Outrage in Ramat Gan: Student Suspended for Laying Tefillin at School
A shocking controversy has erupted at Ohel Shem High School in Ramat Gan, where a student was suspended simply for laying tefillin on school grounds. The principal, took disciplinary action against the student, sparking widespread backlash from students, parents, and public figures alike • Read More
The story, first reported by Kol Chai radio, has gripped the nation, as hundreds of students at the prestigious institution—home to approximately 1,400 students aged 14-18—rallied together to defend their right to religious expression in the holy land. In a heartwarming show of unity, they pooled their own money over the past two months to purchase a pair of tefillin, allowing more students to take part in the sacred Mitzvah during recess.
According to Orel Malik, one of the students who led the initiative, the horrors of the October 7th massacre ignited a spiritual awakening among his peers. “We felt a deep need to reconnect with our Jewish roots,” he explained. “Laying tefillin became a source of strength and identity for us.”
What began as a peaceful and meaningful project quickly turned into a battle for religious freedom in our very own land. Reports indicate that teachers actively tried to suppress the movement, tearing down posters advertising the tefillin initiative. But the students refused to back down. The situation escalated when a ninth-grade student set up an additional tefillin station outside his classroom—only to be met with immediate suspension by the principal.
Shocking footage of the confrontation shows the principal arguing with students, claiming that laying tefillin is forbidden on school grounds. The school’s crackdown on Jewish observance has left many outraged. “It’s absolutely unthinkable that in the Jewish land, a student would be punished for doing a mitzvah,” said one distraught parent.
Public Outcry and City Response
The backlash has been swift and fierce. Following widespread criticism, the Ramat Gan Municipality issued a statement trying to downplay the incident:
“There is no prohibition against laying tefillin at Ohel Shem High School. In fact, last year, the school approved a designated tefillin station for students who wished to participate. However, an additional station was recently set up without coordination, leading to its temporary removal until the situation is reviewed.”
Yet many see this as an attempt to justify an indefensible decision. Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen was forced to clarify his stance, stating:
“As long as I am mayor of Ramat Gan, every student will have the right to bring tefillin to school and lay them on school premises.”
But for the students, this assurance comes too late. The damage has already been done. “We just wanted to do something meaningful,” said one student. “Instead, we were treated like criminals for practicing our faith.”
Political Figures Weigh In
Prominent voices across the country have condemned the school’s actions. Otzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben Gvir didn’t mince words:
“The Jewish state, 2025—and a student is suspended just for laying tefillin?! This is madness! Instead of fostering Jewish pride, the school is persecuting students for keeping mitzvot.
“This is the same school where the principal openly pushes political agendas, and no one says a word. But when students want to lay tefillin, suddenly there’s a problem? I am calling on Education Minister Yoav Kisch to intervene immediately and put an end to this outrageous discrimination against Jewish students in their own homeland!”
The Fight for Jewish Identity Continues
As the controversy rages on, students at Ohel Shem High School remain strong. “We won’t stop,” one student declared. “This isn’t just about tefillin—it’s about standing up for who we are.”
412
Join ChabadInfo's News Roundup and alerts for the HOTTEST Chabad news and updates!
Related Posts:
Most Popular
New Videos
Editor's Picks
Just speechless, during such war time when Torah and Mitzvahs should be encouraged more than ever, to have people in positions of authority to go against this is just unfathomable. It’s almost like treason it’s so irresponsible and incomprehensible. What’s will it take to straighten this out, what the heck is wrong with them!
Absolutely schocking!