Suspicion: School principal married off her minor daughters in Yavne'el - and continues to work

These days, a school principal in Yavne'el continues to fulfill her role as usual, despite being summoned to a hearing at the Ministry of Education following suspicion that she married off her daughters while they were minors. The case, which sparked public outrage and sharp criticism from various parties, made headlines again after footage emerged that allegedly shows the wedding of the principal's minor daughter.

Members of the community in Yavne'el note that this is the second wedding the principal has organized for her daughters before they reached the age of majority. An inquiry by the news desk revealed that following the findings, the principal was indeed summoned to a hearing at the Ministry of Education, but no practical sanctions have been taken against her yet. This hearing was preceded by another inquiry process in the Shas network, as the principal heads one of the movement's educational institutions.

Quotes from the hearing process indicate that the principal completely rejects the claims attributed to her, arguing that these are traditional customs of the Yemenite community:

"For several years, they have been trying to harm me and have been making false claims against me," the principal said.

According to her, a complaint was previously filed against her with the Ministry of Education regarding her performance, which, after a comprehensive investigation, turned out to be a fabrication. Regarding the current incident, the principal claimed:

"In this case, too, it is a matter of persecution, and I have not committed any offense. My daughter did not enter into a marriage covenant, and it was only a henna event. In the Yemenite community, there are three stages: henna, engagement, and the marriage ceremony. We did not reach the marriage stage, and my daughter will not marry before she reaches the age of 18."

Despite the denials, public pressure continues. Following the case, and after repeated appeals by Knesset member Merav Cohen, the head of the Yavne'el council appealed to the Ministry of Education and the Shas network with a demand to handle the issue.

In the police, on the other hand, they point to enforcement difficulties. A police source noted that the police are aware of the weddings held in the area and are trying to act in the places where they take place. However, according to him, "the chuppah, which is the main evidence for the commission of the offense, takes place in hiding places and not at public and ostentatious events." The same source emphasized that even when partial material is located, such as correspondence or circumstantial evidence of a romantic relationship, it is not enough from the state's point of view to establish a sufficient evidentiary basis for filing an indictment without unequivocal proof of the existence of the marriage ceremony itself.

Chairwoman of the Committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women, Knesset member Merav Cohen, responded:

"We will not let up until girls in Yavne'el are protected. Adults are pimping children for reasons of extreme ideology, and the state is closing its eyes and passing the buck. A public official suspected of such a serious offense, certainly in an educational position, should be suspended from her position until the matter is clarified. This should be taken for granted. The safety of children and teenagers should be at the top of the state's priorities. Things will not continue to be managed as they were in this story. I have taken this on as a project, and I will see to it personally."

The Ministry of Education responded: "Upon learning of the matter, the ministry contacted the owner employing the employee, who conducted an inquiry process with her. The issue is currently under review by the Ministry of Education, and in accordance with the findings and the powers granted to the ministry by law, the ministry will act as required."