Israel Kicks Off New School Year With 2.6 Million Students Returning

Approximately 2.6 million students across Israel returned to kindergartens and schools on Tuesday to begin the new academic year, תשפ"ז (Tashp"z). For around 180,000 children, this marks their first day of first grade, while approximately 143,000 twelfth graders are starting their final year of schooling.

The first week of classes will focus on strengthening students' sense of belonging and resilience, fostering social connections, and engaging with educational staff. The Ministry of Education also plans to emphasize the prevention of boycotts, violence, and social exclusion, both in physical spaces and online.

This academic year introduces new initiatives, including financial education for ninth graders to equip them with skills for adult life. Studies in STEM and the use of artificial intelligence will also be expanded. Over 12,000 teachers will receive AI training, and 27 schools nationwide will launch specialized artificial intelligence programs.

Minister of Education Yoav Kisch extended greetings to students and staff, stating, "We are opening the year with great responsibility and a clear direction: to strengthen the sense of belonging and resilience of Israel's students, to deepen identity, values, and heritage, and at the same time to provide them with the knowledge and tools that will enable them to lead and succeed in a rapidly changing world."