Nearly three million Israeli students begin school year with AI, financial education at center

Approximately 2.6 million Israeli students, including 180,000 first-graders, are commencing the 2026-2027 school year with new educational initiatives. The Education Ministry is prioritizing students' sense of belonging and resilience, identity and heritage studies, and expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning and examinations. A significant new addition is financial education, initially for ninth graders, aimed at equipping students with independent financial management skills. Education Minister Yoav Kisch stated, "We are opening the year with great responsibility and with a clear direction: to strengthen the sense of belonging and resilience of Israel's students, deepen identity, values, and heritage, while at the same time giving them the knowledge and tools that will enable them to lead and succeed in a rapidly changing world." AI will be integrated into English and STEM fields, with over 12,000 teachers receiving training and students participating in personalized AI-based learning programs. Furthermore, 27 schools will open dedicated AI sciences tracks. In the Tekuma region, 22,233 students are starting the school year, marking a 9% increase since October 7, 2023, reflecting the return and strengthening of communities, supported by NIS 364 million in educational projects.