Russian Education Not Abuse, Says Israeli-Russian Community Leader
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Leah Aharoni, CEO of the Our People association, rejected claims linking alleged child abuse at an Ariel daycare to Soviet educational methods. She stated that Russian education is demanding and disciplined but not violent, emphasizing children's emotional health. Aharoni noted that Russian parents often prioritize academic achievement over immediate happiness, a contrast to Israeli parents. She suggested the Israeli system could benefit from more discipline and higher expectations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Leah Aharoni stated alleged abuse at an Ariel daycare is not representative of Russian education.
- She described Russian education as demanding and disciplined, but not violent.
- Aharoni contrasted Russian parental focus on achievement with Israeli focus on happiness.
- She believes the Israeli education system could learn from Russian discipline and expectations.
- The allegations at the Ariel daycare are still under investigation.
Leah Aharoni, CEO of the Our People association, which aids Russian-speaking immigrant children, has refuted claims that alleged abuse at a daycare in Ariel is indicative of Russian or Soviet educational methods. Aharoni, who grew up in Soviet Russia and raised seven children in Israel, stated that while Russian education demands more from children and emphasizes discipline and academic achievement, it does not involve violence. "The emotional world and mental health of the child are above all else," she asserted. She clarified that her comments are based solely on media reports and that the allegations are still under investigation. However, she emphasized that practices like suffocating children or placing them in dark corners are not part of Soviet or modern Russian education. "This is not Soviet education. I remember myself going to kindergarten in Soviet Russia and no one suffocated us," Aharoni said. She explained that Russian educational settings in Israel often involve longer hours and stricter discipline, which appeals to parents prioritizing future success and achievements for their children, contrasting with a perceived Israeli focus on a child's happiness. Aharoni acknowledged that Russian education may offer less room for emotional development but reiterated that abuse is not a feature of the system. She believes the Israeli education system could learn from the Russian approach by demanding more from students and incorporating greater discipline and academic achievement, while still prioritizing children's emotional well-being.