The academic year began on September 1 in Israel, bringing 2.5 million children back to school and kindergarten. For the first time since October 7, 2023, thousands of children returned to their schools in communities along the northern border with Lebanon and along the Gaza border in the south. USA Ambassador Michael Huckabee welcomed children at a school a few hundred yards from Gaza, saying, “Very bad people tried to prevent you from starting this day, but one of the things I appreciate most about Israelis: No matter how many times they try to stop you: you get right back up and keep going.”

This year, there are 180,600 children starting first grade and 149,000 starting twelfth grade. As a result of reserve duty and general teacher shortage, there are 488 teachers needed nationally.  Additionally, for the first time in Israel’s modern history, there are more children beginning first grade in religious Jewish schools than in secular schools. This could signify a massive shift in future Israeli society.

Please pray for protection, health, and a successful year for the children of Israel.