Breaking News: Education International Celebrates the Release of Palestinian Teacher Leader Fatima Al-Rimawi in Gaza

Education International recently celebrated the release of Fatima Nimer Al-Rimawi, a kindergarten teacher and union leader from Jericho. She was among the Palestinians freed during a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Fatima is the President of the Jericho branch of the General Union of Workers in Kindergarten and Private Schools, which is part of Education International.

Fatima was arrested at home by the Israeli Defense Forces in January 2024 and sent to al-Damon prison near Haifa. She faced serious charges of “incitement to terrorism,” stemming from her critical comments on Facebook about Israel’s actions in Gaza. Unfortunately, she was held without trial for a year, without medical care or visits from family or legal representation. Many human rights groups have condemned the conditions at al-Damon prison.

Education International backed an international campaign led by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and others, demanding her immediate release. The AFT highlighted the success of this campaign, stating it showed the power of education unions worldwide when they unite for a cause.

The “#FreeFatima” campaign included a dedicated website and social media outreach, created in collaboration with teachers’ unions in the Arab region and Israeli human rights lawyers. Supporters, including a network of twelve international unions, pushed their governments to intervene for Fatima’s freedom.

The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza’s education system. Many schools have been destroyed, and countless teachers and students have lost their lives or are struggling with trauma. This destruction makes it hard for children to access education, threatening the future of an entire generation.

With the recent ceasefire, there is a critical chance to shift from conflict to rebuilding. Education International emphasized the need to focus on revitalizing the education system in Gaza. Unions and organizations like UNRWA play vital roles in this recovery process.

Mugwena Maluleke, the President of Education International, stated that the ceasefire should be a stepping stone to long-lasting peace. He stressed that education is crucial for building a compassionate and unified future. The task of rebuilding Gaza involves restoring hope, dignity, and justice for its people.

Education International calls on global organizations, governments, and humanitarian groups to prioritize education by investing in school reconstruction and ensuring all children have access to quality education. They also urge all parties involved to honor the ceasefire and provide essential aid to Gaza.