George Green’s School (GGS) in Tower Hamlets are planning to ‘come together in a collective fast’ for Gaza on Friday.
This week, the east London school is urging pupils to participate in a ‘collective fast’ to unite in solidarity in support of the people of Palestine.
Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has hit out against the organisation, saying that schools are a place of learning, not for “politically indoctrinating” children.
He said: “This is wrong and quite simply should not be happening.
“Children as young as 11 should not be fasting, especially for a politically motivated reason.
“Children go to school to learn, not be politically indoctrinated by pro Palestine supporters. Bridgette Phillipson must act now.”
GGS is a secondary school where its 1,249 pupils are eligible for free school meals. Pupils ages 11-19 attend, where two bake sales and various sports tournaments have been held to raise funds for the appeal. Children have now been asked not to eat between 8.30am and 4pm this Friday.
A post on the school’s website said: “As a Rights Respecting School, we stand united in supporting the children of Gaza, firmly advocating for their right to safety, health, and education.
“On 13th December, both staff and students will come together in a collective fast, demonstrating our solidarity and raising awareness.”
This comes after the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, urged teachers to not take part in pro-Palestine demonstrations across schools last month amid fears it could make Jewish pupils “feel intimidated”.
Jon Ryder, headteacher at George Green’s School, told the Jewish Chronicle that the fast was “organised in response to student voices on this issue and follows on from a similar event we ran a year ago, which raised several thousand pounds”.
He said the event was “entirely voluntary” and was “well-supported by members of the school community, including students, parents, and staff”.
Mr Ryder said: “As a Unicef Gold Award Rights Respecting school, we take any acts of discrimination incredibly seriously and will always investigate and take appropriate action if we are made aware of it, in line with our behaviour policy.”
George Green’s School and local MP Apsana Begum were approached for comment.
