A Letter to Israel's Twelfth Graders

September 3, 2008

In an op-ed article on September 1st in Yediot Ahronot, the country’s largest newspaper, NIF Israel’s Executive Director Eliezer Yaari addressed the country’s twelfth grade students. Yaari, who is also an executive member of Hakol Chinuch "Education is Everything,” a newly formed group comprised of leading public figures who seek to improve the country’s education system, dedicates his article entitled “Sorry We Messed Up” to the country’s high school seniors.

“We messed up because we have handed down to you dangerous and blurred borders not only with our foes but also our internal enemies. We are leaving you impossible politics, economic inequalities, a lack of water, housing, education, the environment and much more. It will be more difficult for you than it was for us and it is unclear if you will be able to survive without making an enormous effort. What we can try and do today is to ensure that the right to a public education of an appropriate level will be guaranteed for the next generation. ”

“So in your final year,” he concludes, “try and put your thoughts in order, pass your exams and go out into the world knowing that you are not alone: We will make every effort so that you can be better than your parents.” 

See the full text of the article in English