The Sharp Rise in Violence — and the Need for a Deep Educational Response

The rise in violence across Israeli society is one of the troubling consequences of the ongoing war. According to recent data, incidents of domestic violence, street violence, and school-based aggression have sharply increased in recent months. Violance against bus drivers, violance in football games and violance in schools are occuring more frequently in the past months and leaves Israeli society overwhelmed. But it seems that violence within Arab society has reached alarming levels, with over 100 people murdered since the beginning of 2025. This shows a dramatic rise as the number of victims throughout 2024 was 70.

Many professionals, including former police officials and social researchers, have pointed to the urgent need for a broad, coordinated effort across government ministries to address this crisis holistically, rather than as a matter confined to one sector or community. This also has to do with the growing number of returned soldiers who report on PTSD which affects on their families and social circles as well.

This growing violence has not spared the education system. Teachers, most of whom are women, are increasingly exposed to verbal and physical threats — sometimes from students, sometimes from parents. This is not only a blow to the sense of safety within schools, it is also part of a wider pattern of gender-based violence. While special education days dedicated to the topic of violence prevention are important, they are not enough. A deeper, more sustained response is required, one that includes long-term programs for students and staff, and a renewed investment in the civic and emotional foundation of education.

At the Amal Educational Network, we believe that combating violence must begin with education. Teaching democratic and civic values in all subjects, classes and in outdoor activities means that our students will learn the importance of mutual respect, responsibility, empathy and restraint. As Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin said on the night he was assassinated: “Violence erodes the basis of Israeli democracy. It must be condemned, denounced, and isolated. This is not the way of the State of Israel.” Amal is committed to building that dignity in every school, every classroom, and every community we serve.