One Third of Israeli Reservists Are Parents of Schoolchildren

A new report reveals that over a third, approximately 35%, of Israeli reservists currently on active duty are parents of children aged 18 and under. On average, each reservist has between two and three children enrolled in educational frameworks. These figures coincide with the opening of the new school year and additional data released by the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry of Education reported an encouraging trend in southern Israel, with student numbers increasing by about 9% compared to pre-October 7 figures. Sderot saw a significant 16% surge in students, with Shdei Negev and Hof Ashkelon also reporting higher student populations than before the war.

Nationwide, approximately 2.6 million students are expected to return to schools and kindergartens, including around 180,000 first-graders. The Ministry outlined its educational philosophy for the upcoming academic year, emphasizing a connection between belonging and security, identity and roots, and knowledge and skills for a changing world.

This approach will be integrated into daily activities and curriculum updates. The Ministry also plans to expand the 'Realistic Israel' reform, which focuses on strengthening STEM education to align with technological advancements and the needs of academia, the military, and the job market. Launched last year with an investment of approximately half a billion shekels, the reform aims to place Israel among the top ten countries in the international TIMSS tests by 2029. Israeli students will participate in TIMSS assessments this year for the first time since the reform's inception.