08.04.26

Dear Residents of Ashdod,
Happy Holiday,

Following the situational assessment I conducted this evening, and in accordance with the decision of the Home Front Command that, as of tomorrow at 06:00, the city of Ashdod is classified as a “green city”—meaning a full return to normal activity in all areas—we have accordingly decided:

To resume full operation of the entire education system (daycare centers, kindergartens, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, including special education), starting tomorrow at 08:00 AM.

Daycare facilities without protective infrastructure will not reopen tomorrow.

We emphasize that the decision to fully reopen the education system is conditional upon a quiet night, without any violation of the ceasefire and without changes to current guidelines.

Tomorrow’s school day will be dedicated to the renewed launch of in-person learning, with a focus on emotional support, resilience-building, and easing students back into routine.

It is important to note that the decision to reopen the education system was made through an orderly process of consultation with the Home Front Command, the Municipal Education Administration, the Chair of the Parents’ Leadership, and senior municipal officials, and is based on the high-quality protective infrastructure available in schools, which provides appropriate safety for students.

Kindergartens will also be reinforced with additional staff to provide any necessary support.

We are aware that some parents may prefer to wait an additional day or two before sending their children back to school, and we fully respect this decision.

Arrivals later than 08:00 AM will also be received with full understanding.

Please note that transportation services and after-school programs will resume only from this coming Sunday.

I strongly urge all residents to continue to exercise vigilance. We are still in a fragile situation, particularly regarding the northern front, and this has implications: in the event of rocket fire, there may be no prior warning, only a siren, requiring entry into a protected space within 45 seconds.

Educational staff are prepared and will practice with students during the first hour how to reach protected spaces quickly and safely.

Tomorrow is also the Mimouna holiday, which is traditionally marked by gatherings in public spaces. All restrictions have been lifted, and standard practices apply as in previous years. Nevertheless, alongside the celebrations, please remain vigilant.

I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for the resilience and discipline you have demonstrated throughout these weeks of conflict.
Thanks to you, Ashdod remains strong and united.

Tirbhou w’tisadou,

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Yehiel Lasry
Mayor of Ashdod