Education Minister Yoav Kish: "Summer schools will be extended by three weeks"

Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced a major recovery plan for Israel’s students today, following five weeks of school closures during Operation Roaring Lion. During a visit to the Haviv School in Rishon LeZion, the Minister outlined a series of initiatives designed to bridge the academic and emotional gaps created by the recent security situation.

Expanded “Summer School” for Elementary Students The centerpiece of the recovery plan is a significant expansion of the "Summer School" (Bet HaSefer Shel HaChofesh HaGadol).

• Extended Duration: The program, which typically runs for three weeks, will be doubled to a total of six weeks.
• Increased Eligibility: While previously limited to Kindergarten through Grade 3, the program will now be open to all elementary students from Grades 1 through 6.

New Middle School Initiative Recognizing the unique challenges faced by older students, Minister Kisch announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind "Summer Preparatory Program" specifically for Middle Schools. This initiative will focus on core subjects and social reintegration to ensure students are prepared for the next academic year after missing significant classroom time.

"Our goal is to provide every student with educational, emotional, and social continuity," Minister Kisch stated. "After weeks in shelters and remote learning, Israel's children deserve a summer that brings them back to a sense of routine and fills the gaps left behind by the war."

Funding and Implementation The Ministry has estimated the cost of these expanded programs at approximately 750 million NIS. While the Minister has instructed the professional staff to move forward immediately, final coordination regarding the budget is currently underway with the Ministry of Finance.

The Ministry of Finance commented on the plan and said "The published plan was not coordinated with us, and it does not have a free budget. Together with the Ministry of Education, we will be able to examine what budgets the Ministry of Education has to allocate for the purpose of the plan.

Further details regarding registration and specific dates for local municipalities will be published by the Ministry of Education in the coming days.