Israeli students win 10 medals at Physics and Math Olympiads
Israeli high school students have reached impressive achievements in the annual competitions, which took place in Zurich and Hong Kong.
The math team jumped 18 places in the ranks from last year, when it finished in 40 place. 109 countries participated in the competition.
This year, Israel won three silver medals and three bronze medals. "Most of the team members participated in the Olympiad last year as well. There's no doubt that the experience they accumulated helped them in succeeding this year," said team coach Lev Radzivilovsky. "We prepared very well all year , the students invested a lot of effort and I'm proud of the good result, although it could always be better."
The United States team finished first in the Olympiad this year, followed by the South Korean and Chinese teams.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's son Hafez al-Assad was among the participants at the Mathematical Olympiad. He was part of the Syrian team which ended up taking home three bronze medals.
Israel's team at the International Physics Olympiad won four medals – three silver and one bronze. Israel finished in 19th place overall, out of 87. The top three spots went to China, South Korea, and Taiwan. "It's a great achievement. The team competed in the highest levels and achieved a very dignified result," said team leader Dr. Eli Raz of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering at ORT Braude College. "The members of the science teams are excelling students, most of whom – when they later go to universities – reach the president's list, and are those who will march the sciences forward in general, and physics in particular."
Minister of Education Naftali Bennett congratulated the physics and mathematics teams, saying, "While everyone is getting ready for the Rio Olympics, Israeli students keep gathering more achievements in international Olympiads. There's nothing to stop a student or teacher who is full of motivation to succeed. I am proud of the students and coaches for the effort, seriousness, and the honor they brought to the State of Israel."
