Palestinian committee calls for protection of Jerusalem’s Christian schools
The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine has called on churches worldwide to take immediate action to protect Christian schools in Jerusalem. The committee said that Israeli authorities had not issued or renewed entry permits for several teachers and staff members from the West Bank, preventing them from reaching schools and workplaces.
As Anadolu Agency reports, according to the committee’s statement, these restrictions forced Christian educational institutions to declare an indefinite strike. The committee believes this jeopardizes the 2026–2027 school year and prevents students from returning to classrooms.
Appeal to churches worldwide
The committee described the situation as part of intensified restrictions on Palestinian education in Jerusalem. The statement also mentioned Israel’s introduction of its own curriculum in Palestinian schools and a law passed by the Knesset in January concerning the employment of graduates of Palestinian higher education institutions.
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According to the committee, these steps undermine Jerusalem’s identity and contravene international law, UN resolutions, and the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The committee stressed that Christian educational institutions have historical significance for the city and have educated Christians and Muslims for generations.
Permits for school staff
The committee called on churches to use their international influence and connections to secure the issuance and renewal of permits for school staff, as well as their safe return to classrooms together with students. Palestinians living in the West Bank require special permits to enter occupied East Jerusalem, including for work, study, medical treatment, and visits to places of worship.
In January, the Knesset passed a law banning the employment in Israel’s education system of teachers who obtained academic degrees at institutions affiliated with the Palestinian Authority. According to Haaretz, this law particularly affects the Arab education system in East Jerusalem, where 6,700 teachers work, at least 60% of whom hold bachelor’s degrees obtained at Palestinian academic institutions.
