Parents Threaten School Boycott Over Murder Suspect's Return

Parents in Petah Tikva are threatening to boycott the upcoming school year, set to begin September 1st, after learning that one of the suspects in the murder of Yemenu Zalka is slated to attend a local high school. Another teen accused in the same case is expected to enroll in a different school within the city. The news of the suspect's reintegration into the education system emerged late Tuesday from a social media post memorializing Zalka, who was fatally attacked on Independence Day after reportedly confronting youths who sprayed him with aerosol. The post called on the school principal to take responsibility and demanded an immediate answer from hundreds of parents regarding the suspect's enrollment.

Parents have contacted Mayor Rami Greenberg, expressing their refusal to send their children to school if the suspect attends. Greenberg reportedly explained that once a court releases a minor, he cannot prevent them from entering the education system. However, some parents claim the mayor indicated a willingness to address the issue and noted the suspect would not be attending in the initial days. This response has further agitated some parents, who feel the mayor's comments are insufficient.

One parent, Anar Daskalu, whose son is entering tenth grade, is leading efforts to prevent the suspect's admission, stating, "We are not prepared for this, neither ethically nor morally. This is someone who was involved, and I don't know his level of involvement, morally unfit to integrate him with normal children." He is scheduled to represent parents at a meeting with the school's parent-teacher association to discuss next steps, emphasizing that their children's safety is paramount and they will not send them to school if their concerns are not adequately addressed.

The Petah Tikva municipality acknowledged the situation but stated the decision on returning to school is not within their purview. A senior municipal official described the issue as legally and educationally complex, requiring more than a unilateral or immediate decision. The suspect has not yet been convicted, and the presumption of innocence applies, alongside a legal obligation to provide an educational framework. The municipality is working with the Ministry of Education, which has the authority in this matter, to find an alternative placement for the student while adhering to legal requirements and ensuring the safety and security of all students.

Another parent, R., whose son would be in the same grade as the suspect, expressed shock at learning the news indirectly and concern that her son had previously sought to change classes to avoid being with the accused. T., another mother, cited rising youth violence in the city, including a recent attack on her son's friend, as a reason for her fear. She questioned the school's capacity to handle such a student and insisted that alternative, specialized programs should be utilized for students with such backgrounds, stating, "Why should my son have to go to school in fear?" Both parents vowed not to send their children to school if the suspect is admitted.

The municipality reiterated its stance that anyone involved in Zalka's murder will not return to the school and that the matter is being handled with the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education confirmed the case is complex and sensitive, involving law enforcement. It stated that once authorities determined the student should return to the education system, the ministry is legally obligated to provide an educational framework, which will include professional support and coordination with local authorities. Due to privacy concerns for minors, no further details were provided.