The year began while we were still in the midst of war– unclear about what lay ahead or who would even be there with us. 

 At Ramot Yam, we opened the school year with a guiding annual narrative: Home. Longing. A story designed to help us navigate this period we are in- a period of educational work under the shadow of Operation “Iron Swords.” 

As part of this theme, we held interviews – together with students– with the families of our school’s fallen heroes from October 7. We listened to their stories, learning about the lives of those we lost, from childhood until that bitter and abrupt end. We heard about their loves, their insights, and above all – the dreams they fulfilled and the ones they never got the chance to. 

From those meetings, we created memorial activities for each of the fallen. We also invited their families to speak with students in open and heartfelt dialogue. The peak of this educational journey 

came in May, when we hosted a community evening titled Home. Longing. A moving tribute to our loved ones, filled with the music they cherished and memories shared with warmth and love. 

The year began with a heavy sense of uncertainty, and with it came the realization that our role as educators is to be a source of strength and stability for our students. To make school a warm and safe space– a place where learning happens alongside meaningful and positive social and emotional experiences. 

I discovered how active engagement and doing meaningful work brings momentum and creates positive energy, even on the hardest days. I hoped the year would end with in-person gatherings– students and staff together. but unfortunately, that was not the case. 

Still, we’ve become experienced over the years in finding our way through challenging times. And we know by now that despite the difficulty, we must “keep the music going” to create something from nothing, to stay hopeful, to keep our eyes on the rising sun. Because all things pass by. That’s why it’s so important to remain creative, to adapt, and to never give up on meaningful closure– even if it looks different. 

We must maintain positive communication and strong community connections– between students, teachers, and families alike. 

My wish for all of us is that this current low will lead to a rise. That we will soon see brighter days. That the hostages will return home swiftly and safely. And that we will continue together in the important and sacred mission of education. 

Sending each and every one of you a ‘box of quiet.’