Events

The Swords of Iron War brought with it many extremely difficult challenges in all fields – including educational. While schools are closed the schooling must be done by Zoom. We at Shuvu must of course maintain our very high level of education during these times as well, using the required technology and programs. Some of our staff members though, do not own the necessary equipment, and we've been providing them with peripheral computer devices including laptops, tablets, webcams, etc., to allow the schoolyear to progress as normally as possible. In addition, there are special needs of each school, particularly those in areas attacked, including: Shuvu Be'er Sheva: tragically, a mother who was a security guard at the nature party on Simchas Torah, was missing for over a week, and her body was finally found. Shuvu Ashkelon: there are students wounded from rocket hits to their home, and many students and parents are suffering from trauma. One rocket landed 2 meters away from the Shuvu Ashkelon School itself, shattering windows and damaging the sports ground. Shuvu Ashdod: many homes hit by rockets and many students and parents suffering from trauma. Other cities (with Shuvu schools) hit by rockets causing physical damage and emotional harm to students and parents, include Be'er Yaakov, Rishon Letzion (where Shuvu has 2 schools: elementary + boys high school), Bat Yam, Rehovot, Lod, and Petach Tikva (where Shuvu has 3 schools: elementary + boys high school + girls high school). Tragically, 2 Shuvu graduates have been killed in the war, and we are reaching out to these families too. We also are running Zoom meetings for the entire network. This past week we ran a beautiful Kabbalas Shabbos program with live music by Zoom, for all the students and families, and we are planning another meeting this week IY"H, with a psychologist to offer guidance. Many Shuvu families are now in desperate need of assistance, and we have a responsibility to support and assist the Shuvu schools and families at this very difficult time. Practically every day we hear another heartbreaking – yet strengthening – war- related story of our students. Among these, the Shuvu Be’er Sheva principal told of a 6th grade student of hers, whose father is fighting in Gaza. During one of the first sirens in Be’er Sheva, the family sat petrified in their bomb shelter. The young student turned to his mother and said, "It won’t help to cry! Rather, I’ll say Tehillim and learn Mishnayos, and you can join me!" The mother later called the principal to say: "It is so wonderful that we sent our son to Shuvu!  Not only for the high level of education, but also how else could we get through this difficult time? Our son is what gives us the strength!"