National educational network AMIT threw its first-ever Thanksgiving event to thank its supporters on November 27 at Jerusalem’s Inbal Hotel, celebrating their joint ongoing mission of providing quality education to children living in Israel’s peripheral communities.
The Thanksgiving Day program was also aimed at mobilizing increasing numbers of residents and visitors to support education on Israel’s social and geographic periphery, where, organizers said, Reshet AMIT operates 91 schools nationwide.
Representatives of AMIT Children said that many of the attendees were Anglos living in – or visiting – Israel who want to back programs that equip peripheral students for successful academic and professional futures. The event highlighted AMIT’s classroom innovations and alumni impact – with organizational emphasis on personalized learning and a holistic approach, ranging from STEM education and the arts to leadership and values-based programs.
The Inbal Hotel has become a familiar Thanksgiving venue for Jerusalem’s English-speaking community, which often marks the American holiday with special events and dinners. Thus, it was the natural selection for AMIT’s inaugural gathering, hosted by AMIT Children in partnership with Reshet AMIT.
The evening also honored Yaffi Shmidman for her longstanding dedication to philanthropic efforts and education in Israel. Shmidman, along with her family, has been involved in numerous charitable projects that foster opportunities for children to succeed academically and personally.
AMIT’s educational footprint
AMIT has been previously profiled for pairing values-education with tech-forward and skills-based learning, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The network’s schools and leadership pipeline continue to produce graduates who return to transform their hometown institutions.
AMIT’s model uses AI-driven personalization to reach students “especially in communities too often left behind,” a theme central to Thursday’s event.
This work in the periphery is particularly vital at a time when Israel is focused on post-Oct. 7 recovery, as educational disparities can have lasting effects on social mobility and career prospects.
By focusing on both academic achievement and fostering character development, students can reach their full potential and become a generation of young leaders prepared to contribute positively to Israeli society.
With this inaugural Thanksgiving celebration, AMIT Children brought together a community of donors, educators, and students to acknowledge the generosity of its supporters and strengthen ties, as well as to inspire continued investment in the transformative power of education to create a lasting impact on children’s lives.