Nahariya Awarded National Education Prize for 2026 School Year

The Nahariya Municipality has been awarded the National Education Prize for the 2026 school year, as announced by Minister of Education Yoav Kisch to Mayor Ronen Mareli.

The win comes after a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by the Ministry of Education's professional judging committee, which examined educational activities on the ground through visits to the city and meetings with teaching staff, students, and parents. Nahariya, initially selected as the representative of the Northern District, surpassed other municipalities on the way to receiving the national honor.

In their reasoning for the award, the committee members commended the value-based educational work and the strong sense of community in the city. Special emphasis was placed on providing social-emotional support to strengthen the resilience, security, and well-being of students and educational staff — especially in light of the security challenges and fighting in the northern region — alongside the close and ongoing connection between formal and informal education systems and the community.

Nahariya Mayor Ronen Mareli stated upon receiving the news:

"Winning the prize is the result of years of joint effort and deep partnership between the municipal management, the municipal education administration, the Northern District of the Ministry of Education led by Dr. Orna Simhon, the parent leadership, and the dedicated directors and educational staff. Above all, this achievement belongs to the children of Nahariya, for whom we work every day to provide the best environment to grow, develop, dream, and succeed."

The prize will be officially presented to the city's leadership and representatives of the education system at a festive ceremony to be held next month at the Binyanei HaUma in Jerusalem.