Former Student Returns to Lead Elementary School Where He Dreamed of the Role

Chaim Ben Shitrit, 36, a former student of the Arbel Elementary School in the city of Nof HaGalil, has been appointed as the new principal of the institution where he studied from ages six to twelve. Ben Shitrit, who grew up in Nof HaGalil, is married with five children, and holds a bachelor's degree in education. He previously served as a combat soldier in the Armored Corps.

Both Yvonne Taito, the school's secretary for over 28 years, and Kineret Bartfeld, who started as a cleaner and now works as an educational assistant, remember Ben Shitrit as an ambitious and curious child. Taito recalls him as a third-grader who declared his intention to one day become the school's principal. Bartfeld also noted his aspirations from a young age.

Ben Shitrit expressed his excitement about returning to his alma mater, describing it as a "full circle" moment and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. He noted that while his school yearbook entry from 2002 mentioned a dream of becoming a yeshiva head, he later realized his true ambition was to lead Arbel Elementary. He is particularly moved to reconnect with Taito and Bartfeld, whom he remembers fondly from his school days.

The school currently serves approximately 190 students in the state-religious sector. Taito, who took early retirement, has returned to work at the school to support Ben Shitrit, whom she considers a "young, local principal fulfilling his dream." Nof HaGalil Mayor Ronen Plot praised Ben Shitrit's appointment, emphasizing the importance of alumni returning to contribute to the city's education system with professionalism and love.