Or Avner Educational Leaders Convene in Tbilisi for Historic Strategic Forum
Dozens of school directors and vice directors from the ‘Or Avner’ Jewish educational network, active across the FSU, gathered for a unique three-day educational forum in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The intensive program brought together school leaders from Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Latvia for professional development, strategic planning, and collaborative exchange aimed at strengthening Jewish education throughout the region.
Through lectures, workshops, and structured discussions focused on empowerment, training, and practical planning for the years ahead, the participants engaged in in-depth dialogue on core issues shaping Jewish schools in today’s reality. Central goals included formulating a shared strategy for the continued growth of the network, providing ongoing professional guidance to administrators, strengthening educational leadership, and fostering a supportive community of educational directors for continued consultation and cooperation.
A series of professional sessions addressed key topics such as establishing unified standards across the network, responding to evolving security challenges, reinforcing psychological resilience among students and staff, preventing bullying among youth, advancing inclusion, developing managerial leadership, and deepening the core values of the modern Jewish school.
The 2026 ‘Or Avner’ Forum was graciously hosted by the ‘Or Avner’ Jewish School of Tbilisi, led by Rabbi Meir and Tzipora Kozlovsky, Chabad emissaries to Georgia. The school, where hundreds of students are educated in both academic excellence and Jewish tradition, welcomed the participants with exceptional care and attention to detail.
The event was honored by the presence of the Ambassador of Israel to Georgia, Mr. Walid Abu Haya, who addressed the gathering and expressed admiration for the rare dedication of the educational teams and the special character of the students they nurture.
Among the prominent speakers were Rabbi Shlomo Neeman, Head of the FJC Educational Department; Mr. Maksim Luria, Regional Director at United, operating on behalf of Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs; Mrs. Chana Rynkov, Director of the ‘Or Avner’ School Network; Mrs. Ruti Chertok, Coordinator of the ‘Or Avner’ Network in Russia; Mrs. Irina Elnicheva, Director of the SmartJ program in Russia; Mrs. Zanda Cheslashvili, a psychodiagnostician and clinical psychologist; Mrs. Natiya Melania, a psychologist and expert in youth bullying prevention; Rebbetzin Kineret Mayers, a Chabad emissary in Orenburg, Russia; and Rebbetzin Sara Deitch, a Chabad emissary in Perm, Russia.
The forum, held under the auspices of the Federation of Jewish Communities, was also attended by the FJC leadership, including Rabbis David Mondshine, Shlomo Peles, and Mendel Mondshine, who continue to support and guide the development of the ‘Or Avner’ Jewish education network at all times.
“This is a meaningful step in strengthening educational leadership and ensuring the future of Jewish education across the FSU,” the organizers said in conclusion. “The conference was marked by a professional atmosphere, strong unity, and a deep sense of shared mission.”
