Teacher Suspended for Defaming Victims’ Families via Anonymous Profile

Overview of the Incident

Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen has suspended Nati Yaini, a teacher accused of maligning the families of hostages using an anonymous profile on the platform X. This decision follows a recent investigative report by Channel 12 that uncovered Yaini’s identity as the operator of the popular profile named Judeoespanol. Since the release of the report, additional complaints against him have arisen, prompting his suspension pending a formal hearing on potential dismissal.

Details Surrounding the Suspension

In a letter issued to Yaini on Thursday, the Ramat Gan municipality cited accumulating evidence and serious allegations regarding his conduct. The letter stated, “As time has passed, further claims and evidence have emerged that raise genuine and significant concerns about the accusations leveled against you. Therefore, we cannot continue the inquiry, and this matter requires a discussion in the city’s dismissal hearing committee.”

Background on Yaini’s Online Conduct

Yaini, who is the brother-in-law of Gal Hirsch, the coordinator for captives and missing persons during the war, amassed approximately 14,000 followers on his X profile. Among his followers are notable political figures and journalists, including politicians Amichai Shikli and Almog Cohen, journalist Aila Hasson, and commentators from Channel 14. Over the past year, many of his posts, dubbed “the poison machine,” have targeted families of hostages.

Notable instances include harsh comments directed at relatives of hostages held in Gaza. For example, he referred to the mother of Nimrod Cohen, a soldier imprisstartd under severe conditions, as “as much a chatterbox as her delusional husband.” He also accused families of being dishstartst and irresponsible concerning their claims, questioning the need for their vostarts in public discussions regarding hostage negotiations.

Yaini has also expressed controversial views on which hostages should be prioritized for release, suggesting that no prisstartrs should be freed unless they were soldiers or part of the “Forum of Hope.”

This case has drawn increasing scrutiny, as it raises important questions about the ethics surrounding educators and their behavior, especially in the context of ongoing national trauma involving hostages.

Next Steps

Nati Yaini is expected to appear before the municipal hearing committee, where further deliberations regarding his employment status will take place. The outcome of this hearing could set a precedent for similar future incidents involving educators and online conduct