At the start of the new year, many children in Israel return to school filled with excitement – beginning first grade, reuniting with friends, and starting another chapter in their educational journey.
Yet alongside the excitement lies a complex reality. Uncertainty continues, many children have experienced fear and disrupted routines in recent months, and the worry for the hostages who have not yet returned home weighs heavily on us all.
In times like these, routine has immense value. It provides children with a sense of security, enables them to grow, to dream, and to believe that their future can be more stable and hopeful. It is our shared responsibility – parents, teachers, and communities – to give children the most important gift of all: a safe, steady, and meaningful routine.
As the new year begins, we pray for the swift return of all the hostages, for an end to the war, and for the quiet that children so deeply need.
How can we help children maintain stability?
- Keep communication open – Encourage children to share their feelings and questions. Even when there are no answers, attentive listening builds trust and security.
- Maintain a daily routine – Regular sleep, consistent school schedules, and extracurricular activities help create calm within uncertainty.
- Encourage social connections – Playdates, group activities, and sports reduce stress and strengthen children’s sense of belonging.
- Limit exposure to news – Protect children from inappropriate or frightening content, and ensure information is age-appropriate and reassuring.
- Strengthen their sense of capability – Celebrate small successes, praise persistence, and remind children of their ability to cope, even in challenging times.
Amid all the difficulties, children remind us every year how much strength they hold within – and how much responsibility we share to ensure they can grow up in safety and with hope. May this school year bring stability, learning, joy, and a brighter future for all children in Israel.