On May 8, 2025, Israeli police raided and permanently closed six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, impacting over 800 Palestinian students. The schools, vital for Palestinian education since 1949, were shut down as part of an ongoing conflict during the 77th commemoration of the Nakba. Students, such as fifth-grader Layan Natsheh, expressed fear and confusion following the abrupt closure, as they were forced to leave during class without warning. Many now must seek education in institutions governed by Israeli authorities, which present a significant cultural shift in their educational experience.
"We were in the first period of classes when the principal came and told us to gather our things and go outside, and she said that there would be no more classes because the school was shutting down."
"Teachers had been saying that the school might shut down, and I heard that and was scared that I won't be able to go back."
Collection
[
|
...
]