Umm el-Fahm schools close in protest of MK Zvi Sukkot visit

Educational institutions across the Arab city of Umm el-Fahm held a strike on Sunday to protest the visit of MK Zvi Sukkot, chair of the Knesset Education Committee. Sukkot's stated purpose was to examine the city's educational programs.

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a clear and unacceptable provocation

Locals described Sukkot's visit as "a clear and unacceptable provocation" and an attempt to use educational institutions for political gain and election propaganda. Sukkot, in turn, claimed that "declared terrorist organizations" lecture in the city's schools. He held an Israeli flag and a poster of Raed Salah, former mayor and leader of the banned northern branch of the Islamic Movement, stating he came to inspect the education system and warning that state funding could be withheld if certain conditions were not met.

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declared terrorist organizations' lecturing in Umm el-Fahm schools

The city's committees refuted claims of teaching violence, calling them "false and inconceivable accusations." They stated the school closures were intended to prevent friction, ensure student and staff security, and protect the system from incitement. New Hadash party leader Yousef Jabareen criticized Sukkot, calling him an "inciting and racist hilltop youth" and accusing him of coming to provoke rather than learn. Sukkot rejected these criticisms, arguing that the city's reaction demonstrated a need for oversight and that schools should not fear criticism if they operate lawfully and without incitement.

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I am not your enemy. I am the chairman of the Knesset Education Committee and I came to inspect the education system. There is no Israeli flag on the main building as required by law, only three schools allow the Israel Police to enter citizenship classes and admit people like Raed Salah. If they continue, then we will make sure that not a single shekel of state money enters the schools here.