Providing HQPD for Mexico City Educators

It was my honor to be invited to present the keynote address and five additional sessions at the Horaat Israel Conference in Mexico City, supported by Keren Hayesod Mexico, The Jewish Agency, Bitui, Universidad Hebraica, Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Vaad HaJinuj and the World Zionist Organization’s Department of Education.

Educators reflected on several sessions I offered, including: “Case Studies in Israeli Leadership and Difficult Decision Making,” “Modern Israeli Culture Through Song and Poetry,” “ The Context and Content of Israel’s War with Hamas,” “Creating Interactive Israel Bulletin Boards,” “The Aleph Bet of Israel Education: Creating a Vision Statement” and the Keynote Address for all “Belonging, Jewish Identity and Ownership: The Relevance of Israel for Our Students.”

I was especially grateful for the warm hospitality and appreciation expressed by the workshop leaders, Mauricio Friedman and Sharon Kusner. I found all the educators in the area passionate about their work, about Zionism, and about the future of their respective communities.

As I prepared to leave the beautiful warmth of Mexico City, I was presented with a recognition award stating that a donation was made in my honor to the Fund for the Victims of Terrorism in Israel. I felt the mix of emotions we all do during these challenging times: pride, mourning, purpose and grace. May we go from strength to strength together.

The video below shows just how lovely the people, the location and the atmosphere of learning were. Enjoy!