50 Jewish educators from 12 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Poland, Germany, England, Switzerland, France, South Africa and Australia) were welcomed to Jerusalem and praised as “heroes” by Israel’s President, Mr. Isaac Herzog.
Fifty Jewish Studies teachers are participating in online education programs organized by Herzog College: two “Rimonim” teacher training programs in English and Spanish, and a Spanish MA degree program in Tanakh Teaching. They will spend three weeks touring and studying in Israel as part of their 18-month Rimonim program or 2-year degree course.
At their meeting with President Herzog on December 22, 2025, he praised the teachers, saying: “As educators, you are generals on the front line, protecting and strengthening the Jewish nation. At a time of rising hatred and violence against Jews worldwide, Jewish education is our lifeline, strengthening identity, pride, and our eternal bond to the land of Israel. Teaching Torah, Tanakh and Hebrew in schools around the Jewish world is essential to the future of the Jewish people.”
Rimonim participant Yehudis Klugwant, a high school teacher from Australia, spoke about the aftermath of the atrocious terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. She said that the Jewish community felt abandoned and betrayed by the Australian government, but supported by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, following Minister Amihai Chikli’s visit to Sydney. She also thanked the Israeli government for funding the “Rimonim” program and investing in teachers around the world, reminding them that Am Yisrael is one family.
Minister Amihai Chikli described strengthening Jewish education as the most important mission of his Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism. He said: “One of the dangers of antisemitism is that it will influence Jews to become less Jewish, to lose their identity and weaken their connection to the Jewish people. Our partnership with Herzog College brings a deep understanding of pedagogy and Torah values, using it to uplift Jewish teachers and enhance their education of the next generation.”
Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Brandes, President of Herzog College, agreed that: “The best answer to antisemitism is cultivating “Semitism” – enhancing the ability of the few to stand against the many by promoting Jewish identity. Teaching Tanakh and Jewish history in Jewish schools around the world is the strongest response we can offer in the long-term struggle against those who plot evil against us.”
The Herzog Global “Rimonim” program has to date trained 5 groups of teachers from Latin America and 3 cohorts from English-speaking countries. It is run by Herzog College in collaboration with the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs & Combatting Antisemitism, the Ministry of Education, and UnitED.
(Photos: Meir Elipur)
