Dozens of Autistic Children Left Without Suitable Schooling in Jerusalem
As the academic year began, 57 autistic children in Jerusalem found themselves without appropriate educational facilities. Parents were shocked to discover that the designated building for their children, located in the Shuafat area, lacks basic necessities for a school. The facility reportedly suffers from a lack of cleanliness, essential equipment, proper windows, and adequate sanitation facilities.
Parents have expressed deep concern and distress, having sought answers from various authorities, including the Jerusalem Municipality, for three months without clear responses regarding their children's new educational setting. They were only informed of the new location shortly before the school year commenced. Upon inspection, parents described the building as "shocking" and unfit for educational purposes, leading them to refuse to send their children.
The affected children, mostly around six years old, were expected to transition from kindergarten to first grade. Their parents have invested significant effort in their development and are worried about the impact of this educational disruption. The situation is particularly stressful for children with autism, who require stability, routine, and specialized educational environments.
Beyond the building's condition, concerns also exist regarding the readiness of teaching staff, with only a recently appointed director in place. Parents are calling for a safe and suitable educational framework that meets their children's specific needs, warning of significant educational and psychological setbacks if the issue is not resolved promptly.
Authorities reportedly proposed a recreational week for the children as a temporary measure, but parents have rejected this, insisting on a proper educational solution. They are considering escalating their protests, including a potential large-scale sit-in, and are demanding the temporary placement of children in existing, qualified educational institutions until the new facility is properly prepared. The ongoing crisis forces parents into difficult choices, including leaving children at home without education or sending them to an environment they deem unsafe and inadequate.
