Yael Yao (יעל יאו), a 10th-grader who immigrated to Israel from Germany approximately three years ago, won first place in Israel’s National Bible Quiz for Youth (חידון התנ"ך הארצי לנוער) on March 17, 2026, in Kfar Saba. A Chinese speaker who is fluent in four languages — Chinese, German, Hebrew, and English — Yael will now represent Israel at the International Bible Quiz (חידון התנ"ך הבינלאומי) on Independence Day in Jerusalem.
A Remarkable Rise#
Yael’s trajectory in Bible competition is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2025, while still in 9th grade and only about two years after arriving in Israel, she won the Haifa District Bible Quiz in the state education stream — her very first year competing. She went on to win the district competition again in January 2026, this time alongside her classmate Georgi Ribnikov.
At the national competition on March 17, Yael claimed the top spot, with Georgi finishing in second place — marking a historic first: never before have two students from the same school and the same district both qualified for the International Bible Quiz.
Leo Baeck: A Multicultural Foundation#
Both Yael and Georgi study at the Leo Baeck Education Center in Haifa, a school known for its diverse, multicultural environment. According to reports, 17 different languages are spoken among students in a single classroom at the school. This environment appears to have provided fertile ground for Yael’s rapid mastery of Hebrew and deep engagement with the biblical text.
Yael participates in the “Tanakh B’Rosh” (תנ"ך בראש) project run by the HaMikra society, which supports young Bible scholars. In a recent interview with the society, she named Yoav ben Tzeruya as her favorite biblical character.
Voices of Pride#
Ronit Yariv, Yael’s Bible teacher, and Rabbi Ofek Meir, CEO of Leo Baeck Education Center, have both expressed immense pride in the achievements of their students. The school celebrated the historic double qualification as a testament to its educational approach and commitment to nurturing talent across cultural backgrounds.
The Road Ahead#
Yael and Georgi are now preparing for the International Bible Quiz, which will be held on Israel’s Independence Day in Jerusalem — one of the country’s most prestigious annual events, broadcast live on national television. For Yael, competing on that stage just three years after her immigration will represent a powerful symbol of integration and achievement.
Photo: Eran Yardeni, GPO (Government Press Office)
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