This year’s Outstanding Teachers Conference in Eilat was a testament to the extraordinary dedication and impact of our educators and their families. The event was both a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of the resilience and strength they have shown during a challenging year.
The evening opened with a deeply moving Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony led by the Mayor of Sderot, Alon Davidi, and his wife Nurit, principal of Dina and Moses Dyckman Ulpanat AMIT in Be’er Sheva. This moment carried profound significance, as it marked the contrast between last year and this year. Last year, many residents of Sderot were evacuated to Eilat, living temporarily in a city that was not their home. This year, they returned to Eilat not as evacuees, but for a holiday vacation, while celebrating Hanukkah safely in their homes in Sderot.
Following the candle lighting ceremony, the evening was hosted by Nedavia Na’eh, principal of AMIT Vocational High School, Tzfat. Nedavia, a veteran leader and a deeply committed educator, shared an emotional reflection with the audience. Since October 7, he has served more than eight months of reserve duty, exemplifying both courage and devotion. With a voice filled with emotion, Nedavia recounted how just last year he lit the Hanukkah candles with his soldiers in Gaza, far from his family and school. “Standing here tonight,” he said, “together with my family and my extended AMIT family, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and connection. This moment reminds me of the incredible strength and support that bind us together, as educators and as a community.”
The evening continued with a captivating performance by the renowned singer Hanan Ben-Ari. His music not only uplifted the audience but also carried a deep emotional resonance. During his performance, Hanan shared a heartfelt tribute to his former teacher, Rabbi Shaul Moyal, z”l, a science teacher at AMIT Gwen Straus Science HS for Boys, Kfar Batya, who fell in Lebanon.
Hanan spoke of Rabbi Moyal’s lasting impact, saying: “Rabbi Shaul was my principal more than 20 years ago. A man who exemplified the essence of education. Today, after his passing, everyone knows him and understands what we lost.”
Rabbi Moyal’s family were invited to the conference and shared poignant memories with Hanan prior to the performance.
Dr. Amnon Eldar, AMIT’s Director General, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the sacrifices of our educators and graduates: “Rabbi Shaul Moyal was a remarkable educator, devoted to his students and his country. We saluted him alongside another one of our educators, Rabbi Eilon Weiss from AMIT Eitan High School for Boys, Ma’ale Adumim, who fell in Gaza. Both were true AMIT educators who saw education as a mission for life. We also remembered the 57 AMIT graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice for Israel.”
Throughout the conference, there was a palpable sense of gratitude among the teachers. Many expressed their heartfelt appreciation for AMIT’s recognition of their hard work and dedication throughout the year. This recognition gives them the inspiration to continue bringing light and strength to their students, ensuring that every child in our network feels empowered, supported, and seen.
This moving video was shown during the evening.
As the evening concluded, AMIT stood together as a community, praying and hoping for miracles. We pray that everyone displaced will soon return home, that the hostages will be released quickly, and that peace and safety will embrace us all.
May this Hanukkah’s light continue to guide and inspire us toward a brighter future.
