Student Claims School Management Prevented Police Investigation After Attack

A high school student in Kiryat Yam alleges she was violently attacked by another student during a school break on Thursday, with the incident reportedly filmed by onlookers. 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 from entering the school grounds. She and her father filed a police complaint over the weekend. The incident occurred just three days after the start of the academic year. According to 'S', the altercation began in the cafeteria when a dispute with another student escalated, leading to her being physically assaulted, including being grabbed by the hair, kicked, and hit with a phone. She stated that students gathered around, filming and laughing, until a cafeteria worker intervened. Following the attack, 'S' contacted her homeroom teacher, mother, and the emergency services. While on the phone with the police, she was in the principal's office with administrators and teachers who, she claims, insisted she disconnect the call and told her she had no right to call the police. When an officer arrived at the school gate, she alleges the school management told her to hang up, stating the officer would not be allowed in. Subsequently, she and the other student were reportedly placed in a room together in an attempt to mediate a reconciliation. Her father criticized the school's actions, asserting everyone has a basic right to call the police during an assault. A video of the attack has since circulated among students, reportedly under the title 'Beating the Russian'. The student expressed difficulty coping with the thought of returning to school, experiencing distress and sleep disturbances. 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 provided a statement at the station. Details are under review and will only be shared with the complainant.