Kindergartens Reopen in Samaria Settlements After 21 Years

Education Minister Yoav Kisch and Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan inaugurated new kindergartens in the settlements of Ganim and Kadim in northern Samaria on Sunday, ahead of the new school year. Over 40 children are expected to attend the new facilities. The settlements of Ganim and Kadim were evacuated 21 years ago as part of the disengagement plan, and dozens of families returned last summer to re-establish them.

The reopening of the kindergartens follows efforts to cancel the disengagement law and return to the northern Samaria settlements. Minister Kisch stated that the return to northern Samaria is a national mission, and the education system is proud to be part of it. He emphasized that the inauguration is a symbol of the return of Jewish settlement and the rectification of a historical injustice, noting that the education system will be a full partner in strengthening settlements in Judea and Samaria.

Dagan described the event as a "true Zionist answer to the expulsion," highlighting the return of the education system to Ganim and Kadim. He thanked the ministers of defense and finance for their role in the cabinet's decision to regulate these settlements. The establishment of the new settlements is part of Dagan's "Connection Plan" and the "Million in Samaria" initiative, aiming to establish 19 new settlements in the region.

Kindergarten teacher Hodaya Hania expressed her deep emotion at seeing a kindergarten open in a rebuilt settlement after years of waiting, calling it a moment of great gratitude and excitement. Parent Moria Masalti shared her joy and excitement, stating that they are making history by bringing life back to Ganim after 21 years without children in the streets.