Back to school, but not back to normal: Kiryat Shmona faces a battle for its students

As schools nationwide reopen, Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee Panhandle face a unique challenge, with fewer students than before the Iron Swords war and a campaign to encourage returning families. Despite a relatively quiet summer and efforts to rebuild, only about two-thirds of residents have returned to Kiryat Shmona, which suffered three fatalities and extensive damage. The local education system is grappling with small classes and budget needs, despite a 70% increase in investment in the Tnufa development area's education system in 2026, totaling 456 million shekels. Dr. Aliza Bloch, former mayor of Beit Shemesh, proposed a plan to restore residents' motivation to return, emphasizing that "It all starts and ends with teachers and principals, and education is the key to strengthening resilience and reducing the divide in Israel."