Kindergartens Reopen in Northern Samaria Settlements After 21 Years

Kindergarten facilities in the northern Samaria settlements of Ganim and Kadim reopened Sunday, 21 years after they were dismantled as part of the 2005 disengagement plan. Education Minister Yoav Kisch and Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan attended the inauguration of the new educational institutions, which are expected to serve over 40 children.

The reopening follows the return of dozens of families to Ganim and Kadim in recent months, who have begun re-establishing the communities. Parents, families, and representatives from the Education Ministry and the Samaria Regional Council were present for the start of the school year.

The Samaria Regional Council stated that the rebuilding of Ganim and Kadim signifies a victory in a 21-year struggle to repeal the disengagement law and return to the northern Samaria settlements. The initiative is part of the "Connection Plan" led by Dagan and the "Amana" movement, aiming to establish 19 new communities in the region.

"This is the true Zionist answer to expulsion," Dagan said at the ceremony. "We have returned to Ganim and Kadim to build, grow, and remain forever." He added that the response to the uprooting is "children, education, and life," and that large communities, schools, and educational institutions will be built.

Education Minister Kisch declared the return to northern Samaria a national mission, stating that the education system is proud to be part of it. He called the kindergarten openings a symbol of the return of Jewish settlement and the correction of a historical injustice. Kisch also noted the return of the education system to other settlements like Homesh and Sa-Nur, emphasizing the rebuilding and education of the next generation.

Local kindergarten teacher Hodaya Hania described the opening as a moment of great gratitude and indescribable excitement, while parent Moriah Masalti expressed feeling part of history and bringing life back to Ganim after two decades.