New Educational Project Launched in Memory of Uriel Nuri at Biblical Zoo
A new educational project named 'The Social Tour' has been launched in memory of Uriel Nuri, who tragically died at the Biblical Zoo, aiming to combat bullying and promote social inclusion among youth.
Educational Project Launched to Honor Uriel Nuri
A new educational initiative has been launched in memory of Uriel Nuri, who tragically lost his life after being attacked by a leopard while working at the Biblical Zoo. The project stems from Nuri's personal life story, having experienced severe social exclusion and bullying during his childhood and youth before growing up to become a beloved animal caretaker and a community leader at the zoo where he worked.
"The main message for us is a light of hope. Uriel went through many humiliations and social hardships as a child and teenager, but it is important for us that people know that in the end, they did see who he truly was and accepted him," shared Ilanit Nuri, Uriel's mother.
The Social Tour Initiative and Goals
The initiative, titled "The Social Tour," aims to transform zoo spaces into learning environments for educational staff, children, and youth. In these spaces, participants will learn about belonging, acceptance of others, social sensitivity, and the prevention of bullying and exclusion, ensuring no child is left behind. The project was launched at the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem, where a special conference was recently held in Uriel's memory in collaboration with his family, the Biblical Zoo, and the Knafaim Dror Association.
The tour is expected to operate in five zoos across the country, allowing children, teenagers, and educational staff to use the animal kingdom as a starting point for discussions about the kind of society they want to build: a society that notices differences, allows everyone to find their place, and leaves no one behind.
Inspiring Acceptance Through Nature
Describing her son's social journey, his mother added that Uriel had to emerge from a dark and hurtful place to grow. The connection with the Knafaim Dror Association was natural, as Uriel worked to help children and adults feel a sense of belonging and served as an inspiration to everyone around him.
Orit Raz, CEO of the Knafaim Dror Association, emphasized the core message of the program: "Uriel's story carries great pain, but it also carries a message that every child experiencing rejection, bullying, or loneliness needs to hear: what you are going through now does not have to define who you will become."
