"Partial Return to Schools might resume in Low Threat Areas Amidst Regional Tensions"

Home Front Command and the Ministry of Education have jointly announced plans to allow partial educational activities in areas considered low-risk ("yellow" authorities). This decision, effective immediately, is contingent upon the presence of nearby protected spaces.

Minister of Education, Yoav Kish, clarified that the resumption of studies in these "yellow" areas would be at the discretion of local authorities, with special education taking priority. However, it will not be a blanket reopening of educational institutions; instead, it will follow a priority system and depend on the capacity of schools to provide protected areas. For example, despite being classified as "yellow," the city of Jerusalem has decided not to resume classes immediately, with further updates expected.

Areas within a 40-kilometer radius of the Gaza Strip, defined as "red," will not witness any educational activities. Nevertheless, the Tel Aviv Municipality has been granted permission by the Home Front Command to conduct limited educational activities in protected areas only. In contrast, the Dead Sea region, Arava, and Eilat will continue their classes as usual in the coming week.

In light of these developments, Minister Kish announced that the scheduled winter and summer matriculation dates for the current school year will be postponed by at least a year. He emphasized that the Ministry of Education's resources are being redirected to support learning, including the provision of laptops for students displaced from their homes due to the security situation.

For "red" areas, remote learning remains the norm, affecting settlements in the vicinity of Gaza, the West Negev, Central Negev, West Lakish, the Lowlands, Dan, the conflict line, and numerous settlements in the Golan Heights. In "yellow" areas, where physical studies may resume with adequate protection, settlements include Jerusalem, Haifa, and regions such as Sharon, Yarkon, the Yehuda Lowlands, Beit Shean Valley, Valleys, Wadi Ara, Menashe, the Carmel, the Gulf, the center of the Galilee, the Lower Galilee, the Upper Galilee, some Dead Sea and Valley settlements, and Jordan Valley Council.

In a "green" zone, which encompasses very remote settlements, educational activities can proceed without restrictions. Currently, this only applies to Eilat, Arabah settlements in the south of the Negev, and some Dead Sea settlements. Special education institutions will also require permission from the Home Front Command to reopen and will adhere to the same protection protocols.

Aryeh Mor, Deputy Director of Security and Emergencies at the Ministry of Education, emphasized that the Ministry follows directives from the Home Front Command and defense policies, which are updated every 48 hours. Schools in various authorities have been instructed to prepare protection plans accordingly.

The Ministry of Education has announced a shift towards regular and continuous learning, with adaptable lesson plans for distance learning. Focus will be placed on emotional and social support to enhance resilience and content relevant to the current situation. In kindergartens, maintaining contact with students remains a priority. Principals are advised to exercise discretion and sensitivity in cases where teachers or kindergarten staff are unable to conduct distance learning.

Sapir Mosafi, Chairperson of the National Student Council, stressed the need for emotional support and understanding from education staff during these trying times. To accommodate students, online meetings will not commence before 10 a.m., recognizing that many students struggle with sleep due to the ongoing security situation.