Teachers Strike at Kiryat Ata School Amid Clash Over Alleged Bullying
Fifteen teachers at a Kiryat Ata elementary school went on sick leave following a violent incident and severe tensions between parents and the administration, prompting intervention from the Education Ministry.
A crisis has erupted at the Givat Alonim elementary school in Kiryat Ata after 15 teachers failed to show up for work following a violent incident in the schoolyard and subsequent tensions between parents and the administration.
The school principal, Michal Ben David, addressed the parents in a written statement, explaining that the teachers' absence stemmed from feelings of insecurity and a lack of protection. According to her, the staff has been subjected to abusive behavior and disrespect. However, the parents present a completely different narrative, accusing the administration of attempting to cover up a severe incident in which a second-grade pupil was allegedly choked by peers.
According to the parents' account, the young boy was playing during recess when a group of children sat on him and choked him, leaving him with a bloody nose and nearly fainting. They claim no supervising adult or duty teacher was present. After a teacher eventually intervened and calmed the boy down, the parents assert that the matter was swept under the rug. Later in class, the boy complained of feeling unwell and was sent to the office, where the principal allegedly instructed him not to call his mother and sent him back to class.
Tensions escalated when the mother arrived at the school demanding answers after learning about the incident from an after-school program coordinator. Following a heated exchange, the principal and vice principal called the police, claiming the mother had assaulted them. Consequently, the vice principal was summoned for police questioning based on a complaint filed by the mother, while 15 teachers called in sick in a display of solidarity with the management.
The Education Ministry stated that any manifestation of violence against educational staff represents a crossing of a bright red line and will be met with decisive action. District supervision, psychological services, and the Kiryat Ata municipality are closely accompanying the school to restore a proper learning routine.
