After strike threat: Defendants in the murder case of Yamno Zalka will not return to schools
The parents' struggle succeeded: just moments before the return to school, the Petah Tikva municipality announced that the defendants in the shocking murder case will not return to the city's high schools, but rather an "alternative framework" will be found for them. One of the protest leaders: "There is a value-based and moral statement here."
Following a public outcry, the two students accused in the murder case of Yamno Zalka on the eve of the last Independence Day will not return to study at schools in Petah Tikva. This was announced on Monday morning by the municipality, following a struggle by parents who threatened not to send their children to school after it became clear that one of the defendants was expected to return.
In an official statement, the municipality wrote:
"The Petah Tikva municipality has been working in recent times with the Ministry of Education and relevant professional bodies regarding the students who were at the center of the serious events. After examining the issue and in coordination with authorized bodies, the students in question will not return to study in the schools in the coming school year. Alternative and suitable educational frameworks will be found for them. The municipality places supreme importance on maintaining the well-being, security, and sense of safety of all students."
Aner Daskalo, one of the protest leaders, welcomed the decision:
"I want to thank the school administration, the parent leadership, and Mayor Rami Greenberg, who acted from the first moment to prevent a risk to our children's safety. There is also a sharp and clear value-based and moral statement here that the place of such children is not among normative children in regular institutions. It is important that citizens have the power to change things and prevent such injustices. This is the place to send reinforcements to the Zalka family."
Previously, parents of students at a well-known high school in the city threatened not to send their children to school, stating that their children would not be "hostages." The Ministry of Education stated that this is a "complex and sensitive case" being examined by all professional bodies, including law enforcement, adding that the ministry is committed to ensuring an educational framework for every student, accompanied by professional support and coordination with local authorities.
