TALMA: The Israel Program For Excellence In English

What happens when spoken English meets STEM? Doors open.

Last week at our "Speaking the Future" conference, we celebrated exactly that — students across Israel's periphery using English with confidence and reaching toward their futures. At the heart of the day was our partnership with משרד החדשנות, המדע והטכנולוגיה, built on a shared belief that and are keys to Israel's economic and social growth.

The impact in numbers:
🔹 40% average growth in spoken English (CEFR) in just 5 months
🔹 167% jump in learning groups this past year
🔹 From 6 to 12 municipalities — Sderot, Ashkelon, Kseifa, Rahat, Sakhnin and Maghar — reaching nearly 1,000 students

"English is a bridge - to opportunity, to knowledge, to innovation, and a bridge connecting Israel to the world. Between a student in Sderot or Kseifa and a scientist or researcher overseas. Especially in these complex times, that connection matters more than ever." — Ido Mahatzri, CEO of TALMA

"Research shows that participation in enrichment programs and STEM and spoken-English projects from a young age creates a profound change in young people's willingness and ability to enter technological pathways in the future." — Omer Shechter, Director General of משרד החדשנות, המדע והטכנולוגיה

A huge thank you to our speakers and partners: Eylon Levy; Dr. Lior Cohen (The Open University of Israel); Sergei Sumkin, PhD (Aaron Institute) ; Shani Edri-Amran (Ministry of Science); Tal Zigman (Cadence ); Guy Harel (Speax) and The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History for hosting us.
And to the team who made it happen: Shani Kfir Wolff, who masterfully organized the conference; Yuval Kelman, aka the best host in the world; Etelle Kalaora, for engaging content and thought-provoking interviews; and Shay Cherpanov, for moderating the panel like a pro. Big thanks to Rahav Productions for producing another great event, and to photographers Oz Schechter and Lior Demri .

איך אנגלית, מדע וחדשנות מתחברים להזדמנויות אמיתיות בישראל?

הצטרפו לכנס Speaking the Future 2026 עם אנשי חינוך, חדשנות והשפעה חברתית לשיח על עתיד האנגלית, המדע והדור הבא.

בתוכנית: פאנלים, תובנות מהשטח, networking וכלים פרקטיים.

מספר המקומות מוגבל.
להרשמה ופרטים נוספים בתגובה הראשונה.

This Shavuot, we’re celebrating growth, connection, and the communities that make change possible. 🌾💙

At TALMA, we believe language can open doors, build confidence, and create opportunity. As we continue transforming English language education in Israel, we’re grateful for the educators, students, and partners who are part of this journey.

Wishing our entire community a joyful and meaningful holiday.
Happy Shavuot! ✨

What a phenomenal performance by 🇮🇱

After months of pressure, threats, countries dropping out, and while a war is still ongoing back home, you stepped onto that stage with confidence, talent, and heart.

You gave people here and communities all over the world a reason to stop for a moment, dance, celebrate, and feel proud.

2nd place on paper.
#1 in our hearts.

Mazel tov, Noam. 💙

Some days stay with you.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, TALMA Full-Year Fellows came together at Achva Academic College for a meaningful program of testimony, reflection, and connection.

They heard from Anne Katz, who shared the deeply personal story of her parents, both Holocaust survivors. Later, Fellows and Achva student teachers gathered in small, diverse discussion groups to listen, reflect, and connect across different backgrounds and experiences.

Read the full story on the TALMA blog.
Full story by Jennifer Hoyzman.
🔗 Link in the first comment

18,000 new olim arrived in Israel this past year, and for many TALMA fellows, the decision to come here goes far beyond a job.

It’s a choice rooted in purpose, identity, and impact.

From Sderot to Eilat, our teachers are strengthening English education while creating meaningful connections with students and communities across Israel. In many cases, this journey even turns into a new life here.

We’re incredibly proud of the TALMA fellows who choose to be part of this mission.

👉 Full article from מעריב אונליין Maariv Online in the first comment

On Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, we remember the 25,658 fallen soldiers and 5,313 victims of terror — including members of the TALMA family.
Each one has a name and a story. We remember. We honor.

Safe classrooms can’t wait.

Since the start of the wars, students and teachers across Israel have faced displacement and uncertainty. Learning continues, but safe environments aren’t guaranteed.

At TALMA, we’re working to change that by building protected classrooms and supporting communities on the ground.

A national shift starts with clarity.

For years, “good English” appeared on CVs without a shared meaning. Now, It's changing.

Through a national initiative led by TALMA and the משרד העבודה Ministry of Labor, Israel is adopting the international standard to clearly define workplace English levels and open doors to opportunity, mobility, and fair employment.

Read the full article (Hebrew) via the link in the comments 👇