In recent years, Israel has been caught in a whirlwind of instability and anxiety, deeply affecting its citizens. The heightened sense of emergency, particularly since October 7, 2023, has led many to operate in constant survival mode. This situation has strayed resources away from critical sectors such as education, focusing funds heavily on defense and security at the expense of future growth.
Education Under Siege
While security is vital, investment in education must proceed as if the country were in a stable environment. Education not only shapes the future citizenry but is also a fundamental component of national resilience. Recent reports have highlighted Israel’s troubling decline in educational performance, particularly in the latest PISA exam, which assesses the competencies of 15-year-olds in mathematics, reading, and science.
The findings reveal a stark reality: Israel’s performance in the 2025 PISA exam was the lowest recorded to date. Scores in all subjects plummeted significantly, with an average decline of 29 points, marking Israel as one of the countries with the sharpest educational decline in the world.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
Israel’s specific scores are alarming. In mathematics, the nation dropped from 458 in 2022 to 433, while science scores also followed suit, declining from 465 to 442. Reading skills saw the most drastic drop, with scores falling from 474 to 436. The Education Ministry attributes these declines to the educational disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts and evacuations but this just scratches the surface of a more complex issue.
The education system is fractured, with distinct streams segregated by ethnicity and belief, leading to uneven educational experiences. As of 2025, a considerable number of first-graders were Arabic speakers, and nearly 25% of students were ultra-Orthodox. Many of these students lack access to a curriculum that equips them for modern challenges, which is critical in ensuring a robust future.
A Call for Reform
Prominent figures, like Prof. Dan Ben-David, stress the necessity for educational reform in Israel. More than half of Israeli children—particularly those from the fastest-growing demographics—are relegated to receiving an education comparable to that in third-world countries. This is particularly troubling given that the children from these backgrounds will constitute a significant portion of Israel’s adult population in the coming years.
Ben-David advocates for the dismantling of the four existing education streams and suggests a unified system that ensures every student receives a quality, standardized education. He emphasizes the importance of implementing a core curriculum that is consistent yet allows for local adjustments tailored to parental preferences.
As Israel prepares for the next election, candidates must address pressing matters, including security and economic stability. However, the importance of educational reform cannot be sidelined. Just as investment in defense is crucial for the nation’s survival, an equal commitment to education is vital for its success and continuity. In an era of volatility, ensuring that education remains a priority promises to secure a brighter future for the country and its children.