Itongadol – Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog presided over the opening of the 8th International Jewish Education Conference, which began today in Buenos Aires and will take place over three days at the Martín Buber School under the theme, ‘‘Technology and Humanity: A Deep Dialogue to Empower Education.
‘‘The first rule of education is personal example: an educator must serve as a role model for students, but that alone is not enough. Jewish education should guide us according to the values of love and mutual responsibility. Education should lead us to that sublime place called a ‘model society’’’, Almog said.
‘‘The Jewish people have a purpose: to build a model society—first and foremost within itself, in every family, every community, every country, and in the Land of Israel. A model society that strives for excellence in every field while never forgetting the weakest, the wounded and people with disabilities’’, he added.
The International Jewish Education Conference is an initiative of UnitEd, the World Zionist Organization and AMIA’s Vaad Hajinuj (Board of Jewish Education). Held annually since 2019, the conference has attracted more than 1,000 participants from different countries each year, earning recognition for the quality of its academic program and the participation of leading speakers who inspire educators through their experience. This year’s edition features an Israeli delegation led by Doron Almog.
The conference invites educators from across the Spanish-speaking world to exchange ideas and innovations while becoming acquainted with Israel’s diverse educational developments, both in general education and in Jewish studies.
‘‘For AMIA, welcoming today those who have traveled from dozens of cities and countries to take part in this event is, above all, an honor. But it is much more than that. It is confirmation that Jewish education in Argentina is supported by a community that nurtures it, protects it and projects it into the future’’, said AMIA President Osvaldo Armoza during the opening ceremony.
‘‘This is the eighth year we have held the International Jewish Education Conference, the most important event on this subject outside Israel. Eight years are no coincidence. They reflect the commitment that AMIA undertook with conviction and renews every time we see teachers, school administrators and student teachers come together to reflect on how to teach and transmit knowledge more effectively, with greater meaning and depth’’, he continued.
Armoza also emphasized: ‘‘Jewish education is the backbone of our community. It is where the values, the questions, the memory and the language that define us as a people are passed on. That is why AMIA believes that sustaining this conference year after year is part of its essential mission’’.
‘‘This year’s challenge is no small one. We are called upon to examine the relationship between technology and humanity in education at a time when artificial intelligence is transforming the ways we teach and learn at a pace that challenges us all. Jewish educators have a dual responsibility: to keep pace with the times while never losing sight of what education is ultimately for. Questions about the human dimension of education are becoming ever more pressing. By being here today, you are choosing to continue asking those questions’’, he reflected.
For his part, Silvio Joskowicz, head of the World Zionist Organization’s Department for Zionist Enterprises, said: ‘‘I am not thinking about algorithms or screens. I am thinking about you. I am thinking about every educator standing before a classroom, perhaps silently wondering, ‘What will become of my place here, in the classroom?’ I want to tell you clearly and directly because I don’t want you to ask yourselves that question alone. Your role will not disappear; it is becoming more essential than ever. A machine can grade an exam, summarize a text, suggest an activity or answer in seconds what once required an entire afternoon of research. But there is one thing no machine will ever be able to do: sit quietly beside a teenager who feels lonely, sad or confused and simply be there for them. No machine will ever be able to convey to a child the emotion of a story, the weight of a tradition passed down from generation to generation or the joy of singing the same song together year after year’’.
‘‘I must confess that my commitment to our shared humanity, authenticity and human connection remains as strong as ever. In Israel, I see young leaders dedicated to improving the world, seeking democratic ways to include everyone and build a better future. They are the product of a humanistic education centered on the very best of what makes us human. Their teachers played a vital role in enabling them to dream and turn those dreams into reality. When we choose to protect you and your place, we choose humanity. When we choose humanity, we choose memory, belonging and connection. And when we choose memory, belonging and connection, we continue choosing—as we did last year—life and education. I wish you a conference that moves you, not just informs you. Thank you very much, and may we all enjoy fruitful and transformative days’’, he concluded.
Meanwhile, KKL Argentina President Jessica Souss said: ‘‘Being an integral part of this conference is a declaration of principles; it is a reaffirmation of our deepest mission. Those of us who are part of KKL often speak about the land, the trees, the roots and the water. We have spent decades transforming the desert into forests. For our organization, education is not just another tool—it is the root of our continuity. We can buy land, plant millions of trees and develop the world’s most advanced water technology. But without education, there is no future to sustain those efforts. Education is the fertile ground where identity grows’’.
‘‘Life is what transforms dry land into a thriving forest. Investing in education ensures that our story continues. It guarantees that today’s young people will have the tools to become tomorrow’s leaders. A people who educate their children with pride secure their future. Our ancient tradition teaches us something remarkable about knowledge. Jewish identity is not built by memorizing answers; it is built by learning how to ask questions. In Judaism, doubt is not a weakness—it is the engine of growth. Questioning, debating and seeking the deeper meaning of things are what have kept us alive, alert and thoughtful throughout history. That is why your mission is doubly sacred’’, she said.
The conference was also attended by Argentina’s Secretary of Education, Carlos Torrendell, representing Minister of Human Capital Sandra Pettovello.
‘‘I believe the enormous challenge we face regarding humanity and technology once again comes down to how we properly integrate technology that is becoming increasingly powerful in ways we can scarcely imagine, while at the same time embracing the tremendous responsibility of ensuring that such infinitely powerful tools are managed humanely and personally by us, by our students, by our teachers and by our communities’’, Torrendell said.
Itai Nixon, an official at Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs, said: ‘‘I must tell you that your communities are exceptional. I have visited many Jewish communities across Europe and North America in recent years, and what I have found here during the few days I have been here is truly special’’.
‘‘This uniqueness is reflected in several ways: first, in your unwavering belief in the vitality of Jewish communal life; second, in your commitment to excellence in your schools; and third, in your steadfast commitment to the State of Israel’’, he added.
Gael Grunewald, of the World Zionist Organization’s Department of Education, said: ‘‘Here we are promoting and teaching about the role of teachers, a role that you fulfill with such great importance’’.
‘‘We send morim shlijim (educational emissaries) throughout the continent and support schools. We are here to help shape the future of the next generation, strengthen its connection to the State of Israel and connect that future with what is happening abroad’’, he added.
Also attending on behalf of the Israeli Embassy in Argentina was Doron Pe’er, Public Diplomacy Attaché.
The 8th International Jewish Education Conference is organized by UnitEd; the World Zionist Organization through its Departments for Zionist Enterprises, Education, Holocaust Remembrance and Environmental Justice, and Israel and Zionist Fulfillment; Keren Kayemet LeIsrael (KKL); the Jewish Agency; and AMIA through its Vaad Hajinuj (Board of Jewish Education), with the support of FEJA (Federation of Argentine Jewish Schools) and the Zionist Organization of Argentina.