Northern Israel’s children need protected classrooms, not more promises - opinion

In Northern Israel, 250 kindergartens began the school year without adequate protection. Plans were made and budgets allocated, yet the crucial link between decision and action remains missing. A Kfar Vradim mother simply wants her children to have one uninterrupted year of school without the fear of sirens, evacuations, or temporary moves.

The continuity they need starts with a safe learning environment. However, only about half of the kindergartens in the northern regions have the required protection, leaving many children vulnerable. Parents are unsure whether their children will have a safe space when the alarm sounds. The Defense Ministry approved the protection requests months ago, but the funds have yet to be transferred.

Time is of the essence, as protective construction requires careful planning and cannot be rushed. Israel's government operates on traditional processes, which may be too slow for the urgent needs of border communities. A dedicated track with clear authority, funding, and short timelines is needed to bridge the gap between approval and execution.

This would enable government bodies, local authorities, and contractors to collaborate efficiently. The safety of children on the border and their education continuity is a shared national responsibility, and the solution is within reach.