Central Israel Cancels Passover Camps After Iranian Cluster Bomb Strike
RISHON LEZION, Israel – Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced Saturday the cancellation of Passover camps in 18 municipalities across central Israel, a day after a cluster bomb launched by Iran struck an empty daycare center in Rishon Lezion. The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent strikes against Iran by Israel and the United States.
The daycare, fortunately closed for the weekend, was one of several sites in Rishon Lezion hit by cluster munitions Saturday morning, with no injuries reported. Minister Kisch, speaking at the damaged daycare alongside Rishon Lezion Mayor Raz Kinstlich, stated the “Forum of 16” – a group comprising 16 mayors and two regional council heads from central Israel – had already recommended halting the camps prior to the incident.
“We spoke about the Passover camps issue yesterday and today, how it’s inappropriate and incorrect to open them here,” Kisch told reporters. “We planned to reach a final decision on Saturday night, but in light of what happened, it was pretty obvious” the camps shouldn’t proceed.
The municipalities affected by the cancellation are Gadera, Rishon Lezion, Rehovot, Holon, Bat Yam, Givatayim, Ramat Gan, Kiryat Ono, Yehud, Kfar Saba, Yehud, Herzliya, Ra’anana, Ramat Hasharon, Hod Hasharon, Ness Ziona, and the Drom Hasharon and Sdot Dan regional councils.
The move follows criticism from mayors who voiced concerns about the safety of children attending camps while schools remain closed in many areas. The Marker reported Kisch’s office confirmed the Forum of 16 had unanimously agreed not to open the camps on Thursday, a position the minister endorsed Friday.
Schools in most major Israeli cities have remained closed to in-person learning since February 28th, when Israel and the US conducted strikes within Iran, escalating regional conflict. While in-person teaching has resumed in lower-risk areas with adequate shelter, Kisch indicated that schools in higher-risk “orange” zones, including northern Israel and the Tel Aviv area, will remain closed until the security situation improves.
The decision to cancel the camps is expected to influence other municipalities throughout the country, according to The Marker. This latest development underscores the ongoing impact of the regional conflict on daily life in Israel and the government’s prioritization of public safety.
[Image of Education Minister Yoav Kisch at the damaged daycare in Rishon Lezion, March 21, 2026. (Screen capture: Ynet)]
