I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the school’s stance and silence on the Israel-Palestine war. As an Arab student, I have found it distressing to witness Bentleywood’s complete silence and disregard to this matter that’s affecting many students in the school, including many of my close friends. I’ve always thought of Bentleywood as an inclusive and diverse environment that keeps its students updated on the news, addresses and challenges the media and the way it presents current issues. However, it is apparent that Bentleywood and its staff have completely neglected and dismissed this sensitive issue.

I want to clarify that my concerns are not directed at any particular group or individual, especially not the Jewish community. My intention is to address Bentleywood’s stance on Israel-Palestine war and educate the students about this issue. Many innocent families and children are being murdered in Gaza. The airstrikes have wiped out many homes, hospitals, and left many homeless, and yet the school has stayed silent and failed to address these heinous crimes against innocent civilians, and worse, silence those who attempt to raise awareness. What I find most disturbing is the school’s attempt to silence those whose families and friends have been directly impacted by the strikes, and the fact that this has happened on numerous occasions is simply astounding.

I have been a proud student of this school for over 5 years now, and the one thing I learnt is that Bentleywood High school strongly uphold and preach their CARE values, displaying them all over the school. So I want to ask why are the school’s own values not being followed. There is no *communication* between the school, and its students at these desperate times. Many Arab students who attend Bentleywood are losing the close family, and loved ones and yet they aren’t allowed to express their opinion or concern. Why?

It seems to me that Bentleywood have taken a one-sided perspective, seemingly emphasizing the recent detrimental and saddening loss of Israeli without acknowledging the decades of challenges and hardship faced by the Palestinian people including the disproportionate losses faced. It is essential to recognize that there are two sides to this conflict, and painting one side as oppressors and the other as victims by attempting to hold a mufty day to raise money for Israeli charities oversimplifies the matter. Such a stance is unfair, biased, and fails to take into account the lives and rights of Palestinians. Many students are being kept in isolation for simply drawing the Palestine flag on their hands or having it on their persons, yet other flags such as the LGBTQ+ flag are celebrated. What is the difference I ask? Each flag represents a group of marginalised people, so why are students are punished for displaying one flag, yet celebrated for displaying the other? Such apparent hypocrisy is very unfortunate and disappointing to see in a diverse school like Bentleywood. The point that I’m trying to make here is that the school should take a fair and logical approach to this problem. Many of my friends don’t feel comfortable walking into school knowing that my school community does not care for the conflicts happening and the lives being lost.

Additionally, I was deeply concerned by the approach the staff are taking to this problem. Simply talking about the Israel- Palestine war could lead in us getting told off by memebers of staff. This was highly disturbing to me, as Bentleywood has always brought me up to believe in freedom of speech, and to speak up against injustices. Simply raising my concerns with my friends and trying to support our families should not be something we are punished for. It is our natural inclination to support our loved ones in their time of need. Threatening us for such actions is alarming and inappropriate.

This situation has exacerbated my anxiety and stress issues. I already struggle to grapple with these challenges, and the school’s apparent lack of support in addressing this matter has only made it more difficult for me to cope.

It is worth noting that Bentleywood is hugely known for its diversity, with a significant Arab student population. Despite this diversity, it feels like we have not been provided the support and understanding that we need. Even when Israel would bomb and attack countries like Syria and Lebanon without clear reason, we have not seen similar statements of support from the school. This contrasts to the huge support and raising in awareness when the Russia-Ukrainian conflict occurred, where the school spent time and effort to educate its pupils about the huge effects of Russia’s war on Ukraine. We did this through many assemblies, wise thoughts and even PSHE. So I ask, why is the same thing not happening now? Is the current situation any different? Are the lives of the innocent Palestinians less important than the Ukrainian lives? Another unfortunate display of apparent hypocrisy by the school.

I kindly request that Bentleywood reconsider its position and work towards a more balanced and empathetic approach to addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is crucial that we promote open dialogue, respect diverse perspectives, and create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing your response and hope for a more inclusive and unbiased approach to this issue in the future.