Jerusalem Leads Israel in New First Graders as Nation Welcomes 180,000

Approximately 180,000 Israeli children, representing about 1.8% of the nation's population, are starting first grade this week as the new school year begins on September 1st. Jerusalem has the highest absolute number of new first graders, with around 23,500 children, making up 2.2% of the city's residents. Following Jerusalem are Bnei Brak with approximately 7,200 new students (2.9% of residents) and Beit Shemesh with about 6,700 (3.4% of residents).

Tel Aviv-Yafo ranks fourth with roughly 6,200 first graders, constituting 1.2% of its population. Other cities with significant numbers of new first graders include Petah Tikva (4,500), Ashdod and Haifa (3,900 each), and Netanya (3,700). Modi'in Illit stands out with about 3,600 first graders, a notable 3.7% of its total population, and Beitar Illit has a similar high proportion with 2,500 students, or 3.3% of its residents.

When examining the proportion of first graders within a locality's total population, smaller communities show higher percentages. Shizaf in the Ramat Negev Regional Council leads with 160 children, making up 7.3% of its residents. Other communities with a high concentration of new first graders include Pelech (6.2%), Kfar Raham (5.9%), Kerem Ben Shemen (5.5%), Chulit (5.2%), Ma'ale Adumim (5.1%), Kedumim (5.1%), Rahalim (4.9%), and Mevo'ot Yericho (4.8%).

Yafit Ben Haim, CEO of the data company Points, highlighted that these demographic figures illustrate the diverse nature of Israeli society. She noted that while Jerusalem has the largest number of new students, some younger communities have first graders comprising over 5% and even 7% of their total population. Ben Haim emphasized the importance of analyzing this data for urban planning, enabling authorities and organizations to anticipate future needs for education, leisure, commerce, housing, and family services.