The October 7 attack, and subsequent Iron Swords War, brought construction in Israel to a standstill and damaged various sectors of the economy. A huge challenge was the mobilization of reserve soldiers and the cessation of the entry of Arab workers from Yehuda and Shomron, who constitute the majority of construction labor. Construction progress on our new Gabel & Straus Campus at Kfar Batya all but came to a halt—until our resilient contractors devised innovative solutions and quick adaptation to the new circumstances.
Thanks to their dedication, we speedily resumed operations and are on track to complete construction as close to our original deadline as possible.
“I’m gratified by this accomplishment, particularly in the context of the ongoing war and in light of the heroism displayed by the younger generation, many of whom are graduates of Israel’s education system and of Reshet AMIT in particular,” declares AMIT Director General Dr. Amnon Eldar. “Our resilience against a formidable adversary is largely attributed to these young people and the educational system that instills a deep love for their people and country.”
As we write these words, significant milestones mark the advancement of the new campus: Foundations are now complete, and retaining walls stand along the entire southern, western, and eastern perimeters of the campus. The new recreation center’s flooring has been laid, and work on beam foundations is underway. Flooring for the Kfar Batya high school building has also been successfully laid.
Simultaneously, the campus’s sports center infrastructure and flooring are currently in progress. Notably, more than 10,000 cubic meters of soil have been meticulously removed. Infrastructure development includes more than 300 meters of sewer lines laid, and the establishment of an electrical connection and a Bezek communication connection on the site. Contractor-related progress involves approving more than 10 subcontractors, encompassing elevators, ventilation, air conditioning, a professional kitchen for the dining room, aluminum and steel contractors, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety. All of this underscores the magnitude of effort invested in bringing this dream to life.
Dr. Eldar adds, “The new campus will serve as a testament to the heroism and sacrifices of this generation, fostering awareness of the responsibility to protect one’s home. We’ll honor the memory of our esteemed graduates from Kfar Batya who sacrificed their lives in Israel’s wars throughout generations. In doing so, we’ll set a hopeful vision for the future.”
AMIT, like every individual in Israel, has weathered significant upheavals, but our dedication to the future of the State of Israel has never been stronger. We persist in our construction efforts with unwavering determination, an unbroken spirit, and resolute faith in the righteousness of our path. Am Yisrael Chai!
