Principal of pre-military academy resigns after flash flood disaster
Almost a week after a flash flood claimed the lives of 10 teenagers during a trip organized by his school, Yuval Kahan tends in his resignation, citing the loss of trust students, parents and instructors had in him following the tragedy.
Yuval Kahan, the principal of the Bnei Zion pre-military academy, resigned on Wednesday, almost a week after ten teenagers were killed in a flash flood during a trip organized by his school.
"The job of the head of the academy is primarily an educational role that requires the full trust of the students, their families and anyone else involved with the academy. I know that under the shadow of the terrible disaster, this trust, which is at the foundation of the ability to lead and educate, cannot exist," Kahan said in a statement.
"I am confident that the academy—with its incredible students, instructors, teachers and alumni—will continue to grow, do good, and teach the values of Zionism, humanity and truth," he noted, adding that he will "remain committed to anything that is required of me for the good of this enterprise and its continuation."
Sharing his personal feelings, Kahan said that "Since the disaster, I've been torn and broken. I will never be able to find the words to express the grief I feel."
"I can offer no comfort, not even a little, to the families who lost what's most precious to them. I share in their terrible pain," he added.
The flash flood claimed the lives of Ela Or from Ma’ale Adumim, Romi Cohen from Moshav Maor, Yael Sadan from Jerusalem, Maayan Barhum from Jerusalem, Agam Levy from Moshav Herut, Gali Balelli from Givatayim, Shani Shamir from Shoham, Adi Ra’anan from Moshav Mikhmoret, Tzur Alfi from Mazkeret Batya, and Ilan Bar Shalom from Rishon LeZion.
Kahan is under police investigation on suspicion of negligent homicide, while one of the academy's instructors, Aviv Bardichev is suspected of manslaughter. The two of them were placed under a five-day house arrest Monday. They were also barred from entering the Bnei Zion association's offices and contact anyone related to the investigation for 10 days.
