We are horrified by news of casualties and strikes, filled with worry about the next headline and, like many in our AMIT family, anxious about children, grandchildren, family, and close friends in Israel.. At the same time, we are witnessing true miracles in the bravery and success of the IDF, the resilience of our communities, and the spirit of the Israeli people. It’s a time of uncertainty and fear, but also of deep pride and hope.
At AMIT, we are navigating this moment with clarity and purpose, guided by three core principles:
- Creating structure and meaningful engagement for our students, even as the school year formally concludes.
- Providing teachers with professional tools, platforms, and flexibility so they can continue to support their students with confidence and care.
- Strengthening the emotional resilience of our broader AMIT community—students, educators, families, and staff.
All schools in Israel are currently closed based on guidelines issued by the IDF Home Command; nevertheless, our AMIT students and staff are not alone. On Saturday night we activated the AMIT War Room and put into effect our considered plan for this war.
These are the steps we have taken to date and our plans for the coming weeks:
- Students in our Beit HaYeled and Kfar Blatt youth villages, who are unable to return home, remain in our care and are receiving special support from our dedicated staff.
- AMITTV (developed under COVID) was reactivated providing four hours of daily programming designed around themes of resilience and meeting emotional challenges, as well as entertainment from Israeli musical celebrities and noted personalities. Programming also includes workshops in humor and creativity, science experiments with real-world lessons, and powerful conversations with figures like Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi and journalist Miri Michaeli. The goal is not just to entertain, but to enrich, uplift, and give students a sense of presence and purpose during this time.
- Our mental health hotline is open 12 hours each day as a resource for AMIT students, teachers, and principals. We learned much from our Sderot experience and the hotline is staffed by AMIT skilled psychologists who offer pragmatic assistance and, when necessary, more comprehensive referrals for therapy.
- Though this is the last week of scheduled classes for AMIT schools, our professional team feels that for the well-being of every student the year can only be complete with in-person opportunities to process, discuss and reflect on these most challenging days. To that end, regardless of what the official calendar may indicate, AMIT schools will reopen for two additional days, when permitted. Working with our Reshet staff, each school’s leadership will customize their own programming for a proper, in-person conclusion to the year. We are equipping teachers with concrete strategies and resources to lead meaningful, 1:1 year-end conversations with their students that offer closure and connection, even amid disruption.
- We are preparing a network-wide, virtual end-of-year celebration for all AMIT students—featuring music, guest appearances, and shared reflection. It will be festive, symbolic, and a unifying moment to mark the year’s end with pride.
- As the Ministry of Education has postponed this week’s matriculation exams, we are helping schools assess what adjustments are needed, including the possibility of internal exams and ensuring students receive the preparation and support they need.
- We are mapping all AMIT staff currently serving in the IDF reserves and actively supporting their families, from meals and groceries to childcare and emotional assistance. Our emphasis is on keeping the home front strong and stable.
- We are caring for our AMIT family who have been stranded outside of Israel, including a small student group in Prague and senior staff in NY.
We are deeply grateful to our Israel management team, led by Dr. Amnon Eldar, for their careful planning in advance of this crisis, extraordinary dedication to our students and staff and the demonstrated highest level of professionalism. We move forward with strength, faith, and unity, proud of how our network continues to serve and support, even in the most difficult moments.
We believe deeply that we will not only endure, but emerge more connected, more resilient, and more determined than ever.
