Arab media backlash over Tzvi Sukkot’s visit to Shuafat school

Chairman of the Knesset Education Committee, MK Tzvi Sukkot, visited the Nur al-Huda school in Shuafat, where alleged ties between the school’s management and Hamas-linked figures and organizations designated as terrorist groups were examined. The visit drew wide coverage and sharp criticism across Arab media and social networks, with some outlets describing it as a “storming” of the school.

The report said Arab media linked the Shuafat tour to an earlier visit Sukkot made to a school in Tuba-Zangariyye, which also prompted reactions in the Arab press. That earlier visit was met with local protests, heavy security, disorder and threats, which Sukkot said had also appeared online.

Sukkot has been holding tours during the past month in Arab education institutions, saying the purpose is to examine anti-violence programs and cooperation with police and state authorities. The newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed quoted fears in Shuafat that the visit could lead to the closure of “Palestinian education” in Jerusalem, especially amid the closure of UNRWA centers in East Jerusalem.

In response, Sukkot said, “Threats will not deter me, the series of visits and discussions I am holding on what is happening in the Arab education system is critical for the future of the State of Israel.” He added that it is necessary to ensure that the Arab education system also fights crime and promotes recognition of the State of Israel.