In a bold, unprecedented step, Mayor Ron Nachman declared that the City of Ariel will provide each of its new olim with Hebrew lessons. This news comes as a refreshing commitment to the otherwise precarious situation regarding Hebrew lessons for Israel's new immigrants.

In the past, Israel's new immigrants were provided with the option of studying Hebrew in ulpan programs. This year, however, the Ministry of Education cut its funding for the ulpan programs by 50%. As such, the current ulpan budget is expected to run out in the end of June of this year. The Ministry of Absorption continues to reiterate the significance of providing new olim with Hebrew lessons, though it has yet to publicize a practical solution for this summer.

"Although I understand that you're children do not have special needs", explains Ofra Wiesel, principal of the Ohr Zvulun elementary school, "it's important for me to stress the unique programming that we have at our school. We pride ourselves on the fact that Ohr Zvulun caters to everyone's needs".

Education is a very big issue in Israel, and a rather complex one amongst Israel's observant and religious population. On the one hand, many of the religious elementary schools in the country focus primarily on religious studies. On the other hand, the Mamlachti Dati schools (government sponsored religious schools) tend to water down the religious studies in favor of a focus on secular subjects. Ohr Zvulun is rather unique amongst Israeli elementary schools. It values each realm – both the Torah foundation and the secular topics – and strives for excellence in both.

In terms of Torah studies, Rav Avner Ben-Yosef is the school's rabbi. Over the last few years he and his staff have developed the curriculum in such a way so that the students get the maximum amount of Torah exposure possible – both quantitatively and qualitatively. In addition to the hours of study dedicated to Torah, all of the school's textbooks are written from a religious perspective. Whether it's history or mathematics, Judaism and Jewish culture are the focus. Rav Avner has also created an after school Torah enrichment program for those families and students who choose to enroll.

Hundreds of kindergarten and first grade students participated in the city's kite flying event this past Friday, May 16th. Parents joined their children in Ariel's amphitheatre for this unique event. Ariel's education branch along with the kindergarten department organized the event in honor of the city's 30th anniversary.

The flying kites could be seen from afar. As people neared closer to get a better look they witnessed the fun and enjoyment amongst the children and their parents. The kite-flying was yet another opportunity to bring the many faces of Ariel together. Mayor Ron Nachman blessed the participants and thanked them for being a part of Ariel.