President Herzog Opens School Year in Northern Israel

President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal launched the new academic year in Israel's northern Maté Asher Regional Council on Tuesday, September 1st. Their visit included the "Gvanim" elementary school in Ein Hamifratz and the "Al-Salam" comprehensive high school in Sheikh Danun. They were accompanied by Moshe Davidovich, head of the Maté Asher Regional Council and the Forum of Confrontation Line Authorities.

At Al-Salam school, a student asked President Herzog about the values he wished to instill in Israeli youth and how to translate them into positive societal actions. The President emphasized the importance of widespread reading, curiosity, asking questions, and understanding diverse lifestyles and challenges. He highlighted honesty, kindness, respect for the law, and acknowledging the complexity of the world as crucial values. He encouraged students to learn, maintain curiosity, ask questions, and treat others with understanding and respect, noting their potential to live long lives and experience future advancements.

Recounting personal influences, Herzog mentioned his teachers, including Geula, daughter of David Ben-Gurion, who taught him Torah and literature, and Hannah, who instilled a love for literature and reading. He continues to read daily and cherishes those who impacted his life.

During their visit to Ein Hamifratz, the President and his wife released red balloons with students and staff, praying for the swift return of Haiminut Kasau. Herzog expressed deep emotion, acknowledging the hardships faced by northern residents due to rocket attacks and evacuations, stating it is time for Israeli children and northern residents to return to normalcy and receive support.

Herzog also spoke about his admiration for the teaching profession, expressing his intention to teach after his presidency. He hoped for peace in the region, addressing children in Lebanon, stating they and Israeli children deserve peace, which requires efforts to ensure Hezbollah is not present on the border. He concluded by calling for mutual respect during the election period, emphasizing a shared future for all children.