BETHLEHEM, September 10, 2017 (WAFA) – Minister of Education Sabri Saidam Sunday inaugurated the new elementary school in Jeb Al-Theeb village, east of Bethlehem after the Israeli army demolished the previous one, under the pretext of building without a construction license.  

The school was named “Challenge 5” in a bid to express the resilience of its students, who faced the demolition of their school with determination and courage.

Saidam said the inauguration is to challenge Israel’s targeting of a school and ultimately denying its students the education they deserve. “The ministry is adamant to provide quality education to all students in the areas mostly affected by the settlement expansion.”

He condemned Israel’s ongoing targeting of schools and violating international charters that protect human rights, especially right to education.

Walid Assaf, head of the Palestinian Authority’s committee for resisting Israel‘s separation wall and settlements, said he is very proud of the efforts made in partnership with the ministry of education to rebuild the school.

The new school is made of five rooms and is equipped to accommodate 70 students to continue their education as the new school year begins.

M.H