Umm al-Fahm Schools to Close in Protest Over Planned Visit by MK Tzvi Sukkot

The local parents' committee and the popular committee in Umm al-Fahm announced a general strike for Sunday, shutting all schools and educational institutions, including special education, in protest against a planned visit by MK Tzvi Sukkot of Otzma Yehudit. The decision followed an emergency meeting held to discuss the expected implications of his visit to schools in the city, where he planned to examine the curriculum.

According to a report by the news site Kol Al-Arab, the committees said claims that schools in the city teach violence are false. In their joint statement, they described the allegations as an unacceptable provocation directed at schools, principals, teachers, students, and city residents.

The committees said Sukkot's planned visit was an attempt to gain political and personal benefit ahead of the Knesset election campaign. They added that entering schools without formal prior coordination and advance approval would be considered a violation of the independence of educational institutions.

They said suspending classes was intended to prevent clashes or dangers that could arise from the visit. The two committees stressed they would not allow schools to become a stage for provocation or incitement, and called on residents to follow the strike so the schools remain safe and free of political provocations.