Department managers and high-level officials took part in an emergency meeting at Chinuch Atzmai headquarters in Jerusalem early this week to hammer out arrangements for students from schools in southern Israel that have been closed temporarily based on Home Front Command directives in areas vulnerable to rocket attacks. The discussion included plans to maintain constant contact between the respective teaching staffs and the thousands of students who are unable to attend class.
Led by Chinuch Atzmai heads Rabbi Avrohom Yosef Lazerson and Rabbi Tzvi Baumel, the meeting included a detailed survey of dozens of Chinuch Atzmai schools in different parts of the Central Region, acknowledging efforts their principals have made to solve acute housing problems for the many dislocated students. The survey mentioned increased activity at pedagogical centers and study centers throughout the country that have been placed at the disposal of Chinuch Atzmai students from the South who were compelled to abandon their homes and move temporarily to cities in the Central Region.
Participants at the meeting discussed vital activities designed to prevent educational harm during this difficult period, as well as efforts to strengthen phone contact between students and teachers.
Rabbi Lazerson recounted conversations he held the previous day with principals in Ashdod, Kiryat Malachi, Yavne, Beer Sheva, Ashkelon, Ofakim and Netivot, during which he tried to offer them comfort and encouragement and convey his heartfelt appreciation for their dedication, concern and fortitude in trying to continue to oversee their students' education under such trying conditions during these fateful times.
A special section has been set up at the Chinuch Atzmai offices in Jerusalem to handle calls from schools in the south and to seek solutions to the problems arising there due to the war.
At the end of the meeting a call was issued to Chinuch Atzmai principals throughout Eretz Yisroel to unite in prayer to Borei Olam and to devote time at the beginning of each day to reciting Tehillim in every classroom. A request also went out to school administrations to reach out to uprooted students far from home and include them in local community life by hosting them and integrating them into educational and social frameworks as much as possible.
