Meet the Teacher: Roi Irani, History & Geography Teacher at the HIH Jaffa School
Who am I?
“My name is Roi Irani. I’ve been teaching history and geography at the Hand in Hand Jaffa “Kulna-Yachad” school for the past three years. I’m also pursuing a PhD in history at the Hebrew University, researching life in Israel during the 1950’s and 1960’s.”
What’s special about “Kulna-Yachad”?
“The HIH Jaffa school is more than just a bilingual school. It’s a place where students come from a wide range of backgrounds—not only Jewish and Arab, but also from families who immigrated from Eritrea, the Philippines, Muslim African communities, and more. There is an extraordinary human richness in our school. We’re constantly reminded that there are far more than just two narratives in each classroom—there are many identities and personal stories. This diversity is also reflected in the teaching staff. Our teachers’ room is far more diverse than most you’ll find in schools across the country.”
“We’re constantly reminded that there are far more than just two narratives in each classroom.”
What sets your students apart from those in non-integrated schools?
“When I ask them about holidays, foods, or cultural traditions—Jewish or Arab—you can see how deeply they understand traditions and stories that aren’t their own. That’s incredibly rare in Israel, especially among children. For example, while teaching about ancient Persia, I offhandedly mentioned the Book of Esther. Both the Jewish and Arab students picked up on the reference, and mentioned it in the lively discussion that followed. Kulna students are part of a community that embodies the full spectrum of identities found in Jaffa every single day—and I find that amazing.”
Tell us about a moment that moved you this year.
“During Ramadan, lunch breaks are adjusted so that students who are fasting spend time outside, while those who eat stay in the classroom. One day, a Jewish student came up to me looking upset. She said all her best friends were outside fasting, and she missed them. She asked if she could join them—choosing not to eat in that moment—just because she cared for them. It was such a pure and beautiful act of friendship, and it really moved me.”
