More children than before the war: The figure that illustrates growth in the Gaza Envelope
The school year will open in the Gaza Envelope communities with about 9% more students than on the eve of October 7. The increase in the number of students is taking place in parallel with the continued return of communities to Kissufim, Holit, and Kfar Aza. In Sderot, an increase of about 16% in the number of students was recorded.
The 5787 school year will open tomorrow (Tuesday) in the Gaza Envelope communities with 22,233 students across the five local authorities in the region: the city of Sderot and the regional councils of Eshkol, Hof Ashkelon, Sdot Negev, and Sha'ar HaNegev. This represents an increase of about 9% compared to the number of students on the eve of October 7, an addition of 1,802 students.
Of all the students starting the upcoming school year, 4,553 are children from birth to age 3, 3,965 are in kindergarten, and 13,715 are students in grades 1-12.
The increase in the number of students is taking place in parallel with the continued return of residents to their communities. During the summer, the return of residents to Kibbutz Kissufim began, with more than 95% of residents having returned so far, alongside the return of communities to Holit and Kfar Aza. Youth from Kibbutz Be'eri have also returned to study in the Eshkol region.
Sderot stands out particularly with a growth in the number of students that has risen by about 16% compared to the eve of October 7. In the regional councils of Sdot Negev and Hof Ashkelon, the number of students today is also higher than that recorded before the war.
Alongside the growth in student numbers, the Tkuma Administration is expected to invest about 364 million shekels in 2026 in the education system within the Gaza Envelope communities. The funds are intended, among other things, for educational programs, infrastructure, and non-formal education frameworks.
Of the total amount, 184 million shekels will be allocated within the framework of the "Tkuma Education Basket," which allows authorities to operate programs according to local needs; 103 million shekels are intended for additional educational facilities, and 54 million shekels for non-formal education programs.
Part of the budget will also be directed to programs in English and technology, for the training and recruitment of educational staff, and for the development of management reserves within the education system.
Head of the Tkuma Administration, Aviad Friedman, stated:
"The increase in the number of students in all Gaza Envelope authorities compared to last year is much more than a numerical figure – it reflects the return home and the strengthening of the communities. The education system is one of the most important anchors in building the future of the region, and therefore we are investing in it not only to provide an answer to today's needs, but with a view years ahead."
