The 2026-27 school year began this morning, Tuesday, September 1, at schools across Beit Shemesh. As part of the first-day visits, Beit Shemesh Mayor Shmuel Greenberg and the city’s Education Department team visited Begin School, Odem Kindergarten and Branco Weiss High School.

Begin School: 15 Million NIS Investment

At Begin School, the Mayor was joined by Deputy Mayor and Education Portfolio Holder Itzik Elmaliach, Deputy Mayor Moshe Shitrit, City CEO Eliad Abramchik, Education Department Director Yossi Goldring, and members of the Education Department team.

The delegation met with students and staff and wished them a successful school year.

The school has undergone major improvements ahead of the new school year, with an investment of approximately 15 million NIS by the Beit Shemesh Municipality.

The work included upgrades to the sports complex, renovations to the sports courts and grandstand, and the restoration of the school’s retaining walls after years of delays.

An elevator was also installed to improve accessibility, along with additional renovation work.

Begin School Principal Bat Sheva Avush thanked the Mayor and the Municipality for the significant investment in the school and for the improvements made for the benefit of the students.

Mayor Shmuel Greenberg said: “We were happy to open the school year this morning together with the students and staff of Begin School. The significant investment made here is part of our commitment to providing Beit Shemesh students with a modern and safe learning environment. I wish the students and staff a successful and productive school year.”

Odem Kindergarten Reopens in a New Location

The Mayor also visited Odem Kindergarten, which was damaged by an Iranian missile during the war.

Following the damage, the kindergarten was moved to a new location that was prepared ahead of the start of the school year.

The Mayor met with the children and educational staff and heard about the preparations made to ensure that the school year could begin as planned.

Mayor Greenberg said: “It is very moving to open the school year here this morning. We are happy to see you starting a new year in a place that was prepared for you. I wish the staff and all the children a successful school year.”

Branco Weiss High School: School Ceremony and 1.5 Million NIS Upgrade

The first-day visits continued at Branco Weiss High School, where students held a special opening ceremony that included student performances and singing.

A sign was also placed at the entrance to the school remembering Haimanut Kassau, the young girl who has been missing since 2024.

Ahead of the new school year, the Beit Shemesh Municipality invested approximately 1.5 million NIS in upgrading the school.

The work included extensive renovations and the installation of new shade structures, with the goal of improving the school environment and providing students with more comfortable and pleasant conditions throughout the school day.

The visit was attended by Mayor Shmuel Greenberg, Deputy Mayor and Education Portfolio Holder Itzik Elmaliach, Deputy Mayor Moshe Shitrit, City CEO Eliad Abramchik, Education Department Director Yossi Goldring, and members of the Education Department team.

Gesher School: More Than NIS 1 Million Invested in Renovations and Upgrades

As part of the city’s first-day school visits, Mayor Shmuel Greenberg visited Gesher School, together with Deputy Mayor and Education Portfolio Holder Itzik Elmalich, Deputy Mayor Moshe Shitrit, Deputy Mayor Rina Hollander, City CEO Eliad Abramchik, Education Department Director Yossi Goldring, and members of the Education Department team.

During the visit, the Mayor and city officials met with the school administration, teachers, and students to mark the start of the 2026–27 school year. They congratulated the students and staff and wished them a successful and productive year.

Ahead of the new school year, the Beit Shemesh Municipality invested more than NIS 1 million in renovating and upgrading the school as part of the city’s efforts to improve learning environments and school facilities for students and staff.

The visits to local schools are part of the Municipality’s preparations for the new school year and its ongoing investment in education facilities across Beit Shemesh.