With the start of the new academic year opening in Israel on Sunday, 20% of parents evacuated from the conflict zones near Lebanon and Gaza are uncertain about which institution their children will attend, while 60% lack essential school supplies.
This is according to a survey this month commissioned by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
The ongoing war and rising living costs have exacerbated these issues, particularly near the Lebanese border. A full 62.5% of children in these areas are afraid to return to school, with 82.5% of parents reporting increased concerns and difficulties compared to previous years. Sixty-five percent of children are expressing higher levels of anxiety and fear.
Financial strain is widespread, with more than half of respondents nationwide saying that the high cost of living has hindered their ability to provide quality education for their children. Eighteen percent of parents say they cannot afford all necessary school supplies for each child.
The survey revealed specific shortages in northern conflict zones: 42.5% of children lack a study room, 37.5% don’t have a quiet environment, 27.5% are without a computer, and 25% lack a desk. Additionally, 20% are short on notebooks and writing tools, while 15% need books and an internet connection.
Financial pressures have forced 81.7% of parents in conflict zones and 75% nationwide to cut back on buying clothes for their children.
Thirty-five percent of evacuated parents said their children would start in the framework associated with their evacuation city, 32.5% in a dedicated framework for evacuees, and 10% in their regular framework. Twenty percent still do not know in which educational framework their children will start the school year. A total of 2.5% of respondents expect their children not to start the school year at all.
In response to these challenges, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has partnered with Kravitz, Israel’s largest office supply chain, to provide more than $1 million in supplies for children and families in need.
The initiative will distribute 12,000 “Kravitz Gift Cards” worth 300 shekels (about $82.50) each to 1,000 students evacuated from the Kiryat Shmona and Shlomi school districts, more than 2,000 pupils from Gaza border communities, and other students around the country.
Yael Eckstein, president of the IFCJ, said, “The 2024-25 school year marks a new beginning for many children, especially those starting first grade. With the challenges posed by the ongoing war and the increased cost of living, parents are struggling to manage both the practical and emotional impact on their families. Particularly during these times, our responsibility is to care for those who need help—young, old and everyone in between—from basic needs, to bomb shelters to backpacks.”
Eckstein added, “We are very grateful to the hundreds of thousands of IFCJ supporters around the world who are dedicated to ensuring that these children will be able to start the school year with some optimism and joy, despite the ongoing adversity and uncertainty.”
The survey, conducted by the Geocartography Group, is based on responses from some 800 participants aged 18 and above, including parents of school-aged children from both Jewish and Arab communities, representing a cross-section of the population.
An additional sample was surveyed among 100 respondents from communities in the northern conflict zone, including some from evacuated communities.
