One third of students not registered for school in Kiryat Shmona, mayor warns

May 26, 2026 - 12:59

Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avichai Stern has raised an alarm over a significant drop in student enrollment, revealing that roughly one third of local children have not been registered for the upcoming school year. In a statement, Stern attributed the low attendance to ongoing security concerns that have left parents hesitant to send their children back to the classroom.

"The students' attendance is not full; parents are afraid to send their children to the education systems," Stern said. He noted that the city's education system is struggling to operate normally as many families remain displaced or unwilling to return due to the threat of rocket fire from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The northern border city has been a frequent target of attacks since the conflict escalated, leading to widespread evacuations and a breakdown in daily routines.

Stern warned that the situation could have long-term consequences for the city's recovery and the well-being of its children. He called on national authorities to provide stronger security guarantees and support to encourage families to return and enroll their children in school. Without immediate intervention, he cautioned, the educational gap could widen, leaving a generation of students in Kiryat Shmona at a disadvantage. The mayor's comments underscore the broader challenges facing border communities as they try to rebuild normal life amid ongoing instability.