SEO: Dr.

Pnina Peri devotes life to underprivileged youth

Summary blurb: From Germany, to Israel, to London and the United States, Pnina Peri
sought higher education. Years later, she uses her knowledge to help underprivileged
children achieve upward mobility in society.

Print head: Pnina Peri leads fight for underprivileged youth

Deck: Disadvantaged youth find aid, solace in university professor.
Dr. Pnina Peri, a university professor, reads over her lesson plan one last time as
she descends down the elevator shaft of Susquehanna Hall. As she enters the classroom,
several students greet her as
others peruse their notes,
fearful of a pop quiz. Once her
lecture begins, a students
question prompts Peri to stray
from her lesson plan and tell
narratives of her life. The
students eyes remain fixed on
Peri as she tells them of her

Peri prepares her lesson plan for University of

Maryland students.
Photo by Omoefe Abugo

experiences with the

underprivileged youth of Israel.
Peri, visiting assistant professor of Israel studies, looks back and sees the impact
of higher education.

(more)

Dr. Pnina Peri Mainbar | Abugo | Page 2

Peri has earned a masters degree in ideology as well as a masters degree and
Ph.D. in special education. Her attainment of education enabled her to give her life
meaning and advocate for the underprivileged youth of Israel.
Like many young adults, Peri fervently sought a meaning for her life. I knew my
purpose was to help underprivileged children, Peri said. I felt like I was contributing
something. Peri, 67, sighs as she reminisces on her experiences with the young children
who helped her foster her own identity.
A diamond in the rough
Three years after receiving her masters degree in special education from Boston
University, Peri returned to Israel, her homeland, to teach young children. As a teacher at
the Brener School in Kefar Seba, Israel, Peri became familiar with her students by
visiting their homes and speaking with their

Education by Location
Masters degree in
ideology, Tel Aviv
University
Masters degree in
special education,
Boston University
Doctorate in special
education, The
University of London

parents. One day, she visited a young student whom

she took particular interest in. She witnessed the
dire situation in which the student lived. His house
lacked furniture. Packed dirt replaced the carpet.
His mother had no time for him. Officials
imprisoned his father. Peri did not let the
environment blur her assessment of her student.

The child was very mischievous and restless, Peri said. But I saw he had wonderful
bright eyes and hidden potential.
(more)

Dr. Pnina Peri Mainbar | Abugo | Page 3

Peri saw a child who could be saved from his dreary fate. She saw a child in need
of attention, guidance and a nurturing environment. She saw a cry for help.
Peri swooped in and took the
child under her wings. I
remember it as the first time I
was faced with a true
challenge, Peri said. The
young boy possessed
wonderful qualities, but he
came from a bad
background. Peri strived to

Dr. Peri logs off after delivering a lecture about push

and pull factors that affect migration.
Photo by Omoefe Abugo

help this student who pulled

at her heartstring. Peri paid particular attention to him. She stayed with him after school.
She devoted her time and effort to ensure his wellbeing.
About 40 years later, Peri sees the effect her student had on her life. That was the
first time I was really touched and knew I wanted my life to be meaningful, Peri said.
Lasting impressions
Peri accredits her desire for helping underprivileged youth to her time spent in
youth movements and her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated culture. In
Israel, there is a strict dichotomy between citizenship and womanhood, Peri said.

(more)

Dr. Pnina Peri Mainbar | Abugo | Page 4

Peri did not allow her status as a woman to impede her progress. Instead, she used
her womanhood as a catalyst for intellectual and societal advancement. She used her
desire for progress and curiosity for the unknown to fuel her ambitions. From Israel, to
Europe and the United States, Peri continually refined herself. After completing her Ph.D.
at the University of London, the importance of higher education struck her. My Ph.D.
opened doors I never thought existed before, Peri said.
The society she grew up in propelled
her. Instead of seeing my situation as a dead
end, I chose to see it as an opportunity, Peri
said. The fire that fueled Peri 40 years ago still
burns bright. One of her university students,
Justin DiCioccio, a junior history major,
marvels at the passion she exudes everyday.
When she teaches, you can see the drive in
her eyes, DiCioccio said. You can tell she
hopes to better our lives in any way she can.
Far from over
Although Peri has achieved great feats
in her life, she still strives for advancement.

Peris walk to the Stamp Student Union

reminds her of days in youth group.
Photo by: Omoefe Abugo

She feels as if her goals have not been met until she overcomes every hurdle set before
her. I have an endless curiosity for continual learning, Peri said. As soon as I conquer
one hill, I am on to the next.
(more)

Dr. Pnina Peri Mainbar | Abugo | Page 5

Today, Peri hopes to inform students of the struggles of underprivileged children,

women and immigrants throughout the world. She yearns to raise awareness of the
worlds diverse people.
Peri flicks off her office light. Another day is over. She looks at photographs of
indigenous peoples as she walks down the hallway towards the stairs. As she descends
the winding staircase, a small smile emerges on her face as she reminisces on her past.
Peri knows she has more work ahead of her. But for now, she is happy.

###

SEO: Dr. Pnina Peri remembers time in Noar Oved

Head: Noar Oved, an Israeli central youth movement
Deck: University professor spends adolescence in political youth group
As members of Noar Oved, and Israeli youth movement, walk from the Sea of
Galilee to the Mediterranean Sea, they exchange stories, discuss philosophical topics and
promote a doctrine of humility and uniformity. Code of attire: Khaki pants, a blue t-shirt
with red lace and a tembel hat.
Noar Oved, or Working Youth, a central socialist youth movement was a key
lever in Peris life that significantly
forged her worldview.
The movement revolved around
the idea of uniformity and worked to
encourage intellectualism, modesty and
a sense of belonging in Israeli youth
during the 1960s. In Israel, community
and ideology are very important, Peri

Boys and girls were required to wear a

tembel hat everyday.
Photo courtesy of Google Images

said. Both of these are enforced through youth movements. Dont let the groups name
fool you into thinking the youth involved in Noar Oved were all work and no play.
Various mischiefs occurred. Members often attended social events, networked and
engaged in playful banter.
However, Noar Oveds doctrine of meekness prompted them to shun parties
where Western music by artists such as Elvis Presely and Frank Sinatra filled the air.

(more)

Dr. Pnina Peri Sidebar | Abugo | Page 2

Noar Oved taught the value of

Yam el Yam

education, self-control, comradeship and

Yam el Yam, or sea to sea, refers

to the walk the Noar Oved made
from the Sea of Galilee to the
Mediterranean Sea. It is tradition
for travelers to go swimming in
each sea.

acceptance of all people. These notions

resonated with Peri and led her to seek a life of
fulfillment through education and

http://wikitravel.org

humanitarianism.

Today, Peris short walk to the Stamp Student Union bus stop is nothing
compared to the 49-mile walks she embarked on as a young adult in Noar Oved.
However, every time she makes a trek on foot, memories of her days in the youth
movement come flooding in.

###