Student Claims School Management Prevented Police Investigation After Assault

A high school student in Kiryat Yam alleges she was violently assaulted by another student during a school break on Thursday, with the incident reportedly filmed by classmates. The student, identified as 'S', claims that after she called the police for help, school staff demanded she end the call and prevented an officer who arrived at the school gate from entering the premises. She and her father filed a police complaint over the weekend.

The alleged assault occurred just three days after the start of the academic year. According to the student, the altercation began during a break in the cafeteria when a dispute with another student escalated. She described being grabbed by the hand, pulled by the hair, kicked in the stomach, and hit with a phone. The incident was reportedly surrounded by students, some of whom filmed it and laughed.

School staff intervened and separated the students. However, the student claims the school administration then pressured her to disconnect her call with the police, stating she had no right to involve them. She further alleges that when an officer arrived at the school, administrators told her to hang up, stating the officer would not be allowed onto school grounds. The school then reportedly attempted to mediate a reconciliation between the two students.

The student's father criticized the school's actions, emphasizing the right of any citizen to call the police in cases of violence. The student expressed distress over returning to school, fearing the reactions of classmates who had seen the video, which she said was circulated with the title 'Beating the Russian'.

The Ministry of Education called the incident 'serious and unusual' and stated it is being closely managed by school administration and ministry officials, who will examine the event and its handling. The police confirmed an investigation has been opened, an officer spoke with the complainant at the school, and she later gave a statement at the station. Details are under review and will only be shared with the complainant.