17-Year-Old Leads Israel's National Student Council Ahead of School Year Start

As the new school year approaches, Rotem Getreida, the 17-year-old incoming chair of Israel's National Student and Youth Council, reflects on the challenges faced by young people over the past three years. He highlights the dual feelings of anxiety and responsibility among youth during this period, noting their active volunteer efforts to support reservists' families and displaced residents, including initiatives like the Education Ministry's 'Order 8 for Youth' and the 'Love to the North' project.

Getreida emphasizes the significant educational disruptions caused by extended remote learning during the pandemic, which he describes as ineffective for true academic success. Speaking from personal experience as an 11th-grade student, he mentions losing a critical month and a half of preparation for matriculation exams, with the official accommodations providing only limited relief.

He also stresses the importance of improving teachers' status and the council's ongoing engagement with the Knesset and media to advocate for youth interests. The council secured dedicated funding to facilitate youth volunteering activities, such as transporting youth group members to assist communities in northern Israel.

Getreida's leadership represents the voice of 1.5 million students nationwide, and he expresses confidence that politicians understand the youth's needs and challenges as the education system recovers from recent upheavals.