Some 1,300 students in the Chabad-Lubavitch complex of schools in Ashkelon got a send-off on the first day of classes by Public Security Minister Avi Dichter, who toured the network of daycares, nurseries, special education classrooms, primary and high schools.

Sharing memories of his own apprehensions upon entering the first grade, Dichter, a native of Ashkelon, greeted students and sat in on some lessons. He discussed at length the security situation with girls in the 11th grade, who last year endured cancelled classes and bomb shelters during Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip.

After the tour of the complex, Dichter remarked to Rabbi Menachem Lieberman, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Ashkelon, that he was “very impressed with the quality of education” in the locally-run school system.


Rabbi Menachem Lieberman, third from left, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Ashkelon, leads Public Security Minister Avi Dichter through the complex housing the organization’s network of publicly-funded daycares, nurseries, special education classrooms, primary and high schools.


Public Security Minister Avi Dichter, third from left, a native of Ashkelon, toured the educational complex last week on the first day of school.


During his visit, Dichter greeted students and shared his childhood memories of entering the first school.


The minister observed some lessons, including the morning blowing of the ram’s horn, a daily custom observed during the Hebrew month of Elul.


Situated in the middle of a densely-populated neighborhood, the Chabad-Lubavitch education system in Ashkelon serves some 1,300 students from preschool through high school.


Dichter points to damage inflicted by a Palestinian-fired missile on the pavement outside the school building.