Israeli Kids in Midst of Cease-Fire Go Back to School with Encouragement From National Leaders

Anav Silverman : Sep 2, 2014
Breaking Israel News

"Our biggest test is not how we act during times of war but how we act during times of peace. The true test is about morality, identity and love of mankind." -Education Minister Shai Piron's message to Israeli schoolchildren

(Israel)—On Monday, September 1, schools across Israel opened the school year, as 2,105,394 children took their places in the classrooms a week after a 50-day war with Hamas ended in a ceasefire agreement on August 26. In southern Israel, where cities and communities were most affected by Hamas rocket fire and terror attacks, special activities took place to help children ease back into school following a summer spent mostly in bomb shelters. (Photo via Breaking Israel News)

"There are mixed feelings—there is great happiness going back to a routine," Sharon, a mother from Kibbutz Or HaNer, near Sderot, told Tazpit News Agency. "On the other hand, we do not know what will happen next with the ceasefire," said Sharon, whose children go to school in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council.

"The children were really happy to go back to school, to walk around freely for the first time in months. Just today, the kids and I had ice cream for the first time all summer sitting out on the grass," Sharon told Tazpit.

"There is a feeling that the war stopped, but also that it hasn't. Parents here are full of emotions regarding the return to school after such a difficult summer. Many of us became refugees from the rockets. Just think, teachers who went through this horror themselves are opening the school year," she added.

Over 4,562 rockets were fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip during the summer, striking civilian population centers throughout the country. (Photo via Breaking Israel News)

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Education Minister, Shai Piron and Finance Minister, Yair Lapid, showed solidarity with southern Israelis today, visiting schools in southern Israel. In Sderot, Prime Minister Netanyahu visited a new religious elementary school with Sderot mayor, Alon Davidi. The prime minister spoke with first grade students who spent the first lesson learning about the Hebrew alphabet.

A report in CNN noted the Prime Minister's message to the children:

"Be good friends with each other and be hungry for knowledge. This is what distinguishes us and gives our people special strength. We are the People of the Book and today the people of the tablet as well. We hold on to our heritage and also the future."

"Study the Bible, our heritage, math, computers and science," he added. "Our heritage and the future go hand in hand. Be hungry for knowledge on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel, the Land of Israel, yourselves and your families. We will take care to give you knowledge and security."