There’s no doubt; school has undergone a series of subtle transformations

“Don’t give any homework or any tests. No grades. Just show love and affection. And don’t ask girls why they haven’t come to school.”

It was the early stage of the war in Israel, and after the initial shell-shocked weeks, when all schools were closed, the school principal where I teach English was getting us teachers ready to go back.

“You can’t imagine what these girls are going through at home,” the principal continued. “They have fathers, brothers, and cousins fighting in the war, and besides that endless worry, they have to help much more at home.”

Four months later, I look at my lovely tenth grade students, and I wonder how much has actually changed. We’re still at war, and no one knows how long it will continue, if another front will open in the north. Most of their brothers are out of touch, and the hostages’ pictures are still framing the entrance to the mall.

Yet there’s no doubt; school has undergone a series of subtle transformations.