Here it is, it's over.  Three years of daily interaction with hundreds of students and alumni have come to an end. When I thought about the content of my farewell letter, I promised myself to try and avoid clichés. However, now that I’m sitting down to write this, it’s hard not to use one or two clichés because, as they say, they are always true.

So yes. I came looking for donkeys and found a kingdom. I went to the job interview three years ago because I was tired of working as a bartender, and I wanted an office job, or so I thought. After a short conversation with Dr. Dorfsman, I dove right into the work.

Slowly, I was exposed to a wonderful world where educators work day and night to learn, research, and deepen their knowledge to become better, more capable Jewish educators. I had the privilege of getting to know an extraordinary team of lecturers – amazing and unique educators who always had the success of the students at the forefront of their minds. From Jewish philosophy to Israeli education in the diaspora, from Levinas to Amos Oz, at the least expected moment, I found renewed joy in learning and immersed myself in a world I felt didn’t choose me, but that I chose. I was also blessed with an amazing team. Truly amazing. I learned from them what real commitment is and how to dream big and then make that dream a reality. I learned that sometimes a sincere smile (or a WhatsApp emoji) can fix almost everything. I learned about marketing, about somewhat successful online systems, I memorized all the different time zones around the world (try organizing a meeting with a student from Australia and another from Los Angeles), and most importantly, I learned to believe. To believe in myself, in the team, and in the students.

What does it even mean to be a coordinator for the international programs? I’m still trying to discover and understand the answer to this question. Without crowning myself (or Ariel) with laurels, the role of the coordinator is undoubtedly the most important in the program. Our connection, support, and availability for the students have been pillars of stability for those studying remotely, online, in an environment that can sometimes cause the world of the program to seem distant and unattainable. There, the coordinator extends a helping hand, opens a window of light, and connects students from all over the world into one living, breathing community that aims to grow and flourish as Jewish educators, especially in these times, especially now.

The students. Undoubtedly, the hardest part of my departure. The daily connection that so often extended beyond academics. I had the privilege of getting to know entire families, amazing communities where students from the program opened a window into their worlds for me. I felt enveloped and loved from all corners of the globe, from my first day in the program and especially during my military reserve service in the war, I felt the love and support throughout my entire being. However, it’s not entirely sad because I’m not entirely leaving (can one ever really leave?).

I may no longer be the coordinator of the English program, but I have become the coordinator of the program’s alumni network, a very exciting project that is in its early stages, and I would be very happy to see you there, continuing with me to shape the world of Jewish education in the best possible way.

I will thus conclude with thanks – thank you, students, for giving me real meaning, it is invaluable. Thank you to the School of Education and the Melton Centre for the amazing years, I look forward to the future. Thank you to my team, I learned from each and every one of you. A final thanks to Ariel and Marcelo. Thank you for who you have been for me, it’s hard for me to put into words how great my appreciation for you is, continue to spread light in the world.

The team wishes Netanel much success in his new role as graduate coordinator for the MA in Jewish Education program. We are very proud of the great work he has done in these three years as coordinator. We bid him farewell with joy and welcome Rebeka Salame, wishing her all the best.