Family & Education
School report: what Israel taught me about preparing young people for the future
The country’s innovation and determination to build is truly inspiring
January 23, 2026 13:01
The country’s innovation and determination to build is truly inspiring
January 23, 2026 13:01When I stepped off the plane in Israel for the first time, I didn’t know what to expect. I am not Jewish, and yet, from the very first moment, everyone I met greeted me with the same phrase: “Welcome home.”
Those two words carried a weight I wasn’t prepared for. They spoke of belonging, of shared humanity, and of resilience – a theme that would define my entire visit and shape my reflections throughout the trip.
This was not an ordinary visit. It took place in the shadow of October 7, a date that changed everything for Israel and reverberated across the world. As an executive headteacher of Leeds Jewish Free School and Brodetsky Primary School, I have spent years thinking about how we prepare young people for their future. But in the midst of such tragedy, those thoughts felt sharper and more urgent. Where do we go next? How do we help our young people thrive in a world that feels so uncertain?
The aim of my visit was clear: to explore what Israeli universities offer to students beyond school. I wanted to understand the opportunities available for those who might choose to study there, and what support systems exist to help them succeed. What I discovered was nothing short of remarkable.
The sense of welcome on every campus was immense. Each university I visited was vibrant, engaging, and equipped with modern facilities that reflected a strong commitment to innovation. The dedication to student success was evident everywhere – from academic support services to language programs designed to help students master Hebrew and integrate with confidence.
The message was unmistakable: you belong here, and we will help you succeed. For young people considering their next steps, that kind of encouragement is transformative and empowering.
What also struck me was the resilience woven through university life. Even in a time of national grief and uncertainty, students continued their research, collaborated on projects, and pushed boundaries in science, technology, and the arts.
Many spoke openly about their fears, but just as openly about their determination to keep moving forward. Their strength was steady and sincere, offering a powerful reminder that resilience often flourishes quietly, in everyday acts of commitment and continuity.
But this trip was not only about universities. It was a journey through history, identity, and renewal. I walked through places marked by deep pain – sites that hold the weight of centuries of struggle. And yet, alongside that history, I saw something extraordinary: a country that refuses to be defined by tragedy.
Israel is home to some of the most innovative, exploratory, and future-focused communities I have ever encountered. The diversity of its people, their strength, and their determination to build and rebuild left a lasting impression on me.
As a leader, these experiences have reshaped my thinking. Education is not just about exams and grades; it is about preparing young people to navigate complexity, to build bridges, and to face challenges with resilience.
After October 7, this feels more important than ever. Our responsibility is to help them see beyond fear – to help them recognise that the world still holds spaces of hope, creativity, opportunity, and belonging.
It reminded me, too, that young people watch us closely. How we respond to crisis, how we talk about challenge, and how we continue to invest in their opportunities will shape their worldview. If we show them that connection and curiosity can endure even in difficult times, they will carry that mindset into adulthood.
So, where do we go next? We go forward, together. We strengthen partnerships, open doors to global experiences and teach our young people that learning is not confined to classrooms – it is a lifelong journey shaped by culture, history, and human connection.
Israel reminded me of that truth. It reminded me that even in the darkest times, education can light the way forward.
Charlie Kelsey visited Israel with PaJeS, the Jewish schools network
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