Teachers invited to Israel for training on how to teach about Judaism post-October 7

A key part of the trip is hearing eyewitness accounts from October 7 and learning about the challenges and the changes that Israeli people have faced since the Hamas attacks.

One participant, Elanit Weizman, a headteacher from Florida who attended the programme in 2025, said: "The experience was truly transformational. Every component of the program, from the materials provided, the organisation of each day, the workshops, educators, lecturers, and tour guides were top-notch.

"Not only were they experienced and knowledgeable leaders in their fields, but they were also engaging and provided practical tools that teachers can bring back to their classrooms and schools.

"Additionally, the teachers were grouped into cohorts based on their respective roles or the grades they teach. For example, I was in the cohort with other school leaders and administrators, and the teacher I brought with me was in a cohort with other teachers who teach younger children.

"There was a cohort for those who teach middle school and a cohort for those who teach high school."

She continued: "There was time to meet with your cohort each day in which you could process and share ideas of how to implement the tremendous amount of learning from that day, in our schools.

“For example, I know that based on one of our workshops, I have ideas of how to integrate more Hebrew language into all of our classrooms."

This year's trip will run from July 6 to July 12, and Momentum hopes to see teachers from the UK taking up the offer.

A spokesperson for the UK's Department for Education said: “Religious education is a vital aspect of students’ learning which can help develop a child’s knowledge of the values and traditions both in Britain and other countries, as well as foster an understanding among different faiths and cultures.

“While most faith schools may teach RE that fits with the principles of their faith, all schools are required to actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.

“That includes respect for Jewish culture and beliefs and a zero-tolerance stance towards antisemitism of all kinds.”

Momentum believes it is vital to offer the trip to mainstream schools, not only Jewish institutions, so that knowledge can be shared with those who see Judaism as something foreign.

This is something that Weizman, who leads one such mainstream school, is passionate about.

"I think it’s very important to offer this beyond just teachers in Jewish or Hebrew/Israeli schools," she said.

"Each day of the program is presented through the lens of a Jewish value. In truth these values - treating everyone with human dignity, unity (without uniformity) and mutual responsibility, empathy, courage, faithfulness, and learning and growth are universal.

She went on: "I believe that offering this training to teachers in non-Jewish settings is valuable beyond the classroom.

"This workshop provides understanding of the importance and connection of Israel to the Jewish people for over two millennia, as well as providing tools for talking with people about the complexity of the current situation in Israel and communicating with people with opposing viewpoints.

"Both critical skills for navigating the current political climate as well as the increased antisemitism in every sector, professional and personal."