Rafael Gefen z"l

This award is in memory of Rafael Gefen who sadly passed away last year. Rafael was appointed Chief Inspector in 1967 and reigned as the leader of English Language Education until 1991. By all accounts this was certainly no small feat.

In the words of Yael, Rafael’s wife there was the “Rafael Age”which was seen as a pathway to change, to a “better culture”. Rafael believed that English should be a medium for international communication; spoken, read and written.

Writing the syllabus was the first revolutionary step instituted by Rafael. Moreover, Rafael realised how important English teachers are and established ETAI the English Teachers Association of Israel . Rafael saw ETAI as an organization of and for teachers independent of the Ministry of Education and the Inspectorate.

As an inspector and founder of ETAI he was there essentially to listen to teachers expressing their ideas and opinions.

Rafael was admired by his inspectors and teachers. Mr Yitzchak Ernest, a colleague of Rafael’s graciously agreed to be with us today, thank you Yitzchak.