Third-grader Or Itach from the Chabad-Lubavitch-run public school in the southern Jezreel Valley community of Taanach, Israel, won first place in a regional story writing competition that drew hundreds of participants across the territory of the Regional Council of Gilboa.

Itach, who lives in nearby Gan Ner, won a gift certificate to the Steimatsky chain of booksellers for her story about making aliyah.

“She’s a good student,” said school principal Rochel Keel, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Gan Ner. “Writing is her strength.” …