Special education enrollment in Israel's Reclamation District is projected to rise by 10.4 percent this year, significantly outpacing the growth rate of general school enrollment. The district, which includes Hof Ashkelon, Sha'ar HaNegev, Eshkol, Shdudot, and Sdot Negev, will welcome about 23,700 students as the new school year begins, reflecting an increase of approximately 2,000 students compared to last October. This surge is attributed to ongoing population growth in the region. Notably, hundreds of children are returning to their local schools for the first time since October 7, marking an important step in reuniting with their communities and resuming their education.