Eilat parents protest integration of migrant kids
Some 300 students fail to show up to school after city places 30 migrant kids in four Eilat schools in accordance with High Court ruling
Some 300 children, half of the students at Eilat's Hayovel School, did not show up for school on Sunday after the city implemented the High Court of Justice's ruling and allowed migrants' children to attend local schools. Studies at Eilat's other schools went ahead as usual.
Last week, Eilat's education department announced the placement of 30 migrant kids at four of the city's schools. Under the agreement, the kids are to be placed in special classes meant to help them overcome education gaps.
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Parents of students attending the Hayovel School have been leading the protest against the move. The school's Parents Teacher Association (PTA) collected 300 signatures for a petition calling not to implement the court's decision and held a protest. Many parents said they will not be sending their kids to school on Monday as well.
Meanwhile, students at the other schools showed up for class as usual. Guy Meller, chairman of Mitzpe Yam School's PTA opposed the integration of migrants kids but decided not to fight it.
On Friday, members of the PTA met with Eilat's education chief and the school supervisor and discussed the school's resources and health concerns. They were assured that all of the migrants' kids have been vaccinated. The PTA then issued a statement saying that it will respect any decision made by the education department.
The Eilat Municipality said in response, "In accordance with the High Court's ruling of August 27, 30 students have been integrated at four schools. The Education Ministry has allocated separate educational staff and other resources will be earmarked upon demand."
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