Parents' federation criticises Israeli embassy's equipment donation to school in İskeçe
The Federation of Parents' Associations of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has criticised a technological equipment donation made by the Israeli Embassy in Athens to the Ecclesiastical Middle and High School in Xanthi (İskeçe), calling on the Greek government to ensure that schools' needs are met through public funding rather than private sponsorship.
In a statement, the federation said the donation was made in cooperation with Greece's Ministry of Education as part of an initiative launched by the Israeli Embassy in Athens.
The initiative, titled "YES – Honouring Courage, Inspiring Future Generations", is reportedly intended to be held annually.
PARENTS' FEDERATION QUESTIONS THE DONATION
The federation expressed its opposition to the donation, referring to Israel's ongoing military operations in Palestine and the deaths of civilians and children, as well as what it described as the continued oppression and violence faced by the Palestinian people.
It criticised the Greek government and the Ministry of Education for accepting the donation, arguing that the move was particularly problematic amid the challenges facing the country's public education system.
CALL FOR PUBLIC FUNDING OF SCHOOLS
The federation also highlighted what it described as declining resources allocated to education in Greece, a shortage of thousands of teachers and serious infrastructure problems in school buildings.
In its statement, the federation described Israel as a "murderous and criminal state" and held the Greek government and the Ministry of Education responsible for accepting the donation. These characterisations reflect the federation's stated position.
It called for all school needs to be covered by the state budget rather than relying on private individuals and corporate sponsors.
"We demand that all the needs of our schools be met through the state budget, not through various private individuals and sponsors," the statement said.
The federation concluded by expressing solidarity with peoples struggling for their freedom and independence.
