Teacher Denies Abuse Allegations After Discussing Faith With Students
A teacher in Or Akiva, identified as Mariam Abu Bakr, is facing accusations and incitement following a conversation with her students about her religion. Abu Bakr is scheduled to attend a closed session at the Ministry of Education's office in Haifa.
Abu Bakr vehemently denies the allegations, which include claims of hitting or violently treating students, stating they are "false and baseless." She explained that she teaches English to second and third graders and was also assigned to teach science and civics due to a teacher shortage. The controversy began during a civics class when students asked about her religion and whether she celebrated Christmas. She responded that she is Muslim.
She asserts that subsequent accounts of the conversation do not reflect what actually transpired, emphasizing that the only truth is she was asked about her faith and answered. The situation escalated to her being called a "terrorist" simply for stating she is Muslim, an accusation she finds baseless. The Ministry of Education has summoned her and the school principal to a meeting in Haifa, the details of which remain unclear to Abu Bakr.
Abu Bakr described feeling fearful upon returning to school, noting the presence of a security guard and security measures around her car. She fears personal harm or damage to her property, especially after the circulation of "dangerous" accusations. She has not gone to school pending the outcome of the Haifa meeting and stated she would accept a transfer to another school if offered.
She mentioned receiving some support from colleagues but noted that most clear support has come from the Arab community and media. Abu Bakr contrasted her current experience with a previous three-year teaching stint in South Tel Aviv, where she felt no threat or racism from students, parents, or staff. Her placement in Or Akiva was determined by the Ministry of Education, and she expressed surprise at the circulation of serious accusations without proof, reiterating that claims of threatening or assaulting students are untrue.
