President Herzog welcomes Israeli Students, and Talks of the Reassuring Influence of Rabbi Sacks

Liheyot Ye’udi, an educational initiative inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Sacks, has completed its second year, reaching 70,000 students across Israel.

The programme empowers young people to see themselves not only as students, but as leaders, change-makers, and the moral voices of tomorrow. Through innovative learning, meaningful discussion, and practical tools for action, Liheyot Ye’udi helps students engage with some of the biggest questions facing Israeli society and respond with responsibility, courage, and hope.

The year-end event featured Itay and Omri Rozenblit, former contestants on The Amazing Race. Omri, who was wounded in battle in Gaza and lost a leg, shared a message that left a profound impression on the students. Reflecting on Rabbi Sacks’ teaching, he said: “You are who you define yourselves to be. You are the size of your values. I was wounded in the war and lost a leg. Perhaps I am defined as disabled, but as far as I am concerned, I am not disabled. I remind myself that this is only body and flesh. I am my ideals. I am Israeli, Jewish, a fighter.”

Digital influencer Dylen Dror, who has helped create content for the programme over the past two years, spoke about the impact the project has had on him: “The most meaningful thing I learned is that doing good does not begin only with a big project. It begins with a small decision: to notice, to listen, to help, to choose, and to see the other. Rabbi Sacks said that every person has a unique voice and a role in the world, and that idea spoke to me as well.”

The day concluded with a special tribute at the President’s Residence, where President Isaac Herzog praised the initiative and the students taking part in it. “We live in a world filled with worry and anxiety,” the President said. “And what can the solution be? When we read Rabbi Sacks, we feel calmer. There is something deeply logical there, something that explains where you are and where you are going. I commend this initiative to spread the teachings of Rabbi Sacks.”

Turning to the students, he added: “Continue to spread Rabbi Sacks’ teachings. They are important, and they will accompany you always.”

Nadiva Koschitzky Sheer, representing the Koschitzky family, which supports the project, said: “Rabbi Sacks taught us that disagreement is not a threat to our unity, but the foundation of Judaism, of a strong democracy, and of a healthy society. You, the young participants in this programme, are the best antidote to the polarisation and division in Israel.”

Daniel Taub, Chair of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy in Israel, reflected on the challenge set by President Herzog one year ago: “A year ago, when we met with the President, he set us a challenge: that Rabbi Sacks should be in every home in Israel. This year, too, the Liheyot Ye’udi programme reached 70,000 students across Israel, in both the state and state-religious school systems.”

Liheyot Ye’udi, an initiative of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy, is coordinated by Sulamot.