Israeli Minister Ze’ev Elkin Visits FJC’s ‘Or Avner’ School in Tbilisi, Georgia

As part of an official diplomatic visit to Georgia during the Chanukah holiday, Israeli Minister Ze’ev Elkin—who serves in the Ministry of Finance and oversees both the Tekuma Directorate and the Northern Rehabilitation Directorate—visited the FJC ‘Or Avner’ Jewish school in Tbilisi.

He was warmly received by the school’s leadership—Chabad emissaries to Georgia, Rabbi Meir and Tzipora Kozlovsky—alongside a delegation of high-ranking dignitaries. Hundreds of students welcomed the minister with joyous singing.

In honor of Chanukah, Minister Elkin was invited to light the menorah and was visibly moved by the sweet voices of the students who joined him in song. He also took part in affixing a new mezuzah to the doorpost of the new Jewish Kindergarten building generously supported by the YAEL Foundation, and distributed traditional Chanukah gelt to the children.

Following the ceremony, the minister toured the school’s classrooms and modern laboratories. He expressed deep admiration for the high academic standards, the dedication of the teaching staff, and the students’ behavior. He particularly appreciated how contemporary technology is being thoughtfully integrated into the study of Jewish tradition, bringing it to life in a meaningful and engaging way.