Israeli Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar has instructed school principals in Israel to ensure that every student visits Yerushalayim at least three times during his time in the school system.
Sa’ar said he intends to bolster Jewish, Zionist and democratic values within the educational system upon taking office; and in accordance, he inaugurated the “On to Jerusalem” program yesterday.
“On to Jerusalem” is meant to ensure that every student in Israel visits the capital a minimum of three times in 12 years. The program, which will cost the ministry NIS 15 million (roughly $4 million) will focus on fifth, seventh and tenth-graders.
Students visiting the capital as part of the program will visit the city’s most prominent landmarks: The City of David, Har Tzion, the Kosel, the Jewish Quarter, Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, the Israel Museum, the Supreme Court, Ammunition Hill, the Knesset, the High Commissioner’s Residence and the Mishkenot Sha’ananim neighborhood.
Students will also visit various educational centers throughout the city.
“The new program is meant to advance the policy I presented the Knesset and government with,” Sa’ar said.
“It’s meant to enhance (students’) connection with Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and with Israeli’s tradition, and will allow every student the opportunity to be exposed to the historical riches of Jerusalem,” he added.
“I am positive that through these tours the future generation’s affinity with Israel’s eternal capital will come to grow.”
{Ynet/Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Israel}
