In the heart of New York City, amidst the hustle and bustle, a beacon of commitment to Israeli education emerges, personified by Shari Safra. Newly instated as the 26th President of AMIT Children, Shari isn’t just a leader; she's an advocate, an ally, and an architect of change.
Raised in Sayville, NY, a place where Jewish families weren’t commonplace, Shari’s deep-rooted connection to her heritage became the compass of her life. This bond only intensified post-marriage, pulling her closer to the epicenter of New York’s effervescent Jewish community.
She established herself as a foundational presence in New York's flourishing Jewish diaspora community. In 2008, a meaningful encounter with an AMIT graduate shed light on the profound significance of AMIT's Beit Hayeled Youth Village. This alumnus had found solace there during his toughest years, illuminating for her the organization's transformative power. Fresh into motherhood, Shari's heartstrings were tugged. This profound interaction wasn't just an emotional experience; her alliance with AMIT intensified, setting her on a path that culminated in her presidency.
The paradigm of learning has shifted dynamically over the years. Today's digital natives wield smartphones, seamlessly accessing an ocean of information. AMIT understands this zeitgeist. By 2014, they had already launched Gogya, an innovative methodology aiming to recalibrate Israel's education system. This revolutionary approach is rooted in recognizing that in an era where data is at fingertips, educators must transition from mere information transmitters to mentors—guides helping students in crystallizing dreams and aspirations.
“I am deeply inspired by the remarkable educators at AMIT, who empower our students to dream bigger and then skillfully guide them in bridging the gap between those dreams and reality,” Mrs. Safra resonates. Her vision is panoramic, encompassing the integration of co-ed secular schools, vocational institutions, and facilities across the diverse tapestry of Israeli cities.
AMIT, with its pioneering Gogya methodology, seeks to realign Israel's education through this 21st-century lens. The new AMIT Kfar Batya campus in Ra’anana, a $70 million initiative, is a testament to this evolution. It’s poised to be the centrifuge of Israel’s educational transformation; A hub fostering entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and collaboration, it offers experiences beyond the traditional classroom, including dynamic interactions in hospitals, tech firms, and other real-world settings.
The campus is slated to feature The Evan and Layla Green Family Foundation Gogya Building and Program, The Educators' Innovation Center, AMIT Headquarters, and much more, culminating in a holistic learning environment. Here, real-world learning transcends textbooks. Students will immerse themselves in dynamic settings, from hospitals to tech firms, experiencing education through tangible interactions.
“Our AMIT schools are not just buildings, they are sanctuaries of potential for our students,” Mrs. Safra passionately states. “The AMIT Kfar Batya campus, especially its state-of-the-art Gogya R&D Center for Innovation in Education, stands testament to this, envisaging a revolution that bridges academic excellence with AMIT’s timeless Torah values, ensuring an equitable learning horizon for every Israeli child.”
Before her presidential journey, Shari made significant strides in AMIT, from the Executive Committee to the Board of Directors. Beyond AMIT’s corridors, she's a dedicated mother, an avid adventurer who loves ski trips and cycling escapades with her husband, and an active board member of the Hebrew Free Burial Association. An alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania and Fordham University School of Law, Shari now calls Manhattan's Upper East Side home.
With an enriched past and a promising vision for the future, Shari Safra is uniquely poised to elevate AMIT and its transformative mission, championing education and promising a brighter, more inclusive future for Israel’s diverse youth.
At its core, AMIT is a beacon in its own right. A nonprofit organization that serves as the educational backbone for Israel, AMIT caters to 40,000 students each year across a vast network of 96 schools spanning 32 cities. From the bustling streets of Tel Aviv to the historic corridors of Jerusalem, AMIT’s impact is palpable. It welcomes every child, from every background, nurturing them towards realizing their potential. This is more than just education – it’s about fortifying Israeli society, fusing innovation with academic excellence, all the while rooted deeply in Jewish values. The mission is vast, the dedication unwavering.
This article was written in cooperation with Tom White