As Boys Town Jerusalem High School’s Class of 2025 now marked their milestone graduation, well-loved teacher Rabbi Amos Daikon reflected on a year of profound challenges and dynamic resilience. “You have endured two years of war—facing fears, missile alerts, tears, and incredible hardships,” he told the graduates. “Despite all, you mustered the strength to develop academic and technological skills to shape your future. You have also given generously from your hearts, volunteering to help the handicapped, farmers, the hungry, and so many others in need.”
Many challenges prompted innovative learning
With nearly 40 years at BTJ—beginning as a student—Rabbi Daikon admits that the painful war years, following the disruptions of the COVID era, distanced students from their studies. “Each day, we’ve had to start anew to find ways to help students focus on learning. To their great credit, the entire class successfully completed their crucial bagrut matriculation exams to graduate.”
Students also had their own personal struggles
Harsh difficulties at home compounded many boys’ struggles. Rabbi Daikon notes working with one student devastated by his parents’ bitter divorce who willed himself to graduate top in his class. Another student, after contracting meningitis, returned to school wheelchair-bound and unable to speak. “I love him, I accept him, and I started from scratch to reteach all he’d missed or forgotten. He passed every matriculation exam.”
The values boys receive at BTJ remain with them
Long after graduation, Rabbi Daikon remains a pillar of support for his students. “Throughout the war, graduates remain in close touch. Some have come straight from the battlefield to share the horror of seeing comrades killed. I try to give
them strength.”
In his message to the Class of 2025, Rabbi Daikon urged, “Spread the priceless values you have gained at Boys Town Jerusalem. Continue to give of yourselves to help others, and to improve our world for all.”