We wanted to take a moment to share how our network has been navigating this period, continuing to show up for our students, our families, and one another with dedication and care.
In full coordination with local authorities and in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines, we have gradually reopened schools where conditions allow, primarily for at-risk youth, segments of special education, and in regions such as Yeruham, Shomron, Kedumim, Ma’ale Adumim, and Sderot.
As of today, 21 schools are open and operating, providing critical educational and emotional continuity. In our schools that are not yet open, our teams are proactively reaching students in the field, through home visits, personal check-ins, and thoughtful initiatives that bring care and connection directly to them. In one especially moving example, the principal of our Modi’in school rented an ice cream truck and personally drove around the city, stopping to meet students and hand out ice cream. These efforts play a critical role in maintaining connection, trust, and a sense of normalcy during uncertain times. Our Tatzam team continues to provide structured materials and guidance to educators, helping them maintain their personal bonds with students during this challenging time. Our priority is making sure every student feels seen and supported.
Our LMS platform continues to play a central role:
- 145 new courses have been opened since the start of the war
- 415 new learning groups have been created
- Over 14,000 students are actively engaged on the platform
This reflects both the growing need and the impressive adaptability of our teams.
Even amidst the war, we remain attentive to the needs of our families. In preparation for Passover, we distributed Kimcha D’Pischa vouchers (Maot Chitim) to families in need, ensuring that they can approach the holiday with dignity and basic security.
On Tuesday, we held a network-wide principals’ meeting via Zoom. Following opening remarks by Amnon, we were honored to hear from former Prisoner of Zion Natan Sharansky, whose personal story highlighted the importance of freedom, unity, and shared responsibility — values that resonate deeply, especially in times like these. In appreciation, we distributed Golda ice cream vouchers to principals and staff across the network — small gestures that go a long way in strengthening morale.
AMITV continues to operate at full capacity, offering dedicated tracks for different audiences. This week’s programming included:
• Reinforcement sessions for advanced mathematics (4–5 points bagrut)
• A festive and musical Hallel program in honor of the month of Nissan
• Interactive Passover quizzes tailored to different schools
• Inspirational sessions encouraging 9th–10th grade girls to pursue advanced scientific tracks
Earlier this week, missile fragments fell approximately 200 meters from one of our schools in Tzfat. By sheer miracle, no one was harmed. Moments like this remind us of the reality in which we operate and strengthen our sense of responsibility, gratitude, and resolve.
More than 650 days of reserve duty, hostages returning home, renewed ground operations in Lebanon, remote learning once again, missiles from Iran … again … and a Middle East that is shifting before our eyes. Amid all this turmoil, our schools continue to stand as anchors of stability, meaning, and connection.
This is not taken for granted. It is a reflection of the strength of our people, the dedication of our educators, and the clarity of our mission.
Shabbat Shalom,
Shari and Andy
