Back to School Costs in Israel Reach Hundreds of Shekels Per Child

Preparing a child for their first year of elementary school in Israel involves significant expenses, with the total cost for essential supplies and textbooks potentially reaching hundreds of Israeli shekels per student. The most substantial single item is typically the backpack, which can range from 150 to 250 shekels. A pencil case adds another 50 shekels, bringing the combined cost of these two items to an average of 300 shekels.

Beyond the backpack and pencil case, parents must purchase daily school supplies. A pack of three notebooks costs around 25 shekels, and a set of pens adds another 25 shekels. A binder costs approximately 12 shekels, while an eraser, sharpener, and correction fluid together amount to about 20 shekels. Additional stationery like markers and rulers can add another 45 shekels, and a calculator costs around 50 shekels, further increasing the total.

Textbooks represent another considerable expense, with the cost potentially reaching up to 300 shekels, depending on the required books. When combined with all the other supplies, the total bill for a single child can approach 777 shekels. This figure does not include additional costs such as clothing, sports shoes, lunch bags, or other school-related fees.

While families opting for basic supplies might start with a few hundred shekels, the accumulation of small items quickly escalates the overall expenditure. The excitement of starting first grade is therefore accompanied by a substantial financial outlay for parents, especially for those with multiple children entering school.