Umm al-Fahm Schools Shut Down After MK Tzvi Sukkot Plans Controversial Visit

The local parents' committee and public committee in Umm al-Fahm announced a citywide school strike for Sunday in response to Knesset Member Tzvi Sukkot's declared intention to visit educational institutions there. Sukkot said he planned to enter schools to "inspect curricula," prompting the shutdown of all schools in the city for one day. The committees condemned the visit as a "clear and unacceptable provocation" and accused Sukkot of attempting to exploit the schools for political and electoral propaganda. They emphasized that entry to schools requires prior coordination and official approvals, and called the planned visit a violation of the sanctity and independence of educational institutions. The committees expressed pride in the local education system and urged parents to respect the strike to ensure children's safety and maintain a politically neutral learning environment.

In response, MK Tzvi Sukkot criticized the city for welcoming Raed Salah, whom he called a "major inciter to terror," and shutting down schools to prevent his oversight. He questioned what the city was trying to hide and argued that a lawful education system with no incitement should not fear inspection. Sukkot insisted on the necessity of reviewing school materials to ensure Israeli children are not exposed to incitement, hatred, or support for terrorism, stating that education should promote coexistence rather than violence or incitement.