Ministry of Education Threatens High School Principal Over Anti-IDF Event
The Ministry of Education has threatened the principal of the Herzliya Hebrew High School, Ze’ev Dagani, with the denial of recognition and budgets if he proceeds with holding an event where students will declare their refusal to enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The warning was delivered in a letter by the ministry’s director general, Meir Shimoni.
In his letter, Shimoni urged the school to reconsider holding the event on its premises and to ensure that the event complies with the law. He noted that failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in serious consequences, including the denial of recognition and funding for the educational institution, as well as the denial of employment approval.
In response to the ministry’s threat, the executive committee of the Hebrew Gymnasium convened a meeting and ultimately decided not to proceed with the planned event. However, this decision led to the director of the Degani gymnasium threatening his resignation.
The organizers of the canceled event expressed their disappointment, describing the ministry’s actions as an “anti-democratic attack” aimed at silencing the voices of the youth. They vowed to hold the event as planned, whether inside or outside the school premises, emphasizing that their protest will not be silenced. The organizers thanked Principal Ze’ev Dagani for his unwavering support.
Meanwhile, Matan Pelag, the chairman of the Am Tiras movement, hailed the decision not to hold the event and labeled it a “victory for sanity” and for Zionism. He praised the executive committee for taking a stand against Principal Dagani and stated that refusal to serve in the IDF is a red line that should not be crossed. Pelag also expressed gratitude to citizens who voiced their concerns and demanded the cancellation of the event, highlighting the presence of worthwhile values in Israeli society.
The Ministry of Education’s warning and the subsequent cancellation of the event have sparked debate and raised questions about the freedom of expression and the right to protest. It remains to be seen how this situation will be resolved and what impact it will have on the larger sociopolitical landscape.