While most Israeli students are currently attending classes virtually, many teachers and staff have been called up to serve in the reserves, leaving a large gap in the country’s education system.
Nike Silverstein, an Upper West Sider and Israeli-American with extensive teaching experience, came forward to fill the void as soon as news of the Hamas terrorist attacks aired.
“I am launching an emergency online school for Israeli children,” Silverstein wrote on her network on Sunday, October 8th. “Israel’s school system will be closed for at least the next 48 hours. Israeli teachers have their own worries and can’t concentrate. We’re going to step up now and help engage children’s hearts and minds. We need to alleviate some of the stress that parents face by providing all the support we can with child care and engagement. Online school starts tomorrow. It is called “Arie”, or the Lion’s Roar. The link will be distributed to schools throughout Israel. You need a Hebrew-speaking teacher or someone who can teach all subjects. ”
Since announcing the program, Silverstein has hired educators from South Africa, Australia, Singapore, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, including several from New York schools. It is.
With lessons for students from kindergarten through high school, the curriculum includes everything from math to yoga to manga creation to music appreciation. Class schedules are currently organized through a shared Google Doc.
Mr. Silverstein, whose resume includes teaching in Israel and working for the New York Board of Jewish Education (now the Jewish Education Project), believes that while it is important for children to continue learning, They say having a sense of community is just as important. And to come together during this difficult time. She launched an initiative to provide Israeli students with “ways to connect, distract and be inspired.”
The schedule is full of classes, but everything is a little tentative given the current situation.
“I am so proud to be a part of this group of teachers and donors!” said Teacher Maya Koenig. “This week I taught a little art and ended up meeting a family that I really connected with. The boy is 6 years old, very articulate, a little stoic and quite… Being an analytical person, he told me that when the sirens went off, he had to leave. He was embarrassed to tell me that his father was in the military, but he asked me to speak English so he could practice. I mainly wanted him to talk. When I told him my favorite color was green, he asked, “Autumn green or summer green?” I was speechless. ”
Another volunteer teacher said, “I suggested an English reading class.” “As the weeks went by, this class became young English speakers who spoke English to their friends. Today, I have six students and each parent, with tears in their eyes, said, They thanked me for doing something like this. That kind of gratitude. I think there are many people who feel like they have to do something. Considering the situation, what skills and superpowers do you have? I didn’t know if the power would be useful or if I could contribute in any meaningful way. Hearing the words “thank you” helped me understand how important this was as part of the war effort. ”
For more information, please contact Nike at nikesilberstein@gmail.com.
