Tense situation in German schools. Riots and civil commotion
6:43 AM EDT, October 21, 2023
Dangerous incidents occurring in German schools are causing teachers to fear for their safety. In the schoolyard, a 15-year-old student kicked and knocked a 61-year-old teacher to the ground; the conflict was about the Palestinian flag - reports the "Bild" newspaper portal.
Schools in five districts of Berlin: Neukoelln, Kreuzberg, Mitte, Spandau, and Schoeneberg, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of security personnel.
Security guards have already begun their duties at a middle school located on Sonnenallee in the Neukoelln district, where in recent days there have been the most intense anti-Israeli riots. It was at this school that a disturbance related to the hoisting of a Palestinian flag occurred. A 15-year-old student attacked a teacher, kicking him brutally and knocking him down.
"Extremely tense" situation in Berlin schools
Katharina Guenther-Wuensch, the Berlin senator responsible for education, admitted that the situation in schools in the German capital is "extremely tense".
- We are receiving distressing news from school principals and educators. They describe various incidents - from graffiti, through calls and shouts, to specific threats directed by students and their parents towards educators - explained the senator.
In relation to this, teachers are increasingly deciding to take sick leave - as reported by "Bild." Working in schools is becoming more and more stressful, especially after Hamas's attack on Israel. Two bomb threats appeared in schools in the Kreuzberg district, which forced the evacuation of buildings.
Guenther-Wuensch pointed out that people from the outside pose significant problems for schools. - Sometimes these people, who have no connection with the school, try to get into the buildings or wait outside to directly agitate students or distribute flyers to them - informed the senator.
Until now, the districts of Pankow, Treptow-Koepenick, and Lichtenberg in Berlin have been peaceful - noted "Bild".