Global School Commutes Highlighted as Israeli Rabbi Discusses Early Dropout Crisis
The Israeli program "Davar Rishon," hosted by Moshe Mens, recently aired a multifaceted episode covering education challenges, small business financial solutions, and a historical anecdote about Prussian military discipline. The segment "Running on the Web" showcased extreme school commutes worldwide, including Indonesian students balancing on rusty steel cables over raging rivers after a bridge collapse, Chinese elementary pupils climbing and descending an 800-meter cliff daily using steel ladders, and porters in Tai Mountain carrying heavy loads up thousands of narrow steps without safety equipment.
In a studio interview, Rabbi Nachman Dudovani, director of the educational framework "Netivei Noam," addressed the troubling phenomenon of student dropout as early as ages 10 to 11. He attributed this to overcrowded classrooms and the education system's failure to provide personalized attention to students facing learning or home difficulties. Rabbi Dudovani emphasized the importance of building personal relationships beyond academics and validating achievements in sports, arts, and cooking to foster mental health and success. He urged parents to focus on their child's individual needs rather than societal perceptions.
On the economic front, Itai Wexler from Isracard's business division introduced the "Kesh Account" platform designed for self-employed and very small businesses in the ultra-Orthodox sector. The platform consolidates credit card processing, bank transfers, and digital invoicing, tailored for protected tablet use, and offers two years without subscription fees except for actual transaction commissions.
The program also recounted a remarkable 1906 story from Berlin, where Wilhelm Voigt, a 57-year-old shoemaker and former prisoner, exploited the Prussian military's blind obedience by donning a secondhand officer's uniform. He commandeered soldiers, arrested the city mayor and treasurer, confiscated 4,002 marks, and escaped before being caught. Emperor Wilhelm II pardoned him after two years, amused by the demonstration of military discipline's power.
The episode concluded with reflections on the dedication of those who undertake daily journeys to work and school, underscoring the diverse challenges faced globally and locally.
