Na’ama Margolese, 8, who obtained national notoriety as a result of being victimized by chareidi extremists in Ramat Beit Shemesh returned to her dati leumi school today, Thursday, 3 Teves, after Chanukah vacation came to an end. Na’ama only has a 300 meter walk to school, but the verbal insults that she has endured and being spat upon have left her traumatized, and her plight more than any other single incident is possibly the main contributory factor to ongoing unrests in the Ramat Beit Shemesh area today – the mounting friction between the dati leumi and chareidi communities.

The stormy scene that was feared did not occur, perhaps because the planned protest by the chareidi community near the school was canceled, with some explaining this was the result of the realization among organizers such an act would not play out well in the media at present.

A sizeable police force was visible around the dati leumi school to ensure students were not harassed or worse, as well as escorting Na’ama on her return to the classroom. Also on hand was Minister of Education Gideon Saar, who spoke with parents and students.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)