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Jerusalem Christian Schools Suspend Classes Again as Teacher Permits Remain Unrenewed
Teachers at private and Christian schools suspended classes as Israel blocked West Bank permits and expanded use of the Israeli curriculum.
On Tuesday, private schools in East Jerusalem began an indefinite strike after The General Secretariat for Christian Educational Institutions of Jerusalem claimed Israel failed to renew entry permits for more than 70 teaching staff.
This strike coincides with concerns over plans for Israel's curriculum to be "imposed" on 45,000 students, according to Palestinian Authority-run WAFA, echoing backlash to similar attempts after the Six-Day War in 1967.
The closure affects 15,000 students according to data from Ir Amim, an East Jerusalem organization, while owners claimed the staff shortage prevents a "safe and stable" environment for essential health and security services.
School owners urged a quick resolution in Monday's statement, seeking to guarantee students' "right to orderly and safe education" while enabling their institutions to continue their "humanitarian mission."
Israel continues restricting Palestinian access to public-service systems; January 2026 Knesset legislation limits graduates of Al-Quds University from teaching in East Jerusalem schools without Israeli accreditation.