I Belong Israel : Journey of Discovry and Connection is their most meaningful high school experience. They won't remember
their geography and history lessons, but they'll remember this
Journey as a formative and empowering experience.”

(A teacher)

These and similar comments were heard repeatedly from
participating students, teachers, and. school principals in the
course of researching the | Belong Israel Journey of Discovery and Connection. These six days packed with value-laden events are meaningful and life-changing.

For many of the participants, this Journey is a key experience. Discussions with hundreds of students showed that for them to feel “connected” to learning it must touch them emotionally. It must be relevant and authentic. The planners of this program have developed a unique educational approach they call Israeli Pedagogy, which includes discussion circles between equals; identity-challenging activities that translate values into volunteering; legitimizing diverse opinions; and acknowledging pluralism in Israeli culture. The students return from the Journey empowered — with a better understanding of who they are and of their place and identity in the Israeli, Jewish, and Zionist narrative.

This book tells the story of the | Belong Israel Journey and the Israeli Pedagogy approach underlying the key experiences of these students. it should be read not only by educators, but by everyone.

“Tens of thousands of high school students and IDF officers have participated in the | Belong Israel Journey, ensuring its place among the first rank of educational initiatives. This book focuses on its unique contribution to value based education and the formation of israeli identity.”

Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu