2,000 Israeli School Principals Halt Cooperation with Education Ministry Over Crisis

Approximately 2,000 school principals across Israel, members of the "Leaders" organization, have announced a boycott of the Education Ministry just before the new school year begins. This decision follows an unanswered appeal to Education Minister Yoav Kish. The principals are refusing to participate in the ministry's opening year conferences and have initiated digital sanctions, including stopping data transfers and interface synchronization with the ministry until further notice.

The principals cite numerous challenges creating an untenable situation, such as severe staff shortages forcing some to act as class teachers without proper compensation, changes in scheduling systems following agreements with the teachers' union, and inadequate support for small classes, education centers, and at-risk youth programs. Abigail Samin, co-chair of the "Leaders" organization, emphasized that the ministry is mistaken if it expects principals to remain silent and operate as usual. She stated, "2,000 school principals are clearly saying: patience is over. We are stopping cooperation until real responsibility and solutions are provided."

Samin added that the principals are determined to continue their struggle, refusing to allow the education system to collapse while principals bear the brunt. She stressed unity among principals and vowed to maintain pressure until genuine change occurs.