Full Breakdown
Israel Allocates NIS 26 Million to Boost Regional Education Centers in the North
7/22/2026, 8:08:41 PM
Funding Initiative for Northern Israel’s Education
The Israeli Education Ministry announced a NIS 26 million allocation to create regional excellence centers that will serve municipalities along the country’s northern border. The centers will deliver programs in advanced technology, STEM, arts and sports through partnerships with local authorities, regional clusters, academic institutions, industry and philanthropic groups. The model emphasizes shared facilities and professional staff to give children in remote communities access to resources that individual towns might struggle to provide.
Background: Homeward/Habaita’s Post-October 7 Expansion
Homeward/Habaita was founded after the mass evacuations that followed the October 7 massacre, operating on the premise that consistent, high-quality education is essential for community restoration. Initially focused on emergency programs for displaced children in southern Israel, the initiative later expanded to the Galilee in cooperation with the Education Ministry and local authorities. By mid-2025, more than 300 teachers, counselors and informal educators had been relocated to northern and southern communities through the Homeward effort.
Official Statements & Responses
Rebecca Caspi, director-general of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Israel Office and senior vice president for Israel and Overseas, said that investing in education is crucial for restoring stability and giving families confidence to rebuild long-term in the north. JFNA added that the government’s decision shows how philanthropic organizations can pilot innovative approaches before they are scaled with public funding. The federation’s Emergency Campaign, launched immediately after the October 7 attacks, raised roughly $908 million and distributed more than 4,200 grants to hundreds of Israeli organizations, now shifting toward a multi-year “Rebuild Israel” framework that includes education, trauma treatment and economic development.
Data & Statistics
- Allocation: NIS 26 million for regional excellence centers.
- Teacher and counselor relocation: over 300 personnel moved to affected communities by mid-2025.
- JFNA Emergency Campaign: approximately $908 million raised; >4,200 grants awarded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This decision reflects two core principles that guide us at Homeward/Habaita: excellence and regional collaboration,” — CEO Sigal Moran
- “Excellence is a way of life,” — Sigal Moran, CEO
