The Education Ministry announced that schools will transition to remote learning beginning Monday, after nationwide closures on Sunday due to the ongoing Iranian missile strikes and in accordance with Home Front Command directives.
It has not yet been determined what format studies will take after Monday, as the situation will be reassessed during the Purim holiday on Tuesday and Wednesday in accordance with ongoing security evaluations, the Education Ministry said.
Within the Jewish sector, Monday’s remote learning day will focus on maintaining personal contact, educational dialogue, and emotional processing, the ministry added.
Schools were closed nationwide throughout Sunday, with all educational activities canceled pending further reassessment of the situation. The conflict began on Saturday after the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, leading to barrages of missiles in retaliation.
The decision to suspend in-person learning on Sunday came in line with the Home Front Command’s directive to transition to an essential activity defense policy.
The shutdown applied to all educational sectors, without exception, and included all formal and informal activities, Purim events and celebrations, trips, and special events.
Education Minister Yoav Kisch said on Sunday that “The State of Israel is facing a complex security reality."
“The education system is prepared and operating through an orderly, responsible, and professional process in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines."
“The education system has prepared in advance for emergency situations and wartime scenarios and will continue to operate responsibly and with full readiness in accordance with developments,” Kisch stated.
He added that the system gained experience dealing with emergency scenarios throughout Israel’s war with Hamas, as well as during the 12-day war with Iran in June.
“We learned from these events, drew lessons, and implemented them on the ground to ensure continuity, stability, and the ability to function even in complex times,” he said.
Regarding boarding school students, instructions have been implemented in accordance with emergency procedures. In boarding schools with a protected space, students may remain on site while staying in close proximity to protected areas, the Education Ministry stated.
In boarding schools without a compliant protected space, an orderly evacuation was carried out in accordance with the guidelines.
Emotional support hotline opens for students, staff
In light of the security situation, an emotional support hotline has been opened for students, parents, and educational staff. The hotline is said to be staffed by professionals to provide initial emotional support and guidance for coping with stress and anxiety. It is expected to operate 24 hours a day and is reachable by dialing *6312.
Regarding university studies, the Council for Higher Education (CHE) also announced a transition to remote learning to adapt operations to the current security reality on Sunday
The CHE leadership issued a letter to heads of institutions instructing them to suspend activities that do not comply with Home Front Command guidelines and, wherever possible, transition to remote instruction.
The Hebrew University campus was closed on Sunday, though studies continued as scheduled via Zoom.
Kisch, who also serves as chairman of the Council for Higher Education, said it is “our responsibility to ensure the continuity of academic activity while safeguarding the security and well-being of students and staff.”
“We will act in full coordination with institutional leaders and all relevant parties to provide certainty, stability, and a systemic response that will strengthen national resilience during this challenging period,” he added.