Tel-Hai Magazine 2023-2024

Students at the forefront of war relief

Ofir Remez, 25, originally from Hod Hasharon, discovered her calling in education during her post-army trip. She realized that through

Ein Gedi, addressing the varied needs of those who had been evacuated to local hotels.

Responding to the urgent need of the hour, Ofir then relocated to Ein Gedi to participate in the rapid establishment of an alternative school. There, she assumed the role of homeroom teacher for sixth-grade children from Kibbutz Be’eri and Holit. These young students had directly experienced the

teaching, she could make her most meaningful contribution to society and help shape the future generation. Ofir was initially eager to study in Israel’s periphery for ideological reasons and, after participating in Tel-Hai’s open day, her decision was easy. While impressed

traumatic events of October 7th, with some having lost their homes and family members in the tragedy. In her role, Ofir not only taught core subjects, such as

Ofir Remez Second-Year Student, Department of Education and Multidisciplinary Studies

by the creativity and innovation of the education program, it was her interaction with the academic staff that left the strongest

Despite these challenges, the loss of revenue, the dormant workshops, our aspiration to reclaim the Institute’s role as a regional cultural and artistic center and focal point for students and the community alike, remains stead fast. Looking ahead, we know in our hearts that we will bring our students back to the north and return to our workshops at the top of the hill of Tel Hai. Just as the abandoned buildings of Kibbutz Tel-Hai were once again filled with a spirit of action and cre ation a century ago, so will we return to learn and create, filling those same buildings with winds of renewal, art, and growth.

impression. Their genuine approach resonated deeply with Ofir, convincing her that Tel-Hai College was where she belonged and wanted to pursue her studies. Recently, Ophir was honored for her outstanding social activities and initiatives during the Iron Swords War. In the wake of the events of October 7th, Ofir was evacuated from her home in Metula. The beginning of the academic year was postponed, and many of her friends and family were called to duty in the reserves. While facing this impossible situation, and suffering the personal loss of a close friend, she chose to rise above the challenges, take responsibility and dedicate herself to making a difference in her chosen field and passion – education. With this goal in mind, Ofir relocated to Eilat during the first week of the crisis, where she took on the role of coordinating National Civic Service volunteers from the Gaza Envelope communities. Working collaboratively, they established a comprehensive support system that provided logistical aid, ensured therapeutic care, and facilitated the relocation of Gaza Envelope residents to temporary housing. In addition, she played a crucial role in recruiting students for diverse volunteer activities in Eilat and

language and history but, more crucially, she provided vital social and emotional support, offering these children a stable, temporary framework – an anchor in their suddenly uncertain and unstable lives. Due to her extensive social involvement, dedicating time to studies, especially in a remote-learning format, posed a challenge. Nevertheless, Ofir notes that the college provided her with full support in everything she needed, whether it was requests for extensions on assignments and exams, or assistance with supplementary learning. “We will return to the North; I believe this with every fiber of my being. We will return, laugh on the grass, sit by the stream, and restore the Upper Galilee to its former flourishing and hospitable state. But for now, we as students have an enormous task: to rise above ourselves, above the longing, the pain, the disappointment, smile a big smile and assure the future generation that from this deep tragedy, a great light will emerge.” Ofir Remez’s words and actions are a testament to the strength and fortitude of our students. We are proud to have her among our students and as a future educator in Israel.

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