Northern Israeli Schools Resume Classes After Extended Closure

Synopsis

On March 3, 2023, schools in northern Israel reopened after a closure of around 18 months due to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The Israeli Education Ministry confirmed a gradual reopening process and highlighted support initiatives for displaced students.

Key Takeaways

Schools in northern Israel resume classes after 18 months.
Phased reopening due to infrastructure damage and teacher shortages.
Around 12,600 students were evacuated during the conflict.
Families have the option to return or remain in current locations.
50 million shekels allocated for after-school programs and mental health support.

Jerusalem, March 3 (NationPress) Schools in northern Israel have reopened after being shut for nearly 18 months due to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict that erupted along the Lebanese border in early October 2023.

The Israeli Education Ministry announced a phased reopening process, highlighting the challenges posed by damage to educational facilities, a shortage of educators, and the displacement of numerous students who were evacuated with their families to central and southern Israel at the onset of the conflict, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

In a communication sent to parents on Sunday, the ministry revealed that approximately 12,600 students from 195 schools and kindergartens across 43 locations in northern Israel had been evacuated with their families in early October 2023.

Families that were evacuated now have the option to either return to their homes and re-enroll their children in their original schools or remain in the evacuation areas, where students can continue their studies for the remainder of the school year.

The ministry further indicated that it has allocated 50 million shekels (around $13.89 million) to enhance after-school programs in the north, as part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening students' mental resilience. This includes providing emotional support and guidance to help them cope with the effects of the conflict.

Previously, Israel accepted a U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office released around midnight Saturday into Sunday.

The month of Ramadan commenced on Friday and will continue until March 30, while the Passover holiday will be observed from April 12 to April 20.

Per the proposal from U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, on the first day of the extended ceasefire, approximately half of the 59 Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—held by Hamas in Gaza would be returned.