Bialik College: Melbourne boy accused of Israel assault will not face charges

A Year 10 student from Melbourne’s Bialik College, accused of assaulting a girl on a school trip to Israel, will not face charges.

Evelyn Hellen Library at Bialik College in Hawthorn East. Picture: Supplied

A Year 10 Melbourne boy accused of assault on a school trip to Israel will face no charges.

The trip of a lifetime for students in Hawthorn’s Bialik College was halted last week after a boy was accused of assaulting a girl from another Australian school.

The Melbourne school has confirmed that Israeli police have cleared the student and will not take their investigation further.

Bialik principal Jeremy Stowe-Lindner wrote to parents on Thursday to let them know of the Israeli police’s decision.

He also confirmed they will conduct a full review of the Israel-China student trip.

“I have addressed all students and they continue to display admirable maturity and perspective,” he wrote.

“This is an opportunity for the community to reflect on the College values of integrity, responsibility and respect. Now is a time for us to come together, to support each other, to refrain from judgment and comment on any side and to heal.

“We are continuing to monitor all students’ wellbeing and offer external support and counselling where required at this difficult time.

“While we have particular concern for the students directly involved, on our return to Melbourne, the College will be offering further support to any student or family who feels that they are in need.

“We will, as with any event or experience, undertake a full review of all elements of the program.”

Jeremy Stowe-Linder confirmed the students will see out the rest of the trip.

Mr Stowe-Linder was forced to make his way to the Jewish homeland last week to comfort students and staff shocked by the alleged incident.

Bialik College was on an annual joint trip to China and Israel when the allegation against the boy was made.

The boy was immediately removed from the trip and the Israel police were called in to investigate.

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Stunned Bialik students and staff have remained in Israel and Mr Stowe-Linder confirmed they will see out the rest of the trip.

The six-week Chavayah program was supposed to a fun, life-changing trip which saw the students explore both China and Israel – where they meet business leaders in a hope to bring both countries and Australia closer together.

Both the parents of the students involved were fully briefed on the alleged incident.

The Bialik College community were informed of the alleged incident via email on Saturday by Mr Stowe-Linder.

Originally published as Bialik College: Melbourne boy accused of Israel assault will not face charges