Students filed into the gym never expecting to face a former head of state. On November 8th, 2024, Milken Community School had the honor of welcoming former Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett.
The visit from Bennett felt like a defining moment for Milken students this year. His arrival marked an incredible opportunity to connect with one of Israel’s most influential leaders, and it provided students with firsthand insight into some of the complex realities of contemporary Israeli politics and the Jewish diaspora.
Bennett’s visit came at a significant time, not only at the 1-year date since October 7th, but as discussions about rising antisemitism and the conflict in Israel have intensified. Milken has made strides in engaging students with visits from influential figures including freed Israeli hostage Ophir Angel, Israeli Eurovision star Eden Golan, Air Force Veteran and Jewish activist Noa Tishby. These events aim to deepen students’ connection to Jewish identity and Israel’s significance in their global significance.
Mr. Meyerson, Milken’s Israel Education Coordinator, credited Richard Sandler, President of the Milken Board, for arranging the visit. He explained how only a small group knew Bennett would be coming. “Lots of people had guesses as to who it could be (Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yitzhak Herzog, Natan Sharansky), but I wouldn’t reveal it.”
Tasked with preparing the interviewers Tomer Z ‘26 and Noa F ‘25, Mr. Meyerson and Milken’s Israel Programs Coordinator Ms. Vom Steeg spent weeks meticulously planning. Ms. Vom Steeg noted, “I was appointed the Visit Lead.” The division heads and Ms. Vom Steeg were responsible for creating a special schedule for the day. Mr. Sanchez even helped coordinate with security to ensure a safe and smooth experience. “Leading up to the date of the event, most of my time was dedicated to early morning phone calls, meetings, and planning. On the day of the event, I was even at Milken at 5:30 AM to conduct a security walkthrough,” she continued.
Reflecting on the experience, Tomer shared that he had been preparing with Mr. Meyerson and Mrs. Vom Steeg for weeks without knowing who the guest speaker would be. “I found out approximately four weeks before the event that I would be interviewing an Israeli figure,” he said. “However, the questions we practiced with did not allude to who the guest would be. Meyerson and Vom Steeg were amazing in supporting us and making sure we were prepared. The event could not have gone nearly as successfully without them.”
On the day of the event, Tomer discovered he would be interviewing PM Bennett. “The suspense leading up to this moment was intense,” he said, as he had been constantly guessing who it could be.
During the school-wide interview, Bennett spoke about the October 7 attacks, emphasizing vigilance and proactive leadership. He also stressed the need for open discussions between people of all backgrounds in order to cultivate a safe environment for Jews to voice their beliefs without being afraid.
Amazed at how socially aware Bennett was, Ms. Vom Steeg noted, “Not all speakers that we bring in know how to change their tone to speak with high schoolers. We had 11 year olds all the way through 18 year olds and even adults so that was a huge range. His ability to use humor kept students engaged for the 45 minute interview and he was able to give everyone a good sense of where Israel stands societally and politically in a post October 7th world. It was meaningful to be able to give this experience to students although it was a very difficult process.”
A few minutes after the school assembly, in a smaller, more intimate session with Israel leadership students, Bennett became the listener. Noa described, “My experience as part of the Israel Leadership Circle and the secluded meeting with Bennett afterwards was inspiring and hopeful. Instead of doing most of the talking himself, Bennett turned the microphone to us students, as we raised our concerns about ways Israel is viewed abroad (in the United States) and provided ideas for effectively educating others about Israel.”
Reflecting on the lessons she wishes the Milken community took from this monumental experience, she expressed, “I hoped that Milken students would grasp how even though Israel might seem far and Jews seem to be dispersed throughout the world—our Jewish community must come together throughout times of darkness. During the memorable interview, I think that message definitely came through, as well as the importance of Jewish unity and resilience despite differences in opinion.”
As the event concluded, Bennett urged students to maintain strong connections with Israel and distinguish between constructive critique and harmful delegitimization. He reminded students that “criticism of policies is fair. Denying Israel’s right to exist is not.”
Dr. Shulkind, Head of School, praised Bennett’s teaching approach: “I want it highlighted that he was so genuinely interested in our student body that he asked you [Israel Leadership Circle] the questions. That’s what a really great educator or teacher does—they bring out ideas from the people they are with. In addition to all his phenomenal qualities, he was simply an excellent teacher.” She added, “this event was about more than hearing from a leader. It was about inspiring our students to become leaders themselves.”
