Yad Vashem opens school for evacuated children

Yad Vashem is converting part of its facility to a school in order to create a learning environment for evacuees from Gaza-area communities, the Holocaust memorial museum announces.

The students won’t be focusing on Holocaust studies.

“Today, Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, opened the building of the International School for Holocaust Studies to some 300 students ranging from grades 1 through 12, so that they could resume regular educational activities despite the ongoing war,” Yad Vashem says in a press release, calling the initiative an “opportunity to return to school, restoring some sense of mental and emotional resilience.”

The facility was reorganized and underwent some adjustments, to make it more appropriate for everyday learning. Students will have learning materials and meals each day, and lectures are being organized for parents as well.

Some 50 Yad Vashem staff members have volunteered to assist, the organization says.

“At a time when we are experiencing one of the most difficult crises in the history of our country, it is our duty to extend a helping hand and do what we can to support those affected,” Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan says.

Upwards of 200,000 Israeli citizens have been internally displaced by the Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7 with a surprise Hamas assault on the western Negev.