Israeli Schools Face Recurring Disruptions: A Plan to Recover Lost Learning Time
Israeli students have experienced significant disruptions to their education in recent years, facing nationwide school closures due to COVID-19 and ongoing security concerns. As of March 8, 2026, these closures have totaled at least 105 days since 2020, representing roughly half a school year. The cumulative impact on children’s learning and well-being requires a proactive and sustainable solution.
The Impact of School Closures
Since 2020, Israeli children have lost at least half a school year due to closures. This includes 81 days across three COVID-19 lockdowns and 24 days related to security escalations: 7 days following the October 7, 2023 attack, 10 days during the June 2025 conflict with Iran, and 6 days and counting in the current escalation (as of the date of this article). This estimate doesn’t account for regional closures in the north and south, the period immediately after October 7th when schools nationwide were not fully operational, or varied closures during COVID-19, such as hybrid learning models and quarantines.
The October 7, 2023 Attack and its Aftermath
The Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 240 hostages taken Britannica. This event, often referred to as Israel’s 9/11, triggered a military response in Gaza, resulting in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily women and children CNN. Negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing, mediated by Egypt and supported by a proposed plan from President Donald Trump CNN.
The Demand for a Long-Term Solution
While ensuring student safety is paramount, the recurring nature of these disruptions demands a proactive plan to mitigate the long-term consequences of lost learning time. Economic disruptions are routinely considered in security decisions, but the impact on children, a nation’s most valuable asset, often receives insufficient attention. Remote learning, while helpful, is not a complete substitute for in-person instruction.
A Proposed Solution: Recovering Lost Learning Time
A new principle should be adopted: for any nationwide school closures, half of the missed school days should be added to the end of the school year. This acknowledges the need for students to regain lost classroom time without unduly burdening teachers. The additional days should be compensated at their regular rate, a cost the state should bear as it does with other war-related expenses. This approach offers a compromise that fairly compensates teachers, allows them to maintain their summer break, and, most importantly, provides students with the opportunity to catch up on essential learning.
Looking Ahead
The current situation highlights the need for ongoing planning and investment in educational resilience. By proactively addressing the issue of lost learning time, Israel can safeguard the future of its children and ensure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.