Student Attacks Teacher at Religious School in Hadera; Classes Delayed

An unusual incident of violence occurred at the Morya state religious elementary school in Hadera on Sunday, when a student physically assaulted a teacher, punching and kicking her and threatening her life. In response, the Teachers Union announced that classes at the school would begin an hour later than usual on Monday, at 9:00 AM, with the exception of communication classes which will operate normally. The teacher described the attack to N12, stating that while she was on duty, she saw the student running towards a classroom with stones in his hands and attempted to stop him. The student then hit her, kicked her legs, and punched her in the stomach and hand, while shouting "Die" at her. Other students in the classroom tried to intervene, but the teacher, fearing for their safety, told them to leave and run to the principal. She expressed distress and concern over the incident, questioning the future of the children. The teacher also noted that this was not the first violent incident at the school recently, recalling a similar event before the Sukkot holiday where another teacher was injured and has not yet returned to work. She expressed difficulty with the idea of filing a police complaint against a child. The Teachers Union's Hadera branch chairwoman, Sigalit Yaacobi, called the event "shattering" and unacceptable, questioning how educators can feel threatened at their workplace. She stated the union would provide support to the staff and work to ensure they can return to work feeling secure. Michael Pinto, Deputy Secretary-General of the Teachers Union, described the incident as very serious, lamenting that educators face daily violence and threats, a reality the union will not accept. He assured that the union would protect the affected educators and work to ensure their safety and right to a secure work environment.