REPORTING. In Israel, in Ashkelon, schools reopened for the first time since the Hamas attacks

Since Hamas’ massive attacks on Israel in early October, Israeli schools have remained closed. Since Sunday, the children of the city of Ashkelon have returned to their schools but it is still far from being a return to “normal”.

To enter this school in Ashkelon, a town located eight kilometers from the Gaza Strip, you have to pass through numerous double-locked steel doors. Despite everything, schools have reopened their doors to children since Sunday, November 26. This is the first time since the Hamas attack and it is the sign of a perceptible relaxation on the Israeli side. 17 new hostages were released on Sunday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the third day of truce between Israel and Hamas. This truce could also be prolonged, according to the declarations of both parties.

In this Ashkelon school, children are not allowed to play in the playground and lessons are taught in the basement in shielded spaces. “I’m happy to come back to school, recognizes Yaëlle, 6 years old. For over 50 days, I didn’t do much. I played with my mom, I spent time with my grandparents in the shelter. It was difficult for me and my mother.” Yaëlle won’t say more. Next door is David, 7 years old, who has trouble falling asleep. He only manages to get to sleep around 10 p.m.

The school director, Lior, welcomed 300 children before the war, there are 19 for this resumption of classes. To begin with, there are only fun activities. A clown, for example, came, animals also entered the school. “It was very traumatic for the children. 1,400 missiles were fired at our city. It’s been really, really hard these last few weeks and that’s why we’re offering these activities that do them good.” says Lior.

A teacher explains that she observed some children making weapons with Lego, something she had not seen before the war. It’s a way of developing an emotion that only professionals can diagnose. “This is a population that is under trauma”analyzes Karine Smotriez, clinical psychologist for children and adults at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

“We can’t even talk about post-trauma because we are in the trauma”

Karine Smotriez, clinical psychologist in Tel Aviv

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“There is an increase in separation anxiety. Young children have difficulty at night. The population knows that if there is shelter, it’s okay. Except that there, the shelter no longer provides shelter since the door is open, smashed. There are shots. The parents can no longer protect the child and I think it is this feeling of primary security that is shattered.”she continues.

Whether the truce continues or not, thousands of Israeli children will have to be monitored, especially since the wait and negotiations regarding the hostages only reinforce this trauma.