Jewish Identity Revolution: Record 195,000 Students in Bible Sites

The Ministry of Education published data on the 'Bible Paths' program: 195,000 students from 2,800 schools toured biblical heritage sites, a 32% increase in one year. Minister Kisch presented this as a success of the 'Roots' project to strengthen Jewish identity.

The Ministry of Education today published data indicating the success of the 'Bible Paths' program, initiated by Education Minister Yoav Kisch as part of the national 'Roots' project to strengthen Jewish and Zionist identity. According to the data, in the 2025-2026 school year, about 195,000 students from approximately 2,800 schools and educational institutions across the country participated in the program. This represents a 32% increase in participants compared to the previous year, and a 24% increase in participating institutions (2,795 vs. 2,258). The tours focused on heritage sites of biblical, historical, and national importance, including the City of David, the Cave of the Patriarchs, the Patriarchs' Route in Gush Etzion, Tel Shiloh, the Biar Aqueduct, and the Shiloh Stream in Judea and Samaria. Minister Kisch stated that the Bible is the story of the people, and that the program returns students to the places where chapters of history were written. He promised to continue expanding the program. The article presents the data as a success, using terms like 'new record', 'huge leap', and 'unprecedented data', but does not include any criticism or comparison with other educational programs.