Israel LINK

The IsraelLINK team is in Las Vegas preparing for the Conference: Classroom Educator’s Track.

📣 Jewish educators—join us in Las Vegas for the StandWithUs Conference Educators Track, March 15–17, 2026!

This is a premier professional development experience built for classroom teachers who want practical, high-level training in Israel education, Jewish identity, and leading complex classroom conversations with confidence and nuance. You’ll leave with classroom-ready tools, fresh curriculum ideas, and a national network of colleagues who care as deeply about this work as you do.

✨ Special educators rate: $495
🍽️ Includes six glatt kosher meals
✈️ (Hotel & travel not included)

Come learn, collaborate, and be energized alongside educators from day schools and supplementary schools across the country. This isn’t just a conference—it’s an investment in your students, your teaching, and the future of Jewish education.

Register today: standwithus.com/conference

Dear Friends,

Days like today remind us why we are here, and why Israel education matters so deeply.

On October 7, 2023, as Hamas terrorists attacked entire communities in southern Israel, Ran Gvili, z”l, a 24-year-old police officer in Israel’s Yasam counter-terror unit, did not hesitate to respond. Even while recovering from a broken shoulder, Ran ran toward danger to protect others. In his heroic actions, he helped save lives and was shot in the leg.

On January 31, 2024, it was confirmed that Ran was murdered by terrorists on October 7.

Today, January 26, 2026, the IDF announced that Ran’s body has been recovered from Gaza. And for the first time since 2014, there are no hostages remaining in Gaza.

This is not just news. This is a moment of deep collective breath. Of grief. Of honor. Of relief. Of responsibility.

We are Israel educators because behind every headline are real people, real families, and real courage. We teach so that our students understand that Israel is not an abstract idea or a political symbol, but a living society made up of individuals who choose, again and again, to stand for life, dignity, and responsibility to one another.

Ran Gvili’s story is a story of moral clarity. Of service. Of אהבת ישראל in its truest form.

It is also a reminder that our work is sacred. We are shaping how the next generation holds memory, builds empathy, and carries forward the values that make Jewish peoplehood resilient.

May Ran’s memory be a blessing.
May the return of every hostage bring healing to families and to our people.
And may we continue this work with renewed purpose, strength, and resolve.

With gratitude for your partnership in this sacred mission,

Rabbi Eric Leiderman & The IsraelLINK Team

📣 New from Prizmah’s HaYidion (Issue: Israel Education Now)
“The Case for Making Israel the Core of Jewish Education” by Mina Rush & Rabbi Eric Leiderman

Why does Israel belong at the heart of Jewish education? This article makes the case — offering a thoughtful framework for how Israel-education can shift from peripheral to central in Jewish schools and communal learning spaces.

🔗 Read it here: Prizmah – The Case for Making Israel the Core of Jewish Education https://prizmah.org/hayidion/israel-education-now/case-making-israel-core-jewish-education

Register for Beit Café and you’ll get calendar invites so you won’t forget!

Link in bio. (israelLINK.org/beitcafe)

🚒🕊️ Honor Our Local Heroes this 9/11 🕊️🚒

As antisemitism rises across the U.S., we are reminded of the vital role first responders and local heroes play in keeping our communities safe. This September, join us in commemorating 9/11 and celebrating the shared values of resilience and courage that unite Israel 🇮🇱 and the U.S. 🇺🇸.

✨ Sign up to host a Shared Values Event in your community:
✔️ A complete resource guide (scripts, videos & activities)
✔️ Special e-certificate to present to your local heroes
✔️ Option to invite a JNF-USA speaker (availability limited)
✔️ And more!

Together, let’s honor courage, unity, and memory.
📲 Link in bio to sign up today!

#911

🇮🇱✨ Back-to-School Briefing with Neil Lazarus

So much has happened in Israel this summer—let’s catch up together! Join Neil Lazarus of Awesome Seminars for an action-packed hour of insights and updates.

🗓 Tuesday, September 9
🕒 11 AM PT | 2 PM ET
👉 Registration required. tiny.cc/neilsept

Don’t miss this chance to get briefed, inspired, and ready for the new school year.

☕✨ Introducing Beit Café: Monthly Open Houses for Educators!

Starting this week, we’re opening our virtual doors for casual office hours. Come with your questions, explore new features of the IsraelLINK platform, and connect directly with our team.

📍 First open house: Wednesday, August 27
🕛 12 PM PT | 3 PM ET
👉 No preregistration required! Just click + join. tiny.cc/israelofficehour

Let’s learn, share, and grow together. 🌿

Innovations in Israel education! 🤯🎲🎉 Students at the StandWithUs International Conference got to experience IsraelLINK through GameWithUs—solving the David Ben-Gurion digital escape room, strategizing in our exclusive board game Yesh!Kesher (think Candy Land meets Trivial Pursuit), and competing in our newest wearable game Bahn-dan-nah! Who knew learning about Israel could be this much fun? 🇮🇱💡