For the first time since the outbreak of the war, children in Israel’s Eshkol Region returned to their school this week, marking a moment of resilience, renewal, and collective strength. The occasion was celebrated with a ceremony attended by community leaders, educators, families, and former Arkansas governor and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee.
The reopening of schools carries symbolic weight in a region still reeling from trauma.
Chief Israel Officer, Jewish National Fund USA, Tali Tzour, emphasized the broader meaning of the day. “This morning is a defining moment for the entire state of Israel and the Jewish people, as we reopen the schools in the Israel Envelope after two years of devastating times that we have experienced,” she said.
The past two years have been marked by fear and grief for families living in the Israel envelope and for the country in its entirety. For many parents, sending their children back into classrooms symbolizes a step toward normalcy. “The kids are back, the smiles are back, the region will recover, and we are with them,” Tzour added.
The ceremony, held at Shahar Eshkol elementary school, was filled with emotion. Students walked back into buildings that had long stood silent. Teachers welcomed them with joy, in an atmosphere blended with hope and heavy memories.
Ambassador Huckabee, who has long been a friend of Israel, addressed the children and staff directly. “This is the beginning of a new chapter in your life and in the life of the State of Israel,” he said.
Reflecting on the resilience of Israelis, Huckabee spoke to the heart of the community’s determination. “One of the things I admire most about my Israeli friends is that no matter how many ways people try to stop you, you stand back up and keep going.”
He concluded with a message of encouragement to the children: “I hope you have a wonderful school year, and I want you to know that your friends in the United States love you, pray for you, and believe that your future is better than you ever dreamed.”
Mayor of Eshkol Michal Uziyahu, also spoke during the event, expressing gratitude for Huckabee’s presence. “Choosing us for this special day means the world to us,” she said.
Her words captured both grief and perseverance, “We are determined not to let October 7 define us. We will continue to choose life and hope.”
In her closing remarks, Uziyahu offered a message that resonated with the entire crowd, “They killed many of us. But they did not break our spirit. Our spirit is strong because we know that we care for one another and we know we are not alone.”
This day reminds us that education, community, and hope remain unshaken—even in the shadow of tragedy.