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Israeli Parents' Complaints of Antisemitism at Private School – Report by the Commissioner for Administration

Published March 9, 2026, 17:16
Israeli Parents' Complaints of Antisemitism at Private School – Report by the Commissioner for Administration

The Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights, Maria Lottidi, investigated complaints from Israeli parents regarding antisemitism at a private school. The investigation concerned comments and actions by a teacher that, according to the parents, targeted their children based on religion and national origin, creating a hostile environment. The parents reported the posting of a Holocaust poster in a way that diminished the event, as well as the identification of a student based on her religious affiliation rather than her nationality. The Commissioner's report found that the teacher did not commit criminal offenses, as no intent to incite violence or hatred was proven. However, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of selecting and presenting events such as the Holocaust in the educational environment, as these are historical events that should not be questioned. The Commissioner referred to a relevant decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The Commissioner stressed the teacher's responsibility to promote truth and human rights, especially in a world characterized by conflict. The report states that the school acknowledges some of the teacher's statements or actions, but argues that they were not made with malicious intent. Overall, the report does not establish criminal liability for the teacher, but highlights the need for caution and sensitivity in addressing historical events and issues related to religious and national minorities in the educational environment.