Israeli Education Ministry Moves to Shut Hamas-Linked School in East Jerusalem

The Israeli Ministry of Education has initiated formal proceedings to revoke the license and halt funding for the "Nur Al-Huda" school in Shuafat, East Jerusalem, due to its affiliation with the terrorist organization Hamas. This administrative action follows an investigation revealing connections between the school and Hamas-linked associations, including the "Jannat Zakat Al-Quds" charity, managed by the school's director Hamza Qaisi, which was previously dissolved by a district court order. The British organization Human Appeal, designated in Israel as a banned Hamas entity, also financed the school's building.

In addition to the terror-related ties, the Ministry uncovered several administrative and pedagogical violations during inspections, such as the use of unapproved textbooks and employment of teachers without proper authorization. Consequently, the Ministry is considering canceling the school's licenses, blocking its budget, and imposing further regulatory measures.

These developments come after Member of Knesset Tzvi Sukkot, chair of the Education, Culture and Sports Committee, demanded scrutiny of funding sources and connections of East Jerusalem educational institutions. Sukkot personally visited the school months ago, confronting its management with evidence of suspected Hamas links. He stated, "I promised that we would not allow the State of Israel to fund Hamas institutions, and I have fulfilled that promise. Today, the Education Ministry, led by my friend Minister Yoav Kish, has begun expedited procedures to block funding and revoke the school's license."

Sukkot emphasized the committee's role in oversight and vowed continued efforts to expose and address any institution connected to terrorist organizations, asserting, "There is no extraterritoriality in the State of Israel, certainly not in the heart of Jerusalem." The Ministry has sent a formal notice to the school about the upcoming hearing before final decisions are made.