Israel's New School Year Begins with 2.6 Million Students Returning to Class

Israel's new school year commenced Tuesday morning, with approximately 2.6 million children and teenagers returning to kindergartens and schools after the summer break. This year's opening is marked by the absence of strike threats from teachers' unions, fostering hope for a continuous and quiet academic year. Around 180,000 children are entering first grade, embarking on their 12-year educational journey, while 143,000 twelfth graders begin their final year. The Ministry of Education reports 27,757 educational institutions nationwide, including 21,800 kindergartens and 5,957 schools. Notably, 418,385 students, or about 16% of the total, are eligible for special education services, a 9% increase from last year.

The Ministry of Education plans to dedicate the first week to strengthening students' sense of belonging and social connections with peers and staff. Emphasis will be placed on emotional and social dialogue, identifying needs, and building personal and group resilience. The education system also aims to deepen social cohesion and prevent violence, social exclusion, and boycotts in both physical and digital spaces.

The start of the school year holds particular significance for communities near the Gaza border. Following the October 7th attacks and the subsequent war, many families were displaced. Children in these areas are now returning to educational frameworks in their home regions. For some, it's a return to their original schools, while others, including new first graders, are beginning their school experience after their families endured displacement and temporary housing. Alongside the traditional excitement, students, parents, and educators share a hope for stable routine and an uninterrupted, peaceful academic year.