Naftali Oppenheimer, founder of the Teva Ivri youth movement, spearheaded this initiative for the second consecutive year, positioning sustainability as a unifying force in Israeli society. His vision is to bridge societal divides by rallying all secular, religious, traditional, and ultra-Orthodox communities toward a common environmental cause.

"The collective mobilization of Israeli society to address climate change will provide a true solution for all sectors," Oppenheimer stated. "This is the eternal message of Genesis—we are all part of the same creation, and our fate is interconnected. Whether through wildfires, floods, or food shortages, the effects of the climate crisis will impact us all. This is our opportunity to act together and build social resilience."

At the congress's opening, Oppenheimer underscored the responsibility of the next generation, emphasizing that Israel's forefathers worked to establish the state, and now it must be preserved. He urged participants to be proactive and collaborative, to think critically, to gain practical tools, and to recognize that the responsibility for the future lies in their hands.

The congress brought together 450 young men and women from pre-military academies across Israel, including Rabin, Re’ut, HaNegev, Ma'agan Michael, Natur, and Amichai. Through a series of discussions and panels, participants explored the central theme of "Unity and Sustainability," delving into how environmental responsibility can serve as a common ground for Israeli society.

One of the event’s key sessions featured journalist and environmental advocate Miki Haimovich alongside Rabbi Yuval Cherlow, head of ethics at the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization and a prominent figure in the religious-Zionist sector. Their participation underscored the congress’s mission of fostering cross-community dialogue and expanding perspectives on sustainability and social responsibility.

Founded in 2020 by Oppenheimer, Teva Ivri has become a driving force in integrating environmental awareness into Israeli society. Since its inception, more than 5,000 young people have taken part in its initiatives, which range from constructing a green rooftop on the President Hotel and establishing community warehouses to organizing dry food sales in urban neighborhoods and supporting farmers in the south and north during wartime. The movement has even extended its environmental advocacy to the military, working to promote sustainable practices among soldiers.

By empowering the next generation to take meaningful action, Teva Ivri is shaping a future in which sustainability catalyzes unity, resilience, and lasting social progress.