Protected classrooms in Northern Israel

United Israel Appeal (UIA) recently launched its Kol Nidre Appeal, raising funds to equip protected classrooms at two schools near Israel’s border with Lebanon. This year’s appeal theme is titled “Our promise is their protection”.

The appeal will fund protected classrooms and dedicated spaces for additional educational, emotional and behavioural support at Psagot Elementary School in Kibbutz Yir’on and Mevo HaGalil Regional Elementary School in Kibbutz Ayelet Hashahar, both in the Upper Galilee.

Psagot, less than one kilometre from the Lebanese border, has 170 students, while Mevo HaGalil has 600. The two schools serve different communities, but both have been affected by the conflict in northern Israel since October 7, 2023.

According to UIA, children across the region are now returning to their communities and schools after months of conflict, displacement and uncertainty.

UIA said that for these children, school provided routine, friendship and familiar surroundings, and that for those living close to the border, a sense of safety also required physical protection.

The organisation said the physical protection at both schools was already in place, and the funds raised would go towards turning the protected spaces into working classrooms.

“Equipping these schools is about much more than furniture or educational materials. It is about giving teachers the tools they need to teach, giving children environments in which they can feel secure and supported, and strengthening the educational infrastructure that families need as they rebuild their lives in the Upper Galilee,” a UIA representative said.

According to a Psagot student, safety at school during ongoing security threats is of the utmost importance.

“School is where I feel safe because we are together. Even when there are sirens, I know my teachers are with me, my friends are with me, and I am not alone,” they said.

UIA, which has supported Israel for more than a century, is holding its appeal this year to coincide with Kol Nidre, the service that marks the start of Yom Kippur.

Last chance to support the appeal at uiaaus.net/kn