Bat Yam Student Assaulted Over Political Views as School Faces Backlash

A violent incident erupted at the Milton School in Bat Yam following a political dispute between students, raising serious questions about school supervision and institutional handling of bullying.

The altercation began inside a classroom when a student told his peers, "I am only Bibi." In response, a female classmate verbally attacked him, shouting a derogatory political slur. According to the boy's mother, the confrontation escalated during recess when the girl approached him, declared that they would "settle this in a fight," and physically assaulted him. The victim reportedly tried to avoid a physical confrontation and begged her to stop, but the attack continued unabated.

Family members stated that the violence lasted for approximately five long minutes in the middle of the school courtyard without any supervisory staff present. Instead of intervening, a crowd of students gathered around the pair, encouraging the attacker, cheering, and filming the incident on mobile phones. No one came to the victim's assistance until another student happened to notice the commotion and pulled the attacker away.

Following the incident, school management failed to notify the parents, forcing the boy to call them himself. In a controversial decision, the administration suspended both the attacker and the victim for one day, claiming it was impossible to determine who started the fight. When the mother asked to review security camera footage to prove her son's innocence, her request was denied under the pretext that footage can only be released via a court order. The mother ultimately obtained video evidence independently from an outside student.

Despite the emergence of video proof, the school administration and local authorities drew heavy criticism for perceived administrative apathy. The municipal education department and the Ministry of Education inspector offered little assistance, initially attempting to downplay the incident. Facing severe psychological distress, anxiety attacks, and a refusal by her son to return to school, the mother filed an official police complaint, prompting the school to finally acknowledge the severity of the situation and promise a protection plan.