The American International School in Gaza is a private educational institution located in the Gaza Strip. On January 2, 2009, an Israeli air strike destroyed most of the buildings and killed the night watchman.International Herald Tribune: Israeli strike levels American-style Gaza school (January 3, 2009)
Violence at the American School
The American School has seen its share of violence since its founding, including several small incidents which did little damage and killed no one. However, at least three major assaults on the school have occurred, by Palestinian groups who object to the co-ed classes and American curriculum of the school.International Herald Tribune: Gunmen set off explosives at American International School in Gaza, no casualties (April 21, 2007) Israel Insider: American International School in Gaza devastated by bombing (April 22, 2007)
In 2004, the school was attacked when Palestinian gunmen fired a rocket landing near the school playground.Israel Insider: American International School in Gaza devastated by bombing (April 22, 2007)
In December 2005, the Dutch principal and an Australian teacher were kidnapped, and released unharmed eight hours later. It was reported that the kidnap was engineered by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and they mistook the two for Americans. Afterward, all the foreign teachers left, and the school's population dropped to 300 students.International Herald Tribune: Gunmen set off explosives at American International School in Gaza, no casualties (April 21, 2007) Israel Insider: American International School in Gaza devastated by bombing (April 22, 2007) The Age: Students, parents win release of kidnapped Gaza teachers (December 24, 2005)
In April 2007, an attack on the buildings occurred several hours before the school day started. At the time it had more than 600 students. No one was killed; the watchmen were tied up and released by the attackers, who told the guards they were "Al Qaeda of Palestine."International Herald Tribune: Gunmen set off explosives at American International School in Gaza, no casualties (April 21, 2007) New York Times: Israel and Palestinians Trade Fire in Gaza and West Bank (April 22, 2007)
References
Fast Facts
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American-style curriculum in English, ages K-12
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Founded in 2000
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250 co-ed students
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Tuition
$2,000-4,000
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Built by the Palestinian Investment Fund, for $5 million
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Attacked in 2007 by The Holy Jihad Brigades, who burned school buses, smashed windows and computers
