A controversy erupted at Ohel Shem High School in Ramat Gan after the school’s principal, Israel Viluzhny, decided to suspend a student who had put on tefillin on school property.
The situation, initially reported by Kol Chai radio, intensified when hundreds of students at the well-known institution—home to approximately 1,400 students between the ages of 14 and 18—pooled their resources to buy a set of tefillin, planning to don them during recess.
Orel Malik, one of the students who spearheaded the effort, explained that the tragic events of October 7 inspired many of his peers to reconnect with Jewish traditions, leading to a growing interest in wearing tefillin.
Over the course of two months, students contributed small amounts of money until they had enough to purchase a set. The initiative gained momentum quickly, and soon, there was a steady queue of students eager to put on tefillin between classes.
Despite the enthusiasm among students, the school administration was not supportive. According to the report, one student described how teachers actively took down flyers that promoted the tefillin initiative throughout the school building.
Tensions escalated when a ninth-grader was disciplined for wearing an additional set of tefillin near his classroom. As a result, he was suspended from school.
Video footage captured a heated exchange between students and the school principal, who asserted that tefillin were not permitted on the premises. Following this incident, the student who organized the initiative was also called in for a formal warning.
Responding to the controversy, the Ramat Gan Municipality issued a statement clarifying, “There is no prohibition on wearing tefillin at the Ohel Shem School. Quite the opposite is true: Last year, the school administration approved a student to set up a tefillin stand for widespread use during breaks, out of a desire to allow personal expression for students who are interested in doing so, and in contrast to what is customary in other cities.”
“Ohel Shem High School is committed to the values of pluralism and respecting the freedom of belief of its students – both those who want to wear tefillin and those who do not.
“However, recently, another stand was set up without coordination and approval with the school administration, while ignoring administrators and the authority of the educational staff. As a result, it was decided to remove the stands at this stage until the investigation is complete. After the disciplinary investigation, the stand will be restored.”
Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen weighed in on the matter, stating, “As long as I am the mayor of Ramat Gan, every student can bring tefillin to school and wear tefillin at school.”
He also urged caution in forming conclusions, saying, “The video is partial and from one side. From experience, it’s better not to rush to judgment without hearing both sides. I’m waiting for clarification from the Education Department and then I’ll sort out the matter as long as there’s still a dispute.”
{Matzav.com Israel}