AMIT
Trailblazer Principal Tzippi Harpenes has transformed a school for disadvantaged youth into an educational model.
BY HELGA ABRAHAM
W
hen Tzippi Harpenes took the podium to light a torch at Israel’s 73rd Independence Day ceremony this year, her moving speech brought tears to the eyes of thousands of viewers. “I, Tzippi Harpenes, daughter of Nehama Tova and Rav Simha Fruchter, among the founders of Beersheba, light this torch in honor of my beloved city Beersheba, the AMIT network and, in particular, my students – my children, our children, our future and our hope. I love you, I learn from you, and I am proud of you.” Harpenes was selected as a torch-lighter for her pioneering work at AMIT Elaine Silver Technological School in Beersheba, for succeeding in keeping the school open throughout the pandemic. She went above and beyond her regular duties by accompanying one of her students night and day during long months of medical treatment. “Harpenes is more of a therapist than a principal,” says vice principal Koby Revivo. “She is like a second mother to her students.” An educator all her life, Harpenes taught computer science for 25 years before she decided to change direction. “I considered doing a doctorate but a colleague/ mentor of mine persuaded me that I could do more good by taking the helm of a school.” In 2013, Harpenes took the role as principle of AMIT Elaine Silver – a small school for children at risk in one of Beersheba’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods – and made an immediate impact. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Tzippi Harpenes
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