Umm al-Fahm Schools Shut Down in Protest Against MK Tzvi Sukkot's Planned Visit

All educational institutions in Umm al-Fahm were closed on Sunday in protest against a planned visit by the Knesset Education Committee, led by MK Tzvi Sukkot. The local leadership accused Sukkot of staging a political provocation, while Sukkot argued that the strike underscores the need for oversight of school curricula. The decision to close schools was made by the local parents' committee and the popular committee, aiming to prevent friction, protect students and staff, and shield the education system from incitement.

The municipal bodies described Sukkot's visit as an unacceptable provocation intended to exploit schools for election propaganda and personal politics. They rejected allegations that the city's schools promote violence as false and unreasonable. Dr. Youssef Jabareen, head of the Hadash party list and a resident of Umm al-Fahm, joined the criticism, accusing Sukkot of spreading incitement and racism inspired by Meir Kahane's ideology. Jabareen emphasized that Umm al-Fahm is a place for coexistence, not hatred.

In response, MK Tzvi Sukkot condemned the strike sharply, accusing the city of honoring a major terror inciter, Raed Salah, while shutting down schools to avoid his committee's supervision. He questioned what the city was trying to hide and insisted that a lawful education system with no incitement should welcome oversight. Sukkot maintained that the strike only reinforces the necessity to inspect school materials to ensure children are not exposed to hate or terrorism support. He concluded that education must promote shared life and reject violence and incitement.