One of the great ceremonies of Israeli society is the torch lighting that closes Yom Hazikaron and opens Yom Ha’aztmaut. Twelve people are selected for their contributions to Israeli life-some are famous, but more are not. Yet it’s clear that these people are the unsung heroes of Israeli society.
This year, I am extraordinarily proud to report that Tzippi Harpenes, principal of AMIT’s Elaine Silver Technological High School in Beersheva, was chosen to light a torch. See the video below. She represented Israel’s educators who functioned “above and beyond” during Covid. Because her school is classified as special education, it was open throughout the pandemic.
What makes Tzippi a hero?
The teenage boys and girls who study at Elaine Silver come from low socioeconomic backgrounds, many with dysfunctional families, and have failed at more mainstream schools. Succeeding at Tzippi’s school with a full bagrut certificate enables these students to turn their lives around, perform military or national service, achieve self-sufficiency and build meaningful lives.
Since Tzippi became principal eight years ago, the school has grown from 60 to 130 students. Each student works according to an individualized learning plan. As she explains, “I have 130 kids and 130 class schedules.”
Of equal importance, she implemented the “responsible adult model” where students select personal mentors who guide them through their school years and for seven years after that. The long time period ensures that students and teachers forge close ties, and that one teacher serves as a personal role model and guide throughout a student’s formative years. For teenagers who may lack a positive role model in their lives, this is a key element for both personal and academic success. The time and emotional commitment required of the staff speaks volumes about their dedication.
And Tzippi is modest. When the Ministers of Knesset called to tell her about this honor, she thought it was an April Fool’s Day prank and promptly hung up on them. She then spent the day with her husband and six children hiking. When she came back, they called again, and she hung up again. It was only on the third try that they managed to convince her that it was for real. When asked about the honor, she said, “For me, education is a way of life. I am not saving anyone. I am joining my students on a shared journey.”
My mother-in-law, who passed away last week, used to say – halevay. I’ve never quite known how to translate it, but I feel confident that I can say with certainty – halevay (if only), we all had a teacher like Tzippi!
