A Journey of Resilience: Lessons on Leadership and Legacy from Israel
Dear Panther Partners:
Earlier this month, I had the distinct honor of traveling to Israel as one of only seven delegates selected nationwide to represent our community, state, and country. Sponsored entirely by the America-Israel Friendship League, this educational delegation allowed me to network with leadership from across the United States as we met with Israeli educational, community, and government leaders to share the challenges and opportunities facing our respective school systems.
While our primary focus was on education, our itinerary naturally blended in profound cultural and historical learning experiences that shed light on the immense challenges Israel faces, particularly concerning antisemitism and the realities of the current war.
Inside the Israeli School System
Throughout our visits to schools, I quickly observed that children are fundamentally the same everywhere. However, I noticed far less disruptive behavior in Israeli classrooms, driven by a deep-seated culture of respect for educators and a strong partnership between schools and parents.
The physical environment of their schools presents a striking contrast to ours. The perimeter of every school property is heavily secured, featuring high fences, a single point of entry, and armed security personnel. Yet, once inside that secure boundary, there is a surprising sense of freedom: video surveillance is limited, there is less direct adult supervision, and students move dynamically around their campuses.
Furthermore, I observed that students are not issued school devices, and cell phones are notably absent during the day. Instead of staring at screens, students were deeply engaged in face-to-face interpersonal communication with their peers and teachers. Based on my observations and direct conversations, these students appeared significantly happier and more relaxed than many of their American counterparts—an incredible reality considering they live under the constant threat of attack from neighboring countries and terrorist groups.
Duty, Honor, and Maturity
When I asked the students about their greatest struggles, they didn't complain about social status or academic pressure. Instead, they spoke of the logistical reality of pivoting to remote learning when active security threats warrant it. They shared the emotional toll of having their teachers, school staff, and family members abruptly called up to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Following graduation, military service is a requirement—three years for young men and two years for young women, followed by time in the reserves. In every conversation, these young people expressed an overwhelming sense of duty and honor to serve their nation. Rather than viewing it as a burden, many students explained that this service leaves them far more mature, better prepared for the challenges of adult life, and equipped with advanced skills that give them a distinct advantage in future employment and higher education.
Bearing Witness to History and Hardship
Escorted by members of the IDF, our delegation visited military outposts, an Iron Dome missile defense site, and the communities directly devastated during the attacks of October 7, 2023. We stood within feet of the Gaza Strip, witnessing the profound destruction inflicted upon close-knit agricultural communities very much like our own.
While visiting one of these communities, we unexpectedly met three survivors who had been held hostage for up to 400 days following that tragic day. We also spoke with a female military survivor and visited the somber site of the Nova Music Festival, where more than 350 innocent lives were taken. In total, approximately 1,200 people were killed on October 7. Standing in those spaces was a heartbreaking but necessary reminder of the human cost of this conflict.
Our journey later took us from the vibrant, bustling streets of Tel Aviv to the tranquil, timeless landscapes of Jerusalem, which so beautifully reflect the biblical history of the region. Because the war has caused tourism to decline significantly, our group was able to navigate these historic and sacred sites with ease. Wherever we traveled, the Israeli people treated us with immense respect, repeatedly expressing how grateful they were to see Americans standing with them.
Bringing the Lessons Home
This journey provided me with invaluable insights into culture, unity, resilience, and modeled leadership. Seeing how a community can maintain a joy for learning and a relaxed, connected lifestyle while facing existential threats has profoundly expanded my expectations for what we can achieve in our own schools.
It reinforces the work we are doing right here in our district: shifting our mindsets, demanding higher engagement, and strengthening our partnerships with parents to build resilient, mature, and capable graduates. I am deeply grateful to the America-Israel Friendship League for covering the costs of this life-changing experience, and I am honored to bring these global perspectives back to serve the children and families of our community.
Creston Cares,
Deron Stender
Superintendent