As more than two million children began their school year in Israel on Sept. 1, for one school near the Gaza border, the first day was more than a return to routine; it was a symbol of survival and resilience.

The Shachar Eshkol Elementary School, closed since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, reopened its doors with U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee on hand to mark the occasion.

As buses arrived carrying students from Gaza Envelope communities, Huckabee was greeted warmly by teachers and parents. Speaking to reporters, he said the safety and freedom of Israeli children remained a top priority.

“Israel has to get the hostages back and Israel has to defeat Hamas,” he said. “Those are the two goals President Trump has made very clear. How that happens is for Israel to decide, but those two things mu

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