Israel Through the Lens of an Early Childhood Educator

Jen Schiffer

ECC Director

The Community Synagogue, Port Washington, New York

As early childhood Jewish educators, the perspective from where we teach about Israel has been forever changed since the events of October 7^th, 2023. Presently, it is impossible to separate Israeli history, the land, and the people, without considering how the current war fits into the puzzle. It is no doubt a complicated puzzle; one that is not easily solvable.

Visiting Israel recently with a delegation of early childhood Jewish educators and directors, I was struck by the layers of complexity that define the country and the current situation. I came away with a feeling of responsibility to share my experience with others. The challenge is how to do this. 

As directors, our educators look to us to lead, to guide, and to inspire. This is a responsibility that I feel has taken on even more significance since October 7^th. In Israel, we visited schools, spoke with early childhood educators and community members, and learned first-hand about how their lives have changed in the last 17 months since the attacks. The overwhelming theme I heard from relatives of fallen soldiers, parents and siblings of hostages, from teachers working in communities where family members are fighting in Gaza is this – the Jewish people have a history of resiliency and hope. The words “We will dance again,” remain present in my mind in the days since I returned home from my trip. I heard and sensed a feeling among the people with whom we spoke; they take care of one another. Strangers become friends and these friends become family. Shabbat continues to come every week, a new week begins, and life moves forward. 

I profoundly understand that returning “home” is a privilege. What many once considered “home” in Israel no longer exists. And yet…Israel and its people continue to act, to share stories, and to live. This is what I believe is a thread that connects Israel’s past to its present, and its future. Israeli history is fraught with conflict and peace, victory and defeat, sadness and fear, and stories and perspectives. 

We need to keep talking, to keep unpacking what we know to be true and to continue asking questions. Our learners depend on us to show them the way. In early childhood education, we have songs & colors, and images to share. We can tell stories, share rituals, and remind our students that as much as we are different, we are connected. Day after day, the flowers still bloom and Israel continues to exist, with hope for better days to come.