Educator Moves from West Bank to Southern Israel for Diverse Community
After two decades in the West Bank settlement of Shomron, Odelia Alexelsi, 40, has relocated with her husband and five children to the Western Negev region in southern Israel. Alexelsi, who previously managed a school in Ofra and co-founded a school in Har Bracha, has taken on the role of principal at a school in Nitzan, located in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council.
Alexelsi stated that the desire to move had been developing for years, but recent events in Israel, particularly the October 7th Hamas attack, prompted the transition. She explained her motivation was to immerse her children in a truly diverse society, fostering daily interactions across different segments of the population without prejudice or barriers.
Her career in education began after pursuing degrees in psychology. Initially aiming for a therapeutic role with children, she shifted to educational work in schools. After completing a Ministry of Education program for principals, she managed the Ofra school and helped establish the Har Bracha school. Her new position in the Hof Ashkelon region involves leading a religious, Torah-oriented school.
Beyond academic excellence and preparing students for a changing world, Alexelsi emphasized the importance of resilience and inter-communal connection. She believes that simple human interactions between educators from different backgrounds build a strong society. While equipping students with advanced skills for the AI era and academic pursuits is crucial, she stressed that psychological resilience and the ability to listen to others are paramount.
For Alexelsi, who was born and raised in Ashkelon, the move represents a full circle. She recalled her youth, maintaining friendships with peers from different educational backgrounds. She aims to provide a similar experience for her children and new students in Nitzan, fostering connections based on shared values and mutual understanding across all parts of the Israeli people.
Itamar Ravivo, head of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, welcomed Alexelsi, calling her move a symbol of Israeli unity and praising her leadership and values.
