MOR 2026: Day 2 – Monday, January 19, 2026

From Responsibility to Renewal: Educating the Next Generation

Day 2 of MOR 2026 opened with the statutory meeting, where representatives approved WIZO’s 2026 budget, reaffirming shared responsibility for the movement’s priorities and future. From governance, the day moved into a deep exploration of how WIZO empowers and educates the next generation in Israel.

The day continued with a visit to WIZO Nir HaEmek Youth Village, where federation representatives were introduced to the educational work of WIZO’s Education Division. Participants encountered an approach that combines over 100 years of educational tradition with innovative responses to the challenges of the 21st century. WIZO’s educational vision — emphasizing values, civic responsibility, creativity, and the ability to navigate a changing reality — was brought to life through direct engagement with students, educators, and staff.

Participants moved through small-group stations across the youth village, each highlighting a different aspect of WIZO’s educational ecosystem. These included unique academic and vocational tracks such as sports academies, specialized programs in partnership with the Israel Police and Fire and Rescue Services, professional dog-handling studies, Nahalal-Tech as a technological pre-army track, precision agriculture, digital communication, pastry arts, sound and music production, and more — all designed to equip young people with skills, values, and resilience.

Following the field-based experience, the day concluded with a reflective plenary session. Nitsan Safion, Director of Non-Formal and Values-Based Education in WIZO’s Education Division, presented the educational framework “Ani Kan” (I Am Here) — developed by WIZO in response to the events of October 7 and the ongoing war. Through a powerful connection between her personal story, Israel’s national reality, and WIZO’s educational mission, Nitsan framed education as a moral, emotional, and civic act centered on presence, belonging, and responsibility.

As part of the concluding session, participants also met two graduates of WIZO Nir HaEmek Youth Village, who embodied the meaning of the WIZO Graduate Profile and what it means to grow up in Israel today.

Ilya Onopriyenko, a boarding school graduate of the police studies track, served over 200 days in reserve duty during the war in Gaza and is soon to begin working as an instructor at the youth village. Alongside him was Yoan Sidon, also a graduate of the boarding school and police studies track, who enlisted in the Israel Police through the Shaham program and now serves as a full police officer. Yoan has already been recognized twice as an outstanding officer and plans to continue his professional path in law enforcement.

The visit was concluded by Nina Shapira, Chairperson of WIZO’s Education Division, who emphasized WIZO’s long-standing commitment to high-quality, values-based education that integrates excellence, innovation, and a deep connection to Israeli society and its evolving needs.

Day 2 of MOR 2026 underscored a central message: education is not only preparation for the future — it is the foundation of resilience, leadership, and social responsibility. Through its educational frameworks, WIZO continues to ensure that young people are not only equipped with skills, but are supported in learning what it truly means to say: I am here.