Israeli Education Ministry Must Condemn Racist Assault by Israeli Jewish Students on Arab Students and Issue an Immediate Protection Plan

02/03/2026

Adalah, the Follow-Up Committee on Arab Education, and the National Committee of Arab Parents in Israel demand the publication of a clear, official position and the immediate approval of a national action plan following the severe racist attack by Israeli Jewish students against Arab students and teachers from the Ibn Khaldun School in Sakhnin.

Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, the Follow-Up Committee on Arab Education, and the National Committee of Arab Parents in Israel sent an urgent letter to the Director General of the Ministry of Education, Meir Shimoni demanding the publication of a clear and official position condemning the attacks, as well as the immediate approval of a national action plan, following the severe racist attack by Israeli Jewish students against Arab students and teachers from the Ibn Khaldun School in Sakhnin during a school field trip on 4 February 2026.

CLICK HERE to read the letter [Hebrew]

The attack occurred during an educational field trip to Ein Shokek Park, near Beit She’an. While walking along a trail near the city of Afula, the Arab students and teachers were subjected to a racist assault by Israeli Jewish students, which included physical violence and the spraying of pepper spray. As a result of the incident, 14 Arab students and educators were injured, some of whom required evacuation and medical treatment.

The three organizations stressed in their letter that this incident should not be seen as an "isolated instance" or a spontaneous brawl. The groups characterized it as a clear racist attack against the backdrop of a troubling escalation in incitement and hostility toward Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI). The organizations cautioned that ongoing silence from official channels sends a dangerous message, increases students’ sense of insecurity, and erodes their trust in the institutions entrusted with their protection.

Furthermore, the letter noted that the Ministry of Education’s failure to issue a clear position and an unequivocal condemnation of the attack violates several fundamental rights—primarily the right to dignity, personal security, and education in a safe environment. It emphasized that ensuring an educational setting free from violence—both inside and outside school grounds—is not a privilege but a direct legal obligation of the Ministry of Education, as the authority responsible for the safety of students and educational staff and the protection of their rights.

The organizations thus demand that the Ministry of Education:

Issue an immediate and official statement condemning the attack.
Announce clear measures to ensure that the attackers are held accountable and to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Provide immediate psychological and legal assistance to the Arab students and educational staff.
Formulate a comprehensive action plan to protect Arab students from violence and racism and to ensure their safety during educational activities and field trips.

The letter further stressed that this case serves as a "test case" for the Ministry of Education’s commitment to its stated values. The responsibility for protecting student rights and ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment lies directly and solely with the Ministry; accordingly, it must act promptly, clearly, and without delay.