The heart of Oz in Jerusalem
“My heart goes out to so many of the youngsters who are battling tremendous challenges, from poverty to illness to family strife. But before my eyes, I watch them thrive on the love, confidence and knowledge that the school gives them.
DIFFERENT hemispheres or not, many students at Boys Town Jerusalem (BTJ) are firmly convinced that Australia is located quite near to Israel.
“Our boys are surrounded by the generosity and love of Australian donors to the school, which actually brings us all closer together,” smiles Sydney native Ilana Kaplan, who has served as Boys Town Jerusalem’s Australian development coordinator since moving to Israel in 2019.
Boys Town Jerusalem holds the distinction of having been founded at Israel’s statehood in 1948 to provide an education and trade to young immigrant refugees. The school pioneered a curriculum merging technological, academic and Jewish studies. Today, its 7500 graduates thrive in Israeli high-tech, education, commerce, the military and other spheres. Most graduates serve in the IDF, including many in top technological and cyber units.
Kaplan proudly notes the Australian Jewish community’s love of Israel has spurred “incredible support” for Australian Friends of BTJ, since its establishment just five years ago, to the tremendous benefit of the many students from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. To date, Australian Friends has contributed greatly needed tuition scholarships, classrooms, dormitory rooms and more to the school.
“Marking our school’s 75th anniversary together with the State of Israel is a perfect occasion to celebrate with the Australian Jewish community,” said Kaplan.
“Best, the keynote speaker for our upcoming 75th anniversary event to be held in Sydney on August 24 is the honourable Mr Paul Griffiths, who personally visited the Boys Town Jerusalem campus last year in his position as Australian ambassador to Israel.”
Recalling the remarkable connection sparked between Griffiths and BTJ students, Kaplan lauded his enthusiastic agreement to share his impressions of the school at the upcoming anniversary event.
Recent BTJ graduate Aviel Berkowitz will also share the role the school has played in giving him the confidence and encouragement to overcome his personal challenges to reach exemplary sites in the IDF and the Israeli high-tech industry. Comedian Morris Kaplan will entertain as MC of the event.
“From my office in the school, I personally witness the amazing work our school carries out day after day,” Kaplan stressed.
“My heart goes out to so many of the youngsters who are battling tremendous challenges, from poverty to illness to family strife. But before my eyes, I watch them thrive on the love, confidence and knowledge that the school gives them.
“I also see the incredible way in which Australian supporters directly improve the lives and the futures of our students. My role in combining the two spheres brings us strongly together. And shows our students just how close Israel and Australia have indeed become!”
The Boys Town Jerusalem 75th anniversary celebration will be held at 7.30pm on August 24 at the Nefesh Centre, 54 Roscoe Street, Bondi Beach. Bookings: bit.ly/btj-winetasting
For more information on Boys Town Jerusalem, visit btj.org.au or email Ilana Kaplan on ilana@btj.org.au
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