Two new schools breathe life into northern Israel

Two new landmark schools in northern Israel, built with support from the UK Jewish community, were praised by the British Ambassador and local leaders when they were officially opened in October 2010. These schools have been funded by UJIA, in partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Education and the Rashi Foundation, to give a boost to some of the most vulnerable communities along Israel's northern border.

With support from donors in the UK, notably the late Lord Steinberg and family, UJIA has funded extensive renovations and a new educational programme at the Lord Steinberg Hemed Torani-Environmental School in Merom HaGalil, a remote region in northern Israel. The day was an emotional occasion for both local children and the visitors from the UK, since it marked the Yahrzeit (anniversary of the death) of Lord Steinberg and was attended by his wife, Lady Steinberg, plus their children and grandchildren. Following the opening of the new school campus, the cornerstone was laid for a brand new project - Merom HaGalil's new Early Education Centre - the cost of which will be donated by UJIA Trustee, Keith Black, and his family.

Just minutes from the Israel-Lebanon border, the Esfandi-Isaacs ORT High School in the town of Shlomi is the first of its kind in Israel - teaching both religious and secular pupils. It is the town's first ever secondary school and will give the community and economy a much needed boost. UJIA was able to fund the construction of this new school with support from Joey Esfandi and Jeremy Isaacs, alongside several other significant donors from the UK including the Ealing Synagogue and New London Synagogue, plus a host of private donors.

Local children and families were joined by the Esfandi, Isaacs and Steinberg families at the opening ceremonies of the two schools. Official dignitaries included: HE Mr Matthew Gould, British Ambassador to the State of Israel; Dr Orna Simchon, Director of Northern Region, Israeli Ministry of Education; Amit Sofer, Mayor of the Merom HaGalil Regional Council; Gabi Naaman, Mayor of Shlomi; and Mick Davis, Chairman, UJIA.

You can view pictures from the day in our photo gallery: Esfandi-Isaacs High School and Lord Steinberg Hemed Torani-Environmental School.

Douglas Krikler, Chief Executive, UJIA, said:
"These two schools are a landmark for education in northern Israel. The Esfandi-Isaacs High School in Shlomi is the first of its kind in the country, bringing together religious and non-religious pupils to learn under one roof. At the Lord Steinberg Hemed Torani-Environmental School, the renovated campus goes hand-in-hand with new programmes to deliver a quality education. With the support from UJIA's donors in the UK Jewish community, these schools will help to close the gap between Israel's centre and periphery - and bring prosperity to the Galil."

HE Mr Matthew Gould, British Ambassador to the State of Israel, commented:
"Resolving internal divisions in Israel doesn't always grab the headlines, but days like today are starting the process. UJIA is making a difference in this area. There is real hope for an Israel where its diversity is its strength, where between the communities there are not walls, but bridges - and this school [in Shlomi] is a bridge."

Joey Esfandi, UJIA donor to the Esfandi-Isaacs ORT High School in Shlomi, said:
"I am overwhelmed, privileged and humbled to have played a small role in something so majestic. I feel strongly about the unity in Israel between religious and secular and I felt that the place to start was in a school. I believe that, with [Shlomi Mayor] Gabi Naaman's guidance, this school will be the start of Shlomi's regeneration."