. This program fosters such leadership by innovating beyond traditional methods.”
The curriculum included visits to the Peres Center for Innovation and workshops at the Adelson School of Entrepreneurship, where principals explored disciplines like applied innovation and entrepreneurial management.
An Initiative by the People, for the People
Started by Uri and Yael Poliavich in 2020, the Yael Foundation supports 35 countries and impacts 13,000 Jewish students. Their mission is to ensure that all Jewish children, regardless of location or community size, have access to high-quality Jewish and general education.
Impact on the Jewish Community
The grantees of the Yael Foundation serve to develop a strong Jewish identity in students, nurturing tomorrow’s Jewish leaders. The initiative also reinforces the philosophy that access to excellent Jewish education should be universal among Jewish children worldwide, fostering a robust future for the Jewish community.
This story was first published on jpost.com.