15 students from schools in the city participated in the traditional quiz about the city and its heritage.
On Monday, February 23, a Heritage and Land of Israel Quiz named after one of Israel’s national heroes, city resident and one of its founders, Brigadier General Nati Golan, was held in the sports hall of the Ironi Gimmel “Motta Gur” high school.
As every year, the quiz participants learn about the city and its heritage, starting from ancient times, the Hasmonean revolt that took place in its vicinity, to the War of Independence in which battles were fought in the area. The contestants also learn about the construction of the new city and its characteristics.
In addition, a unique chapter is dedicated to a new topic chosen each year. This year it marked the 50th anniversary of "Operation Yonatan" (Operation Entebbe), in which Israeli and Jewish civilians who were kidnapped from an Air France flight in June 1976 they were liberated in a daring military operation on Ugandan soil. During the operation, the commander of the force, Commander of the General Staff's Patrol, Lt. Col. Yoni (Yonatan) Netanyahu was killed. The mayor's question dealt with the uniqueness of the operation and its impact on Israel's status, and the perception of security and the fight against terrorism, with an emphasis on mutual responsibility, dedication and rescue for those kidnapped far from the State of Israel. All these characterized Nati Golan himself while he fought in battles with the Syrians in the Golan Heights during the Six-Day War and characterize our fighters during this period, including our city's graduates who fought, fell and were injured during the "Iron Swords" War while fighting to return the kidnapped.
During the preparation and learning for the quiz, participants met with the mayor at the Digital Innovation Center and learned about processes of innovation and advanced urban management in many areas of the city.
The students also visited the Hasmonean Heritage Museum, heard a lecture by Haim Tzemach, chairman of Yad Labanim organization, (Modi'in branch) and met Nati Golan's children. The quiz content was taught this year in an innovative way using artificial intelligence tools, phototherapy workshops, and an educational comics workshop that accompanied the content that was learned.
The competition had a distinguished panel of judges: Brigadier General Yitzhak (Haki) Harel, who served as chairman of the panel of judges, Deputy Mayor Brigadier General (res.) Shlomo Passi, Ricky Golan, Nati Golan's daughter, Col. (res.) Avi Kolran, and Dr. Yael Areli, director of the municipality's secondary education department.
15 participants from across the city’s schools - Ironi Alef, Ironi Bet, Ironi Gimmel, ORT Ironi Daled, Yahad Al Yesodi, Mor, Midreshet Amit Banot and Amit Banim, reached the finals.
First place went to Omri Baba from Ort Ironi Daled.
Second place went to Shaked Bahul from Midreshet Amit Banim.
Third place went to Shahar Froelich from Amit Banim.
All participants received a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Haim Bibas, and an album about the history of the city. In addition, the first three place winners received a certificate and a cash prize awarded by the Golan family.
