Michael Kay Israel Leadership Fellows Fall Retreat
In late October, the Michael Kay Israel Leadership Fellows (MKILF) program provided students with an immersive experience during its annual Fall Retreat at the Emory Conference Center Hotel. This two-day event gathered students to delve into complex topics related to Israel, Zionism, and leadership, fostering a sense of community and commitment to informed, thoughtful dialogue.
Under the leadership of Director of Israel and Global Education Bernadette May-Beaver and guided by Weber faculty, alongside Dr. Noam Weissman and his team of distinguished Israel educators from OpenDor Media, students engaged in sessions addressing some of the most pressing and relevant questions surrounding Israel today. The agenda included exploring recent events in Israel post-October 7, 2023, discussing the historical and current significance of phrases like “From the River to the Sea,” and addressing the accusation that Zionism constitutes settler colonialism. These discussions provided students with a rigorous intellectual environment to deepen their understanding.
Interactive panels and sessions encouraged critical thinking and empathetic engagement. Junior Marion Kogon shared, "The retreat deepened my understanding of Israel’s complexities and provided me with tools to approach difficult conversations confidently and thoughtfully." Fellow Junior Noah Berg echoed this sentiment, adding, "I appreciated learning how to approach Israel-related conversations thoughtfully, with tools for engaging different perspectives. Exploring Israel’s political landscape not only deepened my understanding but also allowed me to connect with others who share a passion for learning and leadership.”
Beyond structured learning, students shared meals, bonded during evening activities, and took moments for personal reflection, underscoring that leadership is cultivated not only through knowledge but through shared experiences and connection.
Now in its second year, the MKILF program is a co-curricular Honors Diploma distinction aimed at inspiring student leadership in service of Israel and the Jewish people. Open to 10th-12th grade students, the program allows Weber students to strengthen their relationship with Israel, develop their leadership vision, and add significant breadth to their college resumes.
The Michael Kay Israel Leadership Fellows program is made possible through the generous support of Ann Kay and her family in honor of their late husband and father, Michael Kay z”l—a pillar of the Atlanta Jewish community and a long-serving member of The Weber School Board of Trustees. It is a privilege to continue this initiative in his name, empowering students to grow as leaders and Israel advocates.
The Weber School
The Weber School, a Jewish Community high school serving students from all Jewish backgrounds, prepares students for success in college and in life with comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that inspire student exploration, leadership, and Jewish social consciousness. Many of our programs and academies are unique to Weber and can't be found at any other Atlanta-area high schools.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
The Felicia Penzell Weber Jewish Community High School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
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