Israel’s ban on West Bank teachers threatens Jerusalem schools

The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine has called on churches around the world to intervene after teachers and school staff from the West Bank were prevented from reaching Christian schools in Jerusalem.

The committee said Israel had refused to issue or renew entry permits for several staff members, leaving schools unable to operate normally as the new academic year approaches. 

According to the committee, the restrictions have forced Christian educational institutions to begin an open-ended strike.

It warned that the disruption could jeopardise the 2026–2027 school year and leave students unable to return to their classrooms.

The committee described the restrictions as part of what it called a wider escalation affecting Palestinian education in Jerusalem.

It also pointed to other measures, including the imposition of the Israeli curriculum on Palestinian schools and legislation affecting the employment of graduates of Palestinian higher education institutions.

'Education is a right, not a privilege'

The committee said the policies were undermining the character and identity of Jerusalem and called for international pressure to ensure the affected teachers can return to work.

“Education is a right, not a privilege,” it said.

The committee also stressed the longstanding role of Christian schools in the city, saying they have educated generations of Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim.

“Christian educational institutions are an integral part of Jerusalem’s history and of the Church’s mission and presence in the city,” it said, adding that their historic role “must be protected”.

It called on churches worldwide to use their international networks to press for the issuance and renewal of permits and to support the safe reopening of schools.

Restrictions affect West Bank teachers

Israel requires Palestinians living in the West Bank to obtain permits to enter East Jerusalem for work, education, healthcare and worship.

The issue has become particularly significant for Jerusalem’s Arab education system. A law passed by the Knesset in January bars schools in Israel’s education system from employing teachers who obtained their academic degrees from institutions affiliated with the Palestinian Authority.

The committee said the policy was contributing to growing pressure on Palestinian education in the city.

Previous reporting by Haaretz said East Jerusalem’s Arab education system employs about 6,700 teachers, with at least 60 per cent holding bachelor’s degrees from Palestinian academic institutions.

The church committee urged continued international support for Jerusalem’s educational and church institutions, as well as action to halt what it described as ongoing Israeli violations.

It said protecting access to education was essential to preserving the city’s longstanding religious and cultural institutions.

Read more: 

• Netanyahu condemns settler attacks in West Bank but defends settlement expansion
• U.S. presses Netanyahu to condemn settlers over West Bank siege

Tags

News Israel West Bank East Jerusalem Palestinian Christians schools education