The Israeli government has validated the partial resumption of the educational system from Sunday, following the position defended by the Minister of Education Yoav Kish, despite the reluctance of the Ministry of Finance.
Following consultations with the ministers concerned, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that establishments welcoming children from 0 to 8 years old – nurseries, kindergartens and classes from Alef to Guimel (CP to CE2) – will reopen throughout the country, subject to the approval of local authorities and the conditions of security. On the other hand, no decision has yet been made concerning students from CM1 onwards, the resumption of which will be subject to a later evaluation.
The plan presented by Yoav Kish provides for a gradual return to face-to-face teaching after the Passover period, with particular emphasis on student safety and educational and emotional support. Developed in coordination with the Home Front Command and in consultation with local communities as well as representatives of parents, this system will be adjusted according to developments in the security situation.
In a press release, the Ministry of Education described this plan as “responsible, progressive and secure”, emphasizing the need to re-establish educational continuity after several weeks of disruption. “Hundreds of thousands of children remained at home for an extended period of time. Their return to class constitutes an essential national mission,” declared Yoav Kish.
Parent organizations welcomed this decision, calling for favoring face-to-face teaching as much as possible, considered crucial not only for learning but also for the emotional and social balance of children. However, they insisted on the need to maintain a certain flexibility for families reluctant to send their children back to class, as well as the establishment of support systems for students remaining at home.
During discussions with the ministry, it was agreed that establishments that can reopen will do so in full operation, provided they have protected spaces that comply with safety standards. At the same time, educational and psychological support measures will be offered to students, while specific measures aim to avoid any penalization for absences linked to the situation.
Finally, parents’ representatives called on the Ministry of Finance to concentrate its efforts on economic support for families, rather than on the direction of educational policy, in a context marked by strong uncertainties.
