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

The Israeli Ministry of Education has officially initiated proceedings to revoke the license and block funding for the "Nur Al-Huda" school in Shuafat, East Jerusalem, amid allegations of ties to Hamas. This decision follows a comprehensive investigation revealing serious findings, including connections between the school’s management and organizations affiliated with Hamas. Among these is the "Jannat Zakat Al-Quds" association, led by Hamza Qaisi, a senior figure managing the school, which was previously disbanded by a district court due to its Hamas links. The British organization Human Appeal, designated in Israel as a banned Hamas entity, also reportedly funded the school’s building.

The Ministry’s inquiry uncovered multiple regulatory violations, such as the use of unapproved textbooks and employment of teachers without proper permits. The Ministry is considering further administrative and regulatory actions beyond license cancellation and budget blocking. This move follows an extensive investigation by the Kol HaYehudi website and persistent efforts by MK Tzvi Sukkot, chairman of the Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee, who has been actively combating incitement and violence in Arab-sector education and has faced threats for his work.

MK Sukkot demanded security and education authorities scrutinize funding and connections of East Jerusalem educational institutions. He personally visited the school months ago, confronting its principal with evidence of alleged Hamas ties. Sukkot stated, "I said we will not allow the State of Israel to fund Hamas institutions, and I promised to act decisively. Today, we see the result: the Ministry of Education, led by my friend Minister Yoav Kish, has begun a swift process to block funding and revoke the school’s license."

He emphasized the committee’s role in oversight and vowed to continue exposing and addressing any educational institutions linked to terrorist organizations, asserting, "There is no extraterritoriality in Israel, especially not in the heart of Jerusalem."