Israel Moves to Shut Down East Jerusalem School Linked to Hamas

The Israeli Ministry of Education has initiated proceedings to revoke the license and block funding for the "Nur Al-Huda" school in Shuafat, East Jerusalem. This decision follows an investigation revealing connections between the school and organizations affiliated with Hamas, including ties to the "Lajnat Zakat Al-Quds" association and involvement with Human Appeal, an organization banned in Israel for Hamas links. The ministry also cited administrative violations such as the use of unapproved textbooks and employing unlicensed teachers.

This action comes after an investigative report by "The Jewish Voice" and a campaign led by MK Tzvi Sukkot, chairman of the Knesset Education Committee, who visited the school and called on education and security authorities to scrutinize its funding and affiliations. MK Sukkot welcomed the move, stating, "I said we will not allow the State of Israel to fund Hamas institutions, and I promised to act until the end. Today we see the result."

He emphasized that no Hamas-affiliated institution will operate in Jerusalem and pledged ongoing efforts to identify and legally address any educational institutions linked to terrorist organizations. The Ministry of Education is also considering additional administrative measures against the school.