JNF Australia Educators Tour 2025/2026
Day 2 – 31 December, 2025

We started the day with an incredible Israeli breakfast — truly second to none.

Our first stop was the KKL Innovation Centre in the Kinneret, where Chen spoke about modern-day chalutzim: Israelis who are transforming the idea of “Start-Up City” into a true Start-Up Nation. By investing in the north and areas beyond Tel Aviv, organisations like JNF are showing that their work is about far more than planting trees. Today’s seeds are sown by supporting start-up companies, educating young people, and bridging social divides through high-tech innovation. Importantly, these opportunities are offered to both Jewish and Arab youth alike.

Chen also introduced us to KIC-UP, a youth start-up accelerator program designed especially for those not living in Tel Aviv. It gives young people real-life entrepreneurial experience and creates a vital bridge between industry and community.

We learned about innovative companies such as Hargol, and some of us were brave enough to taste grasshoppers! We discovered they’re kosher and packed with protein.

We then had the privilege of visiting Kibbutz Menara (meaning “lighthouse”), where we learned about life on the Lebanon border before and after October 7. We heard from the remarkable Almog, who has played a key role in rebuilding and supporting the youth of the community. Yochai, the leader of the kibbutz, also shared his belief that living on the border is true Zionism — and he lives that belief every day. A community on the border, he explained, is itself a line of defence for Israel.

Only about 60% of the community has returned since October 7. Beyond the physical destruction, many are still grappling with a shattered sense of safety and security. We were deeply moved by the resilience, courage, and strength of this community.