Muslim Parents Distressed Over Pro-Palestinian Politics at Birmingham’s Primary School

Concerned parents of Muslim children at King David Primary School in Birmingham have expressed their discomfort and fears over their children being exposed to the school’s ‘Zionist ethos’ and its plan to commemorate the forthcoming Ha’Atzmaut celebration on Tuesday, May 14 – the date when Israel was born as a state. This Jewish educational institution in a predominantly Islamic neighbourhood celebrates Israel’s Independence Day once a year in recognition of David Ben-Gurion declaring the 14th day of May in 1948 as the Israeli Declaration of Independence.

This year’s celebration of the Israeli national holiday at the school, namely Ha’atzmaut, as well as the similar event which was organised to honour the Holocaust victims, has caused strong resentment among Muslim parents and further aggravated the already strained relations with the community since October.

 Mum, Poli Begum, told 5Pillar that the family also found the news very disturbing and that it hit home, given the situation in Gaza. ‘It was heart-rending’ – she remembers. This is how King David School puts politics dead centre, disregardful of the mental health of our children. David’s family having family members victimised by the wrongs in Gaza gives an Israel Day celebration a taste of shame.

Begum highlighted that parents want no politics and protection for their children during education. ‘It is a pity that our children are no longer educated in a safe environment – we feel insecure, and our right to speak is threatened. King David turned into a political school, and we see heads of kindergarten being driven in fashionable cars like limousines. ‘I don’t think it is appropriate to celebrate such a politicised event, and the headteacher is adamant that King David is not a place where political issues are debated’.

Another parent, Shamaila Kauser, complained about the new quality of children’s upbringing and decided to exclude her child from this school. Therefore, I have been an orthodox parent who appreciated the school’s orthodox Jewish values. Later, the school opted to become ‘Zionist’ and ignored parental concerns. King David does not seem to matter about our kids anymore – neither their perceptions nor worries about the violence in Gaza.

Recently, King David issued a newsletter to parents about the plan for the celebration, letting the children know to wear blue and white clothes and eat birthday cake.

The school has raised funds for various Jewish charities in previous years, including Ohel Sarah UK. However, numerous parents have expressed concerns about a charity being linked to IDF soldiers, so the school has decided to collect funds for Yad Vashem instead.

There has been a growing tension between Muslim parents and the school, which has resulted in a series of emails sent to the school head teacher and governors. Parents have remarked that they newly discovered the school’s Zionist nature and felt ‘hoodwinked’ about it.

Mrs. Cohen defined Zionism as’ a worldwide Jewish movement that created the state of Israel. ’ Parents then expressed doubts that both terms had a militant connotation, adding to the already strained Middle East tensions.

King David Primary School was opened in 1843 by the Birmingham Hebrew Congregation and later converted to an orthodox Jewish Voluntary-Aided Primary School. Although it has its origins in Jewish culture, the school currently has a Muslim majority, as most enrolments in 2018 were from Muslims.

The overall tension is increasing by the day in Gaza after the number of people killed reached 34704 and 78514 injured, mainly women and children, as of October 7.