Bnei Brak teacher admitted hitting pupils, then returned after one-day suspension

A teacher at the Torah Emet Talmud Torah in Bnei Brak admitted that he hit two fifth-grade boys, yet was suspended for only one day and then returned to teaching as usual. The report was broadcast Tuesday morning by Galei Tzahal reporter Mordechai Halperin.

According to the account, the teacher told school officials in separate conversations that the pupils had been disrespectful and that, in his words, “they needed to be taught a lesson.” After the incident, the school held a review meeting with the administration and decided on the brief suspension.

The principal told Galei Tzahal that last week the school had considered a longer suspension, but ultimately settled on the shorter punishment, after which the teacher resumed his regular duties. “This will not happen again,” he said, adding that the act was “really an exceptional deed that should not be done here.”

He said the teacher tried to justify himself, but was told “there is a limit to everything.” The principal added that he made clear such cases would not be repeated and said he would consider whether to continue the teacher’s employment in the next school year.