No More School: Israeli Parents Prefer to Keep Kids Home Until Pesach Despite Stress

Most Israeli parents would prefer the education system remain closed until the Passover holiday rather than reopen schools for the few remaining days before the break, according to a survey published Tuesday by the National Parents’ Leadership organization.

The poll found that 67% of parents support declaring now that schools will remain closed until Passover, which begins 1 April. Parents who support the move suggested the lost school days could instead be made up later, for example during the summer vacation.

Another 25% of parents said they oppose a full closure of the school system, while the remainder said they were unsure.

The survey also examined how parents would behave even if schools are allowed to reopen in their area.

39.1% of parents said they would not send their children to school under the current conditions, even if classes resumed. About 21% said they are still undecided. Only 24% said they would send their children back to physical classes, while 6.6% said they would do so only because of work constraints.

The results highlight the pressure many families say they are experiencing during the ongoing security situation.

82% of parents reported an unusual level of strain, largely because they must balance work responsibilities while caring for children at home. 53% said they are dealing with emotional stress, including difficulty concentrating on work, financial pressure and security-related anxiety.

Similar patterns were reported among parents of children in the special education system.

About 62% said they would not send their children back to school until there is a significant drop in the number of air raid sirens, while 38% said they would return them once institutions reopen. Among those willing to send their children back, about a quarter said the decision is driven by concern about regression and the urgent need for a structured educational framework.

The survey comes after the Home Front Command allowed some areas of the country to resume classes earlier this week. However, the final decision rests with local authorities, and many municipalities have chosen not to reopen schools for now.