Back to School as Rockets Fly: Dror Israel's Commitment to Northern Communities

As the new school year begins under the shadow of ongoing war, communities along Israel's borders face unprecedented challenges. With rockets continuing to fly and the threat of escalation ever-present, returning to school is fraught with fear and uncertainty. At Dror Israel, we know this moment demands more than just a return to routine—it requires extraordinary efforts to support and rebuild the resilience of our youth and their communities. The war's impact is deeply felt among communities in the north of the country, and we continue to address their unique needs. From trauma response in Majdal Shams to supporting un-evacuated communities, and empowering young leaders at our schools, Dror Israel is ensuring that education and community support continue, even in the face of adversity.

Trauma Response in Majdal Shams

Meetings give youth a place to process and grieve

On July 27th, a rocket strike in Majdal Shams tragically claimed the lives of 12 children, three of whom were NOAL participants. In response, Dror Israel educators immediately provided "educational first-aid," offering workshops, psychological support, and therapeutic activities.

As the new school year begins, these efforts will continue, helping the community cope with grief and build resilience. Baha’a Rabah, the NOAL coordinator in Majdal Shams, shared, “We will organize sports, activities, and community meetings to help the children deal with the situation.”

Support for Northern Un-Evacuated Communities

While communities more than five kilometers from Israel's northern border were not officially evacuated, the threat of rockets, anti-tank missiles, and the looming possibility of full-scale war has created an ongoing atmosphere of anxiety and isolation. Many residents evacuated independently, leaving their communities half-empty, while those who remain face daily fears.

Teen leaders in Akko plan activities for the new school year.

Dror Israel is ramping up its efforts, focusing on strengthening resilience among youth and the broader community. Through group meetings, social activities, and emergency preparedness training, our programs ensure these communities remain supported and connected. We are also working closely with local schools, offering educators tools for managing emotional and social distress and promoting learning under challenging conditions. “Now more than ever, we’re working to support and stand with northern communities on the front line,” says Adi Malka, director of Dror Israel’s northern emergency efforts, “We are helping youth, communities and teachers develop tools to cope with trauma, uncertainty, and fear.”

Empowering Student Leaders

Gal shared his harrowing story and about his continued belief in the importance of education.

Dror Israel's schools are gearing up to support evacuated communities in Israel’s north and south. Recently, students from our pre-army prep program met with Gal Goren, a young Dror Israel educator whose parents were tragically murdered in Nir Oz on October 7th. Despite his loss, Gal has dedicated himself to working with evacuees and advocating for the return of all hostages.

Inspired by his story, this year’s students will undertake volunteer projects aimed at fostering healing and resilience in affected communities. Through their efforts, these young leaders are not only contributing to immediate recovery but also helping to build a stronger, more united Israel.

As we look ahead to this challenging school year, Dror Israel remains committed to being a pillar of support for the communities that need it most. Our work is a proactive effort to ensure that students, educators, and communities have the resilience to thrive despite the challenges.