JNF Canada - Building the Foundations of Israel's Future

Fifteen months ago, the world that Noah knew vanished in an instant. Hezbollah's relentless bombardment, worsened by the Oct 7th attacks and the multi-front war that followed, transformed his community into a conflict zone. Bombs and drones rain down, shattering not just buildings, but security, dreams, hopes, and the fundamental sense of safety that every child deserves. As a result, schools shut down. Families were torn apart, scattered across Israel like leaves in a storm. Communities that once thrived with life and promise now stand as stark reminders of the cost of conflict.

“Kids were learning in ma’amads (shelters) with no fresh air or sunlight. It creates a lot of anxiety.” - Anat, Director of Education from the Upper Galilee Regional Council

JNF Canada has committed to supporting these communities, Kiryat Shmona and Kibbutz Lehavot Habashan, by fundraising for sheltered classrooms. These shelters provide students with a place to go daily, continue their studies or activities, and maintain comforting important parts of their routines, even in times of escalation. The sheltered classrooms allow parents to send their child to school knowing they will be safe. This in turn provides parents with their own routine, whether it’s to continue with work, support their communities, or take a break from the challenge task of homeschooling during conflicts.

“We need to bring the people back and have the education system be better than before. There are 30 sheltered classrooms, but we need 3,000.” - Shulamit, Parent & Teacher in Kiryat Shmona

These classrooms are more than just buildings; they represent safety from constant threats, hope for the future and a safe haven for children like Noah. Each classroom is a promise. A promise that children will learn, grow and dream again without the fear of war.

Protected Classrooms in Northern Israel