Kish: If Home Front Command Approves, We Can Return to Full Studies as Early as Tomorrow

Education Minister Yoav Kish said today, Monday, in a briefing to reporters, that he was addressing the shutdown of the education system following the escalation with Iran that began last night, and the possibility that classes, as well as end-of-year activities and trips, would resume even under fire. Later, after Iran announced it would stop the fire, Kish said, "If the Home Front Command approves, we will restore full studies as early as tomorrow."

Earlier, Kish announced that after a round of consultations with senior Education Ministry officials, heads of local authorities, representatives of regional councils and additional partners, the ministry’s policy is to work toward a rapid return to face-to-face learning, subject to Home Front Command instructions. Special emphasis will be placed on restoring special education, frameworks for at-risk youth, informal education and preparations for end-of-year events. "Our intention is that tomorrow will be an organization day and on Wednesday, a return to studies under a protected format, the capsule format, that is our message," Kish said. "Of course, everything is in accordance with Home Front Command instructions. Regarding matriculation exams, we do not hold matriculation exams under fire, so we decided that until next Sunday there will be no external matriculation exams, it has not yet been decided whether there will be an external session later or whether the grade will be internal."

Kish added that "it is impossible to explain the gap between opening the economy and closing the education system in all its layers. If the economy is operating openly, the education system also needs to operate in a protected format, and we expect the Home Front Command to lead us there." Last night, with the first barrage fired from Iran, the Home Front Command updated its instructions for all areas, including restrictions on schools, hospitals, workplaces and a ban on gatherings. Among other things, it was decided that in open areas, gatherings and the provision of services will be allowed for up to 200 people, and up to 500 people in a building, provided that it is possible to reach a standard protected space in time for sheltering.