Global Gathering of Jewish Educators Convenes in Cyprus

The third annual Yael International Summit, the largest-ever global gathering of Jewish educators outside of Israel and North America, concluded today in Limassol, Cyprus, with Yael Foundation’s founder Uri Poliavich pledging €40 Million towards Jewish Education.

The third annual Yael International Summit, the largest-ever global gathering of Jewish educators outside of Israel and North America, concluded today in Limassol, Cyprus. The summit, hosted by the Yael Foundation, brought together some 200 principals, heads of schools, and Jewish educational leaders from 37 countries, representing the full spectrum of Jewish society—from religious to traditional—united in their shared commitment to shaping the future of Jewish education.

From the summit stage, Uri Poliavich, Founder of the Yael Foundation, announced a major increase in the foundation’s annual budget—from €27 million to €40 million. This historic commitment underscores the urgent need to strengthen Jewish education in the face of rising antisemitism and to ensure that “No Jewish Child is Left Behind.”

The three-day summit, titled “Education and Beyond”, addressed the most pressing challenges facing Jewish education today, including equitable access to high-quality education, combating antisemitism, and strengthening Jewish identity. Participants engaged in high-level discussions with Israeli officials, thought leaders, and influencers dedicated to advancing Jewish education worldwide.

Throughout the summit, attendees participated in thought-provoking panels and workshops. On the second day of the Summit, the co-Founder of the organization Yael Poliavich presented the Yael Foundation Awards of Excellence to outstanding institutions and individuals making a profound impact in Jewish education worldwide. Among the awardees were schools and educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to Jewish learning, resilience, and innovation, the Chné-Or School Group in France, the David Wolfsohn School in Argentina, and Or Menachem School in Ukraine. Israeli singer Yishai Ribo preformed at the conference, further inspiring all who gathered.

Renowned Israeli journalist and author Sivan Rahav Meir captured the summit’s essence, declaring, “The people gathered here are not just making history by raising the bar of education and Jewish experiences for our children—you are writing our future. The issues and discussions happening here are no less important and impactful than the decisions being made now in Washington, D.C.”

The summit featured an extraordinary lineup of speakers, including acclaimed Hollywood professionals, professional athletes, top Israeli officials, and leading Jewish educators. A particularly emotional moment came when Iris Haim, the mother of slain Israeli hostage Yotam Haim, Z”l, addressed the audience, speaking about the resilience and unity of the Jewish people in times of crisis.

CEO of the Yael Foundation Chaya Yosovich highlighted the summit’s significance, stating, “Jewish education is the cornerstone of our people’s future. The passion and dedication of all those gathered demonstrate that no challenge is insurmountable when it comes to preserving our heritage and strengthening Jewish identity worldwide. I am certain that the work being done here at this summit will resonate far beyond these three days. It will shape the future of Jewish education and the next generation of Jewish leaders.”

The Yael Foundation continues to be a driving philanthropic force in Jewish education, forging global partnerships to ensure that every Jewish child, regardless of geography, has access to outstanding educational opportunities. With a reinforced commitment and expanded budget, the foundation is poised to make an even greater impact in the coming years.