Palestinian school in Jerusalem shut down over terror-inciting curriculum

Authorities are forcing the closure of an elementary school in eastern Jerusalem, funded by Hamas, over its anti-Israel curriculum that incites violence.

By: Ruthie Blum, The Algemeiner

A private school in east Jerusalem is being shut down for incitement, Israel’s Channel 2 reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the curriculum of the Al-Nukhba elementary school — established by Hamas in the Tsur Baher neighborhood — contains extreme anti-Israel teachings. After months of surveillance, the Israeli Education Ministry, the Jerusalem District Police and the Shin Bet internal security agency issued a closure order a few weeks ago.

Though the Supreme Court approved the order and rejected a petition by the Hamas-affiliated and funded company that set up the school — attended by 220 pupils from first through sixth grades — its principal ignored the writ and a complaint was filed with police. The principal was interrogated and released on Thursday, under restrictive conditions, the report said.

As alternative schools for the students have been found, Al-Nukhba’s doors will soon be closed permanently.

Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan defended the closure, stating, “Our sovereignty begins in Jerusalem. We will not allow the entry of terrorist organizations into [the city]. Any incitement and support for terrorism must be forcefully stopped.”