Dear children, Inside every one of us adults hides an excited child whose parents once walked him to school for the first time. One generation follows another, but the same feeling continues to fill each girl and boy who step into the classroom, alert and excited. When I was a kid, people often asked me if I was excited to go back to school [after summer vacation]. I said yes, and also no. I always wanted summer vacation to continue, but on the other hand I was very eager for the school year to start -- to learn new things and see school friends. Of course, like every child, I enjoyed recess no less than the lessons. I will give you advice based on my own experience: Be hungry for knowledge and be good friends to one another, because that is what characterizes us as humans. That is what gives us our strength and that is what distinguishes our people -- the love of learning and morality, internal unity and mutual responsibility. The 2015-2016 school year is underway, and we are starting it with two important reforms: reducing the number of students in each class and adding additional support staff to preschools. Along with that, our top priority is to cultivate achievement in the school system. First and foremost, we strive to teach excellence, particularly in the sciences, mathematics and computers. We have made this a fundamental goal for the State of Israel. We want to continue proudly carrying the name "Startup Nation." At the same time, I want to stress the importance of studying Jewish history as based on the Bible, which is the root of our identity and the foundation of our existence in the Land of Israel. It is through familiarity with our past and, a strong connection with our future, the traditions of our forefathers, Zionism and excellence that we can ensure our existence and our future. To the parents I say this: There are so many people who are working diligently to educate your children, especially the teachers and class advisers. The government of Israel is determined to give your children wisdom and knowledge, as well as guarantee their safety. Good luck this school year!
