Last Monday, more than 350 sixth form pupils from across the UK gathered at JFS to take part in the annual Israel: Get Connected conference, organised by the Israeli embassy, the Jewish Agency and UJIA.

Students from JFS, Kenton, King Solomon High, Redbridge, King David High, Manchester, and Yavneh College, Borehamwood, came together to attend sessions covering all aspects of the Holy Land, from learning street Hebrew, to discussing the country's reputation as the "start-up nation".
"It is wonderful to see so many students here today, ready to discover new aspects of Israel and Israeli society," Israeli Ambassador to the UK Daniel Taub told the assembled crowd.

"We hope that today will be the start of your journey to get more closely connected with Israel. We want you to find your passion - whether it's hi-tech, music, film, social justice or anything else - and use it to build your own personal bridge to Israel."

Izzy Baker, from King David High School, said that while she was expecting "a lecture hall, it has been more active than that.

"Today has definitely enhanced my relationship with Israel," she revealed.