The findings of a study conducted by the Israel Ministry of Education shows an alarming increase in violence in the nation’s public schools. An alarming 12% of fourth-to-sixth graders have reported being victims of strong violence and/or extortion. Among students of seventh-to-ninth grades, the figure drops to 8% and 6% among students in tenth and eleventh grades. The term “strong attacks” used in the report includes physical assaults, threats and extortion.

The report is comprehensive as 26,136 students in elementary, junior high and high schools responded to questions.

“Moderate violence” attacks

· 25% of fourth, fifth and sixth graders report being victimized

· 18% of seventh, eighth and ninth graders report being victimized

· 11% of tenth and eleventh graders were victimized

Some students carry a knife to school

· 4% of tenth & eleventh graders admitted to carrying a knife to school

· 3% of seventh-to-ninth graders carry a knife to school

· 1% of fourth-to-sixth graders carry a knife to school

“Sexual attacks” which are described as causing both physical & verbal harm are up

· 10% of fourth-sixth graders were victimized

· 17% of seventh-to-ninth graders were victimized

· 16% of tenth & eleventh graders were victimized

Alcohol consumption is another problem

· 47% of tenth & eleventh graders drink high alcohol drinks like vodka

· 41% drink lower alcohol drinks like beer

· 25% have been drunk

· 14% of seventh-ninth graders drink high alcohol beverages

· 20% of this same group drink beer (lower alcohol drinks)

· 6% of fourth-sixth graders drink vodka

· 10% drink beer

Drug users

· 7% of tenth & eleventh graders used marijuana

· 3% used harder drugs including ecstasy

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)