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A visit to Israel by Education Minister Paul Givan has sparked criticism from teaching unions in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) expressed concern over Givan’s decision to participate in a six-day tour of Israel, labeling it as “deeply troubling.” The NITC cited Israel’s international condemnation for its actions in Gaza, with accusations of genocide being a point of contention.
During the visit, Givan, a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician, documented his activities which included visits to the Holocaust National Memorial Centre and interactions with Israeli victims of Hamas attacks. The NITC condemned Givan’s acceptance of the invitation from the Israeli Embassy, especially as Israel faces accusations of war crimes. Furthermore, the NITC criticized Stormont’s Department of Education for promoting Givan’s visit on the department’s official platforms.
Accompanying Givan on the trip are fellow unionist politicians Sammy Wilson, Steve Aiken, and Ron McDowell. The delegation engaged in activities like learning about the conflict complexities in Israel through briefings from the Israel Foreign Ministry. Wilson commended Jerusalem residents for their resilience against terrorism while Aiken emphasized the need for a balanced understanding of the conflict’s narrative. McDowell highlighted the delegation’s aim to build connections with Israel, lauding the country as the world’s only Jewish state and the sole democracy in the Middle East.
The NITC also raised concerns about using governmental online platforms for political purposes, urging for the removal of materials related to Givan’s tour. The organization questioned the appropriateness of promoting such activities in the context of serious allegations against Israel. The NITC’s stance reflects the broader sentiment among teaching unions in Northern Ireland regarding the education minister’s visit to Israel
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