The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines officially inaugurated the Ofakim Learning Resource Center at Malaya Elementary School in Quezon City.
The ceremony featured lively performances by the students, including songs and dances prepared for Ambassador Ilan Fluss. A special reading of the story of David and Goliath, in both English and Filipino, was led by Ambassador Fluss and the school’s principal, showcasing the shared cultural connections between the two nations.
This initiative is part of the embassy’s ongoing support for the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2024, a program dedicated to improving school facilities across the Philippines. Quezon City, a twin city of Israel’s Rishon Lezion, is named after President Manuel L. Quezon, who played a pivotal role in saving Jews from Nazi persecution in 1938. This historical connection strengthens the enduring ties between Israel and the Philippines.
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Ahead of the new school year, the embassy team helped refurbish and paint the learning center, aligning with the Brigada Eskwela initiative.
The center is named after Ofakim, an Israeli city tragically affected by a Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of many innocent civilians.
“The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines sees great importance in participating in Brigada Eskwela. This is one way to show our camaraderie with the community, especially with the teachers and pupils,” said Ambassador Fluss. He added, “Ofakim means ‘horizon’ in Hebrew. The horizon represents where the earth and sky meet, symbolizing endless possibilities. This is what education provides—an opportunity to broaden one’s horizon. We’ve created a fun, safe, and comfortable reading and learning area, which is exactly what the children need. This is the goal of our project.”
The Ofakim Learning Resource Center is fully equipped with educational materials and facilities designed to enhance the students’ learning experience. The Embassy’s donations include a television, air-conditioning, rubber mats, storybooks, shelves, bean bags, tables, and board games. By stepping away from the traditional classroom setup, the Embassy hopes to inspire students to embrace more flexible and innovative learning approaches.
“Even in times of war, Israel remains committed to fostering collaboration and nurturing friendly partnerships with the Philippines, especially in education, which is crucial for the future. Investing in education is investing in the future,” Ambassador Fluss emphasized during his speech.
The Ofakim Learning Resource Center is the third facility of its kind opened by the Embassy this year. Previously inaugurated were the Jerusalem Learning Resource Center at Bagong Tanyag Elementary School in Taguig City and the Be’eri Learning Resource Center in San Juan City.
Brigada Eskwela
These openings coincide with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and renewal, highlighting Israel’s dedication to strengthening educational ties with the Philippines.
Since 2005, the Embassy of Israel has actively participated in Brigada Eskwela, demonstrating its commitment to education and to building strong, lasting partnerships with the Filipino people.
This initiative reflects the shared values of both nations, particularly in the realm of education and community development.
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