Ramat Gan school, in ruins after Houthi attack, being torn down

“Our enemies will never defeat us,” Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen tells JNS.

(Jan. 5, 2025 / JNS)
The Ramat Efal Elementary School in Ramat Gan, which was severely damaged by the warhead from an intercepted Houthi missile on Dec. 19, is being demolished, the city’s Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen told JNS on Sunday.

Our enemies think they can break our spirit by targeting our schools and communities, but they don’t understand Israeli resilience,” the former Likud lawmaker said. “They destroy—we rebuild stronger. They will never defeat us.”

The Yemeni missile caused a partial collapse of the school’s central building, prompting the cancellation of classes. There were no injuries in the pre-dawn attack.

Ophir Slipoy, the Ramat Efal Elementary School’s principal, told JNS on Sunday that pupils in grades 1 to 4 were relocated to the Navon School the following morning. Grades 5 and 6 joined them the following week, while grades 7 and 8 were placed in Begin High School.

We’ve implemented comprehensive psychological support, including an immediate online session with a psychologist for families and ongoing mental health assistance for those who need it,” Slipoy said.

It’s heartbreaking to see our school—our second home—destroyed. But our students have shown remarkable resilience, strengthening us adults and helping all of us return to routine. Their spirit and determination have been truly inspiring,” he added.

Limor Markinzon-Segal, head of the Education Department in the Ramat Gan Municipality, told JNS on Sunday the situation was unprecedented.

It’s the first reported incident of a school being hit during the current conflict,” she said.

“I am incredibly proud of our educational teams and their unwavering commitment during this challenging time. Seeing their dedication and resilience reinforces how fortunate we are to have such outstanding educators teaching our precious children,” she continued.

Teachers are also continuing their work at Navon School and Begin High School, “showing exceptional dedication to maintaining educational continuity,” Markinzon-Segal said.